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

Summary
In this conversation, Robert Sfeir and Matthew discuss the evolving landscape of Product Management and UX in the context of AI. They explore the implications of AI hallucinations, the use of synthetic users for research, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating AI tools. The discussion also touches on organizational change, the role of empathy in business, and the future of careers in UX and Product Management. They emphasize the need for adaptability and the potential for AI to enhance user experiences while acknowledging the challenges and risks involved in its implementation.

Bio
Robert Sfeir is a seasoned technologist and strategist with a deep background in software engineering and systems architecture. Over the years, he has led high-impact projects across startups and enterprise environments, blending technical expertise with a clear focus on user experience and product vision. Robert is passionate about building resilient systems, mentoring teams, and shaping thoughtful technology that scales with purpose.

Takeaways
AI is transforming product management and UX.
Hallucinations in AI can be beneficial for exploration.
Synthetic users can provide valuable insights.
Speed of iteration with AI allows for rapid testing.
Critical thinking is essential when using AI tools.
Empathy in business leads to better client relationships.
Organizational structure impacts digital product outcomes.
Jobs will change, but not necessarily disappear due to AI.
Personalization in user experience is key for engagement.
The future of UX and product management requires adaptability.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (Reunion) Open
01:11 Getting on the Bad Side of UX People
08:58 Interrogating Inputs and Outputs
15:43 Organizational Change and UX
18:41 The Future of Product Management
23:18 It's Never Just the Form
37:31 Generative UI and Personalization in Technology
40:08 Adapting Interfaces for User Efficiency
42:05 The Impact of Tailored User Experiences
50:36 The Future of Jobs in an AI-Driven World
56:06 7 +/- 2 Questions
56:30 What is something that you did recently that went really well?
57:14 What do you wish people cared more about?
57:36 What's your go-to dish?
59:43 What is the business value of empathy?
01:00:56 Waving at flaggers, yes or no?
01:02:04 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
AI, Product Management, UX, AI Hallucinations, Synthetic Users, Critical Thinking, Digital Transformation, Empathy, Career Paths, Personalization

Bio
Matthew Holloway is a design executive with more than 25 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to create products, services, and systems that solve complex problems and deliver meaningful business impact. He views design both as a verb—a disciplined, iterative process grounded in customer and market research, systems thinking, and prototyping—and as a noun—the tangible expression of value, whether through the resulting product, service, or policy that creates clarity, value, and competitive advantage.


Summary
In this conversation, Matthew and Matthew discuss the challenges and opportunities in technology, particularly focusing on enterprise software, generative AI, and the importance of user experience and empathy in business. They explore the hesitancy in investment, the role of automation, and the need for a balance between technology and human agency. The discussion also touches on the significance of understanding user needs and the impact of AI on human interaction.


Takeaways
Technology can often be a source of frustration.
Investment in enterprise software is currently hesitant.
Generative AI has potential in business process automation.
Data security remains a top concern for companies.
User trust is essential for AI systems to succeed.
Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding customer needs.
Automation should not eliminate human agency.
Design should align with business outcomes.
Experimentation is key in technology adoption.
Understanding the context of use is vital for effective solutions.


Keywords
technology, enterprise software, generative AI, business process automation, data security, user experience, empathy, automation, design, AI impact

Bio
Ali Maaxa is a weird optimist (in the best way) and the Chief Behavioral Scientist at Maaxa Labs. She leverages her deep experience in global innovation and product discovery to provide strategic insights for product innovation, market fit, organizational change, AI/ML & Cloud Innovation, CX & UX. With over two decades in the field, she has worked with a host of organizations, from AT&T's global cloud transformation team to local recycling companies, to understand teams and customers, test solutions, and strategize & deploy change.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Matthew and Ali Maaxa explore the multifaceted nature of identity, the implications of technology and AI, and the importance of empathy in UX design. They discuss the cultural contexts of technology use, the limitations of AI in understanding human experiences, and the need for responsible governance in AI implementation. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by startups, the impact of technology on society, and personal reflections on values and aspirations.

Takeaways
This is a conversation between people that just happens to be recorded.
AI doesn't understand how hormones affect cognition.
Empathy leads to the impulse to attune and understand user needs.
If the user can't find it, the feature doesn't exist.
We need to do some R&D before implementing new technologies.
Take your sweet time with technology adoption.
We are definitely in our getting burned phase of AI adoption.
I wish people cared more about kids and their needs.
It's important to keep talking about the implications of technology.
Living the dream is complicated by real-life challenges.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (awkward!) Open
00:51 Buy My Books?
07:16 The Taco Revolution is Coming
13:03 AI Adoption and Governance
18:55 The Importance of Meaningful Work
24:26 Reflections on Time and Value Systems
26:31 The Future of AI and Human Interaction
38:05 Matthew Stumbles Across Thin Ice
50:24 Navigating the Challenges of Technology
59:21 7 +/- 2 Questions
59:35 What is something that you did recently that went really well?
01:00:23 What do you wish people cared more about?
01:01:10 What's your go-to dish?
01:03:03 What's the business value of empathy?
01:07:23 Waving at flaggers, yes or no?
01:09:23 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?


Keywords
AI, UX, technology, empathy, startups, governance, cultural studies, innovation, human experience, responsible AI

Bio
Chaos wrangler, community builder, storyteller, turning burnout into wisdom and neurodivergence into gold. One eye on justice, one hand on the mic, the other holding a gluten-free snack. Portland forever. @camikaos

Summary
Matthew interviews Cami Kaos, exploring themes of neurodiversity, childhood experiences, and the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and Autism. They discuss coping mechanisms, the impact of diagnosis on relationships, and the importance of advocacy in tech. The dialogue also delves into the nuances of calling in versus calling out in social interactions, emphasizing the need for understanding and allyship in professional spaces. In this conversation, Cami Kaos and Matthew explore various themes surrounding communication challenges, burnout, the complexities of autism, social interactions, and the role of empathy in both personal and professional contexts. Cami shares her experiences with burnout and autistic burnout, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting personal boundaries in social situations. They discuss the impact of alcohol as a social lubricant and the perceived versus actual value of empathy in business. The conversation also touches on leadership dynamics, self-worth, and aspirations for the future, culminating in a reflection on the weight of unemployment and the desire for personal growth.

​Takeaways
Childhood experiences shape adult coping mechanisms.
Diagnosis can provide clarity and understanding of oneself.
Advocacy in tech is crucial for neurodiverse individuals.
The importance of calling in rather than calling out.
Coping strategies can include routines and medication.
Navigating systems can be challenging for neurodiverse individuals.
Personal growth often involves reflecting on past relationships.
The tech industry is often designed by neurotypical individuals.
Understanding and empathy are key in professional interactions. Cami emphasizes the importance of clear communication in professional settings.
Burnout can manifest in various forms, including autistic burnout.
Understanding autism involves recognizing the complexities of masking and social interactions.
Setting personal boundaries is crucial for mental health and wellbeing.
Alcohol often serves as a social lubricant, but its role can be problematic.
Empathy is a vital component of successful business practices.
Leadership often comes with the challenge of lacking authority to make necessary changes.
Self-worth is tied to the ability to prioritize one's own wellbeing.
Social interactions can be exhausting for those with autism, leading to the need for personal space.
Future aspirations include overcoming the weight of unemployment.

Chapters
00:00​ Open, No Cold
05:27​ Coping Mechanisms and Self-Discovery
24:26​ Surviving In Tech, Neurospicy-style
30:12​ The Importance of Perspectives
34:43​ Calling In vs. Calling Out
43:03​ Burnout and Its Implications
01:03:59​ Authenticity and Adaptability in Work
01:15:22​ 7 +/- 2 Questions
01:15:38​ What is something that went really well for you recently?
01:16:25​ What do you wish people cared more about?
01:16:41​ What's your go-to dish?
01:21:22​ What is the business value of empathy?
01:22:27​ Waving at flaggers, yes or no?
01:24:26​ What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

​Keywords
podcast, neurodiversity, ADHD, Autism, coping mechanisms, childhood experiences, advocacy, calling in, calling out, personal growth, communication, burnout, autism, social interactions, empathy, leadership, personal boundaries, alcohol, self-worth, wellbeing

Bio
Jasmine Isaac is a self-proclaimed "people person" who's turned her knack for connection into a career as a UX Researcher and Product Strategist in the CPG and Healthcare worlds. She's passionate about helping others find that sweet spot where personal goals and professional expectations meet. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on long walks with her 3-year-old Bernedoodle, Pablo, finding her zen at a Maven hot vinyasa yoga class, battling it out on the tennis court in a doubles match, or trying to be the next barefoot contessa with a recipe from the NYT Baking section!

Summary
In this conversation, Jasmine and Matthew explore the complexities of leadership, the importance of empathy in business, and the evolving nature of research in understanding consumer behavior. They reflect on past events, discuss the dichotomy of work and personal life, and emphasize the need for leaders to acknowledge the emotional landscape of their teams. The conversation also delves into the role of researchers in organizations, the balance between stakeholder and participant needs, and the art of conducting meaningful research that drives business strategy.

Takeaways
Real conversations are essential for authentic connections.
The impact of past events shapes our current perspectives.
Leaders must acknowledge the emotional landscape of their teams.
Empathy is crucial for maintaining relationships in business.
Understanding user needs is vital for effective research.
The role of researchers is to bridge the gap between consumers and organizations.
Curiosity drives better research outcomes.
Empathy leads to sustainable business practices.
Balancing stakeholder needs with participant insights is key.
Research should inform and drive product roadmaps.

Chapters
00:00 That's Cold Open
00:21 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics
09:59 The Dichotomy of Business Decisions and Human Experience
34:15 The Researcher's Role in Business
49:35 Transparency and Participant Engagement
01:01:28 Understanding Stakeholder Relationships
01:05:41 7 +/- 2 Questions
01:06:17 What is something you did recently that went really well?
01:07:27 What do you wish people cared more about?
01:11:19 What's your go-to dish when you are going to share food with people that you make?
01:13:55 What is the business value of empathy?
01:15:26 Waving at flaggers, yes or no?
01:16:11 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?
01:17:32 byeeeee

Keywords
leadership, empathy, research, consumer behavior, organizational culture, personal growth, business strategy, qualitative research, stakeholder management, emotional intelligence