Hugo Welke

Hugo Welke is an experienced Product, Design, and People leader with over 20 years of experience. He has held significant roles at companies like Canva and HubSpot, where he focused on product design, strategy, and scaling design teams. His expertise lies in combining design, product, operations, and people experience to help individuals and companies thrive. hugowelke+1

He is a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and has actively contributed to building inclusive workplaces. He led Canva's global Pride Collective for five years and helped establish LGBTQIA+ chapters at HubSpot in Dublin and Berlin. His personal experiences as a queer and neurodivergent individual, who has lived in five countries, inform his commitment to diversity and belonging. hugowelke+4

Hugo possesses extensive knowledge in Design Operations, having successfully built and managed the Product Design Operations team at Canva, scaling it to over 200 designers. He developed systems for hiring, onboarding, and fostering a strong design culture, ensuring quality and positive employee experience. hugowelke+2

He is adept at team leadership, coaching, and mentorship, with a focus on creating environments where designers can grow and teams can thrive. He has interviewed over 750 product designers and shares practical advice on portfolio reviews and career development. hugowelke+2

Beyond his professional roles, Hugo is passionate about solving people challenges through product and design skills. His personal interests include exploring themes related to being an immigrant/expat and discussing neurodiversity, particularly ADHD. hugowelke+1