The User Research Strategist: UXR | Impact | Career

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Petra Kubalcik is an accomplished user research professional with over two decades of international experience. Originating from Australia, she has honed her research skills across Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, Czech Republic, and most recently, Germany. Petra has led research teams at Dyson, Cookpad and currently serves as Head of User Research at Omio. She is a champion of user-centricity, ensuring that user perspectives remain central to strategy, innovation and development. Petra has personally conducted research in over 40 countries, bringing a global perspective to her work. Outside of her professional endeavors, she is dedicated to volunteering, sailing, woodworking and supporting the Wallabies.In our conversation, we discuss:* Why continuous discovery is often misunderstood and how separating continuous from discovery can clarify your goals.* What makes a strong foundation for setting up a continuous discovery program, including the importance of stakeholder goals and UX maturity.* How to design effective cadences and role-sharing models depending on whether you’re doing discovery or continuous touchpoints.* The artifacts and outputs that make these programs sustainable and useful, from pathway playbooks to Miro boards.* Red flags that indicate you shouldn’t implement continuous discovery and what to do instead.Some takeaways:* Continuous discovery is not always discovery. Petra emphasizes that many stakeholders use the term continuous discovery when they really mean frequent customer touchpoints. Researchers need to clarify whether the goal is to explore new insights (discovery) or simply maintain regular user input and adjust the program accordingly.* Start with a crystal-clear ‘why.’ Without a well-defined reason for starting continuous discovery, the effort can quickly become unsustainable or directionless. Petra urges researchers to treat these programs like any other research project: define the objective, understand stakeholder needs, and forecast what success looks like. Your “why” will be your compass when things get difficult.* Programs must match UX maturity and resources. Continuous discovery isn’t right for every organization. Petra warns against starting these programs in low-maturity teams with limited resources, unclear goals, or minimal stakeholder buy-in. If you’re fighting at every step, you risk burnout and low-impact work.* Cadence and involvement should flex by context. A one-size-fits-all cadence doesn’t work. For light-touch programs with PMs or designers leading sessions, weekly or biweekly cadences might work. For true discovery efforts, a slower pace is essential to allow for iteration, depth, and evolution in the research plan.* Build reusable frameworks and artifacts to lighten the load. To scale continuous discovery, Petra recommends investing in repeatable templates such as objective-setting docs, note-taking guides, playbooks, and pre-aligned outputs. For example, a “pathway playbook” outlines flows users will walk through and provides a structured format for collecting and analyzing data. These tools ensure quality while keeping researchers sane.Where to find Petra:* LinkedInInterested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Javier Bargas, a User Experience Research Director with over 20 years of experience, shares his expertise on integrating strategic and tactical insights in UX research. He emphasizes that insights, not methods, determine the impact of research. Javier advocates for a fluid approach that embraces both types of research to enhance product development. He discusses how to deliver actionable insights and earn a seat in high-level discussions, encouraging researchers to broaden their toolkit for deeper user understanding.

Camila Borja is a User Research expert with almost 15 years of experience, driving insights for companies like Zalando, SumUp, and Itaú. She leads strategic projects, trains teams in research methods, and has worked with global brands such as J&J, Sanofi, and Disney. With a degree in Public Relations and Public Opinion, Camila is a dedicated problem-solver who bridges research and business to deliver impactful results.In our conversation, we discuss:* What “research theater” really means and how it undermines the value of user insights across organizations.* The risks of continuous discovery becoming a buzzword-driven process with little depth or direction.* The internal conflict researchers face when stakeholders ask to bury insights that don’t fit the roadmap.* Why junior researchers are especially vulnerable to being pulled into performative work and how to protect against it.* How senior researchers can shift into a more strategic role by partnering with stakeholders and driving conversations, not just insights.Some takeaways:* Research theater can distort data and erode trust. Camila explains that research theatre often arises when teams mimic the motions of good research without actually delivering depth or insight. Whether it’s cherry-picked data, rushed usability tests, or stakeholder-directed outcomes, the result is the same: decisions based on illusion rather than reality. The impact is compounded because it corrupts the foundation, the data. that other decisions rely on.* Continuous discovery needs rigor, not just speed. While continuous discovery can be powerful, Camila argues that it often turns into a performance, such as 30-minute calls each week with no clear direction, biased questions, and very little impact. Without intention and structure, these rituals drain researcher time and produce low-value outcomes, threatening the credibility of the practice.* Junior researchers are often set up to perform, not investigate. Early-career researchers can easily be pulled into validation work or asked to execute a process without context. They may lack the confidence or experience to challenge requests. Study the foundational theory, ask why relentlessly, and avoid blindly accepting stakeholder requests that don’t serve users.* To escape the theatrics, researchers must become business partners. Senior researchers should step beyond insight delivery and into the role of strategic advisors. That means building relationships, staying close to decisions, and understanding stakeholder motivations. Camila urges researchers to ask what’s driving decisions and find the middle ground between user needs and business realities.* Avoiding theater always starts with asking “why?” Whether it’s a stakeholder request for a marketplace feature or a directive to skip over certain findings, researchers must stay curious. Asking why isn’t just for participants, it’s also for ourselves and our teams. This curiosity is what transforms research from performance into progress.Where to find Camila:* Dicas da Camila Youtube* LinkedIn* MediumInterested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Lucia is a Senior User Researcher and Program Manager at Haigo, a design agency in Paris. Over the past six years, she has worked with clients across industries like healthcare, aviation, banking, insurance, and culture, helping them build user-centered products and services.She has also taught user research to university students and professionals through Haigo’s applied programs.Some of her favorite projects include:* Leading research on accessibility needs for people with cognitive disabilities, enabling an insurance company to create better services.* Improving passenger information for the Parisian metro.* Enhancing professional software for a data company in aviation.* Designing services for a pharmaceutical company to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses.Lucia is passionate about leveraging design and research to create impactful, inclusive, and user-friendly solutions.In our conversation, we discuss:* The dynamic nature of agency work, balancing multiple projects across different industries and the skill of switching contexts effectively.* Navigating new industries as a researcher, embracing the learning curve, and using an outsider perspective as an advantage.* Building strong client relationships, moving beyond a transactional role to becoming a trusted partner in their process.* Handling pushback from clients, especially when they come with predetermined research methods that may not be effective.* Presenting research insights effectively, tailoring the messaging to different audiences, from core teams to high-level stakeholders.Some takeaways:* Starting in a new industry can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with highly technical fields like aviation or healthcare. However, taking time to talk to experts, ask naive questions, and connect the dots gradually builds confidence. Researchers should embrace the learning process and leverage their outsider perspective to surface fresh insights.* Rather than maintaining a client-supplier relationship, agency researchers should integrate themselves into teams, aligning with their goals and challenges. Simple efforts like attending office days, informal coffee chats, and showing genuine interest in their work help foster trust. When clients view researchers as partners, they are more likely to value and act on insights.* When clients insist on specific research methods (like surveys), the key is to understand their underlying goals first. Instead of outright rejection, engage them in a conversation about what they hope to achieve, then suggest alternative approaches that could yield better results. Providing case studies and demonstrating past successes helps build credibility and guide them toward the right methods.* A single research report won’t work for everyone—stakeholders have different priorities and time constraints. Weekly check-ins keep core teams engaged, while high-level stakeholders need concise, action-driven summaries. Pairing qualitative insights with relevant data points enhances credibility, ensuring findings resonate with decision-makers.* The best way to ensure research is taken seriously is by maintaining clear methodologies, well-organized deliverables, and a strong narrative. High-quality reports and structured presentations give research the weight it deserves. Making insights easy to digest—through visuals, summaries, and strategic framing—helps organizations act on research more effectively.Where to find Lucia:* LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-rubio-caballerosInterested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Discover how continuous discovery reshapes user research as an operational framework, essential for fast-paced product growth. Explore the balance between rapid data collection and deep insights, utilizing structured processes for increased confidence. Learn the importance of meeting research participants where they are to gather richer feedback. The discussion emphasizes the value of intentional research to enhance collaboration within teams and effectively scale research practices across diverse demographics, making insights actionable and sustainable.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Kamila has a background in Anthropology and Human Ethology, which has always fueled her curiosity about people and their behaviors. However, she started my career in management consulting at KPMG but quickly realized how much she missed research. That’s when she discovered user research and knew it was the perfect fit for her. She joined a software company, Avast, where she worked her way up, learning the ins and outs of the field. After the tech industry faced a wave of layoffs, she took the leap into freelancing. Since then, she has worked with both small teams and large corporations, building a network of clients that keeps me inspired and engaged.Research isn't just work for her—it's what keeps her curious and motivated every day. And when she isn’t researching or chatting about it, you probably (won’t) find her getting lost in the mountains or exploring remote landscapes.In our conversation, we discuss:* How Kamila moved from an in-house user research role to freelancing and the key factors in making that decision.* Why freelancing is more than just research—covering project management, finances, marketing, and self-discipline.* How to frame your experience in a way that resonates with business-minded clients and attracts the right opportunities.* Understanding pricing models (hourly, project-based, day rate) and how to ensure your work is financially sustainable.* The importance of networking, proactive outreach, and leveraging word-of-mouth to build a steady pipeline of work.Some takeaways:* Freelancing is not just about research; it’s a business. Becoming a freelance user researcher means wearing multiple hats—project manager, salesperson, accountant, and marketer. Success depends on mastering these additional skills, not just research expertise, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with being your own boss. Structuring your time and processes efficiently is just as crucial as delivering high-quality research work.* Confidence and stakeholder management are essential skills. One of the biggest differences between in-house and freelance work is the ability to push back on requests, frame research in business terms, and advocate for the right methods. New freelancers should be prepared to confidently lead discussions with clients, translating research findings into language that executives and product teams understand. Without strong stakeholder management, freelance researchers risk being seen as order-takers rather than strategic partners.* Your portfolio should highlight business impact, not just research methods. Potential clients care less about research techniques and more about measurable outcomes. A strong portfolio should emphasize how research influenced revenue, engagement, or decision-making rather than detailing methodologies. Tailoring case studies to align with each potential client’s industry and specific challenges will significantly increase the chances of securing work.* Pricing correctly prevents burnout. When setting freelance rates, account for more than just living expenses—consider taxes, health insurance, vacation time, and unpaid work (such as admin and sales). Many new freelancers undercharge and struggle financially as a result, leading to overwork and stress. Planning for financial sustainability early on ensures long-term success and allows for flexibility when taking on projects.* Finding work requires proactive outreach. Clients don’t magically appear, and waiting for inbound inquiries is rarely a reliable strategy, especially at the beginning. Successful freelancers attend networking events, directly reach out to potential clients, and sometimes offer small audits or heuristic evaluations to showcase value. A consistent effort in building relationships and demonstrating expertise often leads to referrals, which can become the most stable source of income over time.Where to find Kamila:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamila-boudova-ux/* ADP List: https://adplist.org/mentors/kamila-boudovaThe Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think biggerYou know your craft. You’ve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. You’re ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, let’s be honest, that’s not always easy.That’s where the Impact Membership comes in.This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. It’s a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:* Turn research into influence – Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.* Break out of the research silo – Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve – Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.Why join now?* You don’t have to figure this out alone – Every member is carefully selected, so you’re learning alongside people who truly get it.* Get real value, fast – No fluff, no generic advice—just focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.* Make it work for you – Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, there’s no pressure—just a space designed for impact without overwhelm.Membership fee: £627/year or £171/quarterThis isn’t just about keeping the lights on. Your membership funds exclusive research initiatives, high-caliber events, guest speakers, and a space that actually pushes the field forward.Spots are limited because we keep this community tight-knit and high-value. If you’re ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, we’d love to have you.Interested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Check out my UXR AI prompt library, designed to help you become more efficient and effective as a user researcher!Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Anne-Charlotte Triple is a Senior UX Researcher at Payfit, a leading HR and payroll software company. After spending 10 years conducting research in humanitarian aid across conflict zones, she made the switch to tech during her pregnancy. With a PhD in sociology and experience working with organizations like UNICEF and the World Bank, she first joined LiveMentor, an EdTech platform helping entrepreneurs develop their business, before moving to Payfit.What makes her story interesting is how she's adapted her research skills from crisis zones to tech products, while maintaining the same core focus: understanding human needs to create meaningful impact. She's also become quite the AI enthusiast — though she'll be the first to tell you why human insight still matters most.In our conversation, we discuss:* Anne Charlotte shares her journey from academia and humanitarian work to UX research in tech, highlighting the transferable skills and challenges in the transition.* Despite technological advancements, fundamental research methods remain constant, while tools have evolved to increase efficiency and accuracy.* Adaptability is crucial for user researchers, but it must be applied strategically to ensure meaningful impact without being overwhelmed.* AI offers opportunities to streamline time-consuming tasks, but it requires careful use to maintain research rigor and avoid misinformation.* Building strong relationships and adapting communication styles to different teams help ensure research findings drive actionable business decisions.Interested in diving into using AI in your research to make you more efficient and effective (and to help you focus on the good parts of UXR)? Check out my AI prompt library. Some takeaways:* Successful researchers don’t just adapt to changes—they do so strategically. Start with small experiments, learn what works, and gradually scale. Whether it’s new methodologies, tools, or team dynamics, staying flexible while maintaining a clear focus ensures long-term success.* While AI can automate transcription and data synthesis, it’s crucial to cross-check insights manually to maintain accuracy and depth. Researchers should use AI to free up time for deeper analysis, rather than relying on it for interpreting complex human behaviors.* Understanding how different teams consume information—whether they prefer reports, quick summaries, or visuals—is essential. Tailoring research outputs to their needs ensures that insights are actionable and drive real business value.* Researchers should avoid the trap of constantly seeking new tools. Instead, focus on mastering a few that truly improve workflow efficiency, such as AI for transcription and synthesis, while maintaining a hands-on approach to interpretation.* Rather than trying to collaborate with everyone, focus on building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders. Regular check-ins, early involvement in research projects, and aligning research goals with business priorities foster trust and greater impact.Where to find Anne-Charlotte:* LinkedInThe Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think biggerYou know your craft. You’ve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. You’re ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, let’s be honest, that’s not always easy.That’s where the Impact Membership comes in.This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. It’s a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:* Turn research into influence – Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.* Break out of the research silo – Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve – Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.Why join now?* You don’t have to figure this out alone – Every member is carefully selected, so you’re learning alongside people who truly get it.* Get real value, fast – No fluff, no generic advice—just focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.* Make it work for you – Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, there’s no pressure—just a space designed for impact without overwhelm.Membership fee: £627/year or £171/quarterThis isn’t just about keeping the lights on. Your membership funds exclusive research initiatives, high-caliber events, guest speakers, and a space that actually pushes the field forward.Spots are limited because we keep this community tight-knit and high-value. If you’re ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, we’d love to have you.Interested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Maureen is an accomplished User Researcher & Service Designer with 7 years of industry experience across diverse fields. Her design & research efforts support decision-making in highly technical problem spaces, ranging from global health policy-making, local economics, and most recently, product design for enterprise software for Commercial Property Insurance provider, FM Global. Maureen utilizes expertise in data visualization to craft clear, compelling storytelling for designers through to Senior leadership. In addition to her product work, she’s also a mentor and leader, working 1:1 with aspiring UX Researchers through ADPList, and collaborating directly with Senior management to develop training initiatives and resources for FM Global’s 40-person UX organization.In our conversation, we discuss:* Understanding how low-maturity organizations hire UX professionals but struggle with integration and decision-making.* The importance of adopting a challenge mindset to overcome organizational constraints and thrive despite them.* Building deeper relationships with stakeholders by understanding their goals and positioning yourself as a valuable partner.* How to create opportunities for career advancement by focusing on high-impact work and identifying organizational needs.* Effective strategies for presenting research and feedback in a way that fosters collaboration and reduces defensiveness.Some takeaways:* Recognizing where your organization falls on UX maturity scales (such as Nielsen Norman’s model) helps in setting realistic expectations and strategies. It’s essential to acknowledge that a low-maturity organization is not a reflection of your skills but rather an environmental challenge to navigate.* Embracing a challenge mindset, rather than a threat response, helps researchers see constraints as opportunities for innovation. Viewing colleagues as allies rather than obstacles fosters more productive relationships and enables better advocacy for user research.* Just as researchers advocate for user empathy, they should extend that same empathy to stakeholders. Understanding their business goals and collaborating rather than competing fosters trust and mutual success.* In low-maturity environments, career growth isn’t always linear. Researchers should proactively seek high-value work, propose solutions to persistent challenges, and align their work with business priorities to demonstrate impact.* When working with resistant stakeholders, depersonalizing feedback using structured formats (like user requirements documents) helps focus discussions on problem-solving rather than blame, creating a more collaborative environment.Where to find Maureen:* Website* LinkedInThe Impact Membership : A space for user researchers who think biggerYou know your craft. You’ve run the studies, delivered the insights, and seen what happens when research is ignored. You’re ready to go beyond execution and start making real strategic impact but, let’s be honest, that’s not always easy.That’s where the Impact Membership comes in.This is not another free Slack group or a place to swap survey templates. It’s a curated community for mid-to-senior user researchers who want to:* Turn research into influence – Get insights to stick, shape product and business strategy, and gain real buy-in.* Break out of the research silo – Learn from peers facing the same challenges and work through them together.* Stay sharp and ahead of the curve – Dive deep into advanced research strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.Why join now?* You don’t have to figure this out alone – Every member is carefully selected, so you’re learning alongside people who truly get it.* Get real value, fast – No fluff, no generic advice—just focused conversations, expert-led sessions, and practical guidance you can use right away.* Make it work for you – Whether you want to participate actively or learn at your own pace, there’s no pressure—just a space designed for impact without overwhelm.Membership fee: £627/year or £171/quarterThis isn’t just about keeping the lights on. Your membership funds exclusive research initiatives, high-caliber events, guest speakers, and a space that actually pushes the field forward.Spots are limited because we keep this community tight-knit and high-value. If you’re ready to step up and drive meaningful change through research, we’d love to have you.Interested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Check out my UXR AI prompt library, designed to help you become more efficient and effective as a user researcher!Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Jorge Arango is an information architect, author, and educator. For the past three decades, he has used architectural thinking to bring clarity and direction to digital projects for clients ranging from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. He’s the author of Duly Noted: Extend Your Mind Through Connected Notes, Living in Information: Responsible Design for Digital Places, co-author of Information Architecture: for the Web and Beyond, and host of The Informed Life podcast. Besides consulting, writing, and podcasting, Jorge also teaches in the graduate interaction design program at the California College of the Arts.In our conversation, we discuss:* How AI is becoming a transformational technology for UX design, akin to the emergence of the web decades ago.* The limitations of AI, emphasizing its role in augmenting human work rather than replacing it.* Jorge’s experiences with AI in both the research phase and content taxonomy applications for information architecture.* Tips for understanding and integrating AI tools into UX workflows, moving beyond chat-based interfaces like ChatGPT.* The importance of approaching AI with curiosity and seeing it as a way to enhance, rather than disrupt, traditional workflows.Jorge recently released a self-driven course for folks wanting to learn about information architecture.Some takeaways:* AI tools are best used to enhance human efficiency, allowing professionals to perform tasks at greater scale and speed. For instance, large website analysis becomes more feasible with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques, enabling quicker insights without compromising accuracy.* Not all AI tools are suitable for every UX process. Effective use requires tailoring tools to specific phases, such as research or content taxonomy, and understanding their strengths and limitations, like context window sizes or text-based limitations.* AI’s potential is often misunderstood due to hype or fear. Developing a hands-on relationship with AI tools dispels misconceptions, revealing their actual capabilities and boundaries, such as their reliance on user input for quality output.* Rather than delegating entire tasks to AI, think of it as a collaborative editor. Prompts like “What am I missing?” can provide fresh perspectives on drafts or reports, enhancing the final product without diluting human expertise.* Viewing AI through a lens of opportunity rather than threat helps professionals integrate it constructively into workflows. This involves learning about non-chat-based AI tools and exploring new use cases, fostering innovation and efficiency in UX practices.Where to find Jorge:* Website: https://jarango.com* LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jarango* Twitter/X: https://x.com/jarangoInterested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Kate stepped into a design strategist role at Constant Contact earlier this year, where she is focused on integrating GenAI capabilities into their email and digital marketing software to address long-standing user needs of small business owners. Previously, she spent five years honing her skills in mixed-methods research at Constant Contact as well as the Bentley University user experience center where she helped clients in different industries make their technology easier to use. Kate holds a Master’s in Human Factors in Information Design from Bentley University and a Bachelor’s from Colgate University. A self-described digital renaissance woman, she has worn many hats across her career, giving her a unique perspective on product development. She’s passionate about reimagining the future of technology through a thoughtful blend of user insights and emerging innovations.In our conversation, we discuss:* The evolution from user research to strategy roles and how this transition enhances decision-making and business alignment.* Balancing user needs with business goals, emphasizing that they are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.* Practical steps to integrate strategic thinking into research tasks and presentations, such as adding broader implications to findings.* Building relationships and co-creating roles to ensure alignment and foster collaboration across departments.* The role of intention setting in career transitions and how vision exercises can help clarify personal and professional goals.Check out the goal statement exercise here:Some takeaways:* Research findings need to connect to actionable opportunities. To make research impactful, include a “broader implications” slide in your presentations. This slide should tie research insights to organizational objectives and explore strategic opportunities. For instance, findings from usability tests can highlight broader trends or gaps in user behavior, fostering discussions on larger business implications.* Strategic roles require co-creation and proactive definition. Rather than relying solely on job descriptions, take an active role in shaping your position. Write down what you want to do, combining personal strengths with business needs. Discuss this vision with stakeholders to align expectations and gain buy-in for new responsibilities.* Building cross-departmental relationships is essential. Collaboration thrives on strong interpersonal connections. Initiate coffee chats or casual discussions with stakeholders from other teams. Leverage mutual connections to expand your network and gain insights into how different departments operate, facilitating smoother collaboration on strategic projects.* Career transitions benefit from goal-setting exercises. Set intentions by envisioning your future role in detail. Write a goal statement describing your ideal position, the work you’d like to do, and how you’ll feel upon achieving it. Review this regularly to keep your actions aligned with your long-term aspirations.* Strategic thinking marries user and business needs. Adopt a holistic approach where user insights are not seen in isolation but as a means to drive business success. For example, service blueprints and customer journey maps should not only outline user pain points but also identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and profitability.Where to find Kate:* Website* LinkedIn* SubstackInterested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I’m always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Reach out to me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe