Julie Huynh shares her journey from dentistry aspirations to becoming a UX designer while exploring how continuous learning and the "I know nothing" mentality have shaped her personal and professional growth.

• Originally from Chicago, inspired by role models like Michael Jordan and Michelle Kwan
• Pursued biological sciences at UCI but added Asian American studies to balance scientific and creative thinking
• Discovered UX design through a human-computer interaction class, finding alignment with her natural skills
• Explains the distinction between UI (visual elements) and UX (how people interact with products)
• Describes how empathy is central to UX design through understanding diverse user needs
• Discusses baking as a parallel passion that taught her progression from precise rule-following to confident adaptation
• Advocates for "putting in the reps" and consistent practice as essential for growth in any field
• Shares how community work provided low-stakes opportunities to develop leadership and creative skills

Guest bio:
Julie is passionate about lifelong learning and bringing people together. She's originally from Chicago, but grew up in Orange County. She spends all of her waking hours dividing time between working full-time as a user experience designer, freelance graphic designing, volunteering, working on various hobbies, and being there for family and friends.

• Design IG: @designedby.julie - https://www.instagram.com/designedby.julie/
• Design website: https://www.jbhuynh.com/
• Dance IG: @jujubeatsz - https://www.instagram.com/jujubeatsz/
• Cake IG: @cakehuynhner - https://www.instagram.com/cakehuynhner/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huynhjulie/

Links/resources:

• KKAP @UCI KCN 2012 (dance performance - YouTube)
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Amazon - affiliate link)
• The Accountant (movie - Wikipedia)

One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.

www.onethousandgurus.com
Instagram: @OneThousandGurus
TikTok: @onethousandgurus
YouTube: One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Email: [email protected]