About the Design Rodeo
Practical tools and guidance for designers who want to lead.
At The Design Rodeo, we help designers build the skills they need to thrive — not just in their craft, but in their careers. Whether you're navigating cross-functional collaboration, stepping into a leadership role, or learning to speak the language of business, you're in the right place.
Led by Lisa Garel
I'm Lisa, the founder of The Design Rodeo. I’ve spent over 15 years in UX and product design, with more than a decade leading design teams at companies like Zillow, eBay, and Lululemon. Along the way, I’ve coached dozens of designers into new roles, helped teams work better together, and taught design and business strategy in higher ed classrooms and corporate environments alike.
I started The Design Rodeo because I know that growing as a designer today means more than pixel-perfect mockups. It means being a strategic partner, a clear communicator, and a confident collaborator.
What We Offer
We create practical, accessible tools to help you grow your impact as a designer:
📘 eBooks like Business Acumen for Designers and Principles of Agile UX
🧭 Guidebooks and worksheet templates you can apply directly to your work
🎯 1:1 coaching for mid- and senior-level designers looking to level up, lead, or pivot
🎓 Courses focused on bridging the gap between design, business, and leadership
This isn’t about theory or fluff. It’s about giving you the confidence, context, and tools to show up more powerfully — wherever you are in your design career.
Our mission
The Design Rodeo empowers designers to take the reins of their careers and businesses through practical coaching, bold creative leadership, and real-world business skills. We guide UX and product designers to build confident, purpose-driven practices—whether in-house, freelance, or as founders.
Our vision
We envision a future where every designer confidently leads with clarity, creativity, and courage—creating meaningful impact through design, shaping the future of work, and building businesses that reflect their values.
