The first non-UX designer on the UX Growth podcast might have just given the most important career advice of the season. Alex Smith, co-founder and Head of Partnerships at Fuego UX, has helped agencies survive when others shut their doors and his perspective flips a lot of common designer beliefs. In this episode, we talk about:• Why 'staying in your lane could be the fastest way to stall your career• The #1 misconception companies still have about designers (and how to fix it)• How to stand out in a sea of portfolios that all say the same thing• The overlooked skill that will keep you valuable no matter where the market goes This conversation will change the way you think about your role.How to Support Alex: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsmithcu/ Podcast: https://www.fuegoux.com/podcast — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

New UX Growth Podcast episode just dropped, and this one surprised me. I didn’t know what to expect going into this, but Rushi brought a calm intensity to the conversation that really stuck with me. He's an information designer with a background in industrial and automotive design. We talk about:– How he made the jump from 3D industrial work to 2D UX– Why most UX portfolios feel fake (and what to do about it)– The real value of research (and when it actually wastes time)– Advice for junior designers trying to stand out in a saturated job market This is a great conversation about what UX looks like in the field and how to grow without getting lost.How to Support Rushi: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rushi660/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

I’m joined by Thomas Girard: TEDx speaker, design educator, and host of the Unique Ways podcast. We talk about what doesn’t get talked about enough: Why beginner designers struggle to innovate (and what actually helps) The power of analog UX methods in a world that’s gone all digital How frameworks like UX Now help you think, not just execute What it really takes to give a TED Talk (and what happens after) Why documentation and iteration matter more than flashy portfolios If you’ve ever felt stuck in your head, unsure if your work is “good enough,” or wondering what it means to build something that actually lasts. This one’s for you.That really stuck with me. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost after a layoff, or unsure what kind of impact you want to make next this one’s for you.How to Support Thomas: Website: https://thomaskgirard.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/uniqueways-with-thomas-girard/id1632267449 TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/thomas_girard_how_to_feel_at_home_in_the_airport/up-next — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing. Listen to the full episode :

So much of UX career advice is aimed at juniors.But what about the experienced designers? The ones who’ve ‘made it’ and are still asking, what’s next? In this episode of the UX Growth Podcast, I sat down with Mel, a UX career coach who specializes in helping senior ICs and design leaders navigate career transitions, burnout, layoffs, confidence gaps, and the mental blocks that quietly hold us back. We talked about:✅ Why burnout isn’t just about workload✅ How senior UXers can figure out what truly comes next✅ Networking (without the cringe)✅ Why resumes, portfolios, and LinkedIn alone won’t move the needle✅ Confidence, imposter syndrome, layoffs, and how to bounce back Mel has coached designers from Google, Meta, and Amazon and yet, even those top performers wrestle with doubt.That really stuck with me. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost after a layoff, or unsure what kind of impact you want to make next this one’s for you. P.S. You’ll love Mel’s parting message about how your UX career is your most important product. Don’t miss it.How to Support Mel: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meltemnaz/ Website: https://www.careerwithmel.com/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

There’s no single path into UX. And that’s both terrifying and kind of beautiful. In this episode of the UX Growth Podcast, I spoke with Dane O’Leary, a talented freelance UX designer who built his career by blending creativity, self-discovery, and a constant hunger to learn. We covered so much, but a few moments stood out: Why trying different paths isn’t a setback, it’s part of the work How to stay organized, grounded, and avoid burnout as a freelancer Why LinkedIn is misunderstood and how to use it without selling your soul The underrated UX skill that can save projects and relationships: clear communication This episode is for anyone who’s figuring it out as they go. For designers who feel scattered, behind, or unsure where to focus next.How to Support Dane: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneoleary/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

On this episode of The UX Growth Podcast, I talk with Mahnaz Hajesmaeili, a UX designer who blends behavioral science and AI into her work. You don't need a perfect UX origin story to thrive. You just need curiosity and the drive to keep exploring. In this episode, we talk about: → How to practice UX research without access to real users→ Why designers need to stop settling and how exploration leads to clarity→ Navigating rejection, imposter syndrome, and unclear job postings→ Communicating UX decisions to non-designers with confidence→ What AI's rapid rise really means for your design career If you're early in your journey, pivoting, or feeling the weight of all the noise in the industry, Mahnaz’s insight will ground you. How to Support Mahnaz: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-hajesmaeili/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OeTWHPc93lsJp9sgFx196?si=3zyIl0K2QgK-ZBWN3ftXdg&nd=1&dlsi=0bd26fca9a5a4050 — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

“If you don’t feel like a designer yet, that doesn’t mean you’re not one.” Craig Jamieson, former CDO, creative director, and self-taught designer, joins me on the latest episode of The UX Growth Podcast to talk about what it really takes to build a career in design without losing yourself. We cover: Making impact without a fancy title The messy, non-linear path to creative leadership Why most portfolios fall flat and how to fix yours Building a voice in the industry without selling out If you're feeling lost, behind, or just burnt out, this one's for you.How to Support Craig: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-jamieson/ Website: https://craigjamieson.com/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

What to expect from The UX Growth Podcast season 5

What to expect from The UX Growth Podcast season 4

Joseph Louis Tan has one of the most unique UX career stories I’ve ever heard. From retail product design to lecturing at 27, to leading product design at an 11M+ SaaS company. He’s done it all. And he’s helping UX professionals land six-figure roles without applying online. Here are three reasons to tune in: Joseph breaks down how the job search actually works in today’s market and why job boards aren’t your best option. We talk about the real stuff: imposter syndrome, burnout, getting overlooked, and pushing through anyway. His clarity framework is something every UXer should hear. It’s simple, practical, and powerful. One of my favorite things Joseph said was:“Sometimes the dots connect only when you look back and sometimes, you need someone to connect them for you.” This is easily one of the most insightful and energizing episodes we’ve done. Would love for you to check it out and let me know your thoughts.

New UX Growth Podcast Episode! Join me and Boris Savic, Director of UX & Product at Boston UX, as we explore: ✅ Growing from designer to UX leader ✅ Thriving in regulated industries like healthcare and IoT ✅ Balancing stakeholder, marketing, and user needs ✅ The critical UX skills most designers overlook ✅ The future of AI in UX design “Remember that UX is collaborative. You don't own anything alone; you co-own the results with your team.” – Boris SavicHow to Support Boris: Linkedin https://www.bostonux.com/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

New epsiode of the UX Growth Podcast is here with Ryan Tinsley, Head of Product Design and Research. Ryan shares his incredible career journey, from graphic design to now leading design at a tech unicorn. 3 Growth Insights Diving into data. Using data to make decisions and your voice heard at higher levels. Power of mentorship. Mentoring is a fast career accelator Imposter syndrome is common. Feeling like an imposter means you're growing. Quote to Remember: “The best moments in my career came from failure and imposter syndrome. Proof that you're moving forward.”How to Support Ryan: Linkedin — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

Content design is more than just writing words on a page. It's about shaping the user experience, solving problems, and making products more intuitive. In this episode of The UX Growth Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Astleford, a Senior Content Designer, to discuss the evolving role of content design and why it’s essential for every UX team. ✨ Why should you listen? 1️⃣ Content Design = UX Design 2️⃣ Making Content Design Measurable 3️⃣ Breaking into the Field & Growing as a Designer “Some of the best content design is invisible—if users seamlessly achieve their goals, we've done our job.” – Andrew AstlefordHow to Support Andrew: Linkedin — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

Curious about how someone transitions from being a flight attendant to becoming a UX expert and agency founder? In the latest episode of The UX Growth Podcast, I chat with Maigen Thomas, Founder of Level 11 Technology, an apprenticeship agency, and a UX professional with over a decade of experience. Why should you listen? 1️⃣ The Reality of Breaking Into UX 2️⃣ Accessibility as a Career Advantage 3️⃣ The Key to UX Career Growth? Asking Better Questions – “Our job is to ask good questions. If you’re perfect out of the gate, you have no opportunity to grow.” – Maigen ThomasHow to Support Maigen: Linkedinhttps://maigenthomas.com/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

The UX Growth Podcast's latest episode welcomes Daniel Andor, the Founder of Duran. Daniel dives deep into the product design journey, sharing insights from his extensive experience transforming ambitious ideas into practical products. Key growth lessons from this episode: Testing early with simple prototypes can save time and money compared to lengthy development cycles. Breaking down your product vision into small, testable iterations is essential for de-risking your project. Aligning client expectations with actual user needs drives sustainable growth and long-term success. What strategies have you found most effective when iterating your designs? How to Support Daniel: Linkedinhttps://www.durran.co/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

I'm thrilled to announce that the latest episode of The UX Growth Podcast, featuring  Guy Segal, a design and design systems director, is now live. In this episode, we cover: Guy’s inspiring journey from full-stack development to UX design. The critical role of mentorship in a booming UX industry. Actionable insights on leadership and maintaining work-life balance. How to Support Edward LinkedinDesign Down Time Podcast — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

'm excited to share that the latest episode of the UX Growth Podcast is now live, featuring Edward Chechique, an AI and design fusion expert. In this conversation, we dive into the transformative power of AI in UX design, and it's a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the industry. Here are 3 reasons why you need to check it out: Future-Proof Your Skills Master the New Tools Inspiration & Innovation How to Support Edward LinkedinEdward’s AI Newsletter — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

In this new episode of the UX Growth Podcast, I’m joined by Lady F (Janefrances Christopher), founder of MentorX Mentorship. We dive into her incredible journey from medical student to UX designer, powered by mentorship. Key Takeaways: Find Your Unique Strengths - Tap into your past experiences and align them with UX to differentiate yourself in the market. Master Personal Branding - Focus your content on your target audience, not just other designers, and avoid misalignment or over-perfection. Networking Tips for Introverts - Start small. Comment on posts, build rapport, and then move to DMs. Thoughtful outreach makes connections feel authentic.Why Listen? Lady F shares inspiring stories, like how mentorship transformed her career and the careers of her mentees. This episode is for you if you’re struggling with personal branding, outreach, or finding your voice. How to Support LadyF LinkedinWebsite: https://www.mentorix.vip/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

Season 4 of the UX Growth Podcast kicks off with Taylor Palmer, founding designer of Stable. Taylor shares his journey from graphic design to startups, offering valuable advice on building teams, refining portfolios, and thriving in early-stage environments. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Founding Designer Insights - Build strong collaboration, align design with business goals, and hire strategically for small teams. 2️⃣ Portfolio Simplification - Show your highlights, skip unnecessary details, and focus on what hiring managers need. 3️⃣ Thriving in Ambiguity - Learn new tools, adapt quickly, and confidently tackle unknowns. Why Listen? Taylor’s advice is perfect for designers looking to grow in startups, streamline their portfolios, or navigate the challenges of early design roles. How to Support Taylor LinkedinNewsletter: http://startupdesigndiaries.substack.com — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email and LinkedIn. Check out my links, such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

What to expect from The UX Growth Podcast season 4