What do people I’ve worked with say about me?

Shannan Hsiao, Design Leader and former Head of Product Design, Silicon Valley Bank

“Victor and I faced many challenges working together, the biggest of which was building a team, its culture and ways of working, while getting work done and supporting a cultural transformation towards an agile product mindset. Victor took the time to understand my vision for the team, the kind of culture we wanted to build, and then helped me realize this vision. He partnered with me to execute and support our team by building trust, community, and culture.

Most importantly, he helped me become a better leader, communicator and partner. I would happily work with him again and enthusiastically recommend him for any design team! 

  • The “glue” holding the SVB Design Culture together

    Chuck L.

  • Thank you Victor for being a mentor to me and someone I could go to in more challenging times. I appreciate your willingness to give specific advice, offer help, and your follow-through.

    Judy G.

  • He kept our teams motivated staying on top of the work Product had road mapped, while making sure we kept a healthy work life balance.

    Craig W.

  • That guy knocked it out of the park. I felt safe and heard with Victor by my side. He always created a safe space for me to be completely honest in our conversations. He gently guided me as I strived to be better at what I do.

    Besty L.

Nick Crampton, Director, Digital Services & Customer Experience for the City of Vancouver

Victor brings a refreshing mix of pragmatism, vision, and affability to every team he is a part of. His leadership in design operations inspires confidence from both design team members (clearing the path so they can do their best work) and business partners (articulating the ROI of design and ensuring the work has the buy-in of partners and leadership across the organization).

I particularly appreciate how Victor makes everyone feel welcome and included on the team. 

He’s naturally gifted at building a strong team culture (I’ll always remember how much fun our teams had with the Proust questionnaires). I hope we get the chance to work together again one day soon, and until then I’m envious of any team that does.

More kind words from those I’ve worked with

  • Victor is a natural leader.He had to step up and fill some big shoes multiple times, and although he was not looking forward to doing it [wink wink], he made each transition seamless.

    Israel R.

  • Victor’s leadership, through what may be the longest time of transition (ever!), has been essential to keeping our department afloat. He’s quietly stepped in and consistently led the team through every situation that’s popped up, with a smile and with grace. I’m so appreciative that he’s still here with us! I feel honored to be on the same team with him.

    Amy E.

  • Losing Shannan a year ago was a punch to the gut, but having you step in softened that blow. And now, you and Kelli are working together to elevate the team and usher us into a new generation of SVB design, which is at once exciting and uncertain; but your proven history of being highly adaptive and calm under chaotic circumstances gives us confidence that we can tackle whatever comes next. It’s an honor to continue working beside you on this team.

    Franke C.

  • It was a huge stretch to take on such a large role and I appreciate how much Victor gave of himself to bring some sense of normalcy among chaos.

    Hannah C.

  • When Victor transitioned into his leadership role, he not only stepped up and took it seriously, but he did it with impressive grace. From writing thoughtful and entertaining emails to keep the team in the loop and feeling heard, to preserving as much of the team norms and culture that Shannan cultivated, to having countless meetings and difficult conversations with senior leadership, he was there for us.

    Dexter Y.

  • Victor, thank you for stepping up to fill in the gaps wherever was needed over the last ~year. We've encountered some strong headwinds, but you've lead with steadiness and candidness that kept the team on track. We're so lucky to have you!

    Kristen H.

• Empathetic

• Action oriented

• Problem solver

• Adaptable

• Transparent

• People first

• Empathetic • Action oriented • Problem solver • Adaptable • Transparent • People first

Ingrid Hu Dahl, Director of Leadership Development of Gap Inc.’s Center of Excellence

Victor is a fantastic design leader, overseeing teams, strategy and delivery alongside product, operations and technology stakeholders. 

He is kind, warm and approachable—beloved by his teams and partners—honest, thoughtful and considerate. Victor has a great balance of emotional intelligence and drives high performing teams, empowering others and driving what matters. 

Any team would be so fortunate to have Victor as their leader and advocate. He is a wonderful partner—communicative, reliable and delivers his expertise with a strategic and growth mindset inclusive of others.