Brave UX with Brendan Jarvis 🇺🇦

Tamara Adlin – Redefining Innovation through UX Insights (Part 2)

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
 
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Tamara Adlin – Navigating Executive Misalignment in UX (Part 1)

In the first of a two-part episode of Brave UX, Brendan Jarvis interviews Tamara Adlin, President of Adlin Inc. Tamara Adlin is a thought leader and a seasoned UX consultant with over 25 years of experience helping companies create better products. Tamara reflects on her time at Amazon, lessons from leadership, and her pioneering work with personas. She highlights how executive misalignment can derail projects, emphasizing that personas alone can’t fix underlying communication issues. Tamara introduces her “Executive Alignment in Five Conversations” methodology, a framework designed to align teams and ensure project success. The conversation also touches on the importance of ongoing alignment and how well-crafted personas can be transformative when supported by clear, cohesive leadership.
Highlights include:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
05:30 - Tamara’s Journey into Animal Rescue
12:15 - The Persona Life Cycle Books
18:45 - Alignment Insights from Amazon
26:00 - The Importance of a Support System
32:30 - Diversity in Tech
40:15 - The Challenges of Executive Misalignment
46:00 - Executive Alignment in Five Conversations
55:30 - Case Study: Zillow
1:02:15 - Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
 
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
 
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Jen Briselli - Embracing Complexity and Ambiguity in Design

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
 
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Nitzan Shaer - Simulated Audiences Have Arrived

In this special bonus episode of Brave UX, Nitzan Shaer speaks candidly about the future of UX research, why simulated audiences are a step beyond synthetic, and how UX professionals can leverage them effectively.
Highlights include:
15:12 - What’s the vision you’re building towards with WEVO?
22:56 - How would you define the difference between synthetic and simulated research?
25:44 - Could simulated research eventually surpass human research in accuracy?
34:50 - What does the near future hold for UX research with AI advancements?
58:00 - How can simulated audiences help accelerate innovation?
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Who is Nitzan Shaer?
Nitzan is the CEO and co-founder of WEVO, a user research platform that leverages AI to deliver reliable insights to designers, marketers, and product managers—in a fraction of the time that traditional research requires.
Before co-founding WEVO, Nitzan was the co-founder and managing partner of High Start Group, an innovation consulting firm dedicated to helping companies create and launch breakthrough products.
He also led product management, partner relationships, and defined Skype’s strategy for mobile phones as head of the Mobile Phones and Product Group, where the challenges of working with customers across 150+ countries sparked his vision for WEVO.
Complementing his hands-on experience in building and scaling products, Nitzan holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Technion, Israel’s Institute of Technology.
An active contributor to the broader product and business community, Nitzan has shared his insights on stages such as The Product Podcast, Product-Led Summit New York, and at Harvard Business School.
Find Nitzan here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nshaer/Website: https://wevo.ai/
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Greg Nudelman - The Role of UX in the Age of AI

Today, our special guest is Greg Nudelman, a Distinguished Designer at Sumo Logic. In this engaging episode of Brave UX, Brendan interviews Greg about the role of UX in the age of AI. They discuss the potential impact of AI on society, the need for designers to adapt and incorporate AI into their work, and the importance of focusing on customer needs and ethical considerations. They also touch on the challenges faced in design projects and the need for trust and clear goals. Overall, this podcast offers valuable insights on the evolving role of designers and the potential consequences of AI on democracy.
Highlights include:
00:00 - Introduction to Greg and UX forAI
01:45 - AI's Potential Impact on Society
05:32 - Perspective on the World Our Children Will Live In
07:15 - Critique of Education System and the Role of AI in the Classroom
10:32 - Shifting Role of Designers in the Age of AI 
14:48 - Importance of Shifting Design Conversations
18:02 - Training AI Models for Positive Design Outcomes
20:42 - Challenges in Design Projects and the Role of Trust
24:15 - Designers as Contributors and the Importance of Humility
28:05 - AI's Impact on Democracy and the Role of Individuals
 
Who is Greg Nedelman
Greg Nudelman is a seasoned UX leader with 24 design patents, six featured mobile apps, and five design books in three languages. Known for generating hundreds of millions in design ROI, Greg specializes in crafting AI/ML-powered products that inspire a "When can I buy this?" reaction from customers. A Gartner Cool Vendor™, Greg’s expertise spans UX for AI, Lean Product Design, and DesignOps. He has delivered over 100 executive-level keynotes and workshops in 18 countries, guiding UX teams across biotech, finance, and IoT industries to create innovative digital solutions that surpass business goals and elevate user experiences.
Find Greg Here
Greg Nudelman on LinkedIn
Sumo Logic Website
DesignCaffeine, Greg’s Website
 
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Abby Covert - Making Sense & Getting Unstuck

Today, our special guest is Abby Covert, Chief Sensemaker at the Sensemaker Club. Join Brendan as he interviews Abby, an information architect, author, and community leader in UX design. Abby shares insights into her work in UX design, the importance of customer feedback, and her journey as an author. They discuss topics such as misdiagnosis, neurodivergent experiences, the evolution of information architecture, ethical responsibility in tech, and effective communication through diagrams. Take advantage of this insightful and thought-provoking conversation.
Highlights include:
0:00 - Introduction and Abby's Accomplishments
3:17 - Abby's Experience of Buying a House
6:45 - Abby's Book "How to Make Sense of Any Mess"
13:01 - Friendship with Christina Wodtke
16:56 - Abby’s Work and Life OKRs
20:45 - Decision to Become a "Digital Recluse"
26:10 - Experience of Being Diagnosed with ADHD
37:56 - Abby's Journey in Information Architecture (IA)
44:28 - Challenges in Promoting Ethical Responsibility in UX Design
 
Who is Abby Covert
Abby Covert is an information architect, writer, and community organizer with two decades of experience helping people make sense of messes. In addition to being an active mentor to those new to sensemaking, she has also served the design community as President of the Information Architecture Institute, co-chair of the Information Architecture Summit, and Executive Producer of the I.D.E.A Conference.
 
Abby is a founding faculty member of the School of Visual Arts’ Products of Design graduate program. She also managed the team that helped Rosenfeld Media start the Design Operations Summit and Advancing Research Conference. Her most proud achievement is coming up with the idea for World Information Architecture Day, which brings accessibly priced education to thousands in their local communities annually.
 
Abby has written two books for her students. In 2014, she published How to Make Sense of Any Mess, a book to teach IA to everybody. In 2022, she released her much-anticipated follow-up, Stuck? Diagrams Help. She currently spends her time making things that help you make the unclear clear, many of which she makes available for free on her website, abbycovert.com or at accessible price points in her popular Etsy shop, AbbytheIA.
 
Find Abby Here
Abby Covert on LinkedIn
Sensemaker Club on LinkedIn
Sensemaker Club Website
Abby Covert’s Book How to Make Sense of Any Mess
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Whitney Hess - Coaching with Presence and Purpose

Today, our special guest is Whitney Hess, Founder and Executive Coach of Vicarious Partners Inc. We discuss the power of bravery, vulnerability, and personal growth. Discover how to overcome fear, cultivate self-awareness, and embrace failure as a stepping stone toward success. With practical tips and inspiring stories, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to live a more courageous and purposeful life.
Highlights include:
0:00-4:25 - Whitney discusses her perspective on failure
04:26-8:17 - Whitney shares her backstory, including living on a sailboat
08:18-14:03 - The importance of being present and fully engaged with clients
14:04-19:48 - A closer look at the power dynamics in coaching relationships
19:49-24:12 - Whitney shares a personal anecdote
24:13-29:45 - More on coaching, UX, and the challenges facing the field
29:46-33:58 - Whitney’s perspective on the risks of pursuing the management track 
33:59-38:20 - Coaching dynamics and the importance of an opt-in relationship
43:03-46:26 - Brendan and Whitney highlight the importance of self-reflection
Who is Whitney Hess
Whitney Hess is a coach, writer, and designer on a mission to put humanity back into business. She believes empathy builds empires, and she helps progressive, creative leaders design their careers and accelerate their missions. Her techniques help people gain self-awareness, identify blind spots, navigate obstacles, and bring their whole selves to their work.
 
Whitney has been a user experience (UX) consultant for over a decade, hired to make technology easier and more pleasurable. She has been recognized for her work with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Foundation Center, Seamless, Boxee, and WNYC. She is named as a co-inventor on a U.S. patent with American Express.
 
Whitney is a two-time Carnegie Mellon University graduate with a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction and a Bachelor’s in Professional Writing and HCI. She is a Certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. She writes on her blog Pleasure & Pain, co-hosts the podcast Designing Yourself, and speaks at conferences and corporations worldwide.
 
Find Whitney Here:
Whitney Hess on LinkedIn
Whitney Hess Website
Whitney Hess Blog
Vicarious Partners Inc. on LinkedIn
Whitney Hess Email
 
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Doreen Lorenzo - Design is a Craft, Perfected With Practice

Today, our special guest is Doreen Lorenzo, Assistant Dean at the University of Texas School of Design and Creative Technology. Doreen discusses the challenges and opportunities in the design industry and shares her insights as a design leader while emphasizing the importance of training and skill development. They also explore her journey from Frog Design to the University of Texas and her passion for education and diversity in design.
Highlights include:
03:15 - Introduction and Doreen's background
10:52 - Doreen’s decision to pursue a career in design
15:50 - Challenges of managing a large design firm
24:59 - Benefits of promoting diversity in the design industry
26:39 - Importance of confidence in design
31:29 - Doreen's Journey from Frog to the University of Texas
44:04 - Doreen’s leadership philosophy and balancing profitability with risk-taking
Who is Doreen Lorenzo
Doreen Lorenzo is a successful leader of global creative firms who advises and consults with companies from Fortune 100 to startups on design and innovation issues. The former president of the global design firms Frog and Quirky, she is now the Assistant Dean in the School of Design and Creative Technology at the University of Texas, a co-founder of the mobile video insights firm Vidlet, a board member and advisor of several startups, and a columnist for Fast Company Co.Design. 
A recognized thought leader on business and design issues, she speaks publicly about her signature leadership style and the power of empathy to drive business results. Most recently, Texas Monthly named Doreen one of the 15 innovators reshaping Texas, a testament to her innovative leadership approach.
Doreen is an ardent believer in the advantages of “soft skills” like empathy and humor in business. She speaks at industry conferences, at private events, and to the media about her experience using these often overlooked skills to understand and motivate creative people. A driven and successful woman in a male-dominated industry, Doreen also speaks about women in leadership and coaches aspiring women leaders to help them find their own paths to success. 
Find Doreen Here
Doreen Lorenzo on LinkedIn
University of Texas School of Design and Creative Technology Website
Quirky Website
Doreen’s personal Website
 
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The Show is hosted by Brendan Jarvis, and you can find him here:
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Nick Fine, PhD - The Future of UX in an AI World

Today, our special guest is Nick Fine, PhD, Principal UX Research Consultant and Strategist at Adaptavist. Nick touches on several topics, including dealing with ADHD, why user-centric design has lost its way, and the impact of economic cycles and AI on the industry. Nick also talks about the need for UX researchers to focus on insight rather than ‘depth’, stating that the goal is to “get the gold and get out.” And that’s just the start!
Highlights include:
00:00 - Guest introduction
02:31 - Discussion on ADHD and "Chorus of Bastards"
09:15 - Nick's background in hacking and hyperfocus 
17:56 - Frustration with the current state of UX
23:50 - Future of UX and AI agents
30:31 - Making yourself indispensable in UX
35:16 - Over-intellectualization of UX research
39:31 - The role of managers and leaders in UX
44:11 - Conclusion and key takeaways
Who is Nick Fine, PhD
Nick is a user experience researcher and designer with 20 years of experience in digital and over 12 years of experience as a practitioner. He holds a PhD and MSc in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and a BSc in Psychology. He successfully defended his PhD thesis in 2009, entitled “Personalizing Interaction Using User Interface Skins,” where he established a novel means for determining personality type from keyboard and mouse usage and discovered relationships between design elements (color, shape, meaning) and personality type. 
By combining academic research skills and HCI knowledge with commercial UX experience, Nick has successfully delivered a number of complex and mission-critical projects, including air traffic control, financial systems, and pharmaceutical R&D. He has led UX on projects for a number of brands, including Coca-Cola, SAB Miller, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, EY, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, BT, Virgin Media, Camelot, and both the Home and Cabinet Office.
Find Nick Here:
Nick Fine, PhD on LinkedIn
Adaptavist Website
Proskin.org Website
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The Show is hosted by Brendan Jarvis, and you can find him here:
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Q Walker - The Information Architecture of Emojis

Q Walker draws a line between circus and UX, shares their experience of being cyber stalked, and unpacks the IA intricacies of emojis.
Highlights include:
What can designers learn from circus performers?
Why did you start researching the information architecture of emojis?
Are changes to emojis a form of benevolent censorship?
What makes the presentation of the gun emoji interesting?
How has embracing your queerness helped you reclaim your bravery?
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Who is Q Walker?
Since late 2023, Q has been the General Manager of The Circus Hub, the centre for circus arts in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.
Before joining The Circus Hub, Q was an Experience Lead at PaperKite , where they plied their trade of UX strategy and UX research to helping brands like the All Blacks, Volkswagen, The New Zealand Ministry of Health, and Hell Pizza, to better serve their customers.
Q’s career in design started in the United States at Fidelity Investments in 2012, where they worked as a Communications Design Manager and - among other things - used UX and graphic design skills to create data visualisations, interactive reports and web app interfaces.
It was during their time at Fidelity that Q both started and completed a Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design at Bentley University. 
They have also shared their expertise and experiences with audiences at UX New Zealand (more than once) and UXPA’s Boston conference.
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Find Q here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/q-walker/
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Follow us on our other social channels for more great Brave UX content!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheSpaceInBetween/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-space-in-between/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceinbetw__n/
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Hosted by Brendan Jarvis:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjarvis/
Website: https://thespaceinbetween.co.nz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brendanjarvis/