Advertise on podcast: MAKING UX WORK: The Joe Natoli Podcast

A lot of career discomfort comes from trying to lead, present, or speak in a way that isn’t actually you. In this episode, Joe talks about why borrowed scripts, leadership clichés, and “how you’re supposed to do it” advice often only make things worse. You’ll learn why authenticity reduces anxiety, how small moments of comfort are proof you’re capable and why judging your work by other people’s reactions is a losing game. This one is about trusting your own style — and letting go of the need to perform. If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

If authority figures still trigger old emotional responses for you, you’re not alone. In this episode, Joe explores why feedback from bosses can feel so personal — and how early conditioning often shapes the way we react to power, criticism, and expectations at work. You’ll hear why being challenged doesn’t mean you’re failing, how to separate your worth from other people’s reactions and what it really means to set boundaries with confidence — without becoming defensive or combative. This is about reclaiming your absolute right to exist, speak up and take up space. If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

When fear hits, most people push harder. That instinct — to defend, explain, prove, or fight — is exactly what makes things worse. In this episode, Joe shares a critical life lesson he learned from his father that applies directly to moments of panic at work, especially when conflict, resistance, or pressure show up unexpectedly. You’ll learn why the first move isn’t steering or reacting; it’s removing the pressure. How slowing things down can instantly change the outcome of difficult conversations.  And why fear-driven environments aren’t personal — even when they feel that way. If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Fear thrives in ambiguity. In this episode, Joe digs into why hesitation, overthinking, and self-doubt get worse the longer you sit with them — and why asking for clarity immediately is one of the most powerful tools you have. You’ll hear practical ways to interrupt fear before it snowballs, how to ground yourself physically in tense moments, and why prioritizing your own calm is NOT selfish — it’s essential. This is about learning to replace imagined danger with actual information and taking your power back — one moment at a time. If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Impostor syndrome doesn’t come from nowhere — and it’s rarely about what just happened. In this episode, Joe breaks down why your strongest self-doubt reactions often have very little to do with the moment you’re in — and everything to do with patterns formed long before your career even started. You’ll learn how to recognize when fear is being triggered by the past, how to interrupt the panic spiral in real time, and why the goal isn’t to eliminate impostor syndrome — but to manage it. To remove its hands from the wheel and put yourself back in the driver's seat. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I reacting this way?” ...this episode is for you. If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

In both my previous experience working with her company as a consultant and this conversation, it becomes very clear very fast that Tanya Netayavichitr is someone who lifts every person she comes in contact with to greater heights. As you'll hear for yourself in the way she describes her experiences, it's never about her — it's about the people she's working with, guiding and advocating for. Tanya's quick ascent to leadership positions in the worlds of UX and Product Design is testament to her formidable skill, impeachable integrity and steadfast kindness. Twitter: @Netayavichitr LinkedIn: tnetayavichitr If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

My guest for Episode 18 of Making UX Work is Will Sykora, who’s been working in design for over a decade, from a start in traditional graphic design to immersing himself in digital and web experiences. He’s worked in a multitude of industries, including hospitality, financial services, and government. He’s also worked independently as a freelance consultant, and launched his own startup along the way. Suffice to say Will is no stranger to taking risks, particularly when doing so means being true to himself. Twitter: @WillSykora Facebook: will.sykora LinkedIn: willsykora Websites: willsykora.com If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

For this first episode of Season 3, I'm breaking my "no rock stars" rule. Because although he would never describe or consider himself as such, Nick Finck is a rock star — in the absolute best sense of the word. For over 25 years, Nick has helped businesses build, grow, train, and support UX teams so they can focus on creating great products. And the core reason he's been so successful at doing so lies in his character, integrity and heart. Anyone who follow Nick on Twitter knows full well just how generous, selfless, supportive and wise he truly is.  As you'll hear, Nick was one of the people who, along with Alan and Sue Cooper, had enormous impact on my path as an independent consultant. Had I not stumbled across his example nearly 15 years ago, I think my career would have taken a very different path. I am beyond fortunate to call him my friend — and I am truly honored to share this incredible 1.5 hour conversation with you all. Twitter: @nickf LinkedIn: nickfinck Websites: CraftAndRigor.com uxseattle.org If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

My guest Rich Harrison has 15 years of design leadership experience, partnering with over 50 organizations. He has served as a UX lead, team leader, and senior designer for higher education, Fortune 500 companies, government, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses. He's spent the last 5 years supporting UXPA Minnesota as a board member and UX mentor and serves on the advisory board for the technical communication program at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Rich's core philosophy is that design is service work; we are in this together! Empathy and relationships come first; as designers, we are responsible to the users we serve. Successful design is evidence-based and outcomes-focused. Twitter: @wakinginfinity LinkedIn: blueskyvisions If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor,Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Helen Arvanotopoulis describes herself as a Design Thinking Preacher, UX Evangelist and Service Design Advocate. She is currently Head of UX for the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Aegon NV, working across Europe, Asia and America helping businesses and teams build and grow their capabilities and transform their organisations. Her passion and belief in collaboration and a multi-disciplinary approach comes through loud in clear in this conversation, and I have no doubt that the organizations and people she’s helped over the last 13+ years have benefitted greatly from that conviction. Helen is a born storyteller whose outgoing personality shines through at every turn. In her own words: "For design to really make an impact it must ultimately serve a purpose, it must also be well researched, ideated, concepted and delivered. This has been my design mantra since stepping into the UX field and one I still proudly resonate with today." So today, my friends, you get TWO preachers for the price of one — enjoy! Twitter: @HelenArvan LinkedIn: helen-arvanitopoulos If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Russ Troester is still very new to UX, but he's definitely in the right place because, in his own words, he has a passion for “helping to make things suck less.” While he especially enjoys the research-related portions of the UX design process, Russ has had a very wide-ranging career across multiple industries. But the one constant, and the thing that I really believe led him to UX is his very real, and very honest empathy and concern for his fellow human beings. Like a lot of folks right now, Russ is currently looking for his next UX gig, and a great deal of our conversation revolved around the struggles and challenges inherent in that search. So if you're struggling as well in these uncertain times, I truly hope you'll find inspiration and encouragement in this episode. Twitter: @RussTroester LinkedIn: russtroester Websites: The World Over There Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

My guest today is Hida Behzadi. While she is a graphic designer by trade, she’s also worked as a creative director, a UX strategist, a design lecturer, and continues to work as an art instructor.  In addition to her design acumen, Hida is an accomplished fine artist whose beautiful work possesses remarkable emotional and visual depth. And as I think you’ll hear over the course of our 80-minute conversation ( ! ), she approaches all things with a wonderful, positive curiosity, passion and great care. For Hida, any job that is closer to design, to service, to culture and to helping humanity is an ideal job. I couldn't agree more. Twitter: @hidabz LinkedIn: hidabehzadi Facebook: Art & Design with Hida Behzadi Instagram: hida.be Websites: Behance If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

My guest today is Rajeev Subramanian, who describes himself as the "poster child" for continuous career evolution, and after talking to him I agree with that description.  From gigs in sales, marketing, software development, entrepreneurship ventures and of course, design, one thing has remained common over his last 16 years: an unrelenting appetite to understand human behavior and leverage that understanding to deliver value to organizations of all shapes and sizes.  And as I think you’ll hear, he is a firm believer in rigorous collaboration and a "what have I done for you lately" approach to his daily work.    Here’s my conversation with Rajeev Subramanian — on Making UX Work. Twitter: @rajbajbone LinkedIn: rajeevsubramanian Facebook: rajeev.subramanian.395 Instagram: rajbajbone Websites: InformedXP If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

My guest today is Jason Ogle, who describes himself as a passionate user defender — fighting for users who are victims of bad design decisions.  He's an influential podcaster whose amazing USER DEFENDERS podcast is continuing to inspire and equip an audience of hungry, ambitious designers and UXers.  Jason believes in failing early, and learning often. And as you’ll hear, every one of those failures has only pushed him to bigger, better and more incredible things.  Jason Ogle, as the podcast title suggests, truly has a gift for turning a mess into a message.   Twitter: @jasonogle LinkedIn: Jason Ogle Instagram: highgrown Websites: User Defenders Podcast User Defenders Online Community If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

My guest today is Kristin Currier Ludlow, a Digital Designer with over 20 years of helping people shop better online and in stores. In my experience, retail is one of the toughest industries to advocate for and create UX change, but as you'll hear, it's a challenge Kristin has risen to — and overcome. Kristin believes that everything in retail — and life — is user experience. Whether you're resetting a store or an building an online shopping cart, it's the same thing. And as you'll hear, she's applied that belief to every task she's ever tackled. From companies like Office Depot, Home Depot, CompUSA and Levenger to her current gig with a small UX team at City Furniture, Kristin has carried the DIY spirit and positive, can-do attitude of punk rock into everything she does. That being something we share, this was an absolutely inspiring conversation for me. Twitter: @kristincurrier Facebook: Kristin Joy Currier Ludlow LinkedIn: Kristin (Currier) Ludlow, UXC Instagram: kristincurrier Websites: http://source-studio.com http://kristincurrier.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome.  The Stache mantra is  that even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity; find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more! If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work. Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.