Utilize service design methods, processes, and tools for DesignOps Roadmapping, 2×2 prioritization, and data analysis all sound too familiar for product development teams; these are the same essential skills for running a successful Design operation org, especially if we are the DesignOps team-of-one. The product management skills create stability, scalability, and maps out a process. Care personally and challenge directly is what Kim Scott taught people managers; this is the heart of a DesignOps manager, even if we are the DesignOps team-of-one who doesn’t manage any reports. We lead the entire design team with influence, and we care for the design team with empathy. How to choose if we had to make a hard decision between people and process? This talk tells my story of transitioning from a product-lead to a DesignOps-lead and lessons I’ve learned in my day-to-day decisions while leading and supporting my design team.