What separates a good UX designer from a truly impactful one? It’s not just your wireframes or research methods. It’s your ability to understand people on a deeper, cultural level. In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates sits down with Gladys Rosa Mendoza, a senior experience researcher and strategist whose career has spanned powerhouse brands like Meta and Inner World. Gladys shares her inspiring journey from visual designer to UX research leader, revealing how empathy, storytelling, and cultural awareness have shaped her approach to human-centered design. You’ll learn: ✅ How to build cultural awareness into your UX research and design process ✅ Why trust and psychological safety are essential for team success ✅ How to create immersive research presentations that drive action ✅ The evolving role of UX research in the age of AI ✅ What mid-level UX professionals can do right now to grow their influence and impact If you’re ready to become a more thoughtful, culturally aware, and strategic UX professional, this episode will show you how to elevate both your craft and your leadership. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
If you’ve been feeling the pressure to “keep up” in a field that moves faster than ever, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. We’re breaking down what actually keeps you relevant as a mid-career UX designer — and spoiler: it’s not mastering every new tool, trend, or AI feature that drops. It’s learning how to stay adaptable, strategic, and visible… even when the industry shifts under your feet. In this episode, you’ll learn: The timeless UX skills that never go out of style How to work with AI instead of feeling threatened by it Why business understanding is your secret weapon How to make your value visible inside and outside your company The tiny actions that compound into massive career growth By the end, you’re going to walk away with clarity, confidence, and a plan for becoming the kind of designer who’s impossible to overlook — no matter how fast things change. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
Many designers hit a point where growth feels out of reach. But what if the key isn’t working harder… it’s finding alignment? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates sits down with Steven Steiner, a seasoned UX designer and career coach based in San Francisco, to talk about how to build a UX career that fits your life, not just your résumé. Steven shares lessons from his journey from Design Director to Career Coach, revealing how to overcome career stagnation, create a clear career strategy, and stand out in a competitive UX job market. You’ll learn: - How to align your career goals with your personal values - The right way to use industry language on your résumé - Why AI is transforming UX job searches — and how to adapt - Practical networking strategies to grow your influence and opportunities If you’re a mid-career UX designer ready to gain clarity, confidence, and momentum, this episode will give you the roadmap you need. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
This week, as we head into Thanksgiving, we’re hitting pause on the chaos, the burnout, and the career frustrations, and focusing on gratitude in UX. Even in a challenging job market, with tight deadlines, difficult stakeholders, and moments when it feels like your work goes unnoticed, there’s still so much to appreciate about being a UX designer. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🍂 How to find gratitude in the work you get to do 🍂 Why even the hard growth moments are worth appreciating 🍂 The power of community and connection with other designers By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective and a simple challenge to reflect on what’s meaningful in your career—and how practicing gratitude can actually boost your confidence, resilience, and impact as a UX designer. 🎧 Tune in, take a deep breath, and let yourself feel grateful for the work you do and the difference you make. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
You’ve probably spent a ton of time sharpening your UX skills, like mastering Figma, running usability tests, refining your design process. But here’s the truth: the skills that will really move your career forward aren’t always the ones in your portfolio. In this episode, we’re talking about the soft skills every UX designer needs but that no one’s really talking about. These are the skills that help you communicate your ideas with confidence, build trust with your team, and handle the emotional ups and downs that come with the job. You’ll learn: ✨ Why empathy for your teammates is just as important as empathy for your users ✨ How to communicate your design decisions so people actually listen ✨ How to manage your energy and emotions so you don’t burn out By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away knowing exactly which skill to start strengthening and how to apply it right away to elevate your influence and impact as a designer. 🎧 Tune in and get ready to show up as the kind of designer people love to work with. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
Are you tired of doing great UX work that no one seems to notice? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates breaks down how to shift from “pixel pusher” to strategic partner. You’ll learn how to make your UX work visible, communicate your value clearly, and earn a seat at the strategy table. Tune in to discover: How to simplify your UX presentations so stakeholders actually understand your impact The secret to linking design insights to business goals and metrics Why sharing your work early (even when it’s messy) builds trust and visibility A practical weekly challenge to start growing your influence right now If you’re ready to be seen as more than the UI designer, and start shaping decisions, not just designing screens, this episode is for you. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
What happens when a top teacher turns her curiosity for human behavior into a career in UX research? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates sits down with Heidi Austin, a Lead UX Researcher at SeatGeek and former Massachusetts Teacher of the Year nominee, to explore how her teaching background shaped her strategic approach to UX research and product design. Heidi shares her inspiring journey from the classroom to tech, revealing how empathy, data, and a deep understanding of human behavior drive meaningful innovation. She also dives into: - How she built and scaled the UX research function at SeatGeek - What strategic UX planning looks like for growing research teams - The power of mixed methods research in influencing product direction - How AI is transforming the future of UX research If you’re a UX researcher, designer, or UX leader ready to take a more strategic, research-first approach to your work, this episode is packed with insights on how to connect human understanding with business impact. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
Want to take your UX career to the next level and be seen as a strategic, influential designer? In this episode, we dive into how mid-career UX designers can build influence, lead with strategy, and make their work unforgettable. Learn why storytelling is the key to communicating your design decisions clearly, and discover how connecting your work to business goals can elevate your impact across your team and organization. I share actionable tips for presenting your work with clarity and confidence, plus a practical challenge to help you immediately apply storytelling and strategic thinking to your next project. If you’re ready to think strategically, influence decisions, and grow your UX career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
Feeling pressure to keep up with every new UX tool or AI trend? In today's episode, we focus on why the future of UX belongs to designers who think strategically...not just those who master tools. Learn how to strengthen your UX strategy, connect design decisions to business goals, and showcase your thinking in your portfolio so you can grow your influence and stand out as a senior designer. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
There's one skill every UX designer needs to level up their career...are you using it? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, Brittany Cates sits down with Erin Ziebart, a UX producer who knows how to turn curiosity into career growth. Erin shares her journey from Christian ministry to UX design, including her work at Atomic Health, Blink Path, and freelancing for startups. Discover how curiosity (the one skill you need to grow in UX) can help you: - Identify user pain points and design better experiences - Collaborate effectively with clients and cross-functional teams - Navigate challenges in UX projects - Stay ahead of emerging trends like AI in design Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your UX career to the next level, Erin’s insights will inspire you to ask more questions, explore opportunities, and continuously learn. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
Feeling drained or uninspired in your UX job? You’re not alone. In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, I’m sharing how burnout impacts your creativity — and how to reconnect with the passion and fulfillment you’ve been missing. You’ll learn how to: ✨ Recognize what burnout is really trying to tell you ✨ Reignite your creativity without quitting your job ✨ Realign your UX career with what truly fulfills you I’ll also share how reconnecting with your story can transform not only your mindset but your portfolio and why I now offer UX portfolio reviews to help designers like you bring their story and spark back to life. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to rediscover your creativity, find alignment, and fall back in love with design again. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
Ever walked into a keynote expecting a recap and left with your whole perspective on UX shifted? That happened to me at the Utah Front Conference when I heard Bob Baxley speak. In this episode, I break down four of Bob’s most powerful insights on UX, design leadership, and how software isn’t just functional—it moves people. From designing for emotion, to using AI thoughtfully, to making your impact visible in strategic conversations, these lessons will help you grow your influence, sharpen your design thinking, and elevate your UX career. If you’re ready to stop just pushing pixels and start showing the impact of your work, this episode is for you. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list 🧐 Want to make your UX portfolio stand out? Sign up for a personalized review here: https://topmate.io/brittany_cates
What does it take to build a long, meaningful career in UX and stay relevant in an ever-changing industry? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates sits down with Jonathan Bond, a self-taught designer turned startup product lead with over 25 years of experience in UX and product design. Jonathan shares his inspiring journey from early days in design to leading product strategy at a fast-paced startup, offering hard-won lessons on career growth, adaptability, and business-savvy design. If you’ve ever wondered how to blend creativity with impact, or how to thrive in the scrappy, high-stakes world of startups, then this episode is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to break into UX and grow your career, without a traditional design background Why empathy and business understanding go hand in hand for successful product design How to navigate messy team dynamics, design disagreements, and rapid change What AI means for the future of UX (and how to stay ahead of the curve) Actionable advice for building confidence, advancing your skills, and finding mentorship Whether you’re an early-career designer or a mid-level pro wondering what’s next, this episode will give you the clarity, encouragement, and strategy to grow with purpose in your UX journey. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
AI is everywhere right now: in products, in workflows, and in every strategy conversation. But how do you cut through the hype and actually use it in ways that make sense for both your product and your career? In this episode, I share my perspective on navigating the shift toward AI, the questions every designer should be asking, and why keeping a human-centered approach matters more than ever. 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
In this episode of 'Elevate Your UX Career,' Brittany Cates addresses the common frustration of UX research being ignored. Inspired by insights from the Utah Front Conference, Brittany shares actionable strategies to make your research more impactful. Key takeaways include embracing discomfort, valuing ambiguous insights, talking to unsatisfied users, presenting findings engagingly, and driving actionable outcomes. Tune in to learn how a mindset shift can elevate your UX career and ensure your work drives real change. 00:00 Introduction: Why Your UX Research Gets Ignored 00:14 Mindset Shift from Utah Front Conference 01:07 Connecting Beyond the Podcast 01:34 The Importance of Uncomfortable Insights 05:52 Engaging Stakeholders with Your Research 07:32 Driving Impact with Your Research 08:14 Recap and Final Thoughts 09:25 Conclusion and Call to Action 💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career tools, personal stories, and UX leadership insights: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
Want to future-proof your UX career and grow into a confident, strategic leader? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates welcomes Cori Jones, a seasoned UX designer and team leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the design industry. Cori shares timeless wisdom and fresh insight on what it really takes to build a meaningful and sustainable career in UX. From his early career to leading teams and mentoring designers, Cori emphasizes the importance of empathy, curiosity, and understanding business goals...the skills that truly set great designers apart. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Navigate your UX career with intention and adaptability Build trust through user research and team collaboration Develop authentic workplace relationships Stay grounded while embracing AI and evolving design tools Lead with empathy while aligning with business impact Whether you’re feeling stuck or striving for the next level, Cori’s perspective will help you reconnect with the human side of UX, while also thinking strategically about where the field is headed. 💡 Subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more career guidance, personal stories, and expert advice to help you grow and thrive in UX: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
Deadlines are tight, processes are messy, and your role as a UX designer feels overlooked. Sound familiar? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, I share what it’s like to navigate a new team, deal with frustration, and keep your confidence when UX isn’t prioritized. Real stories, honest struggles, and a few things I’m learning along the way. Tune in and hear how to keep going without losing yourself. 💌 Sign up for my newsletter here: https://brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
Ever feel like your product manager just doesn’t “get” UX? You’re advocating for users, pushing for research, and trying to make thoughtful design decisions… but your PM seems laser-focused on deadlines, features, and shipping fast. Frustrating, right? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges mid-career UX designers face: working with PMs who don’t fully understand UX. I’ll share how to strengthen collaboration, increase your influence, and navigate tricky dynamics without drama or burnout. We’ll also cover a real listener question in our Ask the Designer segment: What do you do if you keep getting passed over for promotions or leadership opportunities, even when your manager says you’re doing great work? If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or like your UX voice isn’t being heard on your team, or if you’re ready to step into more leadership and influence in your career, this episode is packed with strategies and insights to help you level up. 💌 Sign up for my newsletter here: https://brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
What does it really take to lead in UX and stay creative in the process? In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, host Brittany Cates sits down with JJ Riggs, a seasoned UX leader with an impressive background in design and brand management at companies like Purple Mattress, Divvy, and Bluehost. JJ shares her journey from graphic designer to UX leader, offering real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities of navigating corporate environments as a creative professional. From building strong team cultures to communicating with stakeholders, JJ doesn’t hold back when it comes to what it really takes to lead with vision, strategy, and heart. This episode is packed with value for mid-career UX designers looking to: Grow into leadership while staying true to their creative roots Foster strong design cultures and team collaboration Advocate for UX in business conversations Navigate job transitions and market changes Prepare for the future of UX in the age of AI If you're feeling the tension between creativity and corporate demands or wondering what’s next in your UX career, this conversation is a must-listen. ✨ Subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter for more empowering content, practical tips, and career growth strategies tailored to UX professionals: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list
Ever get asked, “What’s the ROI of UX?” Or feel like your work is seen as a “nice to have” instead of a strategic driver of business value? In this episode, I’m sharing a real moment from my product team that led to a tough but honest conversation about how companies evaluate the value of UX. We’ll talk about how to reframe UX work in business terms, how to advocate for improvements that don’t directly tie to revenue (but still matter), and how to position yourself as a strategic voice...no leadership title required. You’ll learn: What to say when leadership questions the ROI of UX How to tie design work to business outcomes that matter Why internal pain points are worth solving too Practical ways to shift from “pixel pusher” to strategic partner Whether you're tired of being looped in too late, or ready to step into more influence, this episode will give you tools to speak up and back it up. 💌 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and get "The UX Influence Accelerator" freebie. Sign up here