Deep Thoughts With Michelle Handy

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Teams are shrinking, AI tools are multiplying, and suddenly, it feels like anyone can call themselves a researcher. But what gets lost when businesses over-automate the human side of insight? And how do real researchers stay valuable in a world that’s moving this fast?

In this episode of Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy, I sit down with Adam Paton Stanley-Smith, CEO and co-founder of an AI research startup, to unpack the real risks and opportunities of this moment. Adam’s journey from the US Marine Corps to research tech gives him a unique vantage point on what companies get wrong—and how to get it right—when integrating AI into their insights practice.

Episode Highlights

• The Changing Role of the Researcher: How AI is empowering more teams to reach the voice of the customer, and what that means for traditional research roles
• Risks of Over-Automation: Stories of companies that cut research teams in favor of AI and suffered the consequences
• Research as Strategy, Not a Deck: Why actionable insights require context, critical thinking, and storytelling
• The Human Edge in an AI Era: How researchers can stay indispensable by moving from analyst to strategist
• Career Resilience in a Shifting Industry: Navigating layoffs, new tools, and the push toward cross-functional, flexible roles

About Adam Paton Stanley-Smith

Adam is the CEO and co-founder of Meaningful, a startup helping organizations quickly analyze and act on qualitative data. His unconventional career spans military service, geopolitical risk, and research tech entrepreneurship, giving him a rare perspective on how AI can support (but never fully replace) human insight.

Resources Mentioned

• https://www.meaningful.app/
• Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas Stokes, UX research thought leader and co-founder of Drillbit Labs consultancy.

Together, we explore the state of AI adoption in UX research today—from the hype in job postings to the real, uneven use on teams—and how practitioners and leaders can take a more principled, intentional approach.

We also dig into quantifying UX impact (even when metrics are elusive), evolving career paths in a changing market, and practical, mindset-shifting ways researchers can prepare for an uncertain but opportunity-rich future.

Episode Highlights

• Meta-Research on UX Trends: How Thomas and Drillbit Labs analyze job postings and industry signals to uncover emerging practices and gaps in AI adoption.
• The Paired Framework: Drillbit Labs' principles for AI integration (Principled, Accountable, Initiated, Reviewed, Enabled, Documented) designed to help teams use AI intentionally, ethically, and securely.
• Best Practices for Researchers: Concrete tips like using “articulate antagonist” prompts to avoid sycophantic AI outputs and foster critical thinking.
• Measuring Impact and ROI: How researchers can think about quantifying their influence, even without direct business metrics, and Thomas’s approach to making ROI calculations accessible.
• Future of UX Research Careers: Navigating uncertainty in a changing job market, the possible shift in researcher-to-designer ratios, and the enduring need to understand human interaction with technology.
• Career Development Advice: Thomas’s three-pronged approach to skill-building: Know what interests you, observe what’s in demand, and learn through informal mentorship.

About Thomas Stokes

Thomas is the co-founder of Drillbit Labs, where he and Lawton Pybus help clients make research-led decisions about digital strategy and share their investigations into the UX research field itself, from AI integration trends to advanced methods for demonstrating research impact.

Connect with Thomas Stokes

• LinkedIn: Thomas Stokes
• Newsletter: Depth by Drillbit Labs
• Website: Drillbit Labs

Resources

• How AI is Changing User Research Jobs  
• Use of AI in UX 
• Bad Research Doesn't Stink 
• Research Impact Framework 
• Calculate ROI for UX Research 
• Return to Generalist 

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

What happens when you've spent over two decades in UX research—witnessing everything from eye-tracking rigs strapped to foreheads to today’s AI-powered research tools?

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Cawthon, founder of Gauge and a true OG of the UX world. Nick has worked with some of the most innovative companies on earth, taught data narratives at the California College of the Arts, and spoken at Google, Stanford, and NYU. His vantage point is rare: he’s lived the transformation of UX from its messy beginnings to a discipline that’s now grappling with the promises (and perils) of AI.

Together, we explore not just how UX research has changed, but what’s at stake as the field faces layoffs, AI hype, and questions about its human core. This episode is a deep dive on why staying connected to real people—and asking the right questions—still matters more than ever.

Episode Highlights

• From Subjective Art to Systematic Discipline: Nick explains how UX moved from design as personal expression to a research-driven, standardized practice—and why that shift was essential for business impact.
• The AI Elephant in the Room: Nick reflects on how AI is changing UX research, from building searchable repositories to threatening the human connections that drive real insights. Why we need to be critical, but also learn to use these tools wisely.
• Risks of Over-Reliance on AI: A frank discussion about the industry's push to replace real conversations with synthetic users—and why that’s a mistake that threatens strategy and product outcomes.
• Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry: Advice for researchers on cultivating curiosity, flexibility, and an openness to new tools—without losing sight of foundational humanist skills.
• CX vs. UX: What's the Difference?: Nick clarifies the distinction between customer experience and user experience, and why both matter for delivering meaningful products and services.
• Adapting to Industry Change: We discuss the current job market, the importance of networking in a world of algorithmic hiring, and why human connection is more critical than ever.

About Nick Cawthon

Nick Cawthon is the founder of Gauge, a consultancy that helps companies de-risk their product development through a human-centered research approach. He has over 20 years of experience in UX, has taught in California College of the Arts’ MBA program, and has been a featured speaker at Google, Stanford, NYU, and more. He’s passionate about reframing research work from selling services to delivering real business outcomes.

Resources Mentioned

• Dead on Arrival Framework 
• Just Enough Research by Erica Hall

Connect with Nick Cawthon

• LinkedIn: Nick Cawthon

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

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Before Season 2 launches this fall, I’m planning something a little different: a special Q&A episode.
And I’d love to include your voice in it.

If you’ve ever had a question about:
 – Perfectionism or impostor syndrome
 – Being the only behavioral scientist on your team
 – Career transitions, whether you’re leaving academia or just feeling stuck
 – Or even how to make behavioral science land in the real world...

Now’s your chance to ask. I’ll be answering your questions and reflecting on what I’ve learned this season—plus giving a little preview of what’s ahead.

To submit a question:
 Just DM me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected].
 You can write it out or even send me a voice memo if you want to be featured.
 Deadline is June 6th!

Support the show

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

What makes a space feel right? Why do certain environments help us thrive while others drain our energy? And how does our intuition—not just logic—guide us in career transitions?

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Beams, founder of Highstone & Co., to explore the psychology of home design, career decision-making, and the courage to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Stephanie started her career in New York’s fashion industry before following her intuition into interior design and launching her own business. Now, she helps people create spaces that support well-being, productivity, and creativity—using insights from psychology, neuroscience, and nature.

We dive deep into:
🔹 How to know when it’s time to make a career pivot—and how to overcome fear
🔹 Why successful entrepreneurs rely on intuition as much as strategy
🔹 The science of Neuroaesthetics—how spaces affect our brains, stress levels, and focus
🔹 Why natural elements like plants, textures, and light can transform a home (and a mindset)
🔹 Practical design tips for anyone feeling uninspired in their space
🔹 Lessons from entrepreneurship—biggest wins, failures, and what Stephanie would do differently

Key Takeaways:

✨ Great design is psychological – It’s not just about looks; it’s about how a space makes you feel.
✨ Your environment shapes your productivity – Small changes can dramatically shift your energy, creativity, and mindset.
✨ Taking the leap isn’t as scary as it seems – If you’re considering a major career pivot, Stephanie’s journey is proof that intuition and calculated risk can go hand in hand.

About Stephanie Beams:
Stephanie is the founder of Highstone & Co., where she designs consciously curated interiors that enhance well-being. Her background in fashion, psychology, and Neuroaesthetics gives her a unique perspective on how people connect with spaces. When she’s not designing, she runs a boutique farm with her family in Orange County, NY—bringing nature’s principles into her work and lifestyle.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book Recommendation: Beauty, Neuroscience & Architecture: Timeless Patterns & Their Impact on Our Well-Being - Donald H. Ruggles, AIA

Connect with Stephanie:

🔗 Instagram: Highstone & Co
🔗 Portfolio and website: Highstoneandco.com 

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

What does it mean to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Smallman, founder and CEO of Working Voices, whose decades of work with global organizations (JP Morgan, Sony, Barclays, Goldman Sachs) has focused on improving leadership, communication, and engagement in times of profound change.

Now, he’s turning his attention to the individual. His forthcoming project, The Sustainable Human, is a training program designed to help people reclaim their agency, humanity, and purpose in the face of accelerating tech and cultural shifts. Together, we explore how we can thrive—not just survive—as the lines between human and machine get blurrier.

Episode Highlights

• The Sustainable Human: Nick dives into his newest project, a training program that gives people the essential skills that they need to boost confidence and improve relationships in a fast-changing world.
• Mission-Critical Soft Skills: Why empathy, creativity, and adaptability are essential in an AI-driven world.
• The Risks of Transhumanism: How to avoid a dystopian future and keep technology in service of humanity.
• Thought Experiments for the Future: Envisioning the risks of over-reliance on technology and creating a better path forward.

About Nick Smallman
Nick Smallman is the founder of Working Voices, where he’s spent 25+ years training leaders in communication, inclusion, and engagement. His new initiative, The Sustainable Human, is a call to action—for people to reconnect with their values, with others, and with what makes them uniquely human.

Resources Mentioned

• The Sustainable Human (Nick Smallman’s forthcoming program)
• How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkemam
• Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Connect with Nick Smallman

• LinkedIn: Nick Smallman

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

Gamification isn’t just about badges and points—it’s about designing systems that make difficult behaviors feel doable, even fun. In this episode of Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy, we’re joined by Dr. Jacqui Nortje, a behavioral scientist and gamification expert based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over a decade of experience in South Africa’s wellness and financial services industries, Jacqui blends academic rigor and real-world product design to explore how we can build systems that drive meaningful and sustainable behavior change.

From understanding motivation to reframing goals to self-experimentation with exercise and sugar habits, this episode is packed with insights for anyone working in behavior change, digital health, or simply trying to build better habits themselves.

Episode Highlights

• Gamification Demystified: What it really means (hint: it’s not just about “fun”) and why effective gamification design centers on motivation and human needs.
• Framing Goals to Match Readiness: Why performance goals can backfire too early, and how Jacqui’s PhD research reveals the power of learning and hybrid-framed goals.
• Designing for Real Life: How stress, seasonality, and shifting routines derail good habits—and how games can help people get back on track.
• Motivation on a Spectrum: What self-determination theory teaches us about moving from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation—and what product teams often miss.
• When Gamification Fails: Why point systems and leaderboards often fall short, and what to do instead.
• Self-Gamification in Practice: Jacqui shares personal experiments with home workouts and sugar reduction—and what she learned when her goals succeeded (and when they didn’t).

Why You Should Listen
If you're designing a health or fitness product, leading a behavior change initiative, or simply trying to build a better habit system for yourself—this episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink what makes motivation stick. Jacqui blends science, strategy, and humanity in a way that’s refreshingly real.

Connect with Dr. Jacqui Nortje

• LinkedIn 
• Substack: Long-form reflections on gamification, habits, and behavior change
  
  

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

In this episode of Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy, we explore what it means to build truly intergenerational workplaces with Dr. Daniel Jolles, a Workplace Behavioral Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at The Inclusion Initiative at the London School of Economics. Daniel’s research focuses on workplace aging, generational collaboration, and how to rethink career longevity in an era of rapid technological and societal change. Together, we dive into how age diversity can become a source of strength—not stigma—and what individuals and organizations can do to prepare for longer, more fulfilling careers.

Episode Highlights

• From Multigenerational to Intergenerational: Why representation alone isn’t enough—collaboration is key.
• The Real Cost of Ageism: How stereotypes harm both younger and older workers—and what’s lost when we buy into them.
• Redefining “Good Work” Across the Lifespan: Autonomy, flexibility, and meaning as pillars of sustainable work.
• AI and Age: Why older professionals’ judgment and soft skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven world.
• Career Longevity and Retirement: How to design a meaningful life beyond full-time work—and why planning should start early.

Key Insights

• Age diversity fosters productivity, creativity, and better decision-making—especially in project teams with inclusive behaviors.
• Generational stereotypes (e.g., “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or “Gen Z is entitled”) persist despite evidence to the contrary.
• Age and seniority are not the same—organizations must decouple age from leadership status to unlock expertise at all levels.
• Planning for retirement isn’t just about finances—it’s about social connection, identity, and continued purpose.
• Passion doesn’t have to be monetized. Sometimes, being “a bit crap at it” is exactly the point.

About Dr. Daniel Jolles
Daniel Jolles, PhD, is a Workplace Behavioral Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher at The Inclusion Initiative at LSE. His work focuses on career sustainability, age-inclusive cultures, and the behavioral science of intergenerational teams. He leads research through the Generations Hub, advancing inclusion and productivity in the workplace.

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

Social health is just as essential as physical and mental health—so why do we often neglect it? In this episode, Dr. Iain Smith joins Michelle Handy to explore the science of social connection and its impact on well-being, longevity, and workplace culture. As the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, Dr. Smith has spent years studying how relationships shape our lives and how we can create healthier, more connected workplaces and communities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What is social health? Understanding the biopsychosocial model of health
•  The science of connection: How social relationships reduce stress, boost immunity, and increase lifespan
•  Why social health is undervalued compared to physical and mental health
•  The loneliness epidemic and its effects on different generations
•  The role of workplace culture in fostering meaningful human connection
•  Barriers to connection in today’s fast-paced, digital world
•  Practical tips for improving social health—even for busy professionals and remote workers

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress. Research shows that strong relationships help mediate stress and promote better mental and physical health.
• The quality of relationships matters more than quantity. While digital tools make it easier than ever to stay connected, many people report dissatisfaction with the depth of their interactions.
• The workplace plays a critical role in social well-being. Organizations that prioritize trust, communication, and genuine relationships see stronger team performance, resilience, and engagement.
• Small changes make a big difference. Just adding one or two extra social interactions per week can reduce extreme loneliness by 50%.

One Action Step You Can Take Today

• Send a voice note to a friend or colleague! Instead of a text, send a short voice message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Hearing your voice makes the interaction more personal, meaningful, and engaging.

More About Our Guest

• Dr. Iain Smith is a behavioral scientist focused on improving workplace well-being through social health. As the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, he has led groundbreaking research on fostering connection in modern work environments. His work has been featured in The Independent, Management Today, and he has spoken at Google Cloud, Volkswagen, and Shell.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Sunny & their upcoming app: gosunny.org
•  Read Sunny’s Workplace Social Health Report: Social Connection in the Modern World Report
•  Follow Sunny on LinkedIn: Sunny on LinkedIn 

 Books mentioned in this episode:

• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals – Oliver Burkeman
• The

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.

Send a text

In this episode, we explore what it means to leave academia and build a fulfilling career outside the ivory tower. Ashley Ruba, PhD, shares her journey from developmental psychology to UX research at Meta and entrepreneurship, founding After Academia to help PhDs navigate their own transitions. From overcoming identity challenges to discovering exciting opportunities in industry, Ashley’s insights are invaluable for anyone considering life beyond tenure.

Episode Highlights

• The challenges of leaving academia and redefining identity
• Practical advice for starting a career transition
• Exciting roles and industries suited for PhDs beyond UX
• Building After Academia and lessons from entrepreneurship
• Navigating career shifts as a neurodivergent professional
• The importance of design thinking in shaping a fulfilling career

About Ashley Ruba

• Ashley Ruba, PhD, is a UX researcher, entrepreneur, and founder of After Academia, a program dedicated to helping PhDs build fulfilling careers outside academia. After leaving her own academic career, Ashley turned her experience into a thriving business, landing over 50 job offers for her clients and empowering countless professionals to find balance, purpose, and stability. She has also worked as a human factors engineer, content strategist, and startup consultant.

Resources Mentioned

• After Academia website: www.ashleyruba.com
• TED Talk: Do schools kill creativity? By Sir Ken Robinson
• The Future of Jobs Report 2025 World Economic Forum

Connect with Ashley

• LinkedIn: Ashley Ruba’s Profile
•  www.ashleyruba.com

Get in Touch

Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.