We know that design and innovation require ‘outside-the-box’ thinking, risk-taking, radical collaboration, the questioning of assumptions and a ‘fail-fast-learn-fast’ mentality. However, while we acknowledge these elements of an innovation culture, there’s often an insufficient focus on setting up the ‘foundations’ within a team to make this a reality. This presentation focuses on one critical foundation – psychological safety. It explores the connection between a culture of psychological safety and creating new and valued outputs, and in particular, the role that leaders of design teams play in creating a culture that empowers designers to best exhibit their design skills.Designers and designer leaders alike are invited to question their own role in creating psychological safety for others. This presentation offers a brief background on the relevant research before outlining what this might look like in a ‘typical’ design team and process. I then provide a starting point for discussing how design leaders can better create spaces that empower their teams to feel safe to voice their opinions and be valued for their diversity – both of which are crucial in establishing a culture of genuine innovation.