Catt Small is a staff designer who's figured out something most of us struggle with: how to juggle multiple creative projects without burning out. She's written a book, runs online courses, organizes conferences, develops games, and somehow manages to be intentional about where she puts her energy even with all of these competing interests.
Also interesting is that Catt climbed to director level as a designer, then consciously stepped back into individual contributor work because she knew what gave her the most energy.
We talk about how to build influence without a manager title, why validation matters before you commit hundreds of hours to a project, and how to say no to some projects so you can say yes to the right ones. Plus, practical advice on making the leap from senior to staff level and navigating workplace politics as an Individual Contributor (IC).
This one's packed with insights for anyone trying to level up in their day job or figure out how to balance multiple creative projects alongside a demanding 9-5.
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