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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!