Ran Talks Design

Many designers struggle to earn credibility in business conversations. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Scott (Airbnb, DoorDash, MBA @ Berkeley) to unpack why PMs often get promoted faster than designers—and what to do about it. We cover the 3 patterns that quietly erode design influence, how to speak the language of business, and how to use empathy not just for users, but also for stakeholders. If you’ve ever wondered how to finally get your “seat at the table,” this conversation is for you.

Can ChatGPT become your design partner?💕 support the channel: buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesignIn this episode, designer Shane Fontane (formerly at Grammarly, Optimizely) reveals how he’s using AI tools like GPT, Midjourney, Claude, and Remini to co-create, synthesize research, generate ideas, and even critique design layouts.We dive into: • How Shane built a custom GPT to scale design critique • The AI stack powering his personal portfolio • Using GPT to turn research docs into product ideas • How hallucinations can be surprising sources of creative inspiration • Why working with AI makes him more strategic, not lessWhether you’re a mid-level designer or staff IC, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you work—with AI as your creative force multiplier.🔗 Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanefontane/🔗 Connect with Ran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/🎧 Subscribe to Ran Talks Design for more episodes on AI, UX, and creative growth.00:00 Introduction to AI in Design01:02 Meet Shane Fontane01:38 Shane's AI Stack and Workflow02:23 Impact of AI on Design04:03 Using AI for Research and Synthesis12:08 AI in Portfolio Creation16:14 Scaling Design Critique with AI21:45 AI in Content Design26:40 Fun with AI28:41 Future of AI in Design32:00 Conclusion and Call to ActionAI for designers, GPT design feedback, ChatGPT for UX, design portfolio with AI, Shane Fontane, Grammarly design, growth design tools, future of UX design, AI design workflow, design critique GPT

🎯 Want to be a design founder — but don’t know where to start?In this episode, I talk to Patrick Thompson, ex-Atlassian design leader turned multi-time founder, about exactly how he went from designer → $22M-funded startup founder — without writing a single line of code.Whether you’re a senior designer, growth PM, or aspiring founder, we break down:✅ How to de-risk your startup idea before finding a technical cofounder💡 The truth about founder-led sales, fundraising, and team building as a designer🧠 Patrick’s step-by-step blueprint from Iteratively to Clarify🧩 How your design superpowers can become startup leverage🔗 Connect with RanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/🔗 Connect with PatrickLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickt010/Clarify: https://www.clarify.ai/💕 Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign00:00 Introduction to Clarify and Patrick Thompson01:24 Patrick's Career Journey: From Marketing to Design03:28 Founding Iteratively and Lessons Learned04:44 Building Clarify: Vision and Challenges09:55 The Importance of Networking and Support18:59 Balancing Quality and Speed in Product Development23:13 Resource Constraints and Team Growth23:59 Design Principles and Hiring24:32 Advantages of a Design Background26:04 Learning Sales as a Founder27:16 Balancing Multiple Roles29:19 Becoming an Investor35:51 Challenges of Being a Designer Founder39:27 Advice for Aspiring Founders42:36 Clarify and Final Thoughts

How do you actually get promoted from Senior to Staff Product Designer? What skills, mindset, and strategies matter most at the Staff level?In this episode, I talk with Catt Small, a Staff Product Designer, developer, and game maker who’s worked at companies like Asana, Etsy, SoundCloud, and Nasdaq, about how to move up the design career ladder and build influence as a senior IC.We cover:What hiring managers look for in Staff Designer interviewsThe difference between Senior and Staff DesignersHow to demonstrate staff-level impact without being a managerThe reality of career resets, emotional burnout, and how to stay in love with the craftMentioned in the show:https://www.cattsmall.comhttps://maven.com/catt-small/staff-designerWhether you’re a Senior Product Designer trying to get promoted, or you’re aiming to understand the Staff+ IC career path, this conversation is full of real talk and tactical advice.

Ever wondered what really happens when managers decide who gets promoted?In this episode of Ran Talks Design, I sit down with Leslie Yang, design leader at Lyft (formerly OpenTable, Pivotal Labs), to pull back the curtain on how promotion decisions are made — from calibration meetings to performance reviews and the real factors that influence career growth in design.This is the conversation we all wish we had earlier in our careers.🎯 What we cover: • How to know if you’re actually ready for promotion • Why doing great work alone isn’t enough • What happens inside closed-door calibration meetings • Building a strong promotion case (with examples) • What to do when your manager isn’t supporting your growthWhether you’re a mid-level designer, aiming for senior or staff, or managing ICs yourself — this episode will help you navigate the unspoken rules and build a path toward real growth.⸻👤 Guest: Leslie YangLeslie Yang leads product design for core platform teams at Lyft. She loves tackling complex team, product, and user challenges that propel business growth. Prior to Lyft, she led product design for enterprise at OpenTable and taught product discovery and designed 0-1 products from startups to big enterprise clients at Pivotal Labs.https://leslieyang.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-yang-design/⸻🔗 Connect with RanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/💕 Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign🔔 New episodes on growth, product strategy, and startup design every week.If this helped you, share it with someone you care about. Talk soon.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:21 Leslie Yang's Career Journey01:42 Career Growth Framework04:00 Defining Career Growth04:55 Promotion Criteria and Process06:42 Advice for Aspiring Designers09:12 Handling Career Pathway Challenges16:32 Building a Strong Case for Promotion22:05 Aligning Passion with Career Growth23:47 Monthly Check-ins for Growth24:50 Impact of Activities on Promotions26:05 Building a Strong Case for Promotion28:38 Collecting Feedback for Promotion32:33 Understanding the Promotion Decision Process39:09 Managing Up with an Inexperienced Manager40:55 Regular One-on-One Meetings44:01 Reflecting on Career Mistakes45:23 Staying Connected and Continuous Learning

Join us for a groundbreaking episode of Ran Talks Design, where we sit down with Erika Flowers, a design leader with over 25 years of experience at top companies including Intuit, Mural, and NASA. Erika shares her journey and insights on driving design innovation in traditional and complex organizations. We delve into topics such as the effective integration of AI in design, the importance of charisma and business acumen in design leadership, and the future of virtual reality in professional settings. Learn how Erika has harnessed collaborative and innovative approaches to overcome organizational resistance and promote human-centered design. Whether you're a seasoned design professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could change the way you view design forever.

My guest today is Andy Budd, veteran design leader, venture capitalist, and author of "The Growth Equation."Andy brings unique insight from both sides of the startup ecosystem - as a designer who's advocated for UX, and as a VC who reviews over 7,000 of startup pitches yearly. In this conversation, we explore why most startups fail, when founders should bring in designers, and how designers can have maximum impact in early-stage companies.🔑 KEY INSIGHTS:Why having a "good product" is never enough for startup successThe counterintuitive timing for hiring your first designerHow to recognize true product-market fit Why the best startups build far less than they think they needAnd more...00:00 Introduction02:51 Challenges and Reasons for Startup Failures06:21 The Role of Design in Startups15:25 Designers as Founders21:09 Understanding Product Market Fit25:47 The Return of the Technical MVP26:31 Stripping Back to the Essentials27:19 Learning from Usage and Research27:33 The Airbnb Example: Testing Innovative Ideas29:09 The Role of Research in Early Stages30:45 Avoiding the Feature Fallacy32:39 Finding the Right Niche Market34:38 Balancing Quality and Enterprise36:21 The Growth Equation and Designer's Role40:49 Delighting Users and Adding Value44:20 The Growth Equation: A Design Book in Stealth48:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for DesignersFollow Andy Budd:Website: https://andybudd.com/bookTwitter: https://twitter.com/andybuddConnect with RanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/💕 Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign

Former Senior Staff Designer turned celebrity recruiter Hang Xu reveals the uncomfortable truths about getting hired in today's brutal design job market. With candid insights from both sides of the table, this interview cuts through the typical career advice to show you what really happens behind the scenes.☕️ Support my work:https://buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign💼 Ready to level up your design career? Check out my complete playlist on landing your dream design job:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7vq15QQwy_ohg9clLQ_EWC3Hc8YtZryb&si=LRsENBs-0GXclN4Q🔗Mentioned in the show:Job market data: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/haxuco_were-finally-seeing-some-long-overdue-data-activity-7095787435300671488-oA76?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop🔗Connect with Hang:https://www.linkedin.com/in/haxuco/🔗 Connect with RanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/🙏 LEAVE A COMMENT AND LIKEIf you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a comment on what resonates. This really helps to motivate me to bring you more content like this.👋 GET IN TOUCHYou can connect with me on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/) and share with me any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes. And I can thank you personally for tuning in!Key moments:00:00 Introduction: The Brutal Job Market00:55 Meet Hang: From Designer to Recruiter01:53 Challenges in the Design Industry04:29 Recruiting Insights: What Recruiters Look For07:22 Understanding the Hiring Process10:31 Navigating Job Descriptions and User Research16:21 Market Conditions and Job Hunting Strategies20:34 The Harsh Reality for Junior Designers25:06 Meritocracy and Unfairness in Western Civilizations26:44 Challenges for Junior Designers in the UX Industry30:19 The Importance of Portfolios and Messaging32:53 The Hiring Process as a Sales Funnel36:52 The Role of Referrals in Job Applications39:02 Crafting a Unique Value Proposition46:38 Adapting to Market Conditions49:15 Prioritizing Mental Health for Career Success50:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts#DesignJobs #UXDesign #ProductDesign #CareerAdvice #TechCareers #UXCareers #DesignPortfolio #JobHunting #DesignRecruiting #UXRecruiting

Have you ever felt like being an introvert is holding you back at work? Like no matter how great your ideas are, they get overlooked because you’re not the loudest voice in the room? You’re not alone. Today, I’m talking to Tim Yeo, a seasoned design leader, coach, and author of The Quiet Achiever ( @thequietachievr ). Tim’s here to show you how to succeed as your authentic self. No pretending, no exhausting extrovert impressions—just practical, actionable habits that help you build confidence, make your voice heard, and create massive impact. Whether you’re struggling to stand out in meetings, looking to step into leadership, or just want to thrive without changing who you are, this episode will give you the tools to get there. Let’s dive in! Mentioned in the show: - 30 Habits in 30 Days: https://www.thequietachievr.com/30habits30days - Quiet Achiever Book: https://www.thequietachievr.com/book 🔗Connect with Tim Email: tim@thequietachievr.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timyeo/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/timyeo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thequietachievr Website: https://www.thequietachievr.com Book: https://www.thequietachievr.com/book 🔗Connect with Ran Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/ ADP profile: https://adplist.org/mentors/ran-liu - Currently mentorship slots open! ☕ Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign

Dive into vision and strategy with Karol, a product design leader who’s made waves at companies like Shopify and Personio. ☕ Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign 🔗 Connect with Ran Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/ ADP profile: https://adplist.org/mentors/ran-liu - Currently mentorship slots open! 🔗 Connect with Karol https://www.karolklabisch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karol-klabisch/ https://www.threads.net/@karol.klb Mentioned in the show: Personio Careers: https://www.personio.com/about-personio/careers/product-engineering/: Football Club: https://www.instagram.com/wuppertaler_sv/ Brother's graffiti: https://www.instagram.com/new_yorx/ 🙏 LEAVE A COMMENT AND LIKE If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a comment on what resonates. This really helps to motivate me to bring you more content like this. 👋 GET IN TOUCH You can connect with me on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/) and share with me any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes. And I can thank you personally for tuning in! 00:00 Introduction to Crafting a Vision 01:00 Karol's Journey in Design 05:03 Experiences at Fleetbird and Wunder Mobility 10:30 The Art of Storytelling in Design 16:19 Creating Impactful Vision Decks 23:19 The Freedom of Paper vs. Digital Tools 24:44 The Power of Writing and Prototyping 26:51 Sharing Vision Through Video Walkthroughs 31:03 Connecting Vision to Business Value 39:39 Lightning Round: Personal Insights

Join us in this insightful episode of Ran Talks Design as we sit down with Will Newton, Principal Product Designer at Amplitude, to explore the fascinating journey behind Amplitude’s latest major redesign. Learn about the bold steps taken to enhance user experience, the strategies employed, and the challenges and learnings along the way. Will shares his unique approach to tackling complex design problems, his passion for blending art and technology, and valuable insights into the world of product design. Whether you’re a designer looking for inspiration or curious about the inner workings of major redesigns, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways you won’t want to miss! ☕ Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign 🔗 Connect with Will Newton Twitter: @willdjthrill Early Day iPhone App: https://earlyday.app/ Huge Calendar Chrome Extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/huge-calendar/kbpncofhbolefhkcbbogoikffdgcdhen 🔗 Amplitude Resources Rethink Signup Link: https://lu.ma/ms86mvq0?tk=69x64s UX Design Template: https://amplitude.com/templates/ux-release-dashboard Amplitude’s Latest Redesign: https://amplitude.com/easy 🔗 Connect with Ran LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/ ADPList Profile (Free Mentorship Slots Open!): https://adplist.org/mentors/ran-liu Mentioned in the Show Early Day App: A morning routine tracker to kickstart your day. Huge Calendar Extension: A Chrome extension to help you keep track of long-term goals. Amplitude’s Latest Redesign: https://amplitude.com/easy The Alchemist Book: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0722532938/ref=asc_df_0722532938/ 🙏 LEAVE A COMMENT AND LIKE If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a comment on what resonated with you. This really helps motivate us to bring you more content like this. 👋 GET IN TOUCH You can connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/) and share any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learned from the episodes. I’d love to thank you personally for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe to “Ran Talks Design” for more inspiring conversations with designers and creatives. Share this episode with friends or colleagues who might find it valuable, and stay tuned for more exciting discussions coming your way.

In this episode, I sit down with  @AlienaCai , a designer-turned-entrepreneur whose inspiring journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to redefine their career. Starting as a UX designer at eBay, Aliena’s path took a bold turn when her YouTube content, now featured in Forbes and major universities, gained traction and revealed a gap in design education. We discuss everything from the lessons she learned after being rejected by Google (and why it turned out to be the best thing for her), to building a six-figure design business and bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world skills. Aliena also shares practical tips on personal branding, entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges of running a business. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just curious about her incredible story, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in to learn: ⭐️ Why rejection can lead to opportunity. ⭐️ How to build a thriving personal brand. ⭐️ The hard truths and rewards of entrepreneurship. Get ready to be inspired! 💕 Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee ☕! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign Mentioned in the show: 👉 Fast Track UX: https://fasttrackux.com/. (use code readysetux for 20% off) 👉 Aliena's Youtube Channel: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdImQC-ytxsJss3d1cqdOzA 👉 Aliena Design Studio: https://www.alienadesign.studio/ 👉 Forbes feature: https://www.forbes.com.au/brand-voice/uncategorized/fast-track-to-six-figures-👉 aliena-cais-blueprint-for-aspiring-ux-designers 📚 Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan: https://noahkagan.com/mdwbook/ 📚 Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestly: https://danielpriestley.com/oversubscribed-book/ 📚 The Art and Business of Online Writing: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Business-Online-Writing-Capturing/dp/0998203491 🔗 Connect with Ran Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/ ADP profile: https://adplist.org/mentors/ran-liu - Currently mentorship slots open! 🔗 Connect with Aliena Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlienaCai Fast Track UX: https://fasttrackux.com/. (use code readysetux for 20% off) Instagram: instagram.com/thealienacai Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alienacai TikTok: tiktok.com/@thealienacai X/Twitter: twitter.com/AlienaCai 🙏 LEAVE A COMMENT AND LIKE If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a comment on what resonates. This really helps to motivate me to bring you more content like this. 👋 GET IN TOUCH You can connect with me on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/) and share with me any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes. And I can thank you personally for tuning in! 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Journey to Entrepreneurship 04:03 Challenges and Realizations in Entrepreneurship 08:15 The Failed Google Interview 12:41 Starting the YouTube Channel 15:00 Creating FastTrackUX and Identifying Gaps 19:38 Innovative Teaching Methods 23:06 Combining UX Design and Business Skills 24:30 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship 25:55 The Art of Outsourcing 26:50 Balancing Creativity and Business 28:03 Transitioning from Designer to Manager 29:59 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 35:35 Building a Personal Brand 39:43 Lightning Round 42:30 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Join us in this insightful episode of Ran Talks Design as we sit down with Kyle Lambert, Staff Product Designer at Webflow, to explore his fascinating journey into design, career growth, and creative side projects. Learn about his impactful role at Webflow, his design philosophy, and how he balances big-picture thinking with practical execution. Plus, get a sneak peek into his innovative side projects, including a feature in Fast Company, and discover actionable advice for advancing from a Senior to a Staff Designer level. Whether you're a designer looking for career tips or just love creative stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights! ☕ Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign