A lot of career discomfort comes from trying to lead, present, or speak in a way that isn’t actually you.

In this episode, Joe talks about why borrowed scripts, leadership clichés, and “how you’re supposed to do it” advice often only make things worse.

You’ll learn why authenticity reduces anxiety, how small moments of comfort are proof you’re capable and why judging your work by other people’s reactions is a losing game.

This one is about trusting your own style — and letting go of the need to perform.

If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.

Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.

No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

If authority figures still trigger old emotional responses for you, you’re not alone.

In this episode, Joe explores why feedback from bosses can feel so personal — and how early conditioning often shapes the way we react to power, criticism, and expectations at work.

You’ll hear why being challenged doesn’t mean you’re failing, how to separate your worth from other people’s reactions and what it really means to set boundaries with confidence — without becoming defensive or combative.

This is about reclaiming your absolute right to exist, speak up and take up space.

If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.

Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.

No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

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.