Design Leadership Transformation: From Boutique to Digital Healthcare Powerhouse

In 2019, I accepted the challenge of building a comprehensive design capability for Modea, a boutique agency specializing in healthcare digital transformation. Over five years, I scaled the team from 2 to 9 designers while establishing enterprise-level design operations that reduced design delivery time by 50% and positioned the agency as a leader in healthcare digital modernization.

Strategic Challenge & Vision

Modea recognized a critical opportunity to lead healthcare organizations into the modern digital era—an industry historically resistant to digital adoption due to regulatory complexity and hesitancy around treating healthcare as a consumer experience. Having consulted for Modea previously, I was brought in to transform their design capability from project-based work to a full-service, strategic design organization that could navigate these unique healthcare challenges.

Enterprise Design Systems & Operations Implementation

I architected comprehensive design operations including UX research frameworks, product strategy capabilities, and rigorous documentation standards. The modernized toolkit and systematic processes I implemented enabled the team to handle complex healthcare compliance requirements while maintaining design excellence. This systematic approach was crucial for building client trust and supporting their internal digital transformation initiatives.

Team Development & Strategic Leadership

Beyond scaling headcount, I focused on developing consultative design expertise—hiring, training, and mentoring designers who could serve as strategic partners to senior and executive stakeholders. I provided coaching on both tactical project execution and strategic organizational change management, ensuring our team could effectively advocate for user-centered design within traditionally conservative healthcare environments. This multifaceted focus on design craft, business acumen, and the healthcare industry enabled Modea to secure expanded engagements and drive meaningful digital transformation across top-ranked hospital systems.