UX Untamed Podcast
By Julieth Fajardo (she/her)
The main idea is to share the different journeys, points of view and stories of other designers already in the field.
My name is Julieth Fajardo, I'm a Colombian, queer woman living in Vancouver for the past 13 years. After 10 years working in retail management, I took the decision of changing fields and careers into UX design. Now I work as a UX Designer in the public sector, I do mentorships via ADPlist and I want to inspire and empower other designers to follow their passion.
UX Untamed PodcastApr 14, 2021
Episode #24: Breaking into tech as a Product Manager and their relationship with UX designers
Are you interested to know more about what it is to be a Product Manager? What skills do you need to work on, how do product managers work with designers and how to build a successful relationship between them?
In this episode, Kevin shares his journey of becoming a Product Manager after going to school for phycology, and tricks and tips to succeed in this field. He has been in Product for 8 years, primarily in EdTech, and has worked with so many brilliant designers along the way.
He is currently a Senior Product Manager at Coursera serving 100M+ learners globally. When he is not PMing, he obsesses over learning science, writes a newsletter on Emotion research, and makes hip-hop beats.
Where to find him? https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-beh
His newsletter on Emotion research: https://mailchi.mp/48298b49ef4f/the-b
More about the host, Julieth Fajardo: Julieth Fajardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietafb/
If you are interested in doing a 1:1 and chatting more about your UX designer career, you can use this link: https://adplist.org/mentors/julieth-f...
Do not forget to subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. 🙏🔥
#productdesign #design #designer #d #product #designinspiration #productdesigner #ux #uxdesign #ui #uidesign #innovation #uiux #uxuntamed
Episode #23: How to have a WINNING portfolio for new UX Designers with Debbie Levitt
About the guest:
Debbie Levitt, MBA is the CXO of Delta CX, and has been a CX and UX strategist, researcher, designer, and trainer since the 1990s. She’s a change agent focused on helping companies of all sizes transform towards customer-centricity while using Agile and Lean principles.
Clients have given her the nickname, “Mary Poppins,” because she flies in, improves everything she can, sings a few songs, and flies away to her next adventure. Her “Delta CX” book and “Transforming Toward Customer-Centricity” training teach companies how to improve customer satisfaction, predict and mitigate business risk, and increase ROI by investing in great customer experiences.
She has other training programs that teach non-CX roles about CX, why specialists do it, and how to integrate it into teams and processes. Outside of CX work, and sometimes during CX work, Debbie enjoys singing symphonic prog goth metal, opera, and New Wave.
You can also catch her on the Delta CX YouTube channel. youtube.com/c/DeltaCX
More about the Host:
Julieth Fajardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietafb/
If you are interested in doing a 1:1, and chatting more about your UX designer career you can use this link: hhttps://adplist.org/mentors/julieth-fajardo
Episode #22: How courage and perspective can empower your UX career with Minjun Product designer at Microsoft
Minjun is currently a product designer at Microsoft, working on multimedia search for Bing. Originally from China, she now lives in Vancouver, BC with her kitty. Before Minjun joined Microsoft, she worked at Amazon, building products to help customers to discover Prime benefits. Before that she worked at Wayfair, making tools for Wayfair's warehouses across U.S, Canada and EU. She is passionate about helping new designers grow and land their dream jobs, particularly designers who identify as women of color.
If you want to learn more about Minjun:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/minjunc/
My talks about UX design job interviews: Acing the app critique for your next product design interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c66pSGF9qbE How to Design a Stellar Portfolio Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TV83XLq78E
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Track: Disco Ball — Vendredi [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/MUx8IxsuYC8 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/disco-ball
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Episode #21: Tell your story with Blanca Diaz
This is the first episode that is going to be in two formats, video and audio. On Youtube, you can find it here.
This season is going to have a mix of so many interesting topics, but one that I really enjoy is people's unique journies into UX/Product design, this allows us to see how diverse is the field.
In this episode, you are going to have the chance to meet Blanca Diaz. She is a Product Designer at Color. She likes to introduce herself first as a person that cares about empowering other people and advocating for people. She is the proud daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation graduate of high school and college. And then I also happen to be a product designer in the health tech space at color, working on genetic testing.
Learn more about Blanca:
Song: giant cactus - let u go Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music. Video Link: https://youtu.be/_yTy2jm3kT8
Episode #20: First-year in the job!
🙌🏼 Hi everyone, UX UNTAMED TOOK A BREAK, but I am back!
Two of my Bootcamp classmates shared their experiences after one year of working in their first job as UX Designers.
Meet Andrea Arizaleta, UX/UI Designer at Vog App Developers. If you want to more about her, check her Linkedin.
Meet Abhishek Damania, UX Designer at Provincial Health Services Authority. If you want to more about him, check his Linkedin.
Episode # 19 -- Gretchen McNeely on working for a large-size company
Today, we are chatting with Gretchen McNeely (she/her), an Interaction Design Manager at Fjord, part of Accenture Interactive.
We will cover work-related politics, underrating UX research, great mentors, and being able to accept feedback!
Gretchen worked in UX and design for 16 years -- a second career after starting out in advertising. She enjoys working in medical devices, industrial design, and interior environments. She had the chance to work in Portland OR, Palo Alto CA, and now Raleigh NC. Moreover, Gretchen has two kids and four cats!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-mcneely-95559b5/
IG: @gmcneely
FB: @gmcneely
TW: @reallymcneely
Episode # 18 -- Tian Zhao on working for an agency
Tian Zhao is a Product Designer currently designing Web2 fintech products by daylight at Flinks and Web3 products with Keyko (but transitioning to) Linum Labs by moonlight.
We will have an insightful conversation on how it is to be working for an agency and how to be a multidimensional problem-solver!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tntyzhao/
Portfolio: tianyuanzhao.com
Medium: https://tosfan4ever.medium.com/
Episode #17 -- Ryan Yao: working at startups as a UX Designer
Meet Ryan! He is a UX/UI Designer at Curative, working to help combat COVID-19 by scaling up testing and distributing vaccines. He spends most of his time at the computer screen, but once in a while he enjoys riding his bike around beautiful Vancouver while appreciating nature.
We will cover the topic of how it is working for startups, challenges one might face as a UX Designer, and not being able to eat apples :)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanqyao
Portfolio: https://ryanyao.design
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanqyao
Design community he is a part of and recommends joining: https://www.designerslack.community
Episode #16 -- Brenda Hoyle, a UX contractor working for the government
Today we are chatting with Brenda about working at the public sector, being happy at one's workplace, empathy, forming relationships, and Alie's favourite topic: mental health!
Brenda Hoyle is a User Experience Designer with a love for research and writing. She currently works out of Chattanooga, TN for a government contractor that's based in the D.C. metro area, helping transform and modernize the technology and processes government agencies use.
Brenda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendahoyle/
Portfolio: https://medium.com/@brenda.hoyle
Twitter/Instagram: @beehoyle
UX Resources: https://trello.com/b/PVKLYc1j/ux-resources
Episode #15 - Leo LaCroix, a Portland-based UX Consultant
You absolutely cannot miss this episode! Our lovely guest Leo LaCroix (they/them) will be sharing their epic story on how they received Barack Obama's M&M's and Hershey's (say whaaaat), and of course their experience on how to be a successful UX consultant!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/leo-lacroix-00762078
Portfolio: www.theleolacroix.com
Episode #14 -- Veronica Jones, a recent UX bootcamp graduate
Meet Veronica Jones! After working as a hairdresser for a decade she decided to make a career switch. She finished an immersive UX Bootcamp last June and has been working as a design consultant in Washington, DC. We will cover the pros and cons of going to a Bootcamp, tips on staying positive during a job search, and how technology shapes our lives and shifts cultures.
Veronica's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vdesignjones/
Portfolio: www.vdesignjones.com
Episode #13 -- Maya Mukhopadhaya, an anthropologist and business strategist turned design researcher
Today we are chatting with Maya, who pivoted her career into design.
We will cover anthropology, ethnography, messy information, and a crazy story on how her poor phone-numbers-saving skills led to seeing an unexpected guest in a restaurant!
Maya's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmukhopadhaya/
Maya's website: www.mayamukhopadhaya.com
Episode #12 - Fergie, a military pastry chef turned UX designer
Today UX Untamed girls are chatting with Fergie, a United States Navy pastry chef turned UX designer. She supported multiple clients like Acxiom, Indeed Innovation, Cambio, DOPE Coffee, and etc.
Join us for UX vs red velvet cake analogies and some mental health tips!
Fergie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthafergus/
Episode #11 - April Damaso, a senior product designer and mentor
Are you ready to find out what happens when you get catfished? Wait no more! Check episode 11 with April Damaso (she/her).
Besides dating failures she will be talking about her UX career and the experience studying design at Capilano university.
Episode #10 - Max Ramos, a self-taught product designer
Today we are talking to Max Ramos, a self-taught product designer. He has a degree in Computer Science, but now mainly focuses on helping early stage startups using his design expertise. He is also a community coordinator @ the Vancouver Design Check In Community. He loves helping others, so hit him up if you need any advice!
Where you can find Max:
Portfolio : https://maxramos.webflow.io/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxraamos/
Dribbble - https://dribbble.com/maxramos
List of resources Max mentioned:
https://www.udemy.com/user/joenatoli/
https://www.youtube.com/c/femkesvs/videos
https://www.youtube.com/c/AJSmart/videos
https://www.designbetter.co/books
https://abookapart.com/collections/books
Episode #9 - Intentions for 2021
It is finally here...2021. A year of hope? New jobs? Significant moments? Let's find out!
P.S. Julieth will talk about the first full-time UX job she finally landed! Drop everything (including your coffee) and listen to this amazing episode. We promise to wipe your spilled coffee from the kitchen counter afterward :P
Episode #8 - Jacquie Wortley, product designer and educator
Today we are chatting with amazing Jacquie Wortley, product designer, and educator living her dream life in Mexico (she worked really hard for it!). There are so many nuggets of wisdom we can't even narrow them down! This episode will definitely expand your mind :)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinewortley/
Jacquie's design consultancy startup: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jacquie-io/about/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquieio/?hl=en
A book Jacquie mentioned: Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Episode #7 - Victoria Cubbon, local designer talking about soft skills and community building
Victoria Cubbon is an entrepreneur, graphic & web designer, illustrator, and most recently, a community builder based in Vancouver, BC. Through her two businesses, Victoria Cubbon Creative and Creative Women Community, Victoria creates work that inspires well-being and creativity in others. Victoria lives in North Vancouver with her partner and kitten, Timmy.
Where you can find Victoria:
https://creativewomencommunity.com
Episode #6 - Liz Barraza, developer turned UX designer
Today we are chatting with our lovely acquaintance Liz Barraza who Alie met in-person (whaaat) in January 2020 before we-shall-not-name-that-mess started :)
We will be talking about Liz's journey as a developer and UX designer, the soft skills she implements in her daily life; as well as her trips all over the world including being stuck on a ferry with Russian men! A must-listen. Binge it please :)
Liz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizbarraza/
IterateUX LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iterateux/
IterateUX website: https://iterateux.com/
IterateUX meetup page: https://www.meetup.com/Iterateux/
Episode #5 - Soft skills every UX designer should have
Today we will be talking about soft skills needed to be a great UX designer. Which one do you think is the most important?
Bonus: Alie will be sharing quotes from her "friends" like Thomas Edison and others, reviving Frankenstein, and finding out if her coworkers talk behind her back -- you can't miss this! :P
Episode #4 - Kerry McPhearson's UX job search story
Kerry is our UX friend from Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode he will be sharing his UX interview tips, how to get a job as a product/UX designer, and some mental health recommendations while interviewing!
Links to resources Kerry has mentioned:
1. AJ&Smart Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeB_OpLspKJGiKv1CYkWFFw
2. Fabricio Teixeira Medium page: https://fabriciot.medium.com/ and his UX starting guide: https://start.uxdesign.cc/
3. Kerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/km1992/
4. Cracking the PM interview (a book by Gayle Laakmann McDowell)
5. Lean UX: Designing Great Products with Agile Teams (a book by Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden)
Episode #3 - Jarell Alvarez's UX job search story
We are so stoked to present our first guest -- yay!
Jarell is an intermediate UI/UX designer that loves sourdough, cooking, board games, the birds, walking, and breathing! If you see a guy holding a good fantasy novel in his left hand on a skytrain -- that is most likely Jarell -- don't be shy and say hi! :) In this fun episode he will be sharing his tips on how to get a job in UX design.
Jarell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarellalvarez/
Vancouver Design Community Check In Slack invite (expires in 30 days): https://join.slack.com/t/vandesigncheckin/shared_invite/zt-h6pmt392-OPLaWyfWjvidGheJpXzWJw
If you happen to listen to the episode after 30 days and can't join Jarell's Slack, feel free to message him on LinkedIn.
Notion app he used for his job search: https://www.notion.so/
Job Search
Check our advice and strategies on how to get into the tech industry as a UX designer. We will cover networking, collaborating, and volunteering. Thanks for being with us!
All about us - First UX Untamed episode
Alie and Julieth (aka #2bolduxgirls) are two aspired UX designers in Vancouver, Canada who got together to share their UX journey and just chat. Have a listen if you like accents and are also on a lookout for your first UX job! :)