Dre Steinberg shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dre, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely. If I had another me on my team, productivity would go up 100x. I bring vision, discipline, and creativity to the table, and I don’t wait for permission to make things happen. I’d hire me because I know how to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution—and I care about the details as much as the outcome. Having another version of me would mean double the drive, double the focus, and double the results.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dre Steinberg, Founder and Creative Director of Designed to Conquer, a creative tech company based in Harlem. We help entrepreneurs and service-based businesses build powerful online presences through web design, branding, and digital systems that actually work.
What makes Designed to Conquer different is the story behind it, I started during the pandemic after losing my job, and the phrase “I am designed to conquer” became my personal mantra. That mindset turned into a mission: helping others design brands that reflect their story, their purpose, and their potential.
I’ll be honest, tech and design aren’t always seen as the “sexiest” fields. They can feel cold or repetitive. So I’ve made it my goal to bring life, personality, and storytelling into the process. Every project has energy, creativity, and heart behind it.
Beyond client work, I also lead The Check In, a men’s mental health group, and No Gatekeeping, a storytelling platform for entrepreneurs. Both are extensions of my mission to merge creativity, education, and community impact, because to me, success isn’t just about building brands; it’s about building people.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The pandemic, hands down. COVID completely shifted how I see connection, community, and purpose. Being forced to slow down made me realize how easily we take genuine connection for granted. It also pushed me to finally bet on myself, I started Designed to Conquer during that time. What began as survival turned into a calling. That season taught me that isolation can either break you or build you, and I chose to build.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to step back and see things without emotion clouding my judgment. When you’re in a tough spot, you learn to detach just enough to view situations objectively—to see lessons instead of losses. Success feels good, but it doesn’t always build perspective. Struggle does. It taught me patience, clarity, and how to move with intention instead of reaction.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
My Harlemite spirit! without question. Harlem shaped my creativity, my hustle, and my sense of community. With gentrification changing so much of the neighborhood and pushing out the African American community that built its foundation, I make it a point to go to bat for my hometown every chance I get. That pride shows up in my work, my collaborations, and how I build spaces that celebrate culture, not erase it.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Right now, I’m focused on building relationships and long-term partnerships. The goal is for Designed to Conquer to evolve into the go-to hub—a kind of ZipRecruiter for Black creatives. I’m laying the groundwork through collaboration, mentorship, and community impact. It’s not something that’ll happen overnight, but I know every connection, every project, and every conversation is a brick in that foundation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designedtoconquer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedtoconquerllc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@designedtoconquerllc
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