_Intro
Noah Stokes
Coach for Product Designers
I'm a husband, a father and for the past 23 years I've been a digital builder. I started with a pirated version of Photoshop and a handful of spacer.gif's and managed to parlay that into a 20+ year career in Product Design.
I didn't take a conventional path—I started as an engineer, morphed into a designer, built a design studio, jumped into the startup world, and most recently spent time in corporate America.
I've been lucky to have lead both Product & Design teams in some form, big and small, over the past decade. I've worked with some of the best creatives in the world and presented work to hundreds of stakeholders, from startup founders to corporate CEOs to Oprah Winfrey herself.
My goal through my coaching is to help bring practical advice and perspective to your specific context in hopes of helping you grow in your situation.
_Testimonials
Noah is a rare coach who blends deep empathy with sharp insight. He asks the right questions, offers clear, actionable advice, and helps you see challenges from a fresh perspective. Thoughtful, strategic, and kind, Noah makes every conversation count, and he's one of my favorite humans because of it. If you're looking for practical and transformative guidance, I can't recommend him enough.
_01
Product Designers
Ideal for:
L1-7 IC designers, designers looking to become managers
How I Think About This Role
As you progress in your career your professional skills (soft skills) need to continue to scale with your craft skills. Many times leaders only teach craft and leave out the professional skills required to get to that next level. My approach is to bring practical advice, specific to your context, to help you navigate your career.
Things We Might Talk About
- Practical ways you can manage up
- Should move to the management track
- How to best collaborate with cross-functional peers
- Approaches to a co-worker conflict
- Ways you can improve at your craft
- Get honest feedback on your work
_02
Design Leaders
Ideal for:
Design Managers, Design Directors, Head of Design/Product Design
How I Think About This Role
Whether you are new to leadership or a seasoned pro, it can be lonely at the top. Sometimes it's nice to have a second set of eyes or a fresh perspective on a situation. My approach is to work with you as a strategic thought partner to help bounce ideas and see the picture from an outside perspective.
Things We Might Talk About
- How to setup your team for success through process, rituals and culture
- Strategies to manage up
- Career ladders
- How to attract and hire better talent
- How to manage conflict on your team
_03
Humans
Ideal for:
Students, folks looking for a career in Design/Tech
How I Think About This Role
If you really think about it, most problems are people problems. Since middle school I've been counseling peers in one form or another. My years as a parent to three kiddos has only deepened my life experiences. It brings me joy to help others. If you feel like I might be able to help you, don't hesitate to reach out.
Things We Might Talk About
- Considering a career in tech
- A startup idea you want to vet
- Seeking a second opinion on something
- Facing a tough decision and looking for perspective