Raised on an Indiana pig farm, I learned early on that the right mix of creativity and pragmatism can solve just about any problem. Read the full article… ➜
Provoke what’s possible. Build it.
I’m a design leader focused on driving clarity and purpose across teams, turning uncertainty into progress and ideas into measurable impact. I’ve led transformations at PayPal, Intuit, and Realtor.com, scaling design from small teams to global organizations and shaping products used by millions of people every day. At PayPal, my teams reimagined platform experiences that serve 35 million merchants and power over a trillion dollars in annual transactions.
My work centers on connecting design, product, and engineering to shared goals, creating cultures where talented people grow into leaders and design becomes a catalyst for alignment, trust, and growth. Great design leadership feels human. It tells stories that move organizations forward and delivers outcomes that last. Outside of work, I’m a husband, father, traveler, and lifelong learner fueled by curiosity, creativity, and way too much coffee.
Impact Through Leadership
Kind Words
Leadership isn’t measured by metrics alone; it’s reflected in the people and partnerships that grow along the way.
Thomas is a thought leader who creates engaging user experiences that balance business goals while building strong, collaborative teams. My career as a designer began under Thomas right out of grad school, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the designer I am today without his guidance. He’s a great leader and mentor who sees potential in people and helps them grow. Thomas provides the right guidance to keep designers on track, while giving them the freedom to innovate and push boundaries. His personal approach to mentorship is unique, and I’d gladly work with him again.
I’ve had the privilege of working with many design leaders, but Thomas truly stands out. His ability to keep the customer at the center of everything while seamlessly aligning design with business objectives is exceptional. Thomas brings a visionary approach to every initiative, simplifying complex concepts, fostering creativity, and elevating the craft of design within his teams. His dedication to excellence, attention to detail, and commitment to empowering others make him a leader I highly recommend to any team looking to elevate their design practice and achieve impactful results.
Thomas is an excellent design leader and mentor dedicated to empowering and growing the careers and skills of others. While Thomas provides inspiration through his contagious passion for design, he also imparts actionable steps, resources, and guidance to his help mentees. Thomas started mentoring me several years ago when I was a university student. His mentorship has been immensely impactful in not only in helping me growing my design career but also in building up my confidence. He sees the potential in others and empowers them with the guidance needed to grow and progress professionally.
I’ve been fortunate to work for great managers, and what I’m about to say is not meant to debase any former employers. Tom is the greatest people manager and UX Director I’ve met. He’s truly authentic and honest, treating every team member with a concern usually reserved for family. I joined Move, Inc. (realtor.com) despite a gnarly commute just to be on Tom’s team. On my first day, a manager from another department pulled me aside and described Tom as “The most beloved person at the company,” reassuring me that despite any dysfunction, I was safe within his team. This proved true.
Speaking and Workshops
I’ve always believed design leadership is as much about sharing what we learn as it is about what we build. Over the years, I’ve spoken with teams, conferences, and classrooms about design’s role in shaping culture, accelerating outcomes, and building organizations that thrive on curiosity and trust.
I’m always open to speaking engagements or workshops that bring design, leadership, and culture into the same conversation.
Thomas W Carroll Speaking at the PayPal UX Summit as part of the leadership panel. This panel discussion included strategies and frameworks for growing and attracting talent, using thoughtful design to drive business impact, and using storytelling to influence investments in design.
Let's Chat
I’ve built my career around turning complexity into clarity and ideas into outcomes that scale. Whether leading global design teams or helping organizations navigate transformation, I believe the best leadership starts with trust, curiosity, and momentum.
If you’re building what’s next and need design leadership that brings both vision and alignment, let’s talk.
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