Designy Academy/Coaching Program

Designed to Lead Coaching Program

This is for Product Designers who want to be more effective with their designs, present ideas confidently, and demonstrate design leadership day to day. This program is effective if you are totally committed to geeking-out over design details and pushing yourself to the next level.

A one-hour session every other week for six weeks and unlimited Slack support.

WHEN YOU'VE TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE

A real person means real design growth

You've read books. You've attended conferences. You may even have taken online courses. All those are good, but they'll only take you so far down the road.

Real growth takes an experienced mentor to help you in real time. I work with you to identify your design gaps and give you practical ways to level up and lead on purpose.

The Program

Whatever your position, you are designed to lead

I spent years in all there roles: Solo Designer, Lead Designer, Product Design Lead, and Design Team Manager. In the end, no matter the position, I had the platform to lead through my design habits and practices. Through these sessions, we’ll take my experience and apply it to your situation.

We’ll cover topics such as:

Get clear feature requirements

Learn to transform vague goals into a purpose-driven understanding of what you’re supposed to design.

Get actionable feedback

Take back the reigns of stakeholders directing design decisions and lead them through an outcome-based way of approving designs.

Put Design in Agile

Design doesn’t seem to “fit” in Agile, but it does! Whether your product team is truly Agile or “Agile in Name Only” you can benefit from the mindset and drive designs forward.

Elbows-deep geeking out

Whether you have actual screens or concepts to review, or want to talk through the future of design in technology, we’ll have a blast exploring new ideas.

What you get

These sessions will be particularly useful to Product Designers who are in companies where their design efforts seem underutilized, and who want to make an impact on their product or company but don’t know where to begin.

This is a 1–1 private, coaching relationship

I work directly with you directly in each session. Unlike self-paced courses, this is direct and custom guidance tailored for your situation.

A clear direction that eliminates guesswork

We’ll look at what you’re working on, what your challenges are, and actionable steps you can practice between sessions.

Collaborative sessions every two weeks for 3-months

You have a day-job, but these regular touch points keep momentum between what you’re facing and tactics you can try employ immediately.

Unlimited Slack Support

Have a one-off question or need a quick review? Ask it in your private Slack Channel. I’ll respond within 1–2 business days.

Here’s what people I've coached have said...

“His willingness to mentor others and grow team culture while executing ever evolving design projects showcases his professionalism and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes.”

Colin

“He is always patient, he encourages me to try new things and take risks with my designs—that is invaluable to me. His structure for personal development and goal-setting accelerated my early career.”

Victoria

“He helps improve my process, my critiquing skills, and served as a mentor to help my achieve my individual and team goals. All with a contagiously enthusiastic personality!”

Cody

Your investment

My coaching is premium. Maybe more than you've spent on professional development.

Yet, trying to navigate product design techniques by trial and error is not only a random approach but can also be disheartening after awhile.

Each month that goes by is another opportunity you could be applying purposeful and reliable skills that you can practice with personal guidance.

It’s $1,820 to work with me for 3 months when you pay upfront

Or, you can pay monthly at $700 a month.

Kickstart your leadership by designing on purpose

Frequently asked questions

What’s “Unlimited Slack Support"

Between sessions, you’ll have direct access to me via a private Slack channel. You can reach out as often you need to for questions, updates, or feedback. I'll respond within 1-2 business days. This allows me to give you my full attention.

What if I miss a session, can I make it up?

The program is designed to meet six times over three months. You can reschedule upcoming sessions should something come up. However, sessions can’t be carried beyond three months, and sessions not scheduled by the end of the three months will expire. If I take time off, I’ll let you know those dates in advance and my calendar availability will be updated.

What happens after 3 months?

Many people find they want to continue the momentum they gain from the previous sessions. So, you can sign up for another three months.

Do you offer a refund?

No, since this is a collaborative activity. It takes both of us to make this work. The investment you make up front is more than money, it’s time and commitment to apply and practice.

Before you commit to the program, set up a free call. We’ll talk about your current challenges and I’ll let you know if I can help you. Check out the details below on how to get in touch.

Do you guarantee results?

Ooh, that would be great, but I can’t (and be wary of anyone who says they can). This is a dynamic program that relies on your performance to move the needle. I can guarantee I’ll be prepared, present, and giving you my best each and every time we meet. I’m cheering you all the way!

Hi! I’m Darrell Estabrook

Hosted by

Darrell Estabrook

Designed successful products @ Carmax, IBM, Cigna. Coach to Designers & Managers.

Still not sure?

Let’s talk to see if we’re a fit

Joining a program can be a big step, but let’s set up a free, 60-minute strategy session to get started. In the call, we will...

  1. Unlock the areas of Product Design you want to strengthen and what design leadership looks like for you.

  2. Uncover hidden challenges that could be sabotaging your success in having a confident design voice.

  3. Understand next steps so you can get started designing on purpose and not by accident.

I’ll let you know if I can help, and you’ll be able to make a better decision to join the program or not.