Our origin story.

Hi, I'm Ryan,

At some point in my career, it’s likely that I’ve had the same responsibilities you have today. I was a freelancer five years, building websites and designing promotional materials. In 2005, I moved in-house to design web applications and tools at Comcast and Apple. I then transitioned into Sr. Management, building and leading global teams at Electronic Arts (twice) and Nestlé. I became an executive at USAA, leading the Experience Strategy organization.

In 2019, I needed something else.

After 20 years of helping companies meet their goals and expectations, I found that my own values and expetactions weren't being met at the level I needed them to be. So, I left the corporate world.

Without really knowing what I was doing, I started working for myself. I began creating products and services again, teaching everything I had learned. Rather than focus on quick, short-term workshops or conferences, I provided development programs that lasted weeks or months at the same price point as a half-day workshop. While cohorts are quite popular now, this model was quite novel in the pre-pandemic world.

I began teaching design leaders everything I knew under my parent company, Second Wave Dive. I wrote Business Thinking for Designers, which has been read by over 60k designers around the world. I ran popular, 8-week intensive cohort courses called "Design Meets Business," "Strategy Business Thinking for Designers," and "Design Org Strategy." Business was good for both me and the design leaders who put their trust in me.

But in late-2022, everything began to shift.

While my cohorts were exceeding expectations, both I and the studentd were running out of energy. I couldn't morally run cohorts and charge a premium price for them if students didn't have the energy to fully participate. Without the energy the students, I wasn't energized in return. I couldn't keep pushing forward.

So, I made another change.

I took everything I've learned and taught, and created CDO School. CDO School is a management school that fits in your pocket, made specifically for design leaders. We combine teaching, coaching, and events to give the type of career development experience you deserve.

Here are my five most popular articles.

More importantly, we focus on helping you find your own path as a design leader. And, our methodology is what helps you stand apart.

If you're looking to grow your skillset, we have 13 courses and counting, 100's of quick tips, 30+ "plays"—plus deeper coaching and learning for when you face more complex leadership challenges. It's all inside CDO School.

Here are my four most popular courses at CDO School

I'll help you transition through each stage of your design leadership journey from senior to CDO. Inside, you'll get actionable tips to prepare, grow, and exceed in your career as a design leader.

The four values we're committed to:

Provide you with the knowledge you deserve: As a design leader, you need to know what works and what doesn’t. You need the confidence to know your decisions are good ones. At CDO School, we are committed to providing you with top-tier coaching, mentorship, and training so you excel at the leadership level.
Help you realize your full potential: You may not realize it, but you hold tremendous untapped power. You are the heart of transforming how business and design get done. We will teach you how to harness your design leadership power and use it cross-functionally and within your team.
Stay loyal to our values and your needs: We are committed to providing a sustainable and supportive environment for design leaders. As an independent company without venture capital or external funding, we prioritize our values and your needs. We promise integrity and honesty in all our offerings, ensuring you only receive what truly benefits you.
Embrace continuous learning: Since launching our parent company, Second Wave Dive, in April 2019, our programs have evolved to meet the needs of our community. By actively listening to feedback from thousands of leaders worldwide, we’ve enriched our design courses with each iteration. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

The CDO School founder

Ryan Rumsey

CEO of Second Wave Dive | ex-Apple, EA, Nestlé, USAA leader and executive

Ryan has a passion for professional development, and he uses his experiences from Apple, Electronic Arts, USAA, Nestlé, and Comcast as guidance. He is the CEO of Second Wave Dive – a boutique tiny company that builds tiny companies. For coaching or speaking inquiries, visit www.ryanrumsey.com.