In this insightful episode of Pixelated Path, Chris Abad chats with Beril Maples about her unconventional journey from aspiring to be an architect to leading UX teams at top tech firms like Salesforce and Google. Beril shares her experiences of facing tech layoffs, transitioning between industries, and moving from individual contributor roles to management. Her candid advice on resilience, negotiation, and maintaining design quality amidst constraints provides invaluable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned UX professionals. Tune in for a story of growth, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change in a dynamic job market.

00:00 Introduction to Beril's Journey

00:53 Early Inspirations and Architectural Beginnings

01:44 Transition to Technology and UX

04:54 Skills and Resilience in UX

13:23 Navigating Career Challenges and Layoffs

22:17 Visa Challenges and Career Decisions

24:39 Transition to Management at Salesforce

30:52 Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help

31:36 Tips for Early Career Struggles

33:07 Balancing Design Purity and Business Needs

35:53 Navigating UX Constraints and Collaboration

39:50 Transitioning Between Industries

42:15 Advice for Shifting Career Paths

46:03 Crafting a Standout Resume and Portfolio

49:45 Differences Between Senior Manager and Director Roles

52:32 Mentoring and Team Management Insights

55:16 Handling Layoffs and Career Uncertainty

01:00:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect