Summary
Matthew and Matt reflect on their journey in podcasting, share nostalgic moments, and delve into the evolving landscape of AI in research. They discuss the balance between utilizing AI tools and maintaining human collaboration, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and oversight in research processes. The dialogue highlights both the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into research, ultimately advocating for a collaborative approach that values human insight alongside technological advancements.

Bio
Matt Wallens is a research consultant who helps businesses get to the heart of their customers' challenges and turn those insights into better products and services. Whether you want to call it user experience design, service design, customer experience, marketing, or any combination of those words, he's got you covered.

Matt works closely with executive leadership and their teams to establish a strong UX research practice, ensuring they have the resources and expertise needed to excel.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys hiking, whiskey tasting, and exploring Atlanta's taco scene. He's also the founder of the UX Research Atlanta professional organization.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (on the rocks?) Open
06:13 The Philosophy of No Rehearsal
10:03 YES, WE'RE STARTING NOW. FINALLY.
11:29 Haha, tricked you. _Now_ we're starting.
14:37 This time I mean it!
18:26 The Risks of AI in Research
22:56 Trusting AI: A Shift in Perspective
28:56 Real-World Applications of AI in Research
39:24 The Role of AI in Research
40:41 Balancing AI Use and Human Interaction
48:29 The Future of Collaboration in Research

Keywords
AI, research, podcasting, collaboration, technology, nostalgia, friendship, tools, insights, UX research, whisky

Bio
Jane Austin builds products for humans that solve real problems, where experience is a differentiator, and ideally at organizations at an inflection point, whether that is a new phase of growth, having just closed a round of funding, going through a digital transformation or planning to IPO. She is also executive director of an incredible startup called Curb, which helps people manage compulsive and addictive behaviors.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Jane Austin and Matthew discuss their personal and professional journeys, touching on the challenges of career transitions, the evolving role of design in startups, and the integration of teams and cultures. They explore the importance of research and user experience, the impact of AI on design processes, and the necessity of critical thinking in the design field. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of design and the potential for collaboration with AI, emphasizing the need for designers to understand business strategies and user needs.

Takeaways
It's been a very strange time for career transitions.
Design is increasingly seen as a partner in startups.
Understanding business strategy is crucial for designers.
AI can enhance the design process significantly.
Critical thinking is essential in design decision-making.
Investing in marketing and innovation is vital for growth.
User needs should always be prioritized in design.
Creating space for the right work is necessary for success.
Integration of teams can lead to better outcomes.
The future of design will involve more collaboration with AI.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (handsome) Open
00:48 Ready for our closeup
04:40 Design's Role in Business Strategy
11:13 Innovative Approaches to Design and Communication
13:29 Understanding Business Needs in Design
15:46 The Importance of Strategic Design Thinking
18:17 Prioritizing Design in Business Strategy
22:12 The Evolving of Everyone's Roles
30:53 The Role of AI in Design and Research
36:21 Critical Thinking in AI Utilization
45:38 7 +/- 2 Questions
46:11 What is something you've done recently that went really well?
46:57 Why can't we have nice things?
47:18 What's the biggest earthquake you've ever been in?
49:09 What is the most unconventional way someone has used something that you've created?
50:11 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
design, AI, user experience, startups, career changes, research, integration, critical thinking, collaboration, future of design

Summary
In this conversation, Brett Harned and Matthew discuss the current challenges in business, particularly in project management, emphasizing the importance of empathy, human connection, and the evolving role of AI. They reflect on the need for a human-centered approach in project management and the significance of community and in-person interactions in professional growth. The discussion also touches on the future of work, the impact of technology, and the necessity for adaptability in a changing industry.

Bio
Brett Harned is a project management coach, operations consultant, speaker, and author of Project Management for Humans. With more than 20 years of experience helping teams work better, he has learned one fundamental principle over and over: You can't lead projects if you ignore the people doing the work.

That belief is at the heart of Project Management for Humans—not just a book, but a way of working. Harned's approach is practical, not precious. Personal, not prescriptive. Real talk, not rigid frameworks. Whether he's helping a team fix its process or coaching a burned-out PM, his goal is always the same: create systems that support the humans behind the work.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (I want my two dollars) Open
01:19 People. Don't get me started on People.
04:31 The Ideal Brett
09:09 We're Back (in-person), Baby!
14:20 The Big Shake Up
24:31 The Utility and Trustworthiness of AI
33:00 AI as a Collaborative Tool
48:18 Embracing Change in the Digital and Physical
53:18 Actual Humans Living Real Lives
53:46 Back to it
56:46 7 +/- 2 Questions
57:00 What's something you did recently that went really well?
58:23 What's something you think people should care more about?
58:51 What's your go-to dish?
59:17 What is the business value of empathy?
01:00:39 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
business challenges, project management, human connection, AI, future of work, community, empathy, leadership, technology, consulting