In this episode of 'Elevate Your UX Career,' Brittany Cates addresses the pervasive fear that AI might replace UX designers and offers a strategic perspective on embracing AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human-driven design. She highlights the importance of evolving skills, focusing on AI literacy and key competencies UX designers will need to remain relevant and lead in their field.

Brittany also answers a real listener's question about pursuing a career in UX amidst a competitive and shifting job market, emphasizing the meaningful and fulfilling aspects of the profession for those who are passionate about solving complex problems.

Tune in for actionable insights and motivation to elevate your UX career in the age of AI.

00:00 Introduction: The AI Buzz and UX Career Fears

00:46 Meet Your Host: Brittany Cates

01:54 The Impact of AI on UX Design

03:16 Future-Proof Your Career with AI Literacy

04:20 Practical Tips for Integrating AI in UX

05:37 Showcasing Leadership with AI

06:24 Key Takeaways: Embrace AI Strategically

06:59 Ask the Designer: Is UX Worth It?

09:02 Conclusion: Elevate Your UX Career

Laid off? (Or afraid you might be?) Whether you’ve recently been impacted or you’re navigating the emotional fallout of seeing your teammates go, this episode of Elevate Your UX Career is here to help you process, reflect, and move forward.

Join host Brittany Cates, senior UX designer and career coach, as she opens up about her own experiences with multiple rounds of layoffs. With honesty and empathy, Brittany walks you through the grief, guilt, and uncertainty that often follow and why this difficult season can also be the beginning of something better.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to process grief and survivor’s guilt after layoffs

• Why layoffs aren’t a reflection of your value as a designer

• Three perspective shifts that will help you regain confidence and clarity

• How to turn a setback into a setup for your next career move

If you’re a UX designer navigating career uncertainty, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that you still have options, agency, and so much to offer.

💌 Subscribe to my newsletter for more resources, encouragement, and actionable tips to help you rebuild and rise in your UX career.

Do you ever feel invisible on your UX team? Like your ideas aren’t taken seriously or your work goes unnoticed? You’re not alone and it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In this solo episode of Elevate Your UX Career, Brittany Cates, senior product designer and career coach, breaks down three powerful mindset and communication shifts that can help mid-career UX designers go from overlooked to influential. If you’re ready to be seen as more than "just the designer," this episode is your starting point.

Brittany shares real talk and real strategies, including:

• How to reframe the way you speak about your UX work

• Why communicating the why behind your decisions builds trust and influence

• The secret to getting a seat at the strategic table—without waiting for permission

• What it means to position yourself as a thought partner, not just a pixel pusher

Packed with personal stories, practical takeaways, and encouragement to own your value, this episode is a must-listen for UX designers ready to grow into leadership.

Subscribe to my newsletter for even more insights and actionable career advice tailored for experienced designers who are ready to rise.

Ready to grow as a UX designer and step into leadership?

In this episode of Elevate Your UX Career, Brittany Cates sits down with Mitch Clements, Senior Product Design Manager at nCino, to explore what it really takes to level up in the UX field. Mitch shares his inspiring journey from Android developer to leading a thriving design team—growing from just 2 to over 30 designers.

Whether you're aiming for a promotion, managing growing pains in your design team, or wondering how to advocate for your value in a corporate environment, this episode is packed with real-world advice for mid-career UX professionals. Tune in to learn how to:

• Overcome common career blockers in UX

• Build influence and advocate for your team

• Scale design teams without losing quality

• Strengthen your soft skills and leadership mindset

• Tap into community and mentorship for long-term growth

If you're a UX designer ready to elevate your impact, this conversation will give you the mindset shifts and actionable strategies you’ve been looking for.

Follow Mitch on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-clements/

Subscribe to my newsletter here: https://brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list

Feeling stuck in your UX career? Or are you ready for more influence, clarity, and confidence?

Welcome to the very first episode of Elevate Your UX Career with host Brittany Cates, senior UX designer and career coach for mid-career professionals who are ready to grow.

In this kickoff episode, Brittany shares the why behind this podcast: to create a real, honest space for UX designers who want to go beyond the surface of their careers and start making a bigger impact.

She opens up about the challenges of gaining visibility in corporate environments, navigating the evolving role of design in the age of AI, and what it means to own your voice as a UX professional.

You’ll get a sneak peek into what’s coming, including:

• Actionable career advice tailored to mid-career UX designers

• Honest conversations about leadership, influence, and growth

• Inspiring interviews with seasoned design leaders

• Listener Q&A to address real-world career struggles

• Encouragement to show up with empathy, ethics, and strategic clarity

If you're ready to take control of your UX career and grow into the leader you're meant to be, this podcast is for you.

💌 Subscribe to Brittany’s newsletter to get career tips, personal stories, and exclusive podcast content delivered straight to your inbox: brittanycatesco.systeme.io/ux-email-list

Feeling stuck in your UX career? Ready to break through that ceiling and finally get the recognition you deserve?

Elevate Your UX Career is the podcast for mid-career UX designers who want to grow their influence, own their voice, and level up on their own terms.

I’m Brittany Cates, a UX designer, career coach, and your guide on this journey. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked, stuck in execution mode, or boxed into roles that don’t fully use your potential.

Each episode brings you real talk about mindset, strategy, and clarity to help you lead your own career, whether through solo deep dives packed with actionable insights or candid conversations with design leaders who’ve been in your shoes.

If you’re ready to stop waiting for permission and start crafting your next career chapter, hit follow and let’s get started.