Speaking & Thought Leadership

Sharing insights on design systems strategy, accessibility-first approaches, and building high-performing teams through conference talks, podcasting, and community organizing.

What the DS?! Podcast

Exploring design systems, discussing real-world challenges, and uncovering the human side of systematic design

About the Show

"What the DS?!" dives deep into the world of design systems, bringing together practitioners, leaders, and innovators to discuss the challenges and solutions that make design systems successful. From token architecture to team collaboration, we explore topics that matter to the design systems community.

Regular Topics

  • Design systems strategy and governance
  • Component architecture and token design
  • Accessibility and inclusive design practices
  • Team collaboration and organizational change
  • Real-world case studies and lessons learned
Listen to the podcast

Speaking Topics

Talks and workshops on design systems, accessibility, and leadership

Design Systems Are About People

Moving beyond components and tokens to understand the human challenges of design systems. Exploring how organizational culture, communication, and collaboration determine system success more than technical choices.

45-60 minutes Conference talk

Accessibility-First Design Systems

Building inclusive design systems from the ground up. Practical strategies for making accessibility a core quality metric rather than an afterthought, with real-world examples from WCAG 2.1 AA compliant systems.

45-60 minutes Conference talk

Token Architecture for Scale

Deep dive into designing token systems that scale across products, themes, and platforms. From naming conventions to multi-tier architectures, covering the decisions that make or break token systems.

60-90 minutes Workshop

Leading Design Systems Teams

Strategies for building and managing design systems teams. Covering team structure, stakeholder management, contribution models, and balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution.

45-60 minutes Conference talk

Governance Without Gatekeeping

Creating governance models that ensure quality and consistency without becoming bottlenecks. Building systems that empower teams while maintaining standards.

30-45 minutes Conference talk

Custom Topics

Happy to develop custom talks tailored to your conference theme or workshop specific to your organization's challenges. Get in touch to discuss your needs.

Flexible Custom

Speaking Engagements

Selected talks and presentations at design systems conferences and events

Community & Organizing

UpFront Conference

Co-organizer (5 years)

Co-organized UpFront, a conference bringing together design and development communities to explore the intersection of design, code, and collaboration.

Manchester Digital

Council Member

Contributing to the growth of Manchester's digital and technology sector through council membership and community engagement.

Design Systems Community

Active Contributor

Regular contributor to design systems discussions, writing for publications like Smashing Magazine and zeroheight blog, sharing knowledge and best practices.

Book Me to Speak

Available for conference talks, workshops, and panel discussions on design systems, accessibility, and team leadership. I bring 12+ years of real-world experience and a focus on practical, actionable insights.

Talk Formats

Keynotes, Conference talks, Workshops, Panels

Topics

Design Systems, Accessibility, Leadership, Token Architecture

Availability

In-person and virtual engagements

Get in touch about speaking