UX Leadership by Design

Send us a textWhat's it really like inside a UX consultancy? In this special in-house episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino sits down with two incredible Fuzzy Math teammates — Senior Designer Madeleine Byrne and Senior Project Manager Jaléssa Savage — to talk about what UX leadership looks like from the inside out.They unpack how projects are structured, how cross-functional teams communicate, and how empathy, clarity, and constraints shape successful outcomes. From wrangling stakeholders to making smart design trade-offs, it's a behind-the-scenes look at how Fuzzy Math keeps projects human, impactful, and on track — with a few hot takes and laughs along the way.Whether you're growing into leadership or just curious how collaborative teams actually work, this one's packed with insights and energy.Key Takeaways:Balancing Empathy Across Users and Clients – True design leadership means understanding not just end-users but also the internal and external stakeholders shaping the work.Why Design Needs Guardrails – PMs aren't just managing scope — they're helping passionate designers stay focused and productive within real-world constraints.Visuals Are Alignment Tools, Not Just Outputs – Design artifacts aren't just deliverables; they're powerful tools for clarifying thinking and aligning teams.Stakeholder Trust Starts Early – Trust-building begins with structured project kickoffs and intentional communication — not just when the work hits Figma.Client Assumptions Need Evidence – Teams often bring mental models of what they want; our job is to validate, challenge, and guide them with research and strategy.Chapters:00:00 – Introducing the Fuzzy Math Team00:51 – Madeleine's Journey from Theater to UX03:19 – Jaléssa's Journey from Events to Project Management05:57 – Listening and Building Trust with Clients12:47 – How Fuzzy Math Project Teams Work Together25:10 – Common Design Challenges and How We Handle Them31:31 – Working with Clients Who Have a Mental Model43:06 – Hot Takes and Advice for Aspiring LeadersLinks:Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-byrne-150a959a/Connect with Jaléssa on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalessasavage/ Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino talks with Chris Silvestri, founder and chief conversion copywriter at Conversion Alchemy. Chris brings a rare blend of backgrounds—software engineer, UX designer, and conversion copywriter—to tackle one of the toughest challenges in B2B: turning complex decision-making into clear, effective messaging. We dig into his AI-powered empathy framework, PATH, and explore how he uses customer research, simulated personas, and real language to help teams write content that connects. For anyone working in UX, product, or content, this is a masterclass in aligning messaging with how humans actually think, feel, and decide.Key TakeawaysEmpathy can be “engineered” – Chris shares his AI-powered PATH framework (Prepare, Articulate, Test, Harmonize) to simulate customer personas and deepen user empathy.Conversion is a series of micro-decisions – It's not just about a final click—every piece of copy should guide users through their decision-making process one step at a time.Vague messaging creates drop-off – If users can't understand what you do, who it's for, or why it's different in a few seconds, they'll bounce.Expectation-setting is everything – From homepage copy to “Book a Demo” CTAs, clear expectations can dramatically reduce friction and build trust.AI won't replace writers—it augments them – Used correctly, LLMs can simulate customers, test ideas, and accelerate iteration—if humans remain in the loop.UX, sales, and copy need a shared foundation – Chris's work helps unify these functions by anchoring messaging in customer research and decision psychology.Chapters00:00 – From Engineering to Empathy03:47 – Lessons from Dangerous Machines06:02 – The Pyramid of Conversion10:56 – Jobs to Be Done in B2B13:47 – Selling to the Whole Buying Team17:45 – Common Copy Mistakes25:45 – AI and Empathy: The PATH Framework31:00 – How Chris Uses AI Personas for Better Copy33:51 – AI as an Accelerator, Not a Replacement34:00 – From Copywriter to Conversion ArchitectResources & LinksConversion Alchemy Website, Newsletter, & PodcastConnect with Christopher Silvestri Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino talks with Mauricio Steffen, Senior Director of Product Management at Ericsson, about the crucial role customer research and empathy play in successful product management. Mauricio shares his unique career path, transitioning from corrections officer to frontline support, then into product management, highlighting how deep, empathetic listening skills have been essential across all roles. The conversation explores how to scale customer feedback processes, synthesize insights effectively, and navigate stakeholder management. Mark and Mauricio challenge the common misinterpretation of Henry Ford's quote about customer research, emphasizing the importance of genuinely understanding underlying customer needs. Practical advice is offered for breaking through organizational blinders, advocating for meaningful change, and maintaining balance when strategic initiatives seem misaligned with immediate customer requests.Key TakeawaysEmpathy and Active Listening: Genuine empathy and active listening are key skills that transcend industry and job function, essential for product management success.Scaling Customer Feedback: Utilize scalable methods like AI (LLMs) to analyze and summarize customer feedback at scale, uncovering patterns and root causes effectively.Root Cause Analysis: Go beyond surface-level customer requests by digging deeper to uncover true underlying problems and needs, rather than just stated wants.Stakeholder Engagement: Engage stakeholders early, make them feel heard, and clearly communicate decisions to achieve alignment and minimize resistance.Embracing Customer Feedback: Treat customer feedback as a valuable gift; show appreciation and continuously demonstrate that input shapes your product decisions.Admitting Mistakes: Develop the courage to pivot or stop projects when customer and market feedback indicates potential failure; maintaining an honest, reflective process is key to sustainable success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mauricio Steffen02:09 Career Journey: From Corrections Officer to Product Management06:57 The Role and Philosophy of Product Management09:59 Influencing Stakeholders: Education, Listening, and Empathy12:42 Scaling Customer Feedback and Leveraging AI15:34 Why “Faster Horse” Is a Cop-Out: Understanding Customer Needs22:49 Breaking Organizational Blinders with Customer Insights26:07 The Challenge of Admitting Mistakes and Changing Course29:37 Root Cause Analysis: From Wants to True Customer Needs35:33 Empathy as the Key Skill for All Stakeholder ManagementResources & LinksConnect with Mauricio Steffen on LinkedIn Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino sits down with David Hirschfeld, founder and CEO of Tekyz, about the Launch First methodology—a metrics-driven approach to de-risking product development and achieving product-market fit before building software. David shares insights from working with over 90 startups, highlighting the common pitfalls that lead to failure, particularly the mistake of waiting too long to validate revenue. He breaks down how to identify the right niche, perform root cause analysis, and use high-fidelity prototypes to pre-sell software before investing in an MVP. Whether you're a startup founder, a product leader, or iterating on a new SaaS offering, this episode offers actionable strategies to validate demand, avoid wasted development, and accelerate success.Key TakeawaysThe Biggest Mistake Startups Make - Most startups fail due to lack of product-market fit, not running out of money. Waiting too long to validate revenue leads to wasted resources and increased risk.Flipping the MVP Approach - Instead of using an MVP to test product-market fit, use it to validate product-solution fit—ensuring real customers will use it, not just buy it.Pre-Selling Before Building - High-fidelity prototypes that feel like real software can be used to sell the vision and secure early customers before writing a single line of code.The Power of Niche Analysis - Startups should identify a niche where pain points have both a high cost and a high perceived impact, ensuring customers are both willing and able to pay.The Scientist vs. The Believer - Founders often wear the "black robe" of belief in their vision, but success comes from adopting the "white coat" of data-driven decision-making.Speed Matters: Fail Fast, Fail Cheap - Instead of spending years and millions developing a product that may not sell, Launch First helps founders validate demand in 3-5 months.Lifetime Licenses Aren't Crazy - For some SaaS models, offering lifetime licenses in pre-sales can be a smarter way to fund development than raising capital and losing equity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to David Hirschfeld's Journey03:01 Why Most Startups Fail: The Real Reason09:31 Understanding Product-Market Fit vs. Product-Solution Fit14:46 Sell Before You Build: The Power of Pre-Sales19:31 Finding the Right Niche with Data-Driven Decisions24:31 From Founder to Scientist: The Mindset Shift28:46 Building a Sales Funnel for Early Traction34:11 When to Start Building Your MVPResources & LinksConnect with David Hirschfeld on LinkedInTekyz Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino sits down with Mike Nowak, Principal Product Manager at Deloitte Digital, to explore the philosophy and pragmatism behind product management. Mike shares his unconventional journey from theology and philosophy to product leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration in the product space. The conversation dives into the interplay between UX, engineering, and product management, the challenge of defining “what to build and why”, and how organizations can create a culture where mistakes lead to learning, not failure. The discussion also covers why product decisions are often political, the evolving role of product ops, and how businesses can better align incentives to build truly user-centered products.Resources & LinksConnect with Mike Nowak on LinkedInBook: Getting Naked by PatrickBook: Product Operations: How successful companies build better products at scale Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino talks with Dave Seligsohn, founder of A2O Consulting, about creating a culture of innovation and driving business growth. Drawing from his rich background in education and leadership, Dave shares insights into the challenges small businesses face, such as breaking revenue ceilings, optimizing operations, and achieving growth. He highlights the importance of fostering innovation through intentional processes, forming dedicated teams, and leveraging data-driven decision-making. The conversation offers practical strategies for establishing an innovation pipeline, validating ideas, and navigating organizational challenges, making it an invaluable guide for leaders and entrepreneurs.Key TakeawaysThe Cycle of Innovation – Effective innovation is intentional and embedded into company culture, driven by an innovation team tasked with surfacing, testing, and implementing ideas.Breaking Revenue Ceilings – Small businesses often face growth plateaus due to overreliance on founders; collaboration, delegation, and external advisors can help overcome these challenges.Prevention Over Cure – Leaders should prioritize continuous innovation to avoid desperation-driven solutions during crises.Structured Idea Validation – A systematic approach to market validation, involving customer feedback and financial analysis, reduces risk and ensures alignment with business goals.Leadership's Role in Innovation – Leadership should sponsor and support innovation initiatives, but remain hands-off during idea generation to encourage creativity.The Power of Data in Decision-Making – Businesses must identify and focus on the most relevant data points to track progress and ensure operational efficiency.Overcoming Fear of Change – Allocating budget and fostering openness to new ideas are critical to embracing innovation as a business growth driver.Resources & LinksConnect with Dave Seligsohn on LinkedIn Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino sits down with Joe Sticca, a seasoned expert blending technology, digital experiences, and product innovation, to explore the transformative impact of generative AI on product management and design. Joe shares his journey from software development to digital experience leadership, emphasizing the importance of adopting an "editor mindset" to harness AI for efficiency, creativity, and strategic decision-making. The conversation delves into how AI accelerates feedback loops, enhances data analysis, and mitigates risks, empowering teams to deliver richer MVPs and foster better collaboration. Joe also touches on the evolving role of Web3, tokenization, and platforms like Roblox and Decentraland in shaping the future of customer engagement.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe "Editor Mindset" for Success - Generative AI empowers professionals to focus less on manual tasks and more on refining and validating creative ideas, improving product value and user outcomes.Efficiency Meets Creativity - AI tools enable teams to test, iterate, and mitigate risks faster, allowing for richer MVPs and more impactful user experiences.Depersonalizing Decision-Making - Using AI to analyze and act on data removes bias, fosters objectivity, and encourages Socratic discussions for better outcomes.Expanding the Idea Set - With time saved through AI, teams can shift their focus to exploring more innovative and valuable ideas that enhance user and business value.Shortening Feedback Loops - Real-time data insights powered by AI allow product teams to make faster, more informed decisions without waiting for traditional analytics cycles.Adapting Skills for the AI Era - Professionals must develop a nuanced understanding of business value, context, and creative problem-solving to thrive alongside AI tools.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background03:09 The Impact of Generative AI on Development06:02 Navigating Trust in AI Tools08:52 The Role of AI in Product Management11:46 The Editor Mindset in Product Development14:47 Future Trends in Product Management and Design17:51 Closing Thoughts and Future OpportunitiesLINKS:Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesticca/ Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/ Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy: https://fuzzymath.com/

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino and Bruce McCarthy discuss the challenges and solutions around stakeholder alignment in product management. Bruce highlights the importance of bridging communication gaps across departments to achieve unified goals and emphasizes the role of empathy, strategic prioritization, and effective stakeholder management in driving organizational success. He also touches on methods for identifying influential stakeholders, leveraging trust, and fostering cross-functional collaboration for product teams, especially in remote settings. Drawing from his book Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders, Bruce provides actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of building consensus and aligning teams with the organization's overall mission.KEY TAKEAWAYSUnderstanding and Aligning with Key Stakeholders: Successful product leaders prioritize stakeholder alignment, actively engaging across teams to achieve cohesive objectives that serve the organization's mission.The Role of Empathy in Collaboration: Effective alignment requires empathy, listening to stakeholders' perspectives, and validating their challenges to build a foundation of trust and cooperation.Focusing on Value Creation: Product teams must balance user needs with market demands by identifying and prioritizing solutions that drive real value for both customers and business.Proactive Communication Strategies: Building trust and clarity within cross-functional teams is essential, especially in remote environments; proactively reaching out to influential figures strengthens alignment.Defining and Mapping Organizational Influence: Identifying informal power players within an organization can be more effective than relying on an org chart, allowing product leaders to foster essential alliances.Leveraging Remote Tools for Connection: In a virtual setup, choosing high-bandwidth communication (like video) and maintaining consistent, high-touch engagement with stakeholders enhances team synergy.Using Vulnerability to Drive Authentic Relationships: Showing vulnerability and a willingness to ask for help or clarification can build stronger relationships, ultimately promoting an aligned and transparent culture.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Bruce McCarthy and His Journey01:51 Identifying the Tipping Point for Product Culture03:50 Understanding Alignment and Misalignment in Organizations07:57 Challenges in Product and Design Teams12:08 Building Cross-Functional Relationships15:59 Navigating Organizational Dynamics20:05 Strategies for Remote Collaboration24:10 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership28:00 Aligning Product and UX Teams31:59 Resources for Further LearningLINKS:Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemccarthy/Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders: https://www.alignedthebook.com/Product Culture Website: https://www.productculture.org  Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/ Fuzzy Math - B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy: https://fuzzymath.com/

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Rina Alexin, CEO of Productside, joins Mark Baldino , Co-Founder of Fuzzy Math, to discuss the state of product management today, including challenges like misaligned strategy, poor stakeholder management, and data utilization. She emphasizes the need for clearer communication of strategy across all levels of an organization, enabling product teams to focus on valuable discovery and execution. Rina also shares insights on navigating the complexities of data, enhancing team skills, and leveraging AI to empower more effective product management.Key TakeawaysMisaligned Strategy: Many product teams struggle due to poorly defined business strategies or prioritization, which ultimately affects their ability to deliver impactful results.Stakeholder Management: A key challenge is the lack of proper governance in decision-making, which leads to difficulties in aligning priorities across the organization.The Value of Communication: Clear and repetitive communication from leadership to product teams about business goals is crucial to ensure alignment and strategic focus.Overwhelmed Product Managers: Product managers often feel overwhelmed with tasks, which highlights the importance of balancing stakeholder communication with delivering product outcomes.The Role of AI: Product managers should learn to effectively use AI to increase efficiency. Avoiding AI will be detrimental to productivity in the future.Data Utilization: Lack of data or mistrust in data quality can lead to poor decision-making. Gathering reliable metrics is essential for driving impactful business decisions.Enabling Product Managers: Providing product managers with the tools, training, and clear expectations helps them excel in their roles and contribute to the organization's success.Chapters02:58 Current State of Product Management06:08 Leadership's Role in Product Management09:03 Challenges in Product Management11:56 Stakeholder Management and Governance15:08 Overwhelm in Product Teams17:58 The Impact of AI on Product Management21:03 The Importance of Data in Product Management Fuzzy Math B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode of UX Leadership By Design, host Mark Baldino speaks with Gerard Dolan about the challenges teams face in communication, problem identification, and leadership in dynamic work environments. Gerard discusses practical strategies for addressing issues like silos of information, aligning teams, and the importance of building relationships and fostering empathy within an organization. He emphasizes the value of identifying the right problems, facilitating open communication, and maintaining clarity in organizational roles. Gerard also touches on how team structures and leadership decisions can create bottlenecks and how to overcome them through transparency and collaboration.Key TakeawaysBreaking Silos to Enhance Communication: Teams often struggle with sharing information across departments. Breaking down "silos of excellence" fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page.Empathy and Understanding Pain Points: Spending time with colleagues and understanding their pain points can build bridges within organizations and improve team cohesion.Identifying and Addressing Real Problems: Taking the time to properly identify problems before jumping into solutions is critical for long-term success. Playing back the problem helps ensure everyone understands and is aligned.Prioritizing Open Feedback Loops: Regularly following up with team members on research findings or new information builds trust and ensures continuous improvement.Leadership Requires Clear Communication: Leaders must be proactive in communicating vision and strategy, ensuring that their teams are aligned and informed, particularly in large or complex organizations.Resources & LinksConnect with Gerard on LinkedIn Cynefin Framework Fuzzy Math B2B & Enterprise UX Design Consultancy Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

In this episode of UX Leadership By Design, host Mark Baldino speaks with Pablo Stanley. Pablo, a designer and artist, shares his journey from being a graffiti artist in his teenage years to becoming a creative director and founder of multiple companies. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading a team of creatives, including the balance between guiding them and allowing them to explore new ideas. Pablo also emphasizes the importance of bringing one's full self and passion to work, promoting work-life integration rather than separation. He highlights the benefits of integrating personal interests and hobbies into the creative process, leading to more motivated and efficient employees. Pablo thoughtfully emphasizes the importance of collaboration, autonomy, and allowing others to make decisions. Pablo also shares his perspective on AI in design, highlighting its potential to unblock creativity and free up time for more impactful work -- while acknowledging the concerns around AI and the need for ethical and legal regulations. Key TakeawaysThe transition from being an artist to a leader in the creative field can be gradual and natural, with experiences like being in a band or playing video games helping to develop skills in teamwork and collaboration.Leading a team of creatives requires finding a balance between guiding them and allowing them to explore new ideas, while also fostering trust and respect.Promoting work-life integration and allowing employees to bring their personal interests and passions into their work can lead to more motivated and efficient teams.Creatives often crave control and perfection, but it's important to embrace the culture of making mistakes and learning from them.Work should feel less like work and more like fun, where employees can bring their full selves and passion to what they do. Leadership involves bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and avoiding silos and isolation.As a leader, it's important to let go of control and allow others to contribute and make decisions.AI in design can unblock creativity and free up time for more impactful work, but human input is still necessary for selecting and refining ideas.There are concerns and ethical considerations around AI, particularly in terms of artists' work being used to train models without consent.Learn how Pablo's tool, Lumi, offers AI-generated assets for creative projects.Resources & LinksConnect with Pabloe on LinkedIn Pablo's AI design tool companies: https://musho.ai/ and https://www.lummi.ai/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In this episode of UX Leadership by Design, host Mark Baldino speaks with Harry Max, author of the book "Managing Priorities: How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions". We discussion the importance of intentional prioritization, particularly in complex organizational settings. Harry explains that while many people think they are good at prioritizing, most struggle when faced with dynamic and adaptive environments. He introduces his DEGAP process model (Decide, Engage, Gather, Arrange, Prioritize), which offers a structured approach to prioritization, ensuring that decisions are made based on the best possible options. The conversation also touches on the challenges of gaining team and organizational alignment and the significance of making prioritization a deliberate and strategic activity.Key Takeaways:Prioritization Needs Intentionality: Successful prioritization requires a structured approach, especially in complex organizational settings.DEGAP Process Model: The DEGAP model (Decide, Engage, Gather, Arrange, Prioritize) provides a comprehensive framework for effective prioritization.Importance of Strategic Alignment: Aligning teams and gaining executive support are crucial for the success of any prioritization effort.Recognizing the Need to Prioritize: The first step is deciding whether prioritization is necessary in a given situation, considering the potential benefits and risks.Prioritization as a Skill: While people may be good at prioritization in simple environments, complex settings require more refined methods and tools.Outputs vs. Results: Focus on achieving better results by selecting the best possible options rather than just prioritizing tasks.Avoiding Pitfalls: Without intentional prioritization, organizations risk making decisions that do not align with their strategic goals, leading to inefficiencies.Scalability of Prioritization: Effective prioritization processes can scale from individual teams to entire organizations.Designing for Flexibility: The prioritization process should be adaptable to different contexts, stakeholders, and organizational needs.Building Consensus: Engaging all relevant stakeholders in the prioritization process ensures that the outcomes are understood and supported across the organization.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:19 The Importance of Prioritization11:39 Prioritizing Prioritization19:43 The DEGAP Process Model22:19 Aligning Teams and Achieving Organizational Success29:23 Gaining Executive Alignment and Getting TractionLinks:20% Discount Code to Buy the book "Get the book - Managing Priorities: How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions".  Use Code "UXLBD" during checkout at: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/managing-prioritiesHary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrymaxharrymax.comFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In this episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino, co-founder of Fuzzy Math, speaks with Evan English, Vice President of Design and User Research at American Express. Evan shares her journey from product management to UX leadership at Amex, where she has spent 15 years. She highlights the company's significant investment in leadership training and development, which has allowed her to build a strong design leadership team from within the organization. They discuss the importance of aligning design work with business value, the challenges and rewards of building a mature design system, and the strategic role of information architecture in delivering business results.Key Takeaways:Leadership behaviors, such as communication, collaboration, and empathy, are crucial for UX leaders.Designers possess unique qualities that make them great leaders, including empathy, active listening, storytelling, and systems thinking (dot connectors).Shared goals with product partners and design maturity goals are important for driving business value.Information architecture and design systems play a critical role in supporting the evolving business needs.Measuring metrics and setting goals are essential for tracking the impact of design efforts and improving customer satisfaction.Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In Episode 7 of Season 2 of UX Leadership by Design, host Mark Baldino chats with Mike LaVista, CEO and Founder of Caxy, a digital transformation constancy. They explore the importance of clear goals, change management, and mitigating risks for successful transformations. They also highlight the need to involve customers in the process and consider future-proofing these systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building a strong business case, prioritizing pain points, and introducing new features to drive adoption. They explore the importance of legacy app modernization, and the practical steps organizations can take to mitigate risks associated with these transformations.Key Takeaways:Definition and Impact of Digital Transformation: Digital transformation involves a comprehensive integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how organizations operate and deliver value to customers. Mike emphasizes that it's not just about technology, but also about driving change that enhances business performance and sustainability.Challenges of Legacy Systems: Legacy systems often pose significant challenges due to their outdated technologies and architectures. Both speakers discuss the complexities involved in modernizing these systems, including the risks of disrupting operational continuity and the difficulty in managing change among stakeholders.Risk Mitigation Strategies: The discussion highlights the importance of a proactive approach to risk management. Mike suggests that addressing potential pains before they turn critical and involving key stakeholders early in the process are crucial steps in mitigating risks.Change Management as a Key Success Factor: Effective change management is critical for the success of digital transformation initiatives. Mike points out that organizations must focus on managing both the technical aspects of the change and the people side, ensuring that all employees are on board and aligned with the new direction.Future-Proofing Through Incremental Improvement: Both speakers agree that future-proofing business technology requires not only replacing old systems but also continuously improving and updating new systems. They discuss strategies for making incremental improvements that allow organizations to adapt to future needs without extensive rework.The Role of Leadership in Transformation: Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation. Leaders must not only endorse technological change but also foster a culture that embraces continual learning and adaptation.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellavista/Mike's Article: The 7 Stages of Digital Transformation: https://www.caxy.com/blog/the-7-stages-of-digital-transformation-in-businessFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In Episode 6 of Season 2 of UX Leadership by Design, host Mark Baldino chats with Bridget McMullan, Director of Technology Innovation at Elevance Health, about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), user experience design, and product management. They dive into the critical role of human creativity and critical thinking in effectively integrating AI into product development and design processes. Bridget shares insights from her diverse background in product development and her teaching experiences, highlighting practical examples of AI applications. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations, potential biases, and the importance of human intervention in AI's development and implementation. Whether you're a designer, product manager, or simply an AI enthusiast this episode explores the transformative potential of AI in creating innovative, user-centered design solutions.Key Takeaways:AI and Human Creativity in UX Design: The integration of artificial intelligence in user experience design highlights a unique overlap where AI enhances human creativity, leading to the development of innovative solutions that blend the best of technology and human insight.Human-Centered Design in the Age of AI: Despite the transformative potential of AI, the core principles of human-centered design remain paramount. This approach ensures that design solutions prioritize user-friendliness, intuition, and ethical responsibility, keeping human needs and values at the forefront.Ethical AI Use and Bias Prevention: The ethical integration of AI in design practices emphasizes the importance of bias prevention and aligns technological advancements with human values, ensuring that AI serves the genuine needs of users.Evolving Role of AI in Product Development: Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping the future of product development, introducing new methodologies that streamline the design process and encourage innovation, thereby transforming how products are conceived and brought to market.Critical Thinking and Human Insight in AI Implementation: In the implementation of AI-driven solutions, critical thinking and human intervention play crucial roles, ensuring that technology is applied in a manner that is both practical and deeply attuned to user needs.Navigating the AI Landscape in Design and Technology: As AI continues to evolve, understanding its impact on design and technology becomes essential. This encompasses both the benefits and challenges of AI, highlighting how it can enhance user experiences while also presenting new considerations for designers.Connect with Bridget on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetmcmullan/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In Season 2, Episode 5 of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino is joined by Pooja Vijay Kumar from Autodesk to discuss the transformative shift from product-centric to platform-centric design. Pooja shares her journey and the strategic importance of breaking down complex systems into atomic elements for better communication and understanding. The episode highlights Autodesk's approach to supporting a myriad of products and features while maintaining a cohesive infrastructure. The conversation offers practical advice for designers, product managers, and technologists navigating the evolving landscape of design. Tune in to learn about the future of design and how to thrive in a platform-centric environment.Key Takeaways:Shift to Platform-Centric Design Thinking: The episode underscores the essential transition from product-centric to platform-centric design, emphasizing the need for designers to adopt a mindset focused on creating systems that support multiple products and services. This shift involves breaking down complex systems into atomic elements for clarity and effective communication.The Role of Strategic Questioning and Business Acumen: Designers are encouraged to ask pertinent questions to grasp the business value of their projects fully. Understanding and articulating the business context of design work is highlighted as a crucial skill for influencing decision-making and asserting the strategic importance of design in achieving business objectives.Navigating Organizational Dynamics for Impact: The discussion on entering and exiting "the right rooms" metaphorically speaks to the importance of designers positioning themselves in situations where they can significantly impact and participate in crucial decision-making processes. It's about finding the balance between contributing value and seeking opportunities for meaningful involvement in strategic discussions.Innovations in Platform Content Design: Pooja Vijay Kumar shares insights into the unique challenges and approaches in platform content design, including crafting language and metaphors that anchor user experiences. This involves a sophisticated understanding of data models, concepts, and the transition from legacy systems to more granular, data-centric approaches.Future Directions in Design: The conversation points towards the future of design, stressing the importance for designers to equip themselves with platform-centric thinking, strategic questioning, and an understanding of business value to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and design effectively.Connect with Pooja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavijaykumar/Pooja on ADPList: https://adplist.org/mentors/pooja-vijay-kumarFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In Episode 4, Season 2 of "UX Leadership By Design," Denise Tilles discusses the critical role of product operations in scaling businesses and enhancing product development. She underscores the necessity of integrating product and design teams with a strong emphasis on leveraging data and research operations to drive impactful business results. Denise targets a broad audience for the book, including product managers, VPs, CPOs, and CEOs, to emphasize the universal benefit of adopting product operations frameworks. Key insights include the essential nature of operationalizing product teams, the significance of data in refining product strategy, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration for effective operationalization.Key Takeaways:Data-Driven Insights: The transformative impact of integrating data analysis into product management to uncover revenue opportunities and drive strategic decisions.Operationalizing Product Management: Identifying signs for the need to formalize product operations within growing organizations to enhance alignment and efficiency.Broad Audience Engagement: The importance of product operations for a range of professionals from product managers to CEOs, highlighting its cross-functional relevance.Value of Collaboration: Emphasizing the synergy between product, design, and technology operations to foster a cohesive and effective operational framework.Learning and Growth: Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within product teams to remain agile and responsive to market demands.Strategic Alignment: The crucial role of product operations in aligning product development efforts with overarching business goals and customer needs.Resource Optimization: How product operations can help in prioritizing and efficiently utilizing resources, especially in times of economic constraints.Cross-functional Communication: Facilitating better communication and collaboration across departments to ensure a unified approach to product development and business strategy.Empowerment through Education: The potential for operational roles to educate and empower teams in research and data literacy, enhancing their ability to contribute to product success.Focus on Value Creation: Reiterating the core objective of product management and operations as the creation and delivery of value to customers and the business alike.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:13 Discovering Product Operations04:26 Defining Product Management05:29 Target Audience for the Book08:14 When to Operationalize Product Teams10:36 The Role of Data in Product Operations18:09 Overlap and Collaboration with Other Ops Teams22:03 Aligning Design and Product for Operationalization23:45 The Importance of Research Ops26:00 Collaboration between Design and Product28:23 Talue of Product OperationsFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 2 of UX Leadership By Design. In this episode, Mark speaks with Mollie Cox, Director of Product Design at Fleet.io and Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Mollie shares her career journey and the connection between her early career, playing hopscotch, teaching, and leadership style. She emphasizes the value of teaching practical skills. Mollie also discusses the concept of radical softness, using our emotions as a strength and not a weakness. She also explains how she carves out time for growth and mentorship within her design team, aligning individual goals with organizational goals. Mollie's commitment to designer growth is evident in her approach to leadership and mentorship. All leaders can learn a tremendous amount from Mollie's leadership style and ethos "Grow my people".TakeawaysTeaching practical skills is important in design education to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.Radical softness in leadership involves being open, authentic, and transparent, while empowering team members.Aligning individual goals with organizational goals helps create a sense of purpose and growth within the team.Carving out time for growth and mentorship is crucial for talent retention and development.Topics coveredRadical Softness in Leadership - Discusses the concept of using emotions as strengths in leadership and management.Design Team Growth and Mentorship - Covers strategies for personal and professional development within design teams.Aligning Goals with Organizational Objectives - Explores how individual aspirations can support broader company goals.Teaching Practical Skills in Design - Highlights the importance of practical education in bridging the gap between theory and application.Emotional Intelligence in Design - Addresses the role of emotional awareness in design leadership and teamwork.Career Development in Product Design - Provides insights into navigating career paths and advancement in the design field.Challenges in Design Education - Discusses the obstacles and rewards of teaching and learning design.Empowerment through Transparent Leadership - Examines how openness and authenticity foster team empowerment.Applying Classroom Learnings to Professional Work - Shares examples of translating academic concepts into workplace solutions.Retention and Talent Development - Looks at the importance of nurturing talent for long-term retention and team success.LinksMollie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliecox/Mollie mentoring on ADList https://adplist.org/mentors/mollie-coxFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

The title says it all -- we cover a ton in Season 2, Episode 2 of UX Leadership By Design, as Mark Baldino talks with Shan Shen, a Principal UX designer at Custom Ink. Shan shares her background in design and her transition to a leadership role as they discuss the challenges designers face in a remote work environment and the importance of creating support systems. Shan shares tips for designers and leaders in navigating difficult situations and emphasizes the need for designers to understand the language of business and focus on delivering value. We'll say it again -- value is the love language of business.TakeawaysTransitioning from a designer to a leadership role takes time and involves understanding one's unique design skills and how they can create impactful experiences.Creating a support system and fostering open communication is crucial for designers, especially in a remote work environment.Designers and leaders should focus on listening, empathy, and understanding to navigate difficult situations and support team members.Designers need to embrace the language of business and communicate in terms of value to have a strategic impact in organizations.Topics Covered:Transition from Designer to LeaderChallenges of Remote Work in DesignIntegrating Business Strategy with DesignThe Role of Empathy in DesignStrategic Decision Making in DesignBalancing Self-Care and Professional GrowthInfluences of Design Thinking on BusinessSpeaking the Language of BusinessLeadership Skills in the Design IndustryCreating Value through DesignLinks:Shan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanshen1/Shan on ADPList - https://adplist.org/mentors/shan-shenFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

Welcome to Season 2 of UX Leadership by Design. In this episode, we talk to Bryn McCoy, a seasoned UX design leader, who shares her journey from a maker in tech to a design leader. Bryn emphasizes the importance of collaboration between product and design teams, addressing challenges in the tech industry, and the need for innovation in times of uncertainty. Bryn also highlights the significance of maintaining creativity and motivation within teams and stresses the importance of personal and cultural growth. The episode covers various topics including the transition from making to leading, collaboration strategies, and maintaining team motivation amidst challenges, ending with recommendations for further resources.TakeawaysCollaboration between product and design teams is crucial for successful projects.Innovation is necessary, even in challenging times, and can involve retooling existing infrastructure.Leaders should prioritize personal and cultural growth to maintain creativity and motivation within teams.Taking time for self-care and giving oneself grace is essential for effective leadership.Cultivating vision and voice is key to inspiring and leading teams in innovative endeavors.Topics CoveredUX Design Team CollaborationInnovation and Creative DesignChallenges & Growth in UX LeadershipMotivating Creative Design TeamsResilience in Design LeadershipSynergy with Product LeadershipStrategies for UX LeadershipCultural Dynamics in UXLinks:Bryn McCoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynmccoy/https://brynmccoy.com/Mineral -Professional Coaching & Training: https://madebymineral.com/ProfessionalAware: The Science and Practice of Presence--The Groundbreaking Meditation Practice by Daniel Dr. Siegel: https://www.amazon.com/Aware-Practice-Presence-Groundbreaking-Meditation/dp/1101993049Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In this episode, we explore design leadership and entrepreneurship with Cameron Ridenour, Chief Design Officer of CoNote. Cameron brings listeners into the process of novel product design - highlighting the intricate journey of aligning user requirements with a company's strategic goals. Mark and Cameron discuss transitioning from a traditional design roles to a co-founders and product leaders.This is a great episode for UX Design leaders who are interested in strategies for harmonizing often conflicting aspects of product development. Through practical, real-world examples, listeners gain an understanding of how to maintain a clear and consistent product design direction, even when faced with varying user feedback or short-term opportunities from stakeholders.TOPICS:1. Non-Traditional Paths to Design Leadership2. The Evolution of UX Research Tools3. Balancing User-Centric Design with Commercial Viability4. The Role of UX in Product Development at Startups5. Managing Technical Debt in UX Design6. User-Centered Design Across Different Mediums7. Building a Cohesive Design Team8. UX Leadership and Positive Team Culture9. AI in UX: Enhancing Research and Synthesis10. Tools and Strategies for Effective Research SynthesisLINKS:Cameron Ridenour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voltronfutura/CoNote: www.conote.aiDon't Make Me Think by Steve Krug : https://sensible.com/dont-make-me-think/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.comMark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In Episode 11 of UX Leadership by Design, Joana Castro, Director of UX at Buildium in Portugal explains how she leverages UX Maturity models at Buildium, and more broadly, how organizations can use UX maturity assessments to measure progress (and regression), demonstrate the value of UX, and secure investment in user experience. This episode offers practical advice for UX leaders interested in implementing a UX maturity model in their organization, effectively using storytelling as a strategy to help stakeholders connect to user problems, and hiring and developing junior designers. TOPICS:1. The State of the UX Market in Portugal2. Building and Managing UX Teams3. The Importance of Soft Skills in UX4. Using storytelling to cultivate stakeholder buy in5. Transitioning from Individual Contributor to UX Leader6. The UX Maturity Model by Nielsen Norman Group7. Assessing and Demonstrating UX Value8. Demonstrating ROI and Business Value of UX9. The Impact of UX Maturity AssessmentsLINKS:Joana Castro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joana-isadora-castro/Buildium: https://www.buildium.com/Atlas (North American Report) by Sequoia: https://atlas.sequoiacap.com/Nielsen Norman Group: 6 Levels of UX Maturity Model: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-maturity-model/Nielsen Norman Group: UX Maturity Survey: https://forms.nngroup.com/s3/Maturity-QuizFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

Are design leaders and their teams neglecting the power of wireframing in UX design? In the latest episode of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino explores this question, and others, with Billy Carlson, a design leader and educator. The episode dives deep into the often underestimated process of wireframing, emphasizing its critical role in project development. Billy underscores the value of staying in the the "gray areas" of low-fidelity design early on, as it allows teams to refine their ideas, establish content structures, and secure stakeholder buy-in before transitioning to high-fidelity design. They also talk about Billy's recent book, "Wireframing for Everyone," which aims to democratize wireframing, making it accessible to both designers and non-designers. If you're a design leader in the UX field, this podcast episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable insights to elevate your team's design process.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Billy Carlson is a design educator at Balsamiq, where he helps new and non-designers learn best practices for all phases of user interface and digital product design. He teaches university-level UX and design thinking courses, and, as a designer since 2005, he's worked on myriad products and led large UX teams at various organizations.TOPICS:The Role of Wireframing in UX DesignImportance of Staying in Low FidelityStrategies to Encourage Collaboration in WireframingChallenges Faced by Design LeadersBenefits of Concept Development in DesignBalancing Control and Collaboration as a Design LeaderTransitioning from Individual Contributor to Design LeadThe Intersection of Design Leadership and EducationThe Process of Writing a UX Design BookEffective Communication in Early Design PhasesLINKS:Wireframing for Everyone: https://abookapart.com/products/wireframing-for-everyoneBalsamiq Wireframes Academy: https://www.balsamiq.com/learnBilly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billycarlsonBalsamiq: https://www.balsamiq.com/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In Episode 9 of UX Leadership by Design Mark talks to Tom Scotto, a design leader and consultant. Tom explains how embracing a quirky and creative team environment fosters innovation and collaboration and provides strategies to navigate and communicate the disruptive nature of design, both within your team and outside the design walls. Tom emphasizes the importance of recognizing that all design is disruptive and encourages a shared understanding of this concept among team members and stakeholders. Gain valuable tips on presenting disruption positively and collaborating effectively across disciplines. This episode is a valuable resource for UX Design leaders looking to drive change, build collaborative team cultures, and facilitate effective communication.TOPICS:1. The value of fostering a creative, quirky, and collaborative environment.2. Disruption as an inherent aspect of design and its impact on all facets.3. Encouraging a quirky mindset within design teams for enhanced creativity.4. Balancing disruption with collaboration across different functional teams.5. The importance of understanding disruption within and outside design.6. Overcoming hurdles in communicating design changes and driving innovation.7. Strategies for effectively presenting disruptive design concepts to non-designers.LINKS:Tom Scotto on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjscottoTom Scotto's Website - https://tomscotto.com/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:UX design leader Maria Giudice joins host Mark Baldino to discuss the core qualities that UX leaders need to become effective change agents. Drawing from three decades of experience, Maria underscores the significance of integrating design principles into leadership roles, enabling anyone to champion change.Maria's approach, outlined in her book Changemakers: How Leaders can Design Change in an Insanely Complex World focuses on empathy, shared goals, and effective communication, making it accessible for both designers and non-designers alike. TOPICS:1. Changemaker Approach in UX Leadership2. Change Management3. Building Trust and Vision4. Empathy and Collaboration5. Strategies for UX Leaders6. Art of being a ChangemakerLINKS:Rise of the DEO, Leadership by Design: https://www.amazon.com/Rise-DEO-Leadership-Design-Voices/dp/0321934393Changemakers: How Leaders can Design Change in an Insanely Complex World: https://www.amazon.com/Changemakers-Leaders-Design-Insanely-Complex/dp/1959029142Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariagiudiceFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In this UX Leadership by Design podcast episode, host Mark Baldino of Fuzzy Math talks with Alfred Kahn, an experienced design leader and author. They discusses navigating complex problem spaces, infusing consumer-grade UX principles into enterprise design, and strategies for collaborative success between the "tripod" - design, product, and engineering. This episode is a valuable resource for UX Design leaders looking to better understand how to shift design's role within an organization, emphasizing metrics, research, and effective communication, and aligning teams with strategic objectives.Topics:Creating Collaborative EnvironmentsEvolving Role of DesignBuilding Successful UX TeamsBuilding AlliancesEffective Design LeadershipUsability Testing as a Gateway to Enhance User-Centric DesignDesign Metrics and ValueEvolving Role of Design in OrganizationsLinks:Alfred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredkahnFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

Welcome to the "UX Leadership by Design" podcast, hosted by Mark Baldino, Co-Founder of Fuzzy Math. In Episode 6, we have the pleasure of featuring Santiago Viteri, the Associate Director of UX and Digital Accessibility Standards of the UX Center of Excellence at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Join us as Santiago shares his inspiring journey of helping shape a UX Center of Excellence within a large organization, emphasizing the significance of credibility and problem-solving through a user-focused approach. Discover the pivotal role he sees for digital accessibility and the "shift left" mentality in creating inclusive and user-friendly designs right from the start. Don't miss this insightful conversation on UX, accessibility, and the art of design with a science-driven mindset. Gain valuable insights for building successful UX teams and fostering a culture of innovation.Topics:Design Thinking for HealthcareAgile Approach for Digital AccessibilityProduct Development & UX StrategyMeasuring UX ImpactAccessibility ComplianceDigital AccessibilityShift Left MentalityInclusive DesignBuilding Successful UX TeamsLinks:Santiago on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiagoviteri/IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) credential: https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/certified-professionalGoogle HEART framework:  https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/google-s-heart-framework-for-measuring-uxSystem Usability Scale (SUS): https://www.usability.gov/how-to-and-tools/methods/system-usability-scale.htmlFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

 In this episode of the "UX Leadership by Design" podcast hosted by Mark Baldino of Fuzzy Math, Greg Thomas, Director of User Experience at TaxSlayer, shares how his team captures user data at specific times to make data-driven decisions and presents a strong case to executives, business owners, and product leaders. By using a one-question survey with a one-to-seven scale (Single Ease Question or SEQ) , they prioritize fixes in the backlog and give users a voice without adding any overhead to the team. This episode is a valuable resource for UX design leaders seeking insights into capturing customer data and making better decisions.Topics Covered:- Making data-driven decisions in UX design- Benefits of user-centered design for business success- Importance of data capture tools and user feedback in UX design- Understanding and using Single Ease Question (SEQ) Scores to improve UX design- Prioritizing fixes and challenges in UX design- Building and leading UX research teams- Driving design decisions through in-context data capture- Strategies for Prioritizing Fixes in a UX Design BacklogAbout our Guest:Greg is a software industry veteran with an extensive background in researching and creating user-centered omnichannel customer experiences and in managing, advising Product Management and helping set strategy going forward.Examples of his work can be found on a wide array of platforms including; web, mobile apps, tablet apps, mobile web, point of sale, pin pad, kiosk, voice systems, mobile payment, and internal employee operation systems.Currently, he is the Director of User Experience Design at TaxSlayer.com where he reports to the CEO and works directly with Senior leadership.  Prior to joining TaxSlayer, he worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Walgreens, Motorola and for other industry leaders such as Peapod, and Legacy.com.He holds a Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University in Chicago, a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Butler University, and an executive certificate in Product Management from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.His innovations have led to him being listed as a co-creator of one patent and sole creator of another.Resources & Links - Find Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gthomas10/- More about Single Ease Question  (SEQ): https://measuringu.com/seq10/#:~:text=The%20Single%20Ease%20Question%20(SEQ)%20is%20a%207%2Dpoint,was%20the%20task%20to%20complete%3FFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

This episode of "UX Leadership by Design," the podcast by and for UX leaders, is brought to you by Fuzzy Math, the award-winning user experience design consultancy. In this episode, our host Mark Baldino chats with Nate Felt, a Senior Product Designer at Amazon, about stakeholder communication and management. As a designer, it's easy to focus on creating great UI and deliverables, but when transitioning to a design leader, communication and selling design ideas become crucial skills. Join us to learn from Nate's experiences and find the right balance between design output and communication.Topics Covered:- Transitioning from a design practitioner to a lead role- Non-traditional paths into UX design- Importance of digital storytelling in UX design- Psychology & counseling skills in UX design- Sales skills in UX design- Collaborating with stakeholders in UX design- Design thinking and problem-solving skills in UX design- Importance of empathy in UX design- The role of UX in the internal partner ecosystem- Identifying champions for UX in different parts of the process- Tips for identifying advocates for UX- The importance of passion and decision-makers in UX advocacy.About our Guest:Nate Felt is a Senior Product Designer at Amazon where he measures human behavior and interaction. Nate's goal is to discern people's motives and goals and he uses this information to help improve the technology we use. In addition to 6 years studying psychology and 6 years studying communication technology, Nate has been in the Bay Area working in UX Design for the past 12 years.    Resources & Links:1. Articulating Design Decisions: Communicate with Stakeholders, Keep Your Sanity, and Deliver the Best User Experience by Tom Greever https://www.amazon.com/Articulating-Design-Decisions-Communicate-Stakeholders-ebook/dp/B08FVV7PDN?ref_=ast_author_dp2. Find & Connect with Nate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanfelt/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

On this episode of "UX Leadership by Design" join host Mark Baldino as he interviews Bryan Garvey, the Associate Director of User Experience and Insights at Radio Systems Corporation. Discover Bryan's multi-year journey in bringing UX design to the company, the crucial role of stakeholder management, and the power of fostering a growth mindset among his team. Hear about the challenges of balancing multiple focuses from E-commerce to marketing to physical product design. Learn why it's important to not get too caught up in titles and instead focus on growing the UX department within the organization. Bryan emphasizes the importance of empathizing with stakeholders and understanding the business. Enhance your UX leadership skills today.Topics covered:1. How to get initial buy-in from stakeholders2. Identifying the right people to back your plans3. Collaborative approach between design and development4. UX design for marketing, websites, apps, to physical product5. How to expand the role and function of your UX tea6. Encouraging a "push mindset" in your team7. Importance of small details to solving design challenges8. The value of evangelizing9. Empathizing with StakeholdersAbout our guest:Bryan first started obsessing over experience details by putting on Star Wars plays in neighborhood backyards. Today he pushes to make things better through research, UX, and industrial design in the world of pet products. In his spare time, he creates different kinds of experiences on live music stages and in the outdoors. Resources & Links:Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-garvey-8a02a313/Book Recommendation: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474216/Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In this episode of UX Leadership by Design, host Mark Baldino interviews Chris Willis, the Chief Design Officer at Domo. As a Chief Design Officer and futurist, Chris combines data technology and emerging trends to make Domo an indispensable platform for its customers. The episode provides practical advice for UX designers looking to have a more impactful career and for design leaders who want to grow and nurture their design team. This is a must-listen episode for anyone in the UX industry who wants to stay ahead of the game, stay competitive in their field, and future-proof their career.About our guest:As Domo's chief design officer and futurist, Chris' hyper-focus on combining data, technology and emerging trends in innovative ways helps to make Domo an indispensable platform for its customers. He has nearly three decades of design leadership experience in web, mobile and data visualization. And as one of Domo's earliest employees, he's involved in every aspect – from initial design, strategy and execution – of building and developing solutions that solve even the most complex problems faced by customers.Topics covered:1. Transitioning from designer to design lead2. Importance of a creative's background diversity3. Data technology and design trends.4. Soft skills for design leaders5. Gaps in traditional design education curriculum6. Aesthetic design vs problem solving7. Feedback and criticism in design8. Problem solving skills in design9. Teamwork and Trust in Design problem solvingResources & Links:Connect with Chris on LinkedInFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

Mark Baldino is the host of the UX leadership podcast and the co-founder of Fuzzy Math, a UX design firm. In today's episode, he interviews Parisa Bazl, the Head of User Experience at Commvault, an enterprise data protection and data management software company. Bazl's work focuses on scaling the impact of UX teams within an organization while also promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design community. She has been able to bring people with non-traditional backgrounds into the design field through a training program using a unique combination of system-level thinking and frameworks.Topics covered:1. UI and UX design2. Digital product strategy3. UX design operations4. Growing and scaling a UX team5. Hiring and recruiting for UX6. Diversity and inclusion in design7. Best practices for UX leadershipAbout our guest:After studying Information Science in graduate school, Parisa has worked in UX for 12 years and now leads the team at Commvault Systems.  Much of her leadership work is focused on scaling the impact of a UX team within an organization while also opening up opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design world.  She enjoys living in New York City, traveling outside of it, and working with people who bring out the best in each other. Resources & Links:Connect with Parisa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisa-bazl-28395333/Article Diversify and Scale Your Team by Making UX Design More Accessible: https://dscout.com/people-nerds/ux-design-accessibleFuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/