In this throwback episode, I chat with Jason Ogle from the User Defenders Podcast about something we don’t talk about enough: self-care for UX designers. We explore how taking care of ourselves is essential to be truly empathetic.

Could self-care be the most overlooked tool in a UX designer’s toolkit?

How can we expect to fill our users’ cups if our own is empty? What if taking care of yourself is the most user-centric design choice you can make?

This week, I got a chance to talk with with Jason Ogle of the famed User Defenders Podcast. We peel back the layers of UX design to discuss a foundational aspect that’s often neglected: the designer’s self-care. Jason shares his insights on how self-care is intrinsically linked to our capacity to care for and understand our users. He makes a compelling case for why designers must prioritize their well-being to truly excel in their work.

We discuss the inherently altruistic nature of design and how this high calling to solve problems for others begins with solving our own problem of neglecting self-care. He highlighted the simple yet powerful concept: “We can’t fill someone else’s cup if our cup is empty,” emphasizing the need for designers to ensure they’re mentally and physically prepared to tackle the challenges of UX design.

We also touched on the critical mind-body connection and how physical well-being directly impacts our creative and empathetic abilities. Jason shared personal strategies for making time for self-care, including the importance of sleep and how it significantly influences the following day’s mood, energy levels, and productivity.

Jason’s approach to saying “no” and the freedom it brings to focus on what truly matters served as a powerful lesson in setting boundaries for personal and professional growth.

Topics:
• 15:31 – Design is a very altruistic thing
• 20:06 – We can’t fill someone else’s cup if our cup is empty
• 25:45 – There is a mind-body connection
• 30:10 – Sleep influences the next day
• 33:23 – ways Jason has found to make time for himself
• 40:38 – Getting to the point where we can say “no”
• 49:23 – How do we go to bed at a certain time?
• 54:49 – Good habits are sacrificing now for benefits later

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
• jasonogle.com
• Watch Jason on YouTube
• User Defenders Podcast

What’s stopping your work from shipping? It’s probably not the design itself. This week, I chat with Guy Segal about the soft skills that make the biggest difference—giving feedback, earning trust, and aligning with your team when things get tough.

What if the biggest reason your designs aren’t making it to production has nothing to do with design?

You know your work is solid. You’ve put in the hours, iterated on the flow, and covered every edge case. But when it comes time to hand it off or get sign-off, something breaks. It stalls, gets picked apart, or falls flat. Sound familiar?

In this episode, I sit down with Guy Segal—design leader and host of Design Downtime—to talk about why “soft skills” are the hardest part of UX, and how improving them can be the difference between your designs shipping or collecting dust. We cover how to give better feedback, how to handle misalignment without blowing things up, and what it actually means to be someone your team wants to work with.

This conversation is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like good design work wasn’t enough. Because it isn’t. The way you show up—how you talk to people, how you build trust, how you respond to tension—is what moves the work forward.

Topics:
• 00:00 – Introduction: The Human Side of Software
• 00:37 – Welcome to Beyond UX Design
• 00:44 – Promotions and Sponsorships
• 02:31 – The Importance of Relationships in Software
• 02:57 – Interview with Guy Siegel: Building Great Relationships
• 04:09 – Challenges in Team Dynamics
• 05:26 – Empathy and Communication in Teams
• 13:00 – Feedback Framework for Better Team Collaboration
• 28:58 – Aligning Team Goals and Values
• 32:45 – Establishing Team Values and Hiring Practices
• 33:27 – Importance of One-on-Ones and Setting Expectations
• 35:06 – Empathy and Communication in Design
• 36:08 – Feedback and Continuous Improvement
• 37:09 – Challenges in Designer-Engineer Collaboration
• 38:21 – Managerial Insights and Team Dynamics
• 43:09 – Building Strong Work Relationships

Helpful Links:
• Design Downtime
• Connect with Guy on LinkedIn

—

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Understanding how power works might be the most underrated UX skill. Thomas Wilson shares ways to navigate power, bridge generational gaps, and influence decisions, even when you don’t have direct control.

Why do some designers influence major decisions while others get ignored? The answer might come down to how well you understand power.

You can’t influence what you don’t understand. In this conversation, I sit down with Thomas Wilson to discuss the invisible structures that shape what gets built, who gets heard, and why some designers consistently seem to gain traction, even without a fancy title.

We unpack what it means to navigate power inside organizations, how to build trust with people who don’t think like you, and what “pushing back” looks like when done with empathy and strategy. Thomas also challenges the notion that power is something to be avoided or rejected. Instead, he frames it as a neutral force—one you can learn to work with instead of around.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or frustrated by decisions that don’t make sense, this episode will help you rethink how you operate—and show you that power, used well, can actually be a designer’s ally.

Topics:

• 03:51 Understanding Power Dynamics in Organizations

• 05:44 Types of Power in Business

• 08:22 Strategies for Leveraging Power

• 19:39 Tools for Influencing and Negotiation

• 28:12 Power Mapping and Stakeholder Management

• 36:47 Influence and Interest Matrix

• 37:43 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace

• 38:57 Diversity of Thought and Communication Styles

• 41:34 Building Relationships and Trust

• 43:41 Handling Workplace Conflicts

• 48:48 Resources for Understanding Power

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn

—

Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today’s episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today’s episode, why don’t you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email list. We won’t spam you. Pinky swear.

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Freelancing doesn't have to mean chaos and burnout. In this episode, we explore how to scale your freelance business without hiring a team by getting smarter with tools, strategy, and specialization.

What if you could scale your freelance business without hiring a team, just by using the right tools?

Most freelancers hit the same wall: they think going solo means doing it all. But today’s guest, Maciej Konarzewski, shares how that belief almost held him back, and how flipping the script helped him build a successful one-person business that runs on his terms.

In this episode, Maciej shares how he went from building his first site for his wife’s cleaning business to becoming a certified Wix Studio partner and full-time business owner. We talk about ditching the hustle mindset, building smart systems, and saying no to distractions (and even clients) in order to say yes to better work.

If you’re a designer trying to escape the 9–5 grind or scale your freelance business without burning out, this episode is for you. We dig into tools, pricing, niching down, and how community and relationships can unlock opportunities you didn’t even know were possible.

Tune in and learn how to build a thriving freelance business—without hiring a single employee.

Topics:
• 02:44 The Reality of Freelancing
• 03:08 Interview with Maciej Konarzewski
• 04:17 Maciej’s Freelancing Journey
• 14:30 The Importance of Specialization
• 25:33 The Reality of Job Security
• 26:09 The Hardest Decision: Changing Jobs
• 26:42 You Are Your Own Backup Plan
• 27:41 Selling and Marketing Yourself
• 30:34 The Mindset Shift in Sales
• 36:46 The Importance of Community and Specialization

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Maciej on LinkedIn
• Vision Marketing

—

Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today’s episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today’s episode, why don’t you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email list. We won’t spam you. Pinky swear.

• ⁠⁠⁠Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show⁠⁠⁠

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What if becoming a manager isn’t the upgrade you’ve been led to believe?

What if you could grow your influence and your impact, without giving up the work you actually love doing? In this episode, Filippos Protogeridis shares why traditional UX career ladders don’t always work and how he carved out a leadership path that didn’t require a team of direct reports.

A lot of mid-level and senior designers assume the only way to advance their careers is to become managers. But what if that path isn’t right for you? What if there are better options? In this episode, I talk with Filippos Protogeridis, who shares his journey from founding designer to head of product design at a rapidly growing healthtech startup in London.

Filippos didn’t follow the traditional ladder. Instead of giving up hands-on work, he redefined what leadership looks like for his role, blending vision work, hiring, mentoring, and strategy with the design work he still loves. We talk about why most companies get the “promotion to management” thing all wrong, and how to think more clearly about what you actually want from your next step.

If you’ve been wrestling with questions about growth, leadership, and what it really means to “level up” in UX, this episode is for you. Tune in and rethink what success in design leadership can look like.

Topics:
• 05:00 – Filippos’ Background and Journey
• 06:43 – Challenges in Leadership Transition
• 14:20 – The Importance of Hiring and Letting Go
• 26:33 – Hands-On Leadership and Visioning
• 34:54 – Types of Design Leadership Roles
• 41:42 – Impact of Layoffs on Leadership
• 42:21 – Shift in Hiring Trends
• 43:03 – Lean Management and Hands-On Roles
• 43:47 – Challenges and Opportunities in Hybrid Roles
• 46:21 – Embracing the Founding Designer Mode
• 48:53 – Market Chaos and Its Impact
• 49:38 – Entrepreneurial Mindset in Large Organizations
• 54:58 – Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Followership

Helpful Links:

• Connect with Filippos on LinkedIn

• Designary.com

—

Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today’s episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today’s episode, why don’t you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email list. We won’t spam you. Pinky swear.

• ⁠⁠Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Support the show on Patreon⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Check out show transcripts⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Check out our website⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Subscribe on Spotify⁠

⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠

⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠Subscribe on Stitcher⁠

Tired of stressing over your UX portfolio? Discover smart ways to showcase your value clearly, even if you’re buried in NDAs or complex enterprise projects. Learn how to simplify your story, prioritize content strategically, and confidently communicate your UX expertise without falling into portfolio overwhelm.

How do you turn years of complicated UX work into a clear, concise story that hiring managers actually want to read?

This week, I welcome back Aneta Kmiecik, who has made it her mission to help mid-to-senior UX designers tackle the common nightmare of portfolio creation. Having transitioned from architecture to UX herself, she has a deep understanding of the challenges, especially when it comes to showcasing complex, NDA-heavy projects or navigating roles with less visually striking outcomes.

We explore practical strategies for creating concise, impactful portfolios without lengthy traditional case studies. She introduces the powerful concept of "project snapshots," a straightforward way to quickly and effectively highlight the core value and outcomes of your UX work. We discuss essential habits for proactively capturing your work as it occurs, rather than scrambling when you suddenly need to apply for a job.

If you’ve ever felt portfolio anxiety or struggled to clearly showcase your real UX value, tune in for actionable insights to transform your portfolio approach and confidently land your next role.

Topics:
• 02:42 The Stress of Creating Portfolios
• 02:57 Aneta’s Journey and Expertise
• 03:50 Actionable Advice for UX Portfolios
• 09:03 The Importance of Work Journals
• 14:24 Crafting Case Studies for Your Next Job
• 28:58 Common Mistakes in UX Portfolios
• 30:53 Common Portfolio Mistakes
• 31:57 Alternative Ways to Showcase Work
• 33:10 Creating Project Snapshots
• 38:27 Choosing the Right Platform
• 45:10 Final Thoughts and Advice

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Aneta on LinkedIn
• Follow Aneta on Instagram
• Aneta’s UX Portfolio Course

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Support our sponsors!

Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.

You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.

And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.

For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

Explore how psychology drives effective UX design. Learn practical methods for integrating psychological principles into your design process and gain insights into ethical considerations and storytelling techniques.

Why do some apps just "feel right," while others completely miss the mark?

Maybe psychology is the missing ingredient in your UX toolkit.

Today, I sit down with a UX veteran who has spent years decoding the hidden psychology behind successful design. My guest has crafted user experiences for powerhouse brands like Estée Lauder and Sleep Number, translating user psychology into multimillion-dollar successes. We discuss the critical psychological principles that UX designers often overlook—principles that separate the unforgettable from the easily ignored.

We explore why something as subtle as the direction of a model’s gaze can drastically change user behavior, how color psychology isn't just a theory but is measurable through rigorous A/B tests, and how storytelling shapes user engagement and stakeholder buy-in. We also offer practical advice for UX designers on ethically using psychological insights without descending into manipulative dark patterns.

If you've ever questioned why users behave as they do, or how you can leverage human psychology to create better designs, this episode will equip you with powerful insights and actionable techniques. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that could fundamentally change how you approach UX design.

Topics:

• 02:34 - The Importance of Psychology in UX Design

• 04:01 - Psychology in Design: Real-World Applications

• 05:20 - The Role of Color in UX Design

• 06:47 - Understanding User Behavior Through Testing

• 08:01 - Ethics in UX Design

• 09:33 - The Power of Storytelling in UX

• 17:10 - The Role of Faces and Eye Tracking in Design

• 23:06 - The Importance of Visual Design Principles

• 33:49 - Storytelling: A Fundamental Human Experience

• 40:13 - Book Review: Bending Reality

• 40:54 - Storytelling in UX Design

• 41:41 - Practical Applications of Storytelling at Work

• 42:36 - Effective Communication Strategies

• 45:13 - Psychology and Gender in the Workplace

• 50:23 - Ethical Implications in Design

Helpful Links:

• ⁠Connect with Mara on LinkedIn⁠

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Support our sponsors!

Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.

You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.

And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.

For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

Building a design system is the easy part—getting your team to adopt it is the real challenge. We dive into the hidden elements that make design systems truly successful.

What if the real blocker to your design system isn’t tooling or design, but trust?

This week, I talk with Justin Crews, a senior product designer with a background in film, systems thinking, and complex enterprise UX. We dig into what it actually takes to build design systems that people want to use, not just systems that look good in a pitch deck.

Justin shares hard-won lessons from his consulting and in-house roles, where he has helped scale multi-product systems. We discuss the mindset shift from dictating to documenting, and why building alignment across teams is more important than enforcing rules. One of my favorite insights: your design system isn’t a product—it’s a process.

If your components are collecting dust or you’ve hit a wall with adoption, this episode gives you the strategy and language to rethink what design systems are really for. Hit play and learn how to build systems people actually want to use.

Topics:
• 02:35 – The Challenge of Design System Adoption
• 04:39 – Understanding the Role of Design Systems
• 08:17 – When to Start Building a Design System
• 18:41 – Documenting vs. Dictating in Design Systems
• 24:58 – Managing Stakeholder Expectations
• 28:24 – Building a Design System from the Ground Up
• 40:13 – Building Team Adoption for New Tools
• 40:57 – Creating Designer-Friendly Components
• 41:47 – Championing and Showcasing the System
• 44:22 – Stakeholder Management and Engagement
• 46:42 – Measuring Success of Design Systems

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Justin on LinkedIn
• justinnn.com

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Support our sponsors!

Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.

You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.

And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.

For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

In this episode, I chat with Thomas Wilson, a veteran service designer, who challenges the conventional product-first approach in software and highlights the importance of broad, strategic thinking in design.Is the software industry focusing too much on products?

Thomas Wilson thinks we’re ignoring the value our core services bring.In this episode, I chat with Thomas Wilson, a seasoned design veteran with a deep understanding of human-centered UX. Thomas has some concerns with the way software is being designed and built right now, but it’s not all bad. There are some things we can do to ensure we build the right thing.It all starts with the concept of the “Iceberg of Ignorance,” revealing how only a fraction of organizational problems are known to top executives. This is a problem when the people at the top start making decisions without much insight into the actual problems. This ultimately leads to misguided product-level decisions.Thomas emphasizes the pitfalls of a product-first approach, by highlighting its limitations in addressing user needs and the broader scope of services. He critiques the trend of minimizing the role of design leaders in favor of product-driven strategies.His fix? Embracing the essential role of service design in creating comprehensive services and experiences. He argues for the integration of CX and Service Design into broader business strategies. This requires a shift from simple usability to a holistic service design approach. This is where true innovation and user satisfaction lie.Our discussion also explored the potential of designers in product management roles, where their human-centered expertise will greatly influence product development. Thomas addresses the challenges faced by UX professionals in current industry practices. He advocates for a more empowered and strategic role for service designers.These insights provide a fresh perspective on the role of design in shaping not just products, but entire service ecosystems. Thomas’s vision for a design-led approach to business strategy resonates with anyone passionate about creating meaningful user experiences.Topics:• 07:26 – Iceberg of Ignorance• 08:35 – We aren’t sharing from the bottom• 10:53 – What’s wrong with Product First?• 17:03 – What’s wrong with calling everything a product?• 19:01 – Usability is surface design• 22:21 – Focusing on product stops working when services span products• 26:17 – The service exists whether you design it or not• 28:48 – Service Designers zoom out and zoom in as needed• 30:03 – Designers would make great product managers• 31:25 – What’s wrong with players/coaches?• 39:24 – Things are broken, but how can we fix it?• 49:03 – CX vs UX• 58:56 – Understanding power and influence and stakeholder management

This week, Edward Chechique joins me to discuss rethinking design careers, ditching outdated career advice, and learning how to survive (and thrive) in 2025’s chaotic job market. We talk layoffs, AI, content creation, side hustles, and redefining what it means to be a UX pro today.

What if your job title doesn't define your career? What if your "career" wasn’t the point at all?

We were told that if we worked hard, got good at UX, and built a solid portfolio, we’d be fine. But in 2025, none of that seems to be working. In this episode, I sit down with Edward Chechique to talk about what happens when the traditional path to career success just… stops working.

Edward has been laid off, ghosted, and judged by hiring managers who didn’t get it. So he stopped waiting. He built his own path—from writing and content creation to launching products and teaching others how to use AI to work smarter. This isn’t a fairytale story about becoming a millionaire. It’s about regaining your agency and deciding what you want from your career.

If you're tired of trying to fit into boxes that never seemed to fit quite right, this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting for the industry to come save you—and start building a version of success that actually works for you.

Topics:
• 02:46 - Redefining Careers in Design
• 03:17 - Interview with Edward Chechique
• 04:59 - Edward's Journey in Design
• 09:10 - Navigating the Job Market
• 13:32 - Adapting and Diversifying Skills
• 16:24 - Entrepreneurial Mindset and Self-Employment
• 27:10 - Challenges and Realities of Self-Employment
• 30:38 - Entrepreneurial Upbringing vs. Traditional Employment
• 31:55 - Navigating Financial Uncertainty
• 33:33 - Saving Strategies and Lifestyle Choices
• 38:49 - Cultural Shifts and Economic Impact
• 41:42 - Closing Thoughts

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Edward on LinkedIn
• Watch Edward on YouTube
• Follow Edward on Medium

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Support our sponsors!

Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.

You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.

And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.

For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com