Brave UX with Brendan Jarvis 🇺🇦

After 5 years and 171 episodes, Brave UX is coming to a close. In this final monologue, Brendan Jarvis reflects on how the podcast began, what it became, and what he learned along the way. From uncertain beginnings during a global pandemic to becoming a globally recognised platform for thoughtful, human-centred conversations—this is a farewell, but not a goodbye. ✅ Why Brave UX began ✅ What it became ✅ How it helped Brendan grow ✅ What’s next ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:12 – Brave UX Ends00:19 – Pandemic Start01:04 – Growth & Friendships01:15 – Talks & Recognition01:45 – Memorable Moments01:59 – Thanks to Editors02:12 – Closing Chapter02:44 – What’s Next 🎧 Explore the full archive: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/brave-ux-podcast💬 Connect with Brendan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendandjarvis/

Aryn Korpalski reminds us that research is as much about human connection 🤝 as it is about data—and why hospitality, curiosity, and thoughtful service are the real secrets to impactful insights 🎯. ====== Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Why In-Person Magic Can’t Be Replicated Virtually00:30 – Welcome and Introduction02:00 – Meet Aryn Korpalski03:06 – Musical Theatre, Sports, and Finding Confidence in Rugby10:00 – Growing Up in Denver and Becoming a Chicagoan14:42 – Curiosity, Hospitality, and the Work of Fieldwork18:20 – Complex Briefs and Protecting Participant Trust22:55 – Global Research and Partnering with Competitors27:30 – Preparing for the Next Thing: AI and Data Quality35:11 – Baking Accessibility Into Every Project40:30 – Making Research Emotionally Accessible44:01 – Beyond Insights: Community and Connection47:23 – The Power of Observation Rooms51:30 – Gathering Intentionally and Leadership Energy56:00 – Why Making “Yes” Matter Builds Trust1:09:05 – Closing Reflections and Where to Find Aryn ====== Who is Aryn Korpalski? Aryn is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Services at Fieldwork, a company trusted worldwide for in-person research facilities, digital capabilities, and global recruitment services. She has: ✅ Led Fieldwork’s corporate operations and strategic client partnerships ✅ Managed research projects across diverse industries and cultures ✅ Advocated for participant-first experiences and inclusive research practices ✅ Embraced hospitality as a guiding principle in research operations ====== Find Aryn Korpalski here: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/arynkorpalski/Fieldwork → https://www.fieldwork.com/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard? 🎙️ Subscribe to Brave UX for more conversations with world-class voices in UX, design, and product leadership. Your support helps others discover the show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/brave-ux-with-brendan-jarvis/id1552607805 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7j2ocni6A00fzgHkj6TtCK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaceInBetweenPodbean: https://braveux.podbean.com/ ====== Follow Brave UX for more great content! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-space-in-between/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave_ux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceinbetw__n/ ====== Hosted by Brendan Jarvis: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/ The Space InBetween Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/

Jake Burghardt explores why so much research goes unused , why timing matters more than tools , and how to transform insights into real impact for teams and strategy . ====== Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Why Careers Shouldn’t Hinge on One Team00:30 – Welcome and Introduction01:27 – Jake’s Work at Amazon and the Intersection of Ops03:00 – Early Days: Patents, Psychology, and Consulting Work05:46 – Becoming a Generalist Across Disciplines08:05 – The Rise of Research, Design, and Product Ops10:12 – Writing Stop Wasting Research and the Story Behind the Title13:45 – Timing Research to Influence Planning Cycles16:52 – Who Can Reduce Research Waste in Large Orgs?21:14 – Root Causes of Research Waste: Preparation, Motivation, Integration27:09 – The Challenge of Prioritising Insights31:30 – What Competitors Would Pay to Know You Forgot36:32 – Tools, Repositories, and Making Insights Stick42:00 – Practical Ways to Promote Overlooked Insights1:03:00 – Closing Reflections and Where to Find Jake ====== Who is Jake Burghardt? Jake Burghardt is a veteran of the research, product, and design worlds, helping organisations close the gap between what they know and what they act on. His upcoming book, *Stop Wasting Research*, offers a new framework for turning insights into action. ====== Find Jake Burghardt here: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeburghardt/ Blog → https://medium.com/integrating-research Newsletter → https://www.integratingresearch.com/newsletter Book: Stop Wasting Research → https://www.integratingresearch.com/#book ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard? 🎙️ Subscribe to Brave UX for more conversations with world-class voices in UX, design, and product leadership. Your support helps others discover the show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/brave-ux-with-brendan-jarvis/id1552607805 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7j2ocni6A00fzgHkj6TtCK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaceInBetweenPodbean: https://braveux.podbean.com/ ====== Follow Brave UX for more great content! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-space-in-between/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave_ux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceinbetw__n/ ====== Hosted by Brendan Jarvis: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/ The Space InBetween Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/

Chetana Deorah explores what it means to step off the career treadmill , rediscover creativity beyond metrics , and build a life rooted in connection, community, and courage —sharing why the most meaningful design often begins within . ====== Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Growing Up in a Sheltered Business Family00:30 – Welcome and Introduction02:11 – Meet Chetana Deorah03:24 – Opening with a Poem by Sri Aurobindo04:30 – Leaving Silicon Valley and Returning to India07:30 – Life and Purpose in Auroville12:00 – Yoga as Union, Not Just Asana13:34 – Leaving India to Resist Cultural Norms17:38 – The Marriage Path She Refused20:16 – Her Father’s Rebellious Influence and Strength25:00 – Seeing India Change While Living Abroad29:00 – Asking: “Is There Another Ladder to Climb?”33:01 – From Busyness to Learning How to Do Nothing42:54 – Creativity and Community Projects in Auroville50:00 – Rethinking Money, Growth, and Human Unity57:30 – Lessons From Silicon Valley on Bravery and Growth ====== Who is Chetana Deorah? Chetana Deorah is a seasoned design leader, educator, and community builder whose career bridges tech, creativity, and social impact . She has: Led product design at Netflix, Scribd, Yahoo, Pivotal Labs, and Pentagram Shaped global digital experiences for hundreds of millions of users Founded community projects in India focused on art, sustainability, and human connection Chosen a new path outside Silicon Valley to explore soulful, human-centered design ====== Find Chetana Deorah here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chetanadeorah/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard? 🎙️ Subscribe to Brave UX for more conversations with world-class voices in UX, design, and product leadership. Your support helps others discover the show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/brave-ux-with-brendan-jarvis/id1552607805 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7j2ocni6A00fzgHkj6TtCK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaceInBetweenPodbean: https://braveux.podbean.com/ ====== Follow Brave UX for more great content! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-space-in-between/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave_ux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceinbetw__n/ ====== Hosted by Brendan Jarvis: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/ The Space InBetween Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/

Theresa Neil is reshaping the future of healthcare 🚀, challenging outdated systems 🧠, and championing women’s health innovation when it’s needed most 🌍 — reminding us that the stakes in design have never been higher ❤️. ====== Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Why “Move Fast and Break Things” Doesn’t Work in Healthcare01:00 – Welcome and Introduction02:11 – Meet Theresa Neil03:03 – From Chef to UX Designer05:22 – Early UX Work at Sabre and Founding Guidea14:09 – Building a Woman-Led Company15:43 – Becoming a Feminist Through Women’s Health Work22:30 – Cultural Discomfort Around Menopause and Women’s Health28:47 – Postpartum Innovation and Investor Blindness33:00 – Research Gaps in Women’s Health Trials37:51 – Why Female Health Remains Taboo40:08 – Political Forces and Women’s Healthcare Access43:18 – Spite Tracking and Patient Advocacy50:15 – When Clients Don’t Want to Hear UX Research58:00 – Why Healthcare Still Isn’t Patient-Centric ====== Who is Theresa Neil? Theresa Neil is the Founder of Guidea, an award-winning, women-owned and led product design firm specialising in medtech and digital health innovation 🚀. She has: Led UX for companies like Roche, Johnson & Johnson, and Cigna Designed digital health solutions impacting over a billion users worldwide Launched Femovate, a femtech incubator supporting 28 product launches and 14 clinical trials Helped startups secure over $100 million in funding Advocated globally for inclusive design and women's health innovation ====== Find Theresa Neil here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresaneil/Website: https://www.guidea.co/ Femovate: https://www.femovate.com/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard? 🎙️ Subscribe to Brave UX for more conversations with world-class voices in UX, design, and product leadership. Your support helps others discover the show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/brave-ux-with-brendan-jarvis/id1552607805 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7j2ocni6A00fzgHkj6TtCK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaceInBetweenPodbean: https://braveux.podbean.com/ ====== Follow Brave UX for more great content! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-space-in-between/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave_ux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceinbetw__n/ ====== Hosted by Brendan Jarvis: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/ The Space InBetween Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/

Dave Hoffer shares why design demands empathy 🧠, courage 🛡️, and long-term thinking 🌱—and how amplifying others can transform leadership in uncertain times 🚀. He explores design’s shifting role in business, the disruptive rise of AI, and why resilience and critique will shape the future of design. ====== Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why Empathy Matters in Design01:02 – Introducing Dave Hoffer03:17 – Amplifying Others Over Self05:00 – Layoffs, Resilience, and Mission-Driven Work12:12 – Hope and Long-Term Thinking in Design14:20 – Courage, Critique, and Speaking Truth to Power17:24 – Design Under Pressure and the AI Disruption22:20 – Why Designers Must Experiment With AI Tools31:30 – Lessons from Kasparov on Humans + Machines33:00 – Spectral Thinking and Understanding People on a Spectrum37:11 – The Hard Cost of Empathy in Design42:05 – Why Executives Need Firsthand Empathy50:30 – Empathy, Judgment, and Learning from Outliers58:13 – Physical Labor and Shifts in Perspective1:04:00 – Think Like a Gardener, Not an Architect ====== Who is Dave Hoffer? Dave Hoffer is a seasoned design leader and strategist whose career spans product design, digital innovation, and design transformation 🌎. He has: Led design teams at Frog Design, PwC, and McKinsey & Company Grown McKinsey’s global design practice from a handful of designers to hundreds 📈 Brought design strategy into the heart of business and policy change Advised mission-driven organisations like Safe Kids AI 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Advocated for amplifying others and championing empathy and critique as foundations for impactful leadership ✨ Today, Dave advises organisations as an independent consultant, helping them embed human-centered design practices into strategy and transformation initiatives. ====== Find Dave Hoffer here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-hoffer/Website: https://www.mpqd.com/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Like what you heard?🎙️ Subscribe to Brave UX for more conversations with world-class voices in UX, design, and product leadership. Your support helps others discover the show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/brave-ux-with-brendan-jarvis/id1552607805 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7j2ocni6A00fzgHkj6TtCK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaceInBetween Podbean: https://braveux.podbean.com/ ====== Follow Brave UX for more great content! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-space-in-between/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave_ux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceinbetw__n/ ====== Hosted by Brendan Jarvis: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/ The Space InBetween Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/

Roberta Dombrowski invites us to rethink success, tune into our intuition, and lead with intention —sharing how mindfulness, healing, and self-compassion can transform the way we work and live. ====== Episode chapters 00:00 – Defining Success on Your Own Terms00:30 – Welcome and Introduction01:17 – Meet Roberta Dombrowski04:25 – Growing Up as a Transracial Adoptee09:04 – Reading Other Adoptees’ Stories and Finding Comfort13:42 – Owning Her Story and Entering a Healing Phase14:30 – A Restless Career Journey in Learning, Research, and Coaching20:00 – An Anxiety Injury and Learning to Slow Down23:00 – Family Influences, Perception, and Letting Go of Control26:18 – Founding Learn Mindfully and Levelling the Playing Field31:00 – Coaching as Gardening: Planting Seeds and Managing Weeds36:30 – Helping Clients Face Their Inner Critic and Emotions42:30 – Challenges Researchers Face: Stress, Layoffs, and Recognition50:30 – Work, Burnout, and the Shadow Side of Empathy57:30 – Intuition, Listening to the Body, and Trusting Your Gut1:10:30 – Closing Reflections: Curiosity, Fun, and Reconnecting With Joy ====== Who is Roberta Dombrowski? Roberta Dombrowski is a certified leadership coach and experience strategist, dedicated to transforming the way people live, learn, and work. She is the founder of Learn Mindfully, a coaching and training company she launched in 2022. Since then, Roberta has supported hundreds of leaders from companies such as Adobe, Instacart, ServiceNow, Zapier, and Zoom. Previously, Roberta was a Research Partner at Maze, where she helped clients maximize the platform’s potential. Before that, she was VP of User Research at User Interviews, where she built and scaled the research function while tackling the meta-challenge of researching researchers. Roberta is also the author of Consciously Crafting Your Career Path, a self-reflection and career planning workbook designed to help people shape fulfilling and intentional careers. Her insights have been featured on podcasts like Lead the People and BLOC, and at events such as Rosenfeld Media’s Advancing Research conference. ====== Find Roberta here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertadombrowski/Company website: https://learnmindfully.co/Personal website: https://robertalearns.com/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn TikTok Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

Esther Ahn reflects on the twists and turns of her creative journey, shares how critique can unlock better design without breaking spirits, and reveals why embracing the oops is essential for building resilient teams and products. Highlights include: 12:13 – How do you make sense of your career’s twists and turns?28:52 – What does a healthy culture of critique look like?35:24 – What works best when presenting design work to executives?42:19 – Where is the most tension between business goals and user needs?01:06:36 – How is the children’s book Beautiful Oops! relevant to your career? === Who is Esther Ahn? Esther is the Director of User Experience for YouTube TV and Primetime Channels on YouTube—a role in which she brings deep expertise in human-centered design and research to enhance the viewing experience across platforms and at scale. Throughout her career, Esther has pioneered new participatory design methods and conducted global research across the US, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Before YouTube, she was Director of Digital Health UX at Stanford Health Care and a Creative Director at the world-renowned innovation firm Frog Design. She’s also worked at two other giants of design—IDEO and Smart Design—where she shaped experiences through multidisciplinary practice. Esther holds a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Interaction Design from Carnegie Mellon University. === Find Esther here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherahn/ ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn TikTok Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

Tammy Everts unpacks why web performance is a fundamental UX issue, how slow websites affect user perceptions and business outcomes, and why designers need to take ownership of performance alongside developers. Highlights include: 02:14 - How did you come to own uber.com? 15:27 - What does performance have to do with UX? 28:54 - How do you identify the best executive champion for performance? 35:24 - Is measuring the business impact of performance as easy as it sounds? 46:37 - Why aren’t designers more involved in performance? ====== Who is Tammy Everts? Tammy is the Chief Experience Officer at SpeedCurve—a platform that enables organisations to unlock the full potential of their web performance. In her role, Tammy champions the connection between site speed, user experience, and business success, working closely with customers to deepen their understanding of how people use with their websites. Tammy's career journey also includes senior UX roles at Soasta and Radware, and over two decades of pioneering research involving EEG headsets, facial action coding, and advanced machine learning. She is the author of “Time is Money: The Business Value of Web Performance” and a sought-after speaker, having shared her expertise at prominent events like Chrome Dev Summit, Smashing Conference, and Beyond Tellerand. Tammy also co-chairs the annual performance.now() conference in Amsterdam and co-curates WPO Stats, a valuable resource of web performance case studies. Find Tammy here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyeverts/Website: https://tammyeverts.wordpress.com/Mastodon: https://webperf.social/@tammyX: https://x.com/tameverts ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn TikTok Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

In this episode of Brave UX, Brendan welcomes Kelly Goto, CEO and Founder of gotoresearch and gotomedia. Kelly is a trailblazer in web and UX design with nearly 25 years of experience. She shares her inspiring journey as a fourth-generation Japanese American and discusses her work with major brands like Netflix and Samsung. They delve into the importance of emotional connection in product design, the impact of technology on attention spans, and the evolving methodologies in research, especially in light of generative AI. Kelly also reflects on cultural lessons and the significance of continuous learning in design. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable perspectives on UX and the intersection of culture and innovation! Highlights include: 00:00 - Introduction 05:30 - Cultural Identity and Heritage 12:00 - Emotional Connection in Product Design 18:45 - Generational Technology Use in Design 25:15 - Insights from Japanese Culture 31:30 - The Role of Generative AI in Research 37:50 - Evolving Client Attitudes Towards Research 43:10 - Continuous Learning in Design 49:00 - Diverse Perspectives in UX 55:30 - Closing Thoughts and Engagement Who is Kelly Goto Kelly is passionate about helping organizations truly understand and empathize with their customers so they can deliver products and services that are genuinely meaningful. After over 20 years on the digital frontier, Kelly knows user experience (UX) better than most. As a design ethnographer, she focuses on uncovering how people integrate products and services into their daily lives — what those experiences mean to people and how to shape that meaning better. Kelly heads up gotoresearch, the global leader in research-driven strategy and solutions for digital products and connected experiences. The gotoresearch team dives deep into the customer’s world, translating unspoken wants and needs into UX realities. This enables clients such as Samsung, Hyundai, Sony, Target, Verizon, and Pearson Education to relate with customers in new and innovative ways. Her book, Web Redesign 2.0: Workflow That Works, is an industry classic translated into 22 languages. Find Kelly Goto Here Kelly Goto on LinkedIn Gotoresearch Website Gotomedia Website Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn

Brendan Jarvis delivers an inspiring talk at Design Outlook 2024. He outlines how self-reflection, clarity, and courage can help designers navigate uncertainty and shape a meaningful future. Highlights include: 02:07 - Observations on the current state of design and the rise of AI. 06:00 - Story 1: A dystopian AI scenario. 12:55 - Story 2: Lessons from Miyamoto Musashi. 20:57 - Story 3: A personal story of resilience and gratitude. 26:58 - Reflections on adversity and meaning. ====== Who is Brendan Jarvis? Brendan Jarvis is the managing founder of The Space InBetween, New Zealand’s first world-class UX research and innovation lab. At The Space InBetween, Brendan helps enterprise leaders navigate complexity and achieve internal alignment through a human-centred approach to research and innovation. Brendan is also the host of Brave UX, an internationally acclaimed podcast that dives deep into the minds of global leaders in UX research, design, and product management. With over 150 episodes and listeners in more than 50 countries, Brave UX has been described as “courageously insightful,” “thought-provoking,” and a must-listen for anyone passionate about improving user experiences. In addition to his work with The Space InBetween and Brave UX, Brendan is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. His thought-provoking talks challenge designers and product leaders to reflect, adapt, and embrace the opportunities presented by change, including the rise of AI. Brendan’s mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the human side of design and to inspire a future that is both innovative and impactful. Find Brendan here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/X: https://x.com/brendanjarvis ====== Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

In the second part of their conversation on Brave UX, Brendan furthers his conversation with Tamara Adlin, President of Adlin Inc. Tamara shares her journey of overcoming challenges like sexism and ageism in the tech space, advocating for user-centered design amidst a disconnect with Web 3 teams. They discuss the misconceptions around venture capital and the need to balance data-driven decisions and intuitive design. Plus, Tamara offers valuable job-seeking advice through her involvement with the "Never Search Alone" initiative, emphasizing a user-centric approach. Tune in for insights on innovation, adaptability, and creating meaningful connections in today’s fast-paced tech landscape! Highlights include: 00:00 - Introduction to Web 3 and Blockchain 03:15 - Tamara’s Reluctance to Engage with Web 3 08:00 - The 18-Month Confidence Knock 12:45 - Disconnect Between UX and Web 3 Mindsets 19:30 - Misconceptions About Funding and Success 24:00 - The Balance of Data and Intuition in Innovation 30:15 - Involvement with the "Never Search Alone" Initiative 35:50 - Crafting an Effective Elevator Pitch Who is Tamara Adlin Tamara Adlin is a seasoned UX consultant with over 25 years of experience helping companies create better products. A former UX leader at Amazon, Tamara has worked with top tech enterprises, specializing in startups and Web3 projects for the past 20 years. She co-authored The Persona Lifecycle books and developed the "Executive Alignment in Five Conversations" framework, which helps teams refocus on user needs and improve product outcomes. With expertise in product strategy, UX diagnostics, and leadership alignment, Tamara’s approach drives rapid improvements and long-term success for companies navigating disruptive technologies like blockchain and AI. "I like to use the metaphor of a 'tornado' to describe the chaos that ensues when executive opinions change rapidly. One moment, you’re moving forward, and the next, everything is flipped upside down. It’s crucial to understand those stakeholder assumptions upfront rather than letting the storm dictate the direction of your project." Tamara Adlin Find Tamara Here Tamara Adlin on LinkedIn Adlin Inc Website Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website

In this episode of Brave UX, Brendan Jarvis sits down with Jen Briselli, Co-founder of Topology, to discuss how embracing uncertainty and complexity is essential in design. Jen shares her journey from physics and teaching to strategy consulting, drawing parallels between her love of extreme metal music and her approach to learning and exploration. They dive into the importance of systems thinking, navigating ambiguity, and how designers must embrace the unintended consequences of their work. Jen emphasizes the value of curiosity, self-reflection, and continuous learning as tools for thriving in an ever-evolving world. Highlights include: 00:00 - Introduction to Jen Briselli and her love for extreme metal music 02:31 - Jen's career path and the need to pave your path in design 08:11 - Embracing uncertainty and developing a tolerance for ambiguity 15:21 - Navigating ambiguity and getting comfortable with uncertainty 21:46 - Design as a white-collar or blue-collar field 26:56 - Complexity and systems thinking in design 31:41 - Embracing uncertainty and chaos in design 37:11 - Reconnecting with complexity and the importance of learning 42:21 - The importance of teams and organizations learning together 46:56 - Learning as the meta superpower for individuals Who is Jen Briselli Jen Briselli is a multifaceted strategist, researcher, designer, and educator who thrives at the intersection of diverse disciplines. With a passion for risky play and transdisciplinary collaboration, Jen partners with brave individuals to co-create innovative services, experiences, and environments that empower people to live on their own terms. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, she uncovers hidden patterns across disparate domains and uses these insights to enable others. Inspired by the philosophy of R. Buckminster Fuller, Jen believes in unlocking individual potential to create a collective realization for all. She is dedicated to connecting ideas and people in meaningful ways. "It's become my professional mission to provoke, construct, and sometimes subvert to codesign services, tools, and experiences that enable people to live well on their own terms." Jen Briselli Find Jen Here Jen Briselli on LinkedIn Topology Website Subscribe to Brave UX Liked what you heard and want to hear more? Subscribe and support the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Podbean Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content! LinkedIn Instagram Brendan Jarvis hosts the Show, and you can find him here: Brendan Jarvis on LinkedIn The Space InBetween Website