Design isn’t just about what you make, it’s about what you move. Your work isn’t getting traction, your ideas go ignored, and your stakeholders just don’t “get it.” It’s easy to blame the system or the team, but what if the real gap isn’t in your designs, but in your soft skills?
In this talk, we’ll unpack the hidden dynamics behind common frustrations in design careers, and explore how emotional intelligence, persuasion, and strategic communication can turn friction into momentum. From securing resources to aligning with business goals, the ability to navigate people is just as critical as the ability to craft pixels.
You’ll learn how to:
--> Decode how decisions get made in your org—and how to influence them
--> Socialize your work in ways that stick and spread
--> Align your designs with real business outcomes
--> Respond to apathy or resistance without burning out
--> Know when to adapt—and when to move on
This talk is a practical and honest look at how to collaborate with empathy, communicate with clarity, and get your best work built, not just admired.
