Writings

Insights from the front lines of scaling design in high-growth SaaS companies

Richard Baker 5/12/25 Richard Baker 5/12/25

Hiring someone with no domain experience might be the smartest hire you make

We’re taught to hire for expertise. For familiarity. But lately, I’m seeing the opposite unlock better outcomes.

Richard Baker 5/3/25 Richard Baker 5/3/25

Leadership Principles: The Invisible Operating System Behind Great Leaders

When things go sideways and the pressure is on, the time is tight, and the stakes are high, leaders don’t rise to the occasion. They fall to the level of their principles.

Leadership principles are not corporate fluff. They’re operating systems for how a leader thinks, decides, and behaves under pressure. In fast-moving environments, where ambiguity is constant and stakes are high, clear leadership principles create consistency, speed, and trust.

Richard Baker 5/1/25 Richard Baker 5/1/25

Design Leaders Must Prioritize Time with Customers

Design leaders: If you haven’t talked to a user in the past two weeks, you’re cooked.

As design leaders assume more responsibility, one thing often falls through the cracks: direct connection with the user.

It’s understandable. Your calendar is packed. You’re thinking about hiring, team morale, headcount plans, design systems, research roadmaps, cross-functional alignment, showing impact—the list never ends.

Richard Baker 4/29/25 Richard Baker 4/29/25

Becoming a great leader…

What kind of leader are you?

Most of us don’t stumble into great leadership. It’s not magic, instinct, or pure charisma. It’s something we shape over time—through mistakes, reflection, and a lot of deliberate effort.

Richard Baker 3/11/25 Richard Baker 3/11/25

Why Most Design Hiring Fails (and How to Fix It)