Log in or create a free Rosenverse account to watch this video.
Log in Create free account100s of community videos are available to free members. Conference talks are generally available to Gold members.
Summary
For this month's call we convened a 3-person panel to share diverse stories and paths of becoming a UX manager—from writing, to print/graphic design, and even theater! We discussed the various origin stories of becoming a manager, those humbling moments of learning lessons along the way, and touch upon what makes managing truly rewarding as a career path choice. Whether you're a manager now or perhaps thinking about it with some trepidation, you will surely get some inspiring takeaways. As a bonus, we also featured a short teaser of content coming up for our annual Enterprise Experience 2020 conference.
Key Insights
-
•
Conversations around UX should be continuous, not limited to conference events.
-
•
Empathy in design should be everyone's responsibility across the organization.
-
•
UX functions are often added late in company growth, necessitating adaptability in management.
-
•
Diversifying management styles is essential for supporting various team members' needs.
-
•
Effective management requires understanding the balance between oversight and empowerment.
-
•
Different management roles entail different focuses on individual contributors versus managers.
-
•
Mentorship is crucial in supporting professional development in a management role.
-
•
Maintaining team morale and connection is vital during distributed work environments.
-
•
Facilitation and clear communication are central to effective management in UX.
-
•
Understanding team dynamics and individual personalities enhances collaboration.
Notable Quotes
"Lou Rosenfeld mentioned the community meetings as polished conversations going on year-round."
"Kit Unger spoke about maximizing UX impact amidst constant organizational changes."
"Jackie Ho emphasized the importance of aligning design teams while maintaining accountability."
"Michael Metz reflected on the need to empower others without overshadowing their contributions."
"Amy Marquez highlighted the value of mentorship in overcoming imposter syndrome."
"Joey Chung described the satisfaction of seeing team members grow as a source of fulfillment in management."
"The notion that management is about helping others shine was a recurring theme."
"Lessons learned include the importance of adapting management styles to fit individual team members' needs."
"The distinction between 'kindness' as guiding improvement versus 'niceness' as avoiding difficult conversations was noted."
"Creating inclusive hiring practices by redesigning processes can be a valuable contribution for managers."
More Videos
"Research can help you identify meaningful metrics."
Johanna KollmannInsights-Driven Product Strategy: Get your Research to Count
December 6, 2022
"It is crucial to engage with the community in Slack for real-time updates and questions."
Louis Rosenfeld Bria AlexanderOpening Remarks
March 27, 2023
"Your career is the only design project you'll ever own."
Ian SwinsonDesigning and Driving UX Careers
June 8, 2016
"Personalization has become so complex that it's now out of human control."
Jamika BurgeEmbracing change: Navigating shifting landscapes with compassion and agency
March 11, 2025
"When we solve accessibility challenges, we benefit every single user of our products."
Sam ProulxTo Boldly Go: The New Frontiers of Accessibility
June 10, 2022
"Data helps you make the right decision, not just support the decision that you've already made."
Kristin WisnewskiMeasuring What Matters
October 23, 2019
"I hope to prove to you that this is the most rewarding creative challenge you will ever experience."
Liz EbengoThe Burden on Children: The Cost of Insufficient Post-Conflict Services and Pathways Forward
December 4, 2024
"Research is just a piece of the pie; we are not the whole solution."
Dr. Nikki SmithResearch Strategy: Connecting Insights to Outcomes
March 12, 2025
"While the self-service model scales design, we must guard against overwhelming our designers."
Nora Tejeda Giovanna AlonsoScaling Design Capabilities at BBVA Through a Self-service Design Model
June 10, 2021
