How designers can build strategic influence at work
Are ready to make your impact felt? Join Julia Ysabela Fernandez (Meta) and Jess Eddy (Google) to learn how to navigate tricky politics, influence decisions, and showcase your value - without waiting for permission. You'll walk away with concrete, everyday strategies to level up your influence and make your work matter across teams.
About the event
This session explores how designers can build strategic influence, even in environments where politics, process, or culture make it challenging. Instead of waiting for permission or the perfect org structure, we’ll focus on practical ways designers can shape direction, frame problems, and demonstrate value through their everyday work.
Drawing on real examples and proven approaches, the talk unpacks how to navigate stakeholder dynamics, communicate impact, and create momentum without formal authority. The emphasis is on small, repeatable actions that elevate how design is perceived and where it contributes.
Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to work more strategically in their current role, strengthen their influence across teams, and ensure their work resonates beyond the design function.
About Jess
Jess is a Sydney-based designer with lead experience at Google and Zendesk. Known for her collaborative approach, she specializes in zero-to-one products and features. She helps early-stage startup teams turn ideas into real, shippable products. Beyond client work, she’s a dedicated mentor, regularly leads design workshops, and publishes Everyday UX, a weekly newsletter about design, creativity, and mindset.
Links
Website: https://jesseddy.com/
Everyday UX: https://www.everydayux.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseddy
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