The Designer’s Guide To Power and Politics With Thomas Wilson

Why do some designers influence major decisions while others get ignored? The answer might come down to how well you understand power.

You can’t influence what you don’t understand. In this conversation, I sit down with Thomas Wilson to discuss the invisible structures that shape what gets built, who gets heard, and why some designers consistently seem to gain traction, even without a fancy title.

We unpack what it means to navigate power inside organizations, how to build trust with people who don’t think like you, and what “pushing back” looks like when done with empathy and strategy. Thomas also challenges the notion that power is something to be avoided or rejected. Instead, he frames it as a neutral force—one you can learn to work with instead of around.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or frustrated by decisions that don’t make sense, this episode will help you rethink how you operate—and show you that power, used well, can actually be a designer’s ally.

Topics:
• 03:51 Understanding Power Dynamics in Organizations
• 05:44 Types of Power in Business
• 08:22 Strategies for Leveraging Power
• 19:39 Tools for Influencing and Negotiation
• 28:12 Power Mapping and Stakeholder Management
• 36:47 Influence and Interest Matrix
• 37:43 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace
• 38:57 Diversity of Thought and Communication Styles
• 41:34 Building Relationships and Trust
• 43:41 Handling Workplace Conflicts
• 48:48 Resources for Understanding Power

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn

Thomas Wilson
Experience Strategy Director + Systems & Service Designer + Organizational Designer

About Thomas

Thomas Wilson is an award-winning UX, CX, EX, Service Designer, Organizational Designer, Business, Strategy, and Design Director. He currently provides Journey management and Strategic leadership in Healthcare. Thomas has moved the needle at 54 startups. He has innovated and transformed clients like: United Healthcare, BCBS, HCA, AIG, Experian, Amazon, Disney, NASA, and Kroge,r as well as a host of tech startups, mid-markets and Fortune 5s-500s in Enterprise AI Strategy, Big Data, Fintech, Healthcare, Retail, Aerospace and Security. Thomas has been recognized in Inc. 500 twice, and his client site was listed in Forbes ‘Best of the Web.’ He’s been written about in 5 trade-related design and communications books. His certifications include a BS in Organizational Psychology and Leadership, an MS in Instructional Design and Technology, Nielsen Norman Group (NNG) Master’s in Research and UX Management, Six Sigma Greenbelt, A Service Design Master Trainer and Harvard Business School’s Leadership and Management program.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn

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