Momentum is fragile
Teams rarely stop all at once. Momentum disappears through unresolved friction and unclear decisions.
Open to design leadership opportunities
Wayfinder.Team builder.Design leader.
I spark new momentum in teams by leading with empathy, tackling challenges creatively, and honoring the people who make the work possible.
Experience
Field Notes
The trail gets quiet right before things get interesting.
Award markers
FTE Most Innovative Airline Initiative
Smart Ramp, Alaska Airlines, 2025.
Webby Award
Best Mobile User Interface, Walmart, 2022.
Field note
Tre Stewart Wayfinder
Throughout my career, I’ve joined teams right in the middle of change. Sometimes the problem was process. Sometimes it was trust. Most of the time, people already knew the work needed to improve — they just needed support, clarity, and a better way forward.
I’ve worked across identity, operations, aviation, and enterprise systems. Different industries. Different problems. The part I’ve always enjoyed most is helping teams regain momentum when things start feeling stuck.
For me, it usually starts with listening before leading.
Most recent role
Manager, Product Design
Alaska Airlines · Oct 2024–Jun 2026
03 / Campfire tales
Every trail leaves
behind a story.
A few stories from along the way.
Hover a cover to bring it to life.
Explore the stories: Identity Crisis · The Goodwill Bank · Deployment Isn’t Adoption
04 / Trail markers
Lessons learned the hard way, collected along the journey.
Speed needs alignment
Fast execution means little when teams move in different directions.
Listen for the workarounds
The unofficial process usually reveals where the real problems are.
Deployment isn’t adoption
Launching a system does not guarantee people will change how they work.
Clarity reduces friction
Clear priorities prevent unnecessary organizational drag.
Leadership shows up in ambiguity
Direction matters most when the path forward is unclear.
Echo Ridge
Trail companions
A few words from people I’ve worked beside along the way.
Item 1 of 14
Use the previous and next buttons, drag horizontally, or focus the rail and press Left, Right, Page Up, Page Down, Home, or End to move through the testimonials and photos.
Trust before risk · Walmart
Erin Sian Williams
Sr Director, UX Design · Walmart
Managed Tre directly
Tre is a natural leader and especially shines in helping other designers gain confidence in their role; he helps teammates get comfortable sharing bolder ideas, sharpen their critical skills, and push their work to new places.
Mentorship · American Airlines
Diego Brunot
Manager · American Airlines
Managed Tre directly
Tre has an innate ability to make people feel comfortable and supported, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. I have seen him reach out to peers during vulnerable moments, providing the mentorship and support needed to help them succeed.
Strategic craft · Walmart
Demetrios Roumbos
Product Designer · Walmart
Worked on the same team
What sets Tre apart is his remarkable attention to detail paired with strategic vision. He has an uncanny ability to spot subtle inconsistencies while never losing sight of the broader project and problem at hand.
Customer focus · Walmart
May Mak
Sr Product Manager · Walmart
Worked on the same team
In our design sessions, Tre is always asking and reminding me, “Why are we doing what we’re doing and what is the benefit to the customer?” His relentless questioning is a testament to his customer-first focus.
Depth of ownership · Walmart
Michelle Hang Bui
Sr Product Designer · Walmart
Worked with Tre on a partner team
I have never met a designer who is so thorough, involved, and knowledgeable in their focus area to be able to articulate the nitty gritty of every use case to educate others and build incredible experiences.
Learning through complexity · Walmart
Steph Houle
Sr Manager, Product Design · Walmart
Managed Tre directly
Tre navigated complex problems, like implementing FIDO, by learning through the process and solving for the best user experience possible. Whether it was advanced prototyping or teaching Figma, he was always willing to help.
Resilient leadership · American Airlines
Benjamin Parail
Principal UX Designer
Worked with Tre across two companies
Tre brought a resilient passion to every challenging or complex problem. He advocates for his team by giving them a voice, leading with courage, mentoring young designers, and teaching new skills.
06 / The campsite
Want to join me
for the next trail?
Bring your messy map. We’ll chart the route together.