Beyond UX Design

This week, Edward Chechique joins me to discuss rethinking design careers, ditching outdated career advice, and learning how to survive (and thrive) in 2025’s chaotic job market. We talk layoffs, AI, content creation, side hustles, and redefining what it means to be a UX pro today.What if your job title doesn't define your career? What if your "career" wasn’t the point at all?We were told that if we worked hard, got good at UX, and built a solid portfolio, we’d be fine. But in 2025, none of that seems to be working. In this episode, I sit down with Edward Chechique to talk about what happens when the traditional path to career success just… stops working.Edward has been laid off, ghosted, and judged by hiring managers who didn’t get it. So he stopped waiting. He built his own path—from writing and content creation to launching products and teaching others how to use AI to work smarter. This isn’t a fairytale story about becoming a millionaire. It’s about regaining your agency and deciding what you want from your career.If you're tired of trying to fit into boxes that never seemed to fit quite right, this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting for the industry to come save you—and start building a version of success that actually works for you.Topics:• 02:46 - Redefining Careers in Design• 03:17 - Interview with Edward Chechique• 04:59 - Edward's Journey in Design• 09:10 - Navigating the Job Market• 13:32 - Adapting and Diversifying Skills• 16:24 - Entrepreneurial Mindset and Self-Employment• 27:10 - Challenges and Realities of Self-Employment• 30:38 - Entrepreneurial Upbringing vs. Traditional Employment• 31:55 - Navigating Financial Uncertainty• 33:33 - Saving Strategies and Lifestyle Choices• 38:49 - Cultural Shifts and Economic Impact• 41:42 - Closing ThoughtsHelpful Links:• Connect with Edward on LinkedIn• Watch Edward on YouTube• Follow Edward on Medium---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.---Support our sponsors!Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

Stefon Towler, founder of Insight and Innovate, dives into his innovative 5-15-5 framework that enhances stakeholder relationships. He reveals how understanding decision-makers' true priorities can turn resistance into support. Stefon shares strategies for crafting messages that resonate across different levels, transforming surface-level presentations into meaningful collaborations. The conversation also touches on the importance of empathy in design and the challenges of creative burnout, offering practical insights for effective stakeholder engagement.

Explore how one successful project can create an unrealistic aura of perfection around team members, leading to skewed judgment and potentially risky decision-making in professional settings. Understanding the Halo Effect helps teams make more objective assessments.Have you ever wondered why some team members seem to get a free pass on everything after one big success? In this episode of 'The Cognition Catalog,' we dig into the halo effect, a cognitive bias where a person's success in one area influences our perception of their abilities in other areas. Learn how this bias can impact decision-making and team dynamics, and discover strategies to mitigate it. Join us as we examine real-world examples, historical origins, and practical tips to avoid falling prey to this common perceptual error.Topics:• 00:10 - Introduction to the Halo Effect• 03:07 - Understanding the Halo Effect• 04:41 - Impact on Software Teams• 05:49 - Combating the Halo EffectTo explore more about the Halo Effect, don’t miss the full article on the Cognition Catalog!Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter to be the first to know when new episodes drop!Join me every week for insights on a new cognitive bias!—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

This week, I have a candid discussion about the disconnect between UX design education and real-world practice with Joe Natoli. Joe shares insights on why traditional UX education falls short and reveals what it really takes to succeed in corporate environments beyond just following design processes.What if everything you learned about UX design in school was only 40% of what you actually need to succeed in the real world?Joe Natoli brings three decades of experience helping product teams achieve dramatic results through strategic design and UX improvement. In this episode, he tackles the significant disconnect between how UX design is taught and how it’s actually practiced in the corporate world. Joe explains that while design schools and bootcamps focus heavily on process and methodology, they often miss the crucial organizational and business aspects that make up about 60% of a UX designer’s actual job.Through his work with industry giants like Meta, Google, and various government agencies, Joe has observed that success in UX isn’t just about mastering design principles–it’s about understanding business goals, building relationships, and navigating complex organizational dynamics. Joe shares practical insights on how designers can move beyond being order-takers to become trusted partners who drive real value for their organizations.This episode is essential listening for anyone feeling frustrated by the gap between UX theory and practice. Joe offers actionable advice on how to succeed in the real world of UX design, where business constraints, organizational politics, and stakeholder management are just as important as user research and interface design.Topics:• 04:13 The Realities of UX Design in the Workplace• 11:06 Understanding Business Goals and Financial Realities• 15:29 - Building Empathy and Trust within Teams• 21:05 - Service Design and Expanding Your Scope• 35:47 - Understanding Responsibility in the Workplace• 37:13 - Navigating Social Media as a Designer• 41:38 - The Reality of UX Work• 44:53 - Introducing the New Edition of the Book• 48:17 - The Importance of Business in UXHelpful Links:• Connect with Joe on LinkedIn• UX 365 Academy• The User Experience Team of One (2nd Edition)---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---Support our sponsors!Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

Marcello Calbucci, an entrepreneur and technologist with over 25 years in the tech industry, shares insights on Amazon's PRFAQ framework. This strategic writing tool helps teams validate product ideas before development, potentially saving resources. He discusses how this six-page document encourages critical thinking and clearer vision articulation. Marcello emphasizes the framework's role in aligning teams and making informed decisions, allowing designers to become strategic thinkers and secure their place in product development discussions.

Explore how misremembered information can lead to significant misunderstandings within teams. Two confident leaders confidently argued different points, both convinced they were correct, yet entirely wrong. Discover how conversations and second-hand info skewed their memories. The discussion reveals the dynamics of false memories in organizations and offers practical strategies to maintain accurate records and enhance decision-making. Uncover the importance of returning to original sources to clarify conflicts and combat misinformation effectively.

Explore the profound impact of mindset on your UX career. Discover how shifting from fixed to growth thinking can transform not just your skills but your entire approach to challenges and opportunities.What if your biggest obstacle isn't your skill level, your portfolio, or the job market?What if it's the way you think about your own potential for growth?Nick Mann shares his journey from a fixed mindset that limited his opportunities to embracing a growth-oriented approach that transformed his career. Through candid discussion, he reveals how seemingly simple shifts in thinking can profoundly impact professional development and creative problem-solving.The conversation explores how a fixed mindset can manifest in subtle ways, from avoiding challenges to defending current practices rather than exploring new possibilities. Nick's experience demonstrates how embracing uncertainty and viewing challenges as opportunities can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.Listen to this episode to understand the subtle ways your mindset might be holding you back and learn practical strategies for developing a growth-oriented approach to your UX career.Topics:• 05:13 - Nick's Journey from Fixed to Growth Mindset• 06:21 - The Importance of Mentorship• 06:48 - Overcoming Scarcity Mindset• 10:10 - Defining Fixed vs. Growth Mindset• 17:46 - Challenges of a Fixed Mindset• 21:53 - Finding a Mentor• 30:22 - Removing Mental Weeds• 30:43 - Overcoming a Fixed Mindset• 35:16 - The Role of Mentors• 45:14 - Final Thoughts---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---Support our sponsors!Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

Uncover the critical distinction between knowing how to tell stories and being prepared to deliver them when it counts. Learn practical strategies for spontaneous storytelling and explore how improv techniques can elevate your UX communication skills.What if all your storytelling skills went out the window the moment you needed them most? How can you ensure you're genuinely ready to communicate effectively when it matters?Christopher Miller, a senior experience designer at Electronic Arts Frostbite, brings over a decade of gaming industry expertise and a lifelong passion for comic books to this conversation about spontaneous storytelling. As a UX mentor and improv student, Chris provides a unique perspective on blending preparation with in-the-moment delivery.Chris shares invaluable insights about the importance of being ready to tell your story at any moment. Drawing from his improv background and extensive gaming and education experience, he reveals practical strategies for maintaining composure under pressure and effectively communicating with diverse audiences.This episode covers everything from managing demanding executive presentations to honing the art of deep listening, offering actionable advice for anyone eager to enhance their real-time communication skills. Tune in to learn how to turn your storytelling abilities from theoretical knowledge into practical, ready-to-use skills.Topics:• 04:26 - The Importance of Spontaneity in Storytelling• 06:59 - Effective Communication Techniques• 08:26 - The Role of Storytelling in Collaboration• 25:21 - Improv and Storytelling in UX• 33:43 - Understanding the Core Problem• 35:09 - The Importance of Storytelling• 35:26 - Preparing for Executive Presentations• 36:13 - Collaboration in Storytelling• 37:47 - Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome• 38:24 - The Role of Improv in Building Confidence• 41:00 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome• 46:58 - Career Amnesia and Self-Reflection• 48:34 - Closing Thoughts and Final Advice---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---Support our sponsors!Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.For your next project, check out ⁠⁠⁠wixstudio.com

Dive into the intriguing world of cognitive biases as the discussion explores the 'Appeal to Novelty.' Discover why new isn't always better and how blindly adopting trends can lead to pitfalls in product development and team dynamics. A compelling real-world story reveals the missteps of updating an effective tool. Learn key strategies to evaluate innovations critically and maintain a balanced approach to change, ensuring your choices are based on effectiveness rather than just novelty.

This week is a candid discussion with Staff Product Designer Florian Boelter about why there are no shortcuts in UX careers and the importance of putting in the work and avoiding quick-fix solutions.What if everything you've been told about fast-tracking your design career is making it harder than it needs to be?Join Jeremy and his special guest, Florian Bolter, in this episode of Beyond UX Design as they dive deep into the concept that there are no shortcuts in mastering UX design. They discuss the importance of mentorship, self-reflection, and avoiding the pitfalls of relying solely on social media and quick fixes. Florian shares his unique journey from product management to becoming a staff product designer, emphasizing the importance of hard work and continuous learning. This insightful conversation covers valuable advice for both new and experienced designers looking to navigate their careers effectively.Topics:• 06:11 - Challenges in the UX Job Market• 07:13 - The Importance of Mentorship• 10:03 - Avoiding Shortcuts in Career Development• 31:38 - Building Relationships in the Workplace• 33:32 - Finding the Right Job Fit• 36:17 - The Role of Social Media in Learning• 37:01 - The Importance of Context in Social Media Advice• 42:39 - Evaluating Online Content and Courses• 45:45 - Final Thoughts on Shortcuts and Learning—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---Support our sponsors!Ok web designers. Let’s talk about the “c” word—creative burnout.You’re working on a site for a really big client, but between resourcing, feedback, tight budgets and even tighter deadlines—it doesn’t make the cut. Wix Studio helps close that gap, so you can deliver your vision with less friction. Built for agencies and enterprises, you get total creative control over every last pixel. With no-code animations, AI-powered tools, reusable design assets, advanced, intuitive layout tools and a Figma to Wix Studio integration, you can design the way you want to and deliver when you need to.And if you’re worried about the learning curve eating into time you don’t have—don’t be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running.For your next project, check out ⁠⁠wixstudio.com