Design Imposter Podcast

Design Imposter Podcast Join Monique and Jessica as we discuss how we dealt with imposter syndrome throughout our careers.

It can't always be profit, profit, profit.Raise your hand if you've ever underbid yourself in a proposal because you for...
06/25/2024

It can't always be profit, profit, profit.

Raise your hand if you've ever underbid yourself in a proposal because you forgot to account for the operating expenses of your business?

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/9a3b8
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/9a3b9

06/24/2024

Understanding how to craft and submit winning proposals can significantly impact your success.

What tricks can you share with your fellow designers to help boost their RFP confidence?

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/9a3b0
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/9a3b1

06/24/2024

🚀 New Episode Alert! 🚀

Dive into the latest episode of The Design Imposter podcast, where we unpack the secrets to mastering RFP proposals. Whether you're struggling with rejections or looking to refine your proposal process, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stand out and win more clients. Tune in to hear Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis share their proven strategies and real-world experiences.

🔹 Discover how to turn your RFP proposals into client-winning masterpieces.
🔹 Find out how to prepare effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
🔹 Understand the importance of a well-structured project timeline and budget.
🔹 Get inspired to create standout proposals that showcase your unique strengths.

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/99y58
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/99y59

Are you a UX designer looking for community?Introducing Black UX Labs—where authenticity is celebrated and growth is nur...
06/19/2024

Are you a UX designer looking for community?

Introducing Black UX Labs—where authenticity is celebrated and growth is nurtured, creating a sanctuary for seasoned tech leaders.

Their leadership development programs are designed for tech professionals with 7-10 years of experience looking to climb higher. Dive into courses and resources that prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of tech leadership.

Learn more—https://black-ux-labs.mailchimpsites.com/

06/18/2024

The struggle is real for parents with small children.

I don't think the parenting books prepare you for 1. the sheer number of rocks you will find in your toddler's pockets and 2. how expensive daycare is.

Cost of living continues to go up; wages remain stagnant; and both parents are expected to work.

How are you managing work + children?

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97zit
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97ziu

06/18/2024

How do you balance parenthood and career?

COVID-19 redefined for many what it means to be a professional with kids.

For me, it means restructuring my day.
Gone are the 9-5 days.
Now I embrace 9am-2:45pm and 9:00pm-12am.

How did parents every manage school schedules and sports before the pandemic?

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97yq7
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97yq8

❤️ PS: I'd love you hear your strategy to balancing both work and family! Share in the comments below!

06/17/2024

When was the last time you gave a friend, family member, or colleague some positive affirmations?

🫰 🫰 🫰

"You are amazing!"
"You're doing a great job!"
"I love what you're doing!"

We raise ourselves by raising others.
And sometimes the smallest things mean the most.

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97zi9
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97zia

06/15/2024

We talk about race and culture a lot on The Design Imposter Podcast. Why?

Because it's more than just important—

It's essential. It's everything!

While I can just show up, Monique, Amber, and so many others face obstacles I will never understand.

If we don't talk about it, we will never be able to change the status quo.

Let's learn and grow together.

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97ztv
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97ztw

Do you have an empowering story worth sharing on the podcast?If you've found yourself in the position of feeling like an...
06/14/2024

Do you have an empowering story worth sharing on the podcast?

If you've found yourself in the position of feeling like an outsider or imposter, we'd love to hear your story of how you overcame your career challenges.

Send us a message on LinkedIn or email us at [email protected]!

Tell us about yourself, your career passions, send us a link to your website and LinkedIn and we'll be in touch!

06/13/2024

Have you ever just wanted to network without getting a sales pitch every time you make an introduction? Can't networking just be about finding your people and building a support network?

Amber Fields founded Black UX Labs out of a deep-seated desire to create a dedicated space for Black professionals in the UX field. The inception of Black UX Labs was driven by Amber's recognition of the unique challenges and systemic barriers that Black individuals face in the tech and design industries.

Amber leveraged her extensive background in history and her expertise in connecting people's stories to UX to shape the mission of Black UX Labs. She understood that to foster real change, it was essential to build an inclusive environment where Black narratives were not only acknowledged but celebrated.

Through Black UX Labs, Amber has created a powerful network that provides mentorship, professional development, and a supportive community for Black UX professionals. Her leadership and vision have made Black UX Labs a beacon for those seeking to break into and thrive in the UX field, ensuring that Black voices continue to shape the future of design and technology.

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97ypk
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97ypl

PS: Have you found similar groups in your industry?

👇 Share them in the comments below! We'd love to learn more about them!

Amen!  🙌"The strength and resilience we show as Black women, both in our careers and as mothers, is profound. It’s a tes...
06/12/2024

Amen! 🙌

"The strength and resilience we show as Black women, both in our careers and as mothers, is profound. It’s a testament to our enduring spirit and determination."

Monique Jenkins, The Design Imposter Podcast, Episode 31 Navigating Race, Parenthood, and Professional Support

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97yp2
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97yp3

06/11/2024

Meet Amber Fields!

Amber is a distinguished marketing professional whose career is defined by her unwavering commitment to authenticity and resilience.

With a background in history, Amber has a unique ability to connect people's stories to the realm of user experience (UX), enriching her work with a profound understanding of diverse narratives.

Her career journey in a demanding professional world, which often overlooks the contributions of Black women, has been both challenging and empowering. Amber has carved out a space for herself where her voice is not only heard but respected. This experience has fueled her passion for creating inclusive environments through Black UX Labs, where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone feels seen and heard.

Amber is also a strong advocate for mental health and self-care, recognizing their importance in maintaining one's well-being amidst the pressures of professional and personal life. She emphasizes the need for daily affirmation of self-worth and the prioritization of self-care.

Her belief in the power of community and mutual support is central to her philosophy, as she encourages reaching out, offering encouragement, and building networks where Black women can thrive together. A

mber's leadership and advocacy continue to make a significant impact, fostering environments where inclusivity and support are the norms rather than the exceptions.

Thank you Amber for sharing your story with us!

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97ylg
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97ylh

06/10/2024

"No amount of preparation will help Black people in a space where they were not invited."

How do you find community in a place you feel unwanted?

When the space doesn't exist, follow the lead of Amber Fields and create one!

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97zr1
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97zr2

Are you ready to feel inspired? Join Jessica, Monique, and guest Amber Fields as we discuss finding community in our car...
06/10/2024

Are you ready to feel inspired?

Join Jessica, Monique, and guest Amber Fields as we discuss finding community in our careers when we feel excluded and alienated.

Amber shares her story of founding Black UX Labs during COVID, a space for black UX designers to find support and community. They also discuss about when it's appropriate to attend events geared towards a certain demographic and how to show support for the underrepresented.

Amber's response: Show up. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

If you've been on the outside, how do you find community at your job?

Listen to episode 31: Navigating Race, Parenthood, and Professional Support wherever you listen you your podcasts!

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/97yjq
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/97yjr

Do you have a formal agreement for your contractors?While there are many exciting contracts as a business owner (aka new...
06/07/2024

Do you have a formal agreement for your contractors?

While there are many exciting contracts as a business owner (aka new client contracts 🤩 ), there are also more serious ones—the ones that hold your subcontractors accountable for potential damages.

Without a contractor agreement, a business owner risks misunderstandings and disputes over project scope, payment terms, and intellectual property rights, leading to financial losses, legal complications, and damage to the business’s reputation.

Is the potential upset worth the risk?

Create your agreement and send it to your contractors before they work on your next client project.

Listen to Episode 30 of the Design Imposter Podcast for more on hiring and firing contractors.
🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/95yob
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/95yoc

06/06/2024

You thought running a business alone was rough? How about having a co-owner or partner?

Effective collaboration between business partners is vital for the success and growth of any business.

Recognizing and respecting each other's unique approaches is the first step towards harmonious collaboration.

One partner might be detail-oriented and meticulous, focusing on thorough planning and systematic ex*****on, while the other could be more spontaneous, thriving on creativity and quick decision-making.

Understanding these differences allows partners to leverage each other’s strengths, creating a balanced and dynamic working environment.

Clear communication about expectations and work preferences can prevent misunderstandings and foster a cooperative atmosphere.

It's not always easy, but keeping the partnership healthy is essential to maintaining a successful business.

Listen to Episode 30: Hiring & Firing from a Manager Perspective for more.
🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/961pr
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/961pp

When it comes to business relationships "...you have to be able to critique each other. If something's wrong, address it...
06/05/2024

When it comes to business relationships "...you have to be able to critique each other. If something's wrong, address it head-on to prevent resentment and maintain a healthy working relationship." Monique Jenkins

These conversations can be so difficult when confronting a friend. But think of all the friendships and workplace relationships destroyed by resentment.

We've all been there at one time or another.

Now it's about giving and receiving that critique with grace.

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/95yqz
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/95yr0

As a manager, it's never easy to let someone go. You can keep mental notes of all the times they've let you down during ...
06/04/2024

As a manager, it's never easy to let someone go.

You can keep mental notes of all the times they've let you down during a project; keep physical records for clear infractions of company policy; having warnings and reviews.

Regardless of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, sometimes tough decisions need to be made. And as a manager or business owner, it's your responsibility to break the bad news.

How have you come to terms with letting someone go?

🎧 Listen on Apple: http://smpl.is/95xyc
🎙️Listen on Spotify: http://smpl.is/95xyd

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