Empowering Design Talent and Startups
Involvement
Mentoring
Consulting
Organization
ADPlist
FutureLab
Design Leadership
INTI University
Summary
Top design mentor (ADPlist). Helped startups with UX. Global connections fuel a continuous learning loop, empowering designers & myself to grow.
Top 1
%
Design mentor
Top 100
Service Design mentor
Top 100
Design Ops mentor
> 6,000
Mentoring minutes
Since joining ServiceRocket as the Head of Design, I’ve had the privilege of blending hands-on design work with a more profound commitment to mentorship, both within my team and throughout the global design community. This role has helped me fulfill a passion I’ve held since I entered the design world: helping others unlock their full potential through guidance, real-world insights, and structured development.
Why I Mentor
In September 2022, I began formally mentoring on platforms like ADPlist, motivated by three key objectives:
Refining my coaching skills
Supporting the growth of emerging design talent
Giving back to a community
The experience has been transformative, not only for the designers I work with but also for my personal and professional growth. Mentorship challenges me to listen deeply, articulate clearly, and understand various perspectives, continuously evolving my leadership style.
Investing in the Future
In the past year, I’ve invested over 6,000 minutes in mentoring sessions, with an emphasis on intermediate and senior-level designers. This approach lets me connect with individuals on their unique challenges, guiding them in a way that’s both actionable and directly applicable to their career paths. One-on-one sessions allow for a tailored approach—whether it’s helping someone navigate a specific UX challenge or providing insights on their career trajectory.
The Top 1% and Beyond
I’m honored to be recognized among the top 1% of design mentors and as a top 100 service design mentor on ADPlist. This acknowledgment reinforces the impact I strive to create. Designers who’ve worked with me have noted how practical guidance has helped them achieve new milestones.
Mentored 31 designers, from junior to senior roles, in 7 countries. and growing… 🇸🇬 🇲🇾 🇮🇩 🇦🇪 🇩🇪 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Over 60% of mentees found employment within 3 months of mentorship.
Mentored over 50% of mentees long-term, with at least 6 sessions each.
"He embodies the makings of a great leader and mentor, and I know it's true because he guided me in areas in my professional development that I have struggled to improve upon on my own. I've had 2 sessions with Hakim, all of which he provided actionable input that I would apply, and saw better results each time."
Expanding My Reach
My mentorship journey goes beyond ADPlist. At INTI University, I guide students in design thinking and share core design principles, equipping them to be the next generation of innovative thinkers. Seeing their growth and potential as they absorb lessons and begin applying them in real time is rewarding.
Additionally, through my involvement with FutureLab, I collaborate with startups to build user-centered experiences from scratch. Working with these emerging companies has sharpened my understanding of the distinct needs that early-stage companies face, including navigating tight budgets, adapting quickly, and scaling. Through FutureLab, I help startups deliver products with meaningful design foundations—a critical factor in driving product success and customer satisfaction.
A Two-Way Learning Experience
Mentoring is as much about receiving as it is about giving. Connecting with designers across the world has exposed me to diverse design challenges, cultural nuances, and unique problem-solving approaches. Each conversation broadens my perspective, enabling me to refine my guidance approach continually. For instance, working with Terry Burris, a UX/UI designer at Crescent Bank, showed me how empathizing and actively listening to mentees can significantly impact their confidence.
"When it came time for me to be vulnerable about my current career circumstances, he was quick to listen and ready to help with his wisdom gained from prior experience. He was able to relate with me concerning interactions with higher-level positions in the company, and spoke with encouraging words and empathized where I struggled most."
Supporting Startups & Building Community Connections
Working with startups has also become a significant part of my mentorship journey. Participating in events like Tech in Asia and Switch SG, I’m able to advise founders and businesses on navigating startup challenges and crafting effective pitches. Additionally, I’m part of a vibrant coffee chat group with design leaders across Malaysia and Singapore. These interactions create opportunities to exchange ideas, debate design challenges, and learn from some of the most influential leaders in the field.
Top left: Supporting our friend's event, Fusecon. Top right: Dinner with leaders from Mudah, JDV, Maybank, GXBank, CIMB, Curious Core, and Seek. Bottom: Attending my friend's event, Design Leadership KL with my design team.
Sharing the Journey of Growth
For me, mentorship is an ongoing journey that intertwines with personal growth, talent empowerment, and community building. It’s about nurturing a dynamic, supportive design community and empowering individuals to become future design leaders. As I continue to guide others, I hope to inspire and cultivate a generation of designers who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through design.
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Hakim Not Inc. 2024