“What happens when ambition collides with authenticity — and how do we stay grounded while leading others?”

Summary
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Knowles to explore his career journey, where he grappled with the challenges of a fast-paced UX career. We reflect on his "Icarus moment"—the point where his professional climb led to a personal re-evaluation—and discuss the honest struggles of UX leadership. Joe opens up about the intersection of introversion and authenticity, and the power of being vulnerable in an industry that can often feel like a performance. This conversation is for anyone navigating their own path and seeking a more human-centered approach to their work.

Guest
Joe Knowles
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knowles-41a80a20/

Host
Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/
Website – www.dannyhearn.me
Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:33 The Icarus Metaphor: Balancing Career and Personal Life
06:26 The Weight of Responsibility in Leadership
09:34 Navigating Job Security and Market Anxiety
12:26 Authentic Leadership in Uncertain Times
15:40 The Challenges of Introversion in Leadership
18:28 Vulnerability and Its Impact on Team Dynamics
21:33 Burnout: Understanding and Addressing It
24:32 Reflections on Personal Experiences with Burnout
32:12 The Human Element in Work Relationships
34:32 Motivation and Ownership in Work
38:06 Identity and Career Choices
39:36 Public vs. Private Sector Dynamics
42:40 Long-term Commitment in Public Sector Work
44:43 Impact Measurement in Public Sector Projects
48:57 GDS Methodology: Pros and Cons
52:42 Navigating Constraints in Public Sector Design
55:30 The Importance of Adaptability in Design Careers