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I'm Ness, a strategy-first design leader with 15 years of experience building products.

From founders to enterprise clients, I help teams navigate the ambiguity of the product process, to define, design, and deliver business-driven products.

I’m a performance-driven designer who is passionate about combining vision, ambition and strategy to get real outcomes.

Resources for product teams

  • 5 ways product teams waste design budget →

  • Founders: what to look for in your first design hire →

  • Why discussing growth early is critical for MVP success →

  • How AI design tools are helping my early-stage clients get better results →

  • Is design helping or hurting your early stage product? →

More on LinkedIn →

Current projects

2025

  • Fractional Founding Design for Longevity Tech startup: 0-1 launch & growth optimization

  • Fractional Design for scale ups in MedTech, MediaTech, Financial AI; launching new products, features and enhancements

  • 1:1 coaching for Founders, Product Designers and Product Managers navigating the product world

2024

  • Product Design leadership for JPMorgan&Chase designing the next generation of intelligent Advisor products

Previously
Design Director Goods & Services, Ruca, Momentum Design Lab, Idean,

Client quotes

  • “ I worked with Vanessa for several years, and she is an exceptional creative leader. Her strong understanding of the business ensured that design decisions drove real impact for both our business and our customers. She pushed my teams to aim higher and kept them focused on delivering exceptional work. Always professional and great to work with, she consistently brought out the best in those around her. Any team would be lucky to have her. "

    Matt Lesle
    Managing Director & Global Head of Product, JPMorgan 

  • “ I've had the privilege of working with Ness for over a decade, there is truly no one I trust more to lead projects of any scale. She brings an unmatched combination of creative vision, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership that ensures every project exceeds expectations. Her ability to transform complex challenges into elegant, effective solutions is inspiring, and I couldn't recommend her highly enough. ”

    Chris Zeunstrom
    Founder, Yorba & Ruca

  • “ Working with Ness was amazing. Her expertise as our Design Director for years brought strategic vision to every project, ensuring that the deliverables aligned perfectly with overarching business goals. Her ability to blend creativity with strategic insight resulted in exceptional outcomes that exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a talented, forward-thinking design leader. ”

    Edith Chu
    VP, Product Manager, JPMorgan

  • “ Vanessa is one of the most insightful, business-savvy, and creative professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She has a rare ability to navigate change and turn challenges into opportunities for better design and deeper discussions. Her strategic thinking and innovative approach make her an invaluable asset to any team or project. I highly recommend and endorse her without hesitation. “

    Jonathan Campbell
    Director, Global Enterprise Strategy (Radiology)

  • “ Ness is the rare design leader who can quickly synthesize the goals of the business and the needs of the customer into a solution that is modern, seamless, delivered on time & within budget. The end result is 10x better than we could have ever imagined.”

    Evan Schwartz
    Founder, Aloe Care Health

  • “ Ness has moved us forward in ways we couldn't imagine. Through her process & vision she's helped us clarify our product strategy and solve countless complex business problems. She’s delivered a product that has significantly reduced churn and boosted sales. ”

    Jake Kitchiner
    Co-Founder, StreamDNA

  • “ One of Vanessa's standout qualities is her unwavering commitment to building better solutions, even in the face of skepticism or resistance. She has a rare ability to inspire confidence and rally others around her vision, ultimately driving projects forward with enthusiasm and determination. ”

    Steve Koczara,
    SVP, Momentum Design Labs