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

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠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

Understanding organizations

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 1 episodes

The AI-powered Podcast Player