The UX Growth

There’s no single path into UX. And that’s both terrifying and kind of beautiful. In this episode of the UX Growth Podcast, I spoke with Dane O’Leary, a talented freelance UX designer who built his career by blending creativity, self-discovery, and a constant hunger to learn. We covered so much, but a few moments stood out: Why trying different paths isn’t a setback, it’s part of the work How to stay organized, grounded, and avoid burnout as a freelancer Why LinkedIn is misunderstood and how to use it without selling your soul The underrated UX skill that can save projects and relationships: clear communication This episode is for anyone who’s figuring it out as they go. For designers who feel scattered, behind, or unsure where to focus next. How to Support Dane: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneoleary/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email [nick@nickmanndesigner.com] and LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/manndesigner]. Check out my links [https://linktr.ee/nickmann], such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

On this episode of The UX Growth Podcast, I talk with Mahnaz Hajesmaeili, a UX designer who blends behavioral science and AI into her work. You don't need a perfect UX origin story to thrive. You just need curiosity and the drive to keep exploring. In this episode, we talk about: → How to practice UX research without access to real users → Why designers need to stop settling and how exploration leads to clarity → Navigating rejection, imposter syndrome, and unclear job postings → Communicating UX decisions to non-designers with confidence → What AI's rapid rise really means for your design career If you're early in your journey, pivoting, or feeling the weight of all the noise in the industry, Mahnaz’s insight will ground you. How to Support Mahnaz: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-hajesmaeili/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OeTWHPc93lsJp9sgFx196?si=3zyIl0K2QgK-ZBWN3ftXdg&nd=1&dlsi=0bd26fca9a5a4050 — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email [nick@nickmanndesigner.com] and LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/manndesigner]. Check out my links [https://linktr.ee/nickmann], such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

“If you don’t feel like a designer yet, that doesn’t mean you’re not one.” Craig Jamieson, former CDO, creative director, and self-taught designer, joins me on the latest episode of The UX Growth Podcast to talk about what it really takes to build a career in design without losing yourself. We cover: Making impact without a fancy title The messy, non-linear path to creative leadership Why most portfolios fall flat and how to fix yours Building a voice in the industry without selling out If you're feeling lost, behind, or just burnt out, this one's for you. How to Support Craig: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-jamieson/ Website: https://craigjamieson.com/ — You can contact the host, Nick Mann via Email [nick@nickmanndesigner.com] and LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/manndesigner]. Check out my links [https://linktr.ee/nickmann], such as Patreon, the UX Growth Challenge Newsletter, and the UX Growth Book Series, to help improve your UX knowledge. Thank you for listening, and let's keep growing.

Email: nick@nickmanndesigner.com [nick@nickmanndesigner.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manndesigner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/manndesigner/] Website: The UXGrowth.com

Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5gnzstl91lBkZNor4ugvHo?si=974e25cda6b741aa] Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ux-growth/id1643822450] Nick Mann Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/manndesigner/] Nick@NickMannDesigner.com