Brave UX with Brendan Jarvis 🇺🇦

Felix Lee shares how ADPList is democratising mentorship, the lessons he’s learned from failure and resilience, and why clarity beats cleverness in design. Highlights include: 03:58 - What parallels can you draw between your athletic career and leading ADPList? 09:42 - What is the fear you most often contend with as a young founder? 13:57 - What is the broader vision for ADPList beyond design? 15:19 - Why is it important for ADPList to be seen as a community rather than just a platform? 32:28 - How do you know if you are solving the right problem at ADPList? ====== Who is Felix Lee? Felix is the co-founder and CEO of ADPList, a global mentorship platform connecting expert designers, technologists, and professionals across more than 150 countries. With over 27,000 mentors, ADPList has made possible an incredible 100 million minutes of mentorship annually. In just three years, Felix has raised $1.3 million in capital, built a community of 120,000 LinkedIn followers, and launched the world’s largest 24-hour design super-conference. Beyond design, ADPList has expanded to include product management and engineering, reflecting its mission as a human transformation company. Felix’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a young founder, his resilience has been shaped by early entrepreneurial setbacks and a drive to democratise mentorship. Featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia List and Tatler Asia’s Gen-T List, Felix continues to inspire a global community with his clear and ambitious leadership style. Find Felix here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixleezd/ Website: https://adplist.org/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

Tamara Adlin, a seasoned UX consultant and former leader at Amazon, shares her insights on user-centered design and its importance in the evolving Web3 landscape. She discusses her struggles with sexism and ageism in tech, urging for resilience and alignment in innovation. Tamara addresses misconceptions surrounding venture capital and emphasizes the balance between data-driven decisions and intuition in design. Additionally, she touches on her 'Never Search Alone' initiative, offering valuable job-seeking advice for UX professionals.

In the first of a two-part episode of Brave UX, Brendan Jarvis interviews Tamara Adlin, President of Adlin Inc. Tamara Adlin is a thought leader and a seasoned UX consultant with over 25 years of experience helping companies create better products. Tamara reflects on her time at Amazon, lessons from leadership, and her pioneering work with personas. She highlights how executive misalignment can derail projects, emphasizing that personas alone can’t fix underlying communication issues. Tamara introduces her “Executive Alignment in Five Conversations” methodology, a framework designed to align teams and ensure project success. The conversation also touches on the importance of ongoing alignment and how well-crafted personas can be transformative when supported by clear, cohesive leadership. Highlights include: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 05:30 - Tamara’s Journey into Animal Rescue 12:15 - The Persona Life Cycle Books 18:45 - Alignment Insights from Amazon 26:00 - The Importance of a Support System 32:30 - Diversity in Tech 40:15 - The Challenges of Executive Misalignment 46:00 - Executive Alignment in Five Conversations 55:30 - Case Study: Zillow 1:02:15 - Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two   Who is Tamara Adlin Tamara Adlin is a seasoned UX consultant with over 25 years of experience helping companies create better products. A former UX leader at Amazon, Tamara has worked with top tech enterprises, specializing in startups and Web3 projects for the past 20 years. She co-authored The Persona Lifecycle books and developed the "Executive Alignment in Five Conversations" framework, which helps teams refocus on user needs and improve product outcomes. With expertise in product strategy, UX diagnostics, and leadership alignment, Tamara’s approach drives rapid improvements and long-term success for companies navigating disruptive technologies like blockchain and AI. "I like to use the metaphor of a 'tornado' to describe the chaos that ensues when executive opinions change rapidly. One moment, you’re moving forward, and the next, everything is flipped upside down. It’s crucial to understand those stakeholder assumptions upfront rather than letting the storm dictate the direction of your project." Tamara Adlin Find Tamara Here Tamara Adlin on LinkedIn Adlin Inc Website   Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

In this episode of Brave UX, Brendan Jarvis sits down with Jen Briselli, Co-founder of Topology, to discuss how embracing uncertainty and complexity is essential in design. Jen shares her journey from physics and teaching to strategy consulting, drawing parallels between her love of extreme metal music and her approach to learning and exploration. They dive into the importance of systems thinking, navigating ambiguity, and how designers must embrace the unintended consequences of their work. Jen emphasizes the value of curiosity, self-reflection, and continuous learning as tools for thriving in an ever-evolving world. Highlights include: 00:00 - Introduction to Jen Briselli and her love for extreme metal music 02:31 - Jen's career path and the need to pave your path in design 08:11 - Embracing uncertainty and developing a tolerance for ambiguity 15:21 - Navigating ambiguity and getting comfortable with uncertainty 21:46 - Design as a white-collar or blue-collar field 26:56 - Complexity and systems thinking in design 31:41 - Embracing uncertainty and chaos in design 37:11 - Reconnecting with complexity and the importance of learning 42:21 - The importance of teams and organizations learning together 46:56 - Learning as the meta superpower for individuals   Who is Jen Briselli Jen Briselli is a multifaceted strategist, researcher, designer, and educator who thrives at the intersection of diverse disciplines. With a passion for risky play and transdisciplinary collaboration, Jen partners with brave individuals to co-create innovative services, experiences, and environments that empower people to live on their own terms. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, she uncovers hidden patterns across disparate domains and uses these insights to enable others. Inspired by the philosophy of R. Buckminster Fuller, Jen believes in unlocking individual potential to create a collective realization for all. She is dedicated to connecting ideas and people in meaningful ways. "It's become my professional mission to provoke, construct, and sometimes subvert to codesign services, tools, and experiences that enable people to live well on their own terms." Jen Briselli Find Jen Here Jen Briselli on LinkedIn Topology Website   Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

In this special bonus episode of Brave UX, Nitzan Shaer speaks candidly about the future of UX research, why simulated audiences are a step beyond synthetic, and how UX professionals can leverage them effectively. Highlights include: 15:12 - What’s the vision you’re building towards with WEVO? 22:56 - How would you define the difference between synthetic and simulated research? 25:44 - Could simulated research eventually surpass human research in accuracy? 34:50 - What does the near future hold for UX research with AI advancements? 58:00 - How can simulated audiences help accelerate innovation? ====== Who is Nitzan Shaer? Nitzan is the CEO and co-founder of WEVO, a user research platform that leverages AI to deliver reliable insights to designers, marketers, and product managers—in a fraction of the time that traditional research requires. Before co-founding WEVO, Nitzan was the co-founder and managing partner of High Start Group, an innovation consulting firm dedicated to helping companies create and launch breakthrough products. He also led product management, partner relationships, and defined Skype’s strategy for mobile phones as head of the Mobile Phones and Product Group, where the challenges of working with customers across 150+ countries sparked his vision for WEVO. Complementing his hands-on experience in building and scaling products, Nitzan holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Technion, Israel’s Institute of Technology. An active contributor to the broader product and business community, Nitzan has shared his insights on stages such as The Product Podcast, Product-Led Summit New York, and at Harvard Business School. Find Nitzan here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nshaer/ Website: https://wevo.ai/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

In this engaging conversation, Greg Nudelman, a Distinguished Designer at Sumo Logic with 24 design patents to his name, discusses the transformative role of UX in the age of AI. He emphasizes the need for designers to adapt quickly to emerging technologies while prioritizing ethical considerations and customer needs. Greg critiques the current education system's inability to prepare future generations for AI integration. He also explores the challenges in design projects, highlighting the significance of trust and collaboration in crafting meaningful user experiences.

Abby Covert, a seasoned information architect and author, shares her expertise on making sense of complex information. She discusses the profound impact of customer feedback in UX design and her journey through ADHD, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by women in diagnosis. Abby also explores her transition from graphic design to information architecture, highlighting ethical responsibilities in tech. With insights into effective communication through diagrams, she underscores the importance of community support and self-advocacy in overcoming creative challenges.

Today, our special guest is Whitney Hess, Founder and Executive Coach of Vicarious Partners Inc. We discuss the power of bravery, vulnerability, and personal growth. Discover how to overcome fear, cultivate self-awareness, and embrace failure as a stepping stone toward success. With practical tips and inspiring stories, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to live a more courageous and purposeful life. Highlights include: 0:00-4:25 - Whitney discusses her perspective on failure 04:26-8:17 - Whitney shares her backstory, including living on a sailboat 08:18-14:03 - The importance of being present and fully engaged with clients 14:04-19:48 - A closer look at the power dynamics in coaching relationships 19:49-24:12 - Whitney shares a personal anecdote 24:13-29:45 - More on coaching, UX, and the challenges facing the field 29:46-33:58 - Whitney’s perspective on the risks of pursuing the management track  33:59-38:20 - Coaching dynamics and the importance of an opt-in relationship 43:03-46:26 - Brendan and Whitney highlight the importance of self-reflection Who is Whitney Hess Whitney Hess is a coach, writer, and designer on a mission to put humanity back into business. She believes empathy builds empires, and she helps progressive, creative leaders design their careers and accelerate their missions. Her techniques help people gain self-awareness, identify blind spots, navigate obstacles, and bring their whole selves to their work.   Whitney has been a user experience (UX) consultant for over a decade, hired to make technology easier and more pleasurable. She has been recognized for her work with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Foundation Center, Seamless, Boxee, and WNYC. She is named as a co-inventor on a U.S. patent with American Express.   Whitney is a two-time Carnegie Mellon University graduate with a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction and a Bachelor’s in Professional Writing and HCI. She is a Certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. She writes on her blog Pleasure & Pain, co-hosts the podcast Designing Yourself, and speaks at conferences and corporations worldwide.   Find Whitney Here: Whitney Hess on LinkedIn Whitney Hess Website Whitney Hess Blog Vicarious Partners Inc. on LinkedIn Whitney Hess Email   Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

Today, our special guest is Doreen Lorenzo, Assistant Dean at the University of Texas School of Design and Creative Technology. Doreen discusses the challenges and opportunities in the design industry and shares her insights as a design leader while emphasizing the importance of training and skill development. They also explore her journey from Frog Design to the University of Texas and her passion for education and diversity in design. Highlights include: 03:15 - Introduction and Doreen's background 10:52 - Doreen’s decision to pursue a career in design 15:50 - Challenges of managing a large design firm 24:59 - Benefits of promoting diversity in the design industry 26:39 - Importance of confidence in design 31:29 - Doreen's Journey from Frog to the University of Texas 44:04 - Doreen’s leadership philosophy and balancing profitability with risk-taking Who is Doreen Lorenzo Doreen Lorenzo is a successful leader of global creative firms who advises and consults with companies from Fortune 100 to startups on design and innovation issues. The former president of the global design firms Frog and Quirky, she is now the Assistant Dean in the School of Design and Creative Technology at the University of Texas, a co-founder of the mobile video insights firm Vidlet, a board member and advisor of several startups, and a columnist for Fast Company Co.Design.  A recognized thought leader on business and design issues, she speaks publicly about her signature leadership style and the power of empathy to drive business results. Most recently, Texas Monthly named Doreen one of the 15 innovators reshaping Texas, a testament to her innovative leadership approach. Doreen is an ardent believer in the advantages of “soft skills” like empathy and humor in business. She speaks at industry conferences, at private events, and to the media about her experience using these often overlooked skills to understand and motivate creative people. A driven and successful woman in a male-dominated industry, Doreen also speaks about women in leadership and coaches aspiring women leaders to help them find their own paths to success.  Find Doreen Here Doreen Lorenzo on LinkedIn University of Texas School of Design and Creative Technology Website Quirky Website Doreen’s personal Website   Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram The Show is hosted by Brendan Jarvis, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

Nick Fine, PhD, is a Principal UX Research Consultant at Adaptavist with over 20 years in digital UX. He discusses the challenges of ADHD, offering humorous insights and self-therapy techniques. Nick critiques the current state of user-centric design, claiming it's lost its way amid economic cycles and AI advancements. He emphasizes the importance of gaining actionable insights quickly and the need for UX professionals to adapt and demonstrate their value in a shifting landscape. His thoughts on authenticity and resilience present a compelling future for the industry.