Season 5 Introduction
Hey everyone—Nick here, and I’m excited to officially kick off Season 5 of the UX Growth Podcast.
I know it’s been a minute since the last season wrapped up. Honestly, the break went on longer than I expected. But I’m back, and I’ve got a fantastic lineup of new guests bringing fresh perspectives, different backgrounds, and powerful insights into the world of UX.
This season is all about helping you grow—not just as a designer, but as a human navigating a tough industry. We’re going to cover real-deal topics: how to approach a brutal job market, what hiring managers and recruiters actually care about, how to make your portfolio work for you, and how to figure out what kind of designer you even want to be.
I’ve heard from so many of you—whether through messages or conversations—and there’s a recurring theme:
You’re struggling.
Struggling to be heard.
Struggling to feel qualified.
Struggling to figure out what your strengths are or where you fit in.
And honestly? I get it. The UX industry is confusing. It’s full of overlapping titles, conflicting advice, and vague job descriptions. Should you specialize in research? Learn to code? Be a unicorn? It's overwhelming. And the truth is—there’s no one right answer.
That’s why this season is about clarity. About helping you find your path. About reminding you that your voice matters, and that you do have something valuable to bring to the table. Whether you're breaking in or leveling up, I want you to feel empowered to say, “Yes, this is for me—and I know how I can do it well.”
Also, on a personal note: when I started this podcast, I didn’t expect to make it to Season 5. I thought maybe two seasons max and then I’d quietly disappear. But the growth has been real. For you—and for me. These conversations challenge me to stay curious, stay humble, and keep a beginner’s mindset. Because the field is always changing, and we all have something new to learn.
Looking ahead, I’m also working on a revamp of uxgrowth.com. My goal is to turn it into a better central hub—not just to listen, but to find episodes based on exactly what you want to learn. The truth is, podcast websites are notoriously bad. I’m trying to build something that’s simple, useful, and makes listening easier—without the clutter. So fingers crossed that’ll be ready by the end of July. Hold me to it.
If you’re enjoying the show, consider subscribing on your favorite platform. And if you want to keep in touch, you can always find me on LinkedIn or email me directly at nick@nickmandesigner.com. All the links will be in the show notes.
Thanks again for being here. Season 5 is going to be good—and I can’t wait to share it with you.
First episode drops next week. See you then.
Listen to the full episode :
