Turning 50 Last Weekend

A true milestone, and the perfect moment to reflect on nearly half a lifetime dedicated to design. From my first sketches and pixel-perfect icons to leading teams at global companies and founding my own design practice, it’s been a journey fueled by passion, creativity, and the desire to make experiences better for people.

Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to celebrate some incredible milestones: winning global design awards, earning design patents, and receiving a Tech Nation endorsement for exceptional talent on the UK Global Talent Visa. My time at places like Philips Design — especially as they mark 100 years of design excellence — holds a special place in my heart and continues to inspire my passion for creating meaningful, human-centered solutions.

Here are the top 5 learnings I’d love to share — and continue to embrace moving forward.

1. Passion Drives Progress – Staying true to your passion keeps you focused and fuels creativity, even through challenges.

2. Embrace Change and Opportunity – Every bold first step, whether joining a new company or launching your own venture, can open doors you never imagined.

3. Collaboration Sparks Innovation – Some of the most impactful solutions come from working together and valuing diverse perspectives.

4. Design for People First – Putting empathy and user-centric thinking at the heart of every project ensures meaningful, lasting impact.

5. Lifelong Learning and Mentoring Matter – Sharing knowledge and mentoring others not only supports future talent but also deepens your own understanding and growth.

As I look ahead, I’m excited by the rapid advances in AI and other emerging trends, and I’m equally committed to mentoring the next generation of designers. I’m also continuing my search for the next chapter — one that allows me to explore new opportunities, innovate further, and make a lasting impact.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this incredible journey so far. Here’s to the next 50 years of designing, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible!