075: You Belong Here with Jessica Gaddis

075: You Belong Here with Jessica Gaddis

Author: Jason Ogle February 15, 2021 Duration: 1:33:31

Jessica Gaddis motivates us to realize that we belong here. Not only in the field of design, but in this often painful and perplexing world we call home. Why? Because somewhere, sometime, somehow...someone needs us. She inspires us to find our community because they're already out there, searching for us and waiting for us to connect with them and even lead them. She reveals how she was able to on a very limited budget go all in and learn UX and go on to get her foot in the door as a Product Designer. From 0 to Netflix, and now Twitter. She touches on the unwelcome voice in many of our heads known as imposter syndrome, and reveals how she's been able to successfully combat it. She also shares with us how advocating for black women in design by opening up her calendar as a mentor has been one of the most rewarding and impactful design decisions she's ever made.

  • Origin Story (5:05)
  • Growing Up In a Techie Home (8:48)
  • Journalism + UX? (11:42)
  • The UX of Learning UX (18:21)
  • Teaching Should Be Every Company's Core Value (32:15)
  • Have You Overcome Imposter Syndrome? (44:14)
  • How Do We Find Community? (50:00)
  • The Deep Value of Mentoring (57:59)
  • What Do You Want On Your Headstone? (70:13)
  • UX Superpower? (74:09)
  • UX Kryptonite? (75:37)
  • UX Superhero Name (77:38)
  • Habit of Success? (78:02)
  • 
UX Resource or Tool (81:04)
  • Recommended Book (83:11)
  • Best Advice (84:56)
  • Connect & Keep Up (87:21)

Check out the detailed show notes including mentioned links, transcript and Eli Jorgensen's astonishing superhero artwork at userdefenders.com/075

This episode is made possible by Editor X. Editor X gives you a wide workspace with total CSS control powered by smooth drag & drop on a platform where every tiny detail has been carefully considered. That means you can let your creativity run wild and build your most creative sites yet. I can keep trying to describe it to you, but you should really go see it for yourself. Visit userdefenders.com/EditorX and discover a new standard in web design


Hosted by Jason Ogle, User Defenders-UX Design & Personal Growth operates on a simple but profound idea: exceptional design work flows from a foundation of personal well-being and clarity. It’s a conversation that bridges the technical craft of user experience with the inner work of growth, resilience, and self-awareness. Each episode moves beyond surface-level tutorials to explore the deeper motivations and ethical considerations behind our design choices. You’ll hear from practitioners who discuss not only their process and techniques but also the challenges, failures, and philosophies that shape their approach to both their work and their lives. This podcast provides a unique space where the professional and personal intersect, offering insights that equip you to advocate more effectively for users while also navigating your own career path with intention. The dialogue consistently returns to the human element-the person behind the designer-arguing that sustainable creativity and leadership require a full cup. Tuning in feels less like a lecture and more like joining a thoughtful community dedicated to meaningful work and growth, making it an essential listen for anyone in the field looking to deepen their impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

User Defenders – UX Design & Personal Growth
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