How does a recession, a retail job, and a dentist’s advice lead one woman to a thriving career in design operations? More importantly, what can we learn from her journey about forging our paths in the tech world?
In the latest episode of Pixelated Path, I enjoyed chatting with Michelle Morrison, a seasoned design operations leader whose unconventional path took her from almost becoming a dentist to leading design ops at companies like Square, Twitter, and now Google.
Early Aspirations and a Life-Changing Redirection
Michelle’s story begins with a surprising twist. As a teenager, she was set on becoming a dentist. In fact, she was so committed that she took a job at her family dentist’s office to get a feel for the profession. But after a few months, her dentist sat her down and said, “This is as fun as it’s ever going to get. You definitely should not become a dentist.” Instead, he encouraged her to pursue art and design—a suggestion that would change the course of her life.
This unexpected redirection led Michelle to study industrial design, fueled by her love for creating physical products and her fascination with how things are made.
Navigating the Impact of the 2008 Recession
While attending San Francisco State University, Michelle’s plans took another unexpected turn. The 2008 recession hit, and her industrial design program was cut due to funding issues. Faced with this setback, she doubled down on her job at the Apple Store, managing inventory control.
But this wasn’t just any retail job. Apple taught her about supply chain management, operations, and how a tech giant functions. These experiences laid the groundwork for her future in tech operations.
Joining Square and Building a Foundation in Design Ops
Michelle’s transition into tech was facilitated by a former Apple colleague who recommended her for a role at Square, a tiny startup of about 100 people. Starting in general business operations, she quickly became immersed in the dynamic world of a hyper-growth company.
Michelle honed her skills in scaling operations and managing complex projects under the mentorship of leaders like Keith Rabois, Square’s COO at the time, and Jude, the VP of People. After a year as Jude’s chief of staff, she was allowed to move into any role she wanted. She chose to join the design team, becoming one of Square’s first design producers and design operations leads.
Scaling Challenges and Growth at Square
During her time at Square, Michelle played a pivotal role in scaling the company from 100 to 4,000 employees, seeing it through from Series C funding to its IPO. She shared insights about the challenges of launching products globally, dealing with technical complexities, and fostering a culture of transparency and learning.
One of her key takeaways? “Literally anything is possible,” she says, emphasizing the power of teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from successes and failures.
Design Operations Across Different Companies
Michelle’s career didn’t stop at Square. She went on to lead design operations at Facebook, Dropbox, and Twitter, each role offering new challenges and learning opportunities.
At Dropbox, she was tasked with rebuilding the design team after significant turnover post-IPO. She implemented creative strategies for talent acquisition, focusing on building internal culture and community. Initiatives like hosting dinner parties for designers and launching the Dropbox Design website helped attract top talent and revitalize the team’s spirit.
Navigating High-Stakes Roles and Joining Google
Her tenure at Twitter coincided with a tumultuous time as the company navigated Elon Musk’s acquisition. Despite the uncertainty, Michelle and her team remained focused, launching significant features like the long-awaited edit button.
Ultimately, she decided to join Google, overcoming her insecurities about not having a degree. At Google, she’s leading design operations for the AI portfolio and Search, continuing her journey of growth and learning.
Overcoming Insecurities and Embracing Lifelong Learning
One of the most inspiring aspects of Michelle’s story is her openness about not having a college degree. She shares how she overcame insecurities about her educational background by focusing on building confidence through her work and continuous learning.
Her advice to others? Understand how you like to learn and don’t be afraid to take non-traditional paths. Whether through hands-on experience, mentorship, or even teaching others, there are multiple ways to build a fulfilling career in tech.
Balancing Mental Health and Creative Work
Michelle also emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially in high-pressure environments. She discusses her strategies for staying balanced, such as setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and maintaining a solid support network.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Design
Beyond her professional roles, Michelle is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices in the design community. She has co-founded conferences like Vectors and hosted events that bring together diverse perspectives in design. Her work in this area underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in shaping the future of tech.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Michelle Morrison’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and forging your own path. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in non-traditional careers in tech, design operations, or simply navigating change with resilience and creativity.
Watch the Full Episode
To hear more about Michelle’s insights on building teams, navigating high-stakes roles, and her advice for aspiring design operations professionals, tune in to the full interview on Pixelated Path.
I hope you find Michelle’s story as inspiring as I did. I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Pixelated Path so you never miss an episode packed with inspiring stories and career insights.
Thanks for reading!
Best,
Chris ✌️
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