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Nurturing Talent

My approach to coaching is rooted in a belief that growth is a continuous journey that demands both self-discovery and strategic guidance.

I offer coaching as a commitment to giving back to the design community, emphasizing investment in our emerging designers and addressing the industry’s gaps. Through personalized coaching sessions, provided at no cost, I aim to unlock the potential of each individual.  My goal is to empower you to make impactful decisions, think strategically, and lead with confidence

Schedule Coaching

How it works

Curious about the cost of my coaching? Well, it’s on the house when we work one-on-one. That’s right, no charge for individual mentorship; I believe in giving back to the community that’s given me so much. However, if we’re partnering through your organization or school, they handle any fees involved. Organizing team or organizational training does take a hefty chunk of time and effort, so I do ask for compensation there. But for our one-on-one sessions, it’s simply you, me, and our shared path to better design—free of charge!

1

Individual Coaching

Provided at no charge to you. We will have casual discussions, scheduled as-needed, and we’ll focus on what you want to get out of them.

Career Guidance and Strategy

Feeling stuck or ready to advance? Together, we’ll align your skills, ambitions, and opportunities to craft a path forward, enabling impactful moves and guiding your professional journey toward fulfillment and growth.

Portfolio and Presentation Excellence

Your portfolio should stand out, and I’m here to make it unforgettable. We’ll refine your work, showcasing your strengths, and polish your presentation, ensuring your story resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

Situational Strategy and Support

Facing challenges or workplace puzzles? I’m here to listen and help strategize. Together, we’ll create actionable plans that conquer obstacles, keeping your career momentum strong and focused on success.

2

Personalized Services

Consulting services are fee-based, with tailored rates and clear objectives. We’ll hold structured, goal-oriented discussions to focus on achieving your desired outcomes

Strategic Design Leadership

Empower your team with strategies that align design and business goals, driving innovation and competitive advantage. We’ll position your team as agents of change, amplifying their impact on the company’s success.

Design System Implementation and UX Audits

Establish design systems with consistency that streamlines workflows. We’ll identify opportunities to elevate user experiences, creating products that engage and empower your team to design with purpose.

Workshops and Change Management

Fuel collaboration with expertly facilitated workshops and targeted sprints. We’ll foster creativity, drive alignment, and ensure seamless transitions, enabling teams to tackle complex challenges with efficiency and agility.

Success Stories

Rosie Sycks

IBM, UX Designer II

LinkedIn    Portfolio

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.

Peggy Wong

PayPal, UX Design Lead

LinkedIn    Portfolio

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.

Coaching Articles

Beyond ReadinessLeadershipCoachingFeaturedBeyond Readiness: The Factors Behind Promotions
December 14, 2022

Beyond Readiness: The Factors Behind Promotions

Navigating the promotion landscape requires more than readiness; it's a complex interplay of business needs, role expansion, budget considerations, and strategic positioning. This guide offers actionable insights to align your…
Navigating the LadderLeadershipFeaturedNavigating the Ladder: Empowering Designers with the Career Advancement Framework
April 12, 2022

Navigating the Ladder: Empowering Designers with the Career Advancement Framework

Master the art of mentorship with the Career Advancement Framework, designed to foster growth, elevate craft, and emphasize a customer-first approach in your design team. Transform the way you support…
Evolution in Design: From Competence to MasteryLeadershipCoachingEvolution in Design: From Competence to Mastery
April 12, 2021

Evolution in Design: From Competence to Mastery

Explore the nuances of the Career Advancement Framework, designed to guide designers and managers alike through a continuum of growth stages. This tool emphasizes personal effort, organizational support, and a…
More mostly harmless musings
Thomas Presenting
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.
UX Summit — Hanging with the designers after speaking at the event.
Happy Hour — We all know this is the best kind of coaching session.

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