UX Fika Podcast

Welcome to episode 15 of the UX Fika podcast. In this conversation sit down with Giles Colborne — design leader, strategist, author of Simple and Usable, and now founder of Made Simple.We talk about his journey from studying physics to co-founding cxpartners, what it meant to grow it into one of the UK’s leading design consultancies, and the mixed emotions of eventually letting it go. Giles shares what he’s learned about leadership from both raising kids and leading teams, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful thing you can do.Giles shares the three values he’s taken with him from cxpartners and what they actually mean, from making it easy for people to do great work, to how to be truly user centred, and lastly, find clarity and simplicity.We also dive into why so many organisations still struggle to link design delivery with leadership goals, how AI is forcing companies to rethink the way they work, and what an AI-native organisation might look like.It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, letting go, and designing organisations with the same care we bring to designing products.Plus:☕️ Why smoked salmon bagels is his go to fika⭐ Why the best place for a fika is sometimes your own sofaWhat we cover: 00:00 Introduction and Background07:05 The Journey to cxpartners12:01 Transitioning from cxpartners16:51 Reflections on Human-Centered Design21:42 The Impact of AI on User Experience26:46 Core Values and Creating a Productive Environment33:32 Understanding Human-Centered Design37:59 The Role of AI in User Experience41:18 The Future of Browsing and User Interaction44:40 Finding Clarity and Simplicity in Design54:00 Bridging the Gap Between Management and Delivery Teams59:50 The Impact of AI on Organizational Structure01:03:30 Agility in the Age of AI01:06:48 Leadership and AI: A Shift in Dynamics01:08:46 Empowering Teams: The Role of Trust01:11:38 Creativity and Innovation in Design01:14:48 The Future of Design: Embracing Change01:18:45 Ethics and Human-Centered Design01:20:09 Fika: A Personal Touch in ConversationsWhere you’ll find Giles:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simple and Usable bookWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Richard Banfield — author, advisor, and co-founder of Second Harvest, a retreat and coaching venture that believes the second half of life can be the most creative, exciting, and rewarding.We talk about how the idea for Second Harvest came from Richard’s own transitions, and how he’s now applying the UX toolbox — mapping assumptions, testing hypotheses, running small experiments — to the story arc of people’s lives. He shares why the concept of product–market fit is just as relevant for humans as it is for startups, and why sometimes the challenge isn’t changing yourself to fit the world, but reshaping your environment to fit the identity you want to step into.Richard shares his own moments of identity override, what he’s learned from hosting retreats in places like the Austrian Alps, and how designing experiences without gurus or PowerPoints creates the conditions for people to truly connect —with themselves and with others. We also touch on the bigger picture: what human evolution might look like in an age of AI, and why learning to take things in your stride remains one of the most important skills of all.It’s an honest, reflective conversation about reinvention, resilience, and how to write your next chapter—whether that’s starting a business, rediscovering creativity, or simply finding the community you want to journey with.Plus:☕️ Why a flat white is his go to fika, and La Fabrica in Girona is his favourite café⭐ Why “The farmers will make a plan” is his adviceWhat we cover:00:00 Reconnecting After Years: A Warm Welcome04:59 Introducing Second Harvest: A New Journey08:14 Life Transitions: Embracing Change and New Beginnings11:10 The Concept of Retirement: Redefining Purpose in Later Life14:00 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection17:07 The Participants of Second Harvest: Diverse Backgrounds and Shared Goals20:03 The Power of Reinvention: Embracing New Identities23:01 Design Thinking in Life: Applying Methodologies to Personal Growth25:56 Challenging Assumptions: The Experimentation of Second Harvest29:08 Creating Meaningful Experiences: The Role of Environment32:00 The Importance of Reflection: Understanding Our Stories35:00 The Future of Connection: Embracing Analog Experiences38:13 Awakening the Senses: The Body-Mind Connection40:59 Conclusion: The Journey Ahead45:28 The Human Connection in Healthcare47:40 Teaching Human Skills for the Future48:39 Adapting to Environmental Challenges51:33 Divergent Evolution and Future Possibilities54:28 The Role of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World56:21 Embracing Change and New Experiences01:01:43 Curating Meaningful Connections01:08:09 The Importance of Staying Connected01:12:26 Finding Purpose in the Second Harvest of LifeWhere you'll find Richard: LinkedIn⁠NewsletterSecond HarvestArtRichard on InstagramSecond Harvest on InstagramWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Jared Spool — Maker of Awesomeness at Center Centre, designer, speaker, and someone who’s been shaping the field of UX for nearly 5 decades.We talk about how the role of UX has shifted (and in some cases shrunk) over the years, why so many UX teams still struggle to show their value, why measuring success only through conversion rates is misleading, and why designers should focus on experiences instead of products, and step up to become the world’s foremost experts on their users.Jared shares why proactive UX matters more than waiting for instructions, and how being strategic, understanding the business side of design, and being able to demonstrate our value, is key to keeping our seat at the table, and a starting point for change.It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the challenges we face as a profession, what the history of magic — yes, stage magic — can teach us, and about how to keep pushing our practice forward while learning from what’s come before.Plus:☕️ Why apple cake, or any cake, and darjeeling tea is his go to fika⭐ Why you should try a cup of first flush darjeeling teaWhat we cover:01:04 Introduction to UX Fika Podcast and Guest Background04:58 The Evolution of UX Conferences08:14 The Shift in UX Education and Value Communication10:23 Understanding UX Metrics and Outcomes13:32 The Importance of Proactive UX Strategies16:29 Building Expertise in UX Organizations22:27 Measuring Success Beyond Conversion Rates25:30 Measuring The Right Things31:30 The role of UX for AI design37:34 The Future of AI In Healthcare And UX42:50 The Three Things To Focus On43:42 What The Adelaide Score Teaches Us About Solving Problems48:44 Understanding the Bigger Picture and Business Side of UX49:48 The Magic of Experience53:01 Jared's History With Magic56:18 The Dying Art of Magic58:56 Lessons from the History of Magic01:10:26 The Illusion of Real-Time Communication01:13:29 Making Your Audience And The People You Work With Look Good01:18:31 Proactive UX Research01:18:54 Why You Should Help Others Get Better Instead of Stopping Them Doing "Your" Work01:23:50 The Science of the Obvious01:27:38 The Importance of Clear Communication in Donations01:32:38 Understanding UX Outcomes and Their Impact01:36:04 Future Plans And Thinking in Design and UX01:40:35 The Joy of Continuous Learning and Exploration01:41:00 The Hunt For Fika01:49:15 Life Lessons and Personal ReflectionsWhere you’ll find Jared:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedInBlueSkyLeaders of Awesomeness CommunityCenter CentreWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Hi and welcome to season 3 of the UX Fika podcast. I'm your host Anna and I knew I wanted to do this podcast but I had no idea just how much I would love it. Re-listening to the chats from 2021 and then doing the the catch up chats in season 2 has given me so much and I'm pleased to share that as of today episodes of season 3 will start to be released.Season 3 is called the ‘Conference people’ and include conversations with some of the people I've met and gotten to know whilst speaking at conferences. The list is long, and it's an exciting one. We'll see just how many I'll include in season 3, as there is some urgency to the guests I want to speak to in season 4, but what's sure is that episodes will be released each Tuesday. And just as with the guests of season 1 and 2, it's people that I in one way or another know. Some fairly well, some less so, but through these chats I'll get to know them a whole lot more, and I hope you will too.

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Jonty Sharples – product, design, and business leader, and now consulting CPO working from a wooden box at the bottom of his garden. When we first spoke in 2021, Jonty was at Where Is My Transport, building products for emerging markets.Four years later, we catch up on where he is now, what he learned from building and scaling teams across continents, why checking your privilege and context matters when working globally, and how he’s been refining his niche as a generalist with deep specialist interests.We also dive into climbing walls, disinformation through trusted sources, the challenges of job titles, the reality of today’s hiring market, doing outreach, and how a lot of people – even the really successful ones – are struggling to find work, even if they don’t openly share.As ever with Jonty, it’s a conversation full of sharp insights, practical lessons, and reflections on how design and leadership can (and must) adapt to change, and why writing and storytelling are underrated skills for anyone in design and leadership.Plus:☕️ Why black coffee is now his go to fika and not tea⭐ Why you should surround yourself with smart people, ask questions, and listenWhat we cover:02:01 Introduction and Catching Up02:22 Working From A Wooden Box04:49 Reflections on Remote Work and Team Dynamics10:56 Career Transitions and Learning Experiences11:30 Understanding eSIM Technology and Market Dynamics17:46 Navigating Career Breaks and Job Market Changes20:11 Building a Niche and Consulting Strategies27:59 Job Titles and Industry Trends41:56 The Evolution of UX Design Roles44:20 Leadership in Design: The Player-Coach Dilemma45:13 The Future of Work: AI and Human Collaboration47:44 Communication Skills in a Globalized Workforce49:30 Navigating Change: The Impact of AI on Jobs53:23 Education and the Role of Design in Shaping Futures58:04 Personal Growth and Career Transitions01:03:51 The Importance of Hiring Smart01:09:21 Job Market Realities and Networking StrategiesWhere you’ll find Jonty:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#innovation, #business, #technology, #Hactar, #globalteams, #designleadership #careertransitions #scaleups #ai #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jontysharples

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Be Kaler Pilgrim – founder of Smithfield Search and long-time leader in the digital recruitment world. When we last spoke in 2021, Be was still running Futureheads Recruitment, navigating a pandemic and a shifting job market. Four years later, we catch up on what’s changed, not the least in recruitment.We talk about why she launched a new business focused on executive search, what lies ahead for design leaders, and hiring over all. We talk about the similarities between the early days of digital and right now with AI, how AI is shaping the skills companies are looking for, and why building relationships still matters more than anything else.It’s also a conversation about life post 40, motherhood and the constant juggle between work and home life, parenting in this day and age, and about learning to drive later in life. And last but not least, how small rituals – from gardening to wellness drinks – help her stay grounded.Plus:☕️ Why wellness drinks is now her go-to fika⭐ Why give it a go is her adviceWhat we cover:01:46 Life Changes and New Beginnings03:42 Market Trends and Business Insights07:35 Navigating Job Market Challenges10:31 Personal Experiences and Parenting Challenges18:05 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges21:12 Launching a New Business: Smithfield Search24:42 The Role of AI in Upskilling and Job Security33:45 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth40:48 Navigating the Hiring Landscape43:25 The Role of Freelancers and Consultants44:49 Career Transitions for Experienced Designers47:21 The Impact of COVID on Junior Talent51:17 Advice for Job Seekers in a Competitive Market53:18 Understanding Executive Search Dynamics56:00 Building a Personal Brand and Business57:06 Executive Search58:18 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges01:01:24 Personal Growth Through Life ExperiencesWhere you’ll find Be:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smithfield Search Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Futureheads Website⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#recruitment #futureheads #uxdesign #agencies #business #technology #careeradvice #productdesign #tech #scaleups #empathy #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #bekalerpilgrim #smithfieldsearch

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I catch up again with Jason Mesut – creative coach, strategic consultant, and long-time shaper of designers. When we first spoke in 2021, Jason was stepping into coaching, deep into writing his ‘Shaping Design’ book, and exploring new ways of working. Four years later, we catch up on everything that’s happened since.Jason shares why he ultimately stepped away from publishing the book, how he got diagnosed with ADHD, and how that diagnosis, and the medication, has impacted his work, creativity and public speaking.We also talk about looping music tracks, how his approach to coaching has evolved, what he’s learned about finding focus, and about getting hands-on again, returning to old tools with a new perspective, and why community – whether it’s professional or personal – plays such a vital role.It’s a truly honest conversation where I’ve left more pauses in than usual. Mostly for the viewing experience.Plus:☕️ Why almond croissant and a full fat flat white, not oat milk is his go-to fika nowadays⭐ Why 180 House is now his favourite (fika) placeWhat we cover:01:51 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth04:38 The Journey of Coaching and Self-Discovery07:24 ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact10:15 Understanding ADHD: Traits and Misconceptions13:26 Creativity and ADHD: Harnessing Strengths16:20 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD19:03 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Challenges22:05 Finding Balance: Creativity vs. Contentment34:32 The Power of Externalization in Design39:42 The Importance of Physical Tools in Design43:11 Balancing Coaching and Consulting47:02 Navigating Professional Loneliness and Community52:06 The Role of Gratitude in Professional Life01:07:17 Interactive Tools and Techniques in Presentations01:09:13 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities01:11:06 Creative Processes and Music Production01:12:43 The Importance of Completion in Creative Work01:15:06 Health Journey and Dietary Changes01:17:30 Favorite Workspaces and Productivity01:20:09 The Meaning Behind Names and Identity01:24:21 Hope in Design and Future OpportunitiesWhere you’ll find Jason:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Jason’s linktree⁠⁠Medium⁠⁠Shaping Design series⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠Soundcloud⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠InstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #shapingdesign, #coaching #adhd #adhddiagnosis #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jasonmesut

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Jeff Gothelf – author of Lean UX, Sense & Respond, Forever Employable, and most recently Who Does What By How Much?, his latest book with Josh Seidon on making OKRs actually work.When we last spoke in 2021, Jeff was launching his own podcast and was deep in the third edition of Lean UX. Now, four years later, we catch up on what’s changed, and what hasn’t.We talk about the surprising longevity of Lean UX, how OKRs became the missing piece in his body of work, and what it really means to move from outputs to outcomes (and why most teams still haven’t). Jeff shares what he’s seeing across the enterprise and startup space, from the pressure to implement AI without clear purpose, to the quiet resistance from people afraid of being replaced, or simply exposed.We also get into his shift toward building a training business, how feedback loops helped him rethink pricing, why storytelling is a critical business skill, and how AI is shifting the speed, expectations, and shape of the work we do, but why he’s still optimistic, despite the disruptions ahead.What we cover:01:45 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Progress04:46 The Evolution of Lean UX and Forever Employable07:47 Understanding OKRs and Their Impact10:44 Output vs. Outcomes: A Critical Distinction13:39 The Power of Storytelling in Business17:48 AI's Role in the Future of Work23:36 Optimism Amidst Change: The Future of Employment30:19 The Impact of AI on Employment and Creativity35:43 Navigating Life Changes and New Beginnings42:29 The Shift to Remote Work and Online Learning49:25 Balancing Work, Health, and Personal LifeWhere you’ll find Jeff:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠Books⁠⁠Courses⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Andy Budd – design leader, coach, investor, and long-time advocate for the design community. When we last spoke in 2021, Andy had just stepped away from Clearleft, the agency he co-founded, and was embracing a new chapter. Four years on, we catch up on what’s happened since.We talk about his transition from agency founder to solo coach and advisor, how a “serendipity break” turned into new opportunities, and the accidental path that led him to write his new book, The Growth Equation. Andy shares why he believes design is at a turning point, why AI tools are accelerating the commoditisation of design, what he’s seeing inside the startup ecosystem, and the ways design leaders can better communicate their value in increasingly complex organisations.It’s a conversation about reinvention, relevance, and what he’s learning from being bad at something again – whether that’s flying planes, or playing the drums.Plus:☕️ Why the coffee shop the Onion in Seoul in South Korea is his favourite🌟 Why not to ask a coach for life adviceWhat we cover:01:37 The Journey of ClearLeft and Employee Ownership03:34 Navigating a Serendipity Break07:28 Rediscovering Passions: Flying and Drumming10:33 Transitioning to Venture Capital and Coaching14:23 The Birth of a Book: Insights and Lessons22:29 The Power of Writing in Design and Leadership25:59 Gathering Around Design Tools31:34 The Future of Design Profession in The Time of AI48:13 Investing in Designer Skills53:08 Experiencing Failure and Culture Change54:44 The Future of Entrepreneurship and Design57:32 Challenges for Designers as Founders01:02:45 Communication and Influence in Design01:09:25 Reflections on Life and AdviceWhere to find Andy:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Stacklist⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #adventure, #serendipitybreak #productdesign #seedcamp #thegrowthequation #ai #designleadership #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #andybudd #clearleft

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Cennydd Bowles – technology ethicist, author of Future Ethics, and recent Fulbright Scholar. We last spoke four years ago, just as ethical design was entering the mainstream. A lot has happened since then.Cennydd shares what he’s been up to – completing a master’s in Practical Ethics at Oxford, teaching in the U.S., and now preparing for a PhD exploring deception in AI-driven interfaces. We talk about what’s changed since 2021, why he’s now fully stepped away from hands-on design, and what concerns him most about AI’s role in shaping the future of work.We explore how the commoditisation of design has created the perfect entry point for automation, why “good enough” might be all companies care about, and how designers can respond – ethically, strategically, and collectively. Cennydd also shares a first look at his next book, What Could Go Wrong?, and why he’s more interested than ever in equipping designers with practical ways to anticipate harm and push back.Plus:☕️ Why grapes is his go to fika nowadays⭐ Why you should remember the sea existsWhere you’ll find Cennydd:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #business, #ai #deceptivepatterns #whatcouldgowrong #technology, #ai #ethics #innovation #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #cennyddbowles