In this episode of The UX Consulting Lounge, host Kyle Soucy reconnects with long-time friend and UX veteran Christine Perfetti for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation about career reinvention, self-worth, and the power of authentic connection.

After decades of success in the UX world—most recently through her consultancy, Perfetti Media—Christine found herself at a professional and personal crossroads. Instead of staying the course, she decided to explore something new: a passion project called Lift Up Connections, where she brings women together in small cohorts to help them navigate career and life inflection points with clarity, intention, and support.

Kyle and Christine talk about:

• Why so many in the UX industry are questioning their career paths right now
• Christine’s journey from high-profile consulting work to launching Lift Up Connections
• The emotional challenges of tying self-worth to professional success
• How connection, vulnerability, and community have become central to Christine’s work
• The practical tools and exercises she uses to help women design their next chapters
• Balancing a passion project with ongoing consulting work—and what she’s learned from both

Whether you’re a UX consultant, an in-house practitioner, or someone wondering what’s next, this episode will speak to anyone craving more meaning, alignment, and joy in their work.

Connect with Us:

• Host: Kyle Soucy | Usable Interface 
• Guest: Christine Perfetti | Perfetti Media & Lift Up Connections 

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Christine's Maven Course - Reimagine and Grow Your Career: A Playbook for Designing Your Next Act
• Designing Your Life  by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
• The Big Leap  by Gay Hendricks
• The Let Them Theory  by Mel Robbins
• So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love  by Cal Newport
• How Kyle uses collaging in UX research:
  • Article on Smashing Magazine 
  • Convey UX talk 

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!