A design leader vs. design lead

What makes a real design leader different from a manager? At first glance, both roles may seem to lead design projects, guide teams, and make big design choices. However, they differ in how much they influence and get involved with their team, organization, and the design community.

• Design managers: deal with the day-to-day parts of a project, making sure everything runs smoothly and meets the needs of the business and its users.
• Design leaders. They don't just handle projects, but also lead within their organization and engage with the community. They help UX communities, mentor others, and share new ideas through blogs, articles, speeches, and podcasts. Even though their job description might not say it, their influence is deep — they promote good design and best practices in the field.

Keep in mind that a design leader does not necessarily have to hold a senior position in an organization's hierarchy. They can still demonstrate leadership qualities while maintaining a non-managerial role within their team.