Design at the Summit

A live panel at a design leadership summit in Boston where three industry leaders discuss whether design has real power at the top.

Design at the Summit

True or false?

John moderates the panel about design influence in the boardroom.

• True
• False

Adam believes that commercial literacy is unnecessary for design leaders.

• True
• False

Julie reveals that becoming a board member gave her less influence than her previous operational role.

• True
• False

The panel takes place in a studio in Seattle.

• True
• False

Julie argues that a formal seat can sometimes strip away operational leverage.

• True
• False

Listen again and complete the sentences

• John: Welcome to our panel on corporate power. Today we're examining whether design has a real voice at the top or if it's just ____ . Julie, let's start with you. What worries me is whether design representation on a board actually changes anything.
• Julie: Thanks, John. It's a complex issue. What matters isn't just having a seat at the board, but whether you can ____ when you're there. Too often, board composition leaves no room for substantive influence.
• Adam: I'd argue that we focus too much on titles. Whether we have a vote or just a voice, what we need is ____ . If we can't speak the language of fiduciary duty, we'll never be heard at the top.
• Julie: That's true, Adam, but let's look at ____ . When you table a paper on the board agenda without executive committee backing, you're shouting into the void.
• Adam: Exactly. You can't just rely on ____ . You need to earn a mandate through institutional power and financial results.

Sources: photo by Henri Mathieu-Saint-Laurent on Pexels