Leading design through disruption: A conversation with Sara Vienna, Chief Design Officer at Metalab

Sara Vienna, now Chief Design Officer at Metalab, experienced a career evolution that began with a remote advisory role offered by the company when her personal circumstances initially prevented her from accepting a full-time position. By 2019, Metalab's shift towards a remote-friendly environment allowed her to join as Director of Design, eventually progressing to her current leadership role. As AI and remote collaboration redefine the design industry, Sara emphasizes the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and focusing on outcomes rather than time spent to maintain human creativity amidst technological advancements. She notes that while AI can automate certain tasks, the human touch remains essential for interpreting and enhancing outputs, aligning with user needs and business goals. As client expectations evolve, Sara highlights the necessity for design teams to communicate new possibilities and maintain a balance between creativity and practicality. Her approach to leadership involves fostering an environment where creativity thrives, encouraging others to develop their unique filters in the face of technological disruption, and staying true to personal intuition and authenticity.