Megan Ward

I’m a designer and strategist. Whether designing products, teams, or processes, I’m iterative, data-driven, and always human-centered.

🗽 My background

I learned the craft of design in NYC at design agencies (ROKKAN, R/GA, frog), then moved to Portland, OR in 2014 and began designing B2B SaaS at New Relic.

At New Relic, I quickly shifted my focus to managing and scaling design teams. While I contributed to product and design strategy as the head of product design, my chief focus was always understanding the needs of my team members and the needs of the business, and then optimizing our tools, processes, and communications to care for both.

More recently, I returned to hands-on design work in a player-coach role at a supply chain visibility company, project44. I loved brushing off my design skills and untangling new product problems, while also digging in to help improve the way our team and organization operated.

💪 My strengths

🧶 I tackle complexity: I’m drawn to complex and messy problems. I can easily navigate between abstract and concrete concepts, which helps me quickly adapt to new domains, envision possible futures, and identify pragmatic next steps.

⛈️ I’m calm in a storm: I create clarity and focus during ambiguous and turbulent times. I’m a thoughtful communicator and practice radical candor.

🫀 I don’t go it alone: I believe at my core that great experiences require deep cross-functional collaboration and diverse perspectives. I build coalitions to get shit done.

💡 I’m always learning: I’m mindful of assumptions and bias and use rigorous, methodical research to move forward with confidence.

🏆 I deliver: I stay focused on the outcome. I communicate openly and transparently and adapt quickly to ensure tight alignment between my work and goals of the business.