The UX Consultants Lounge Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:04 -0400 http://www.uxconsultantslounge.com en-us © 2026 The UX Consultants Lounge yes 1e54a23d-12e7-5f0e-ab83-bc95945e4929 kylesoucy@usableinterface.com Kyle Soucy episodic false This is the place for UX Consultants to gather, share stories, and learn more from one another. I’m Kyle Soucy, your host and a long-time Independent UX Research Consultant. Whenever I catch up with other consultants, I always learn something new. So, I decided to create a space to do just that and I'm inviting you to join me. Most of my amazing guests are fellow UX consultants, but there will also be special appearances from clients and other people that I think we can learn a great deal from. 

You can get in on the conversation by submitting your own questions and anonymous stories about consulting to share: https://bit.ly/uxconsultants-question-story

Learn more:
⏵ Podcast Website: http://uxconsultantslounge.com

⏵ Podcast Newsletter Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/uxconsultants-newsletter

⏵ Kyle's UX Research Consultancy: http://www.usableinterface.com

⏵ Kyle's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-soucy-a844b4/

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) ux, user experience, consulting, freelancing, design, research, ux design, ux research, independent consulting, ux consulting, ux freelancing, Entrepreneur Kyle Soucy kylesoucy@usableinterface.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/n212cc7nm5npzjiejf8w05gvkakq?.jpg The UX Consultants Lounge http://www.uxconsultantslounge.com Kyle Soucy Jen Briselli & Jesse Strawbridge: Splitting Sales From Delivery, Building Trust First, and Surviving a Slow Year Jen Briselli & Jesse Strawbridge: Splitting Sales From Delivery, Building Trust First, and Surviving a Slow Year In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle sits down with Jen Briselli and Jesse Strawbridge, co-founders of Topology, an experience strategy consultancy built around complementary strengths, deep trust, and a shared philosophy about meaningful client work.

Jen and Jesse share the story of how their partnership grew out of their time at Mad*Pow, how they eventually decided to start Topology together, and why their working relationship is so special. Jesse focuses primarily on business development, relationships, and growth, while Jen leads the client work, strategy, and delivery.

For independent consultants who are used to wearing every hat, their setup may sound like a dream. But as Jen and Jesse explain, it works because of years of trust, mutual respect, and admiration for what the other person brings to the business.

They discuss:

  • How Jen and Jesse’s shared Mad*Pow history shaped their partnership
  • Why they decided to start Topology together
  • The trust required when one person sells the work and the other leads delivery
  • Why Topology is built around relationships, not transactional sales
  • How they evaluate whether a client or project is a good fit
  • Their internal checklist for deciding which opportunities to pursue
  • Why RFPs are often a red flag for their type of work
  • What the sales-to-delivery handoff looks like in practice
  • How Jesse stays connected to clients without undermining Jen’s project leadership
  • How Topology gathers client feedback after a project wraps
  • What solo consultants can do if they don’t have “a Jesse”
  • Why every business development person also needs “a Jen”
  • How they handle the natural ebbs and flows of independent consulting
  • Why knowing what gives you energy — and what drains you — matters
  • How they define success for Topology today
  • The importance of building a business that supports the life you want to live

Connect with us:

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle sits down with Jen Briselli and Jesse Strawbridge, co-founders of Topology, an experience strategy consultancy built around complementary strengths, deep trust, and a shared philosophy about meaningful client work.

Jen and Jesse share the story of how their partnership grew out of their time at Mad*Pow, how they eventually decided to start Topology together, and why their working relationship is so special. Jesse focuses primarily on business development, relationships, and growth, while Jen leads the client work, strategy, and delivery.

For independent consultants who are used to wearing every hat, their setup may sound like a dream. But as Jen and Jesse explain, it works because of years of trust, mutual respect, and admiration for what the other person brings to the business.

They discuss:

  • How Jen and Jesse’s shared Mad*Pow history shaped their partnership
  • Why they decided to start Topology together
  • The trust required when one person sells the work and the other leads delivery
  • Why Topology is built around relationships, not transactional sales
  • How they evaluate whether a client or project is a good fit
  • Their internal checklist for deciding which opportunities to pursue
  • Why RFPs are often a red flag for their type of work
  • What the sales-to-delivery handoff looks like in practice
  • How Jesse stays connected to clients without undermining Jen’s project leadership
  • How Topology gathers client feedback after a project wraps
  • What solo consultants can do if they don’t have “a Jesse”
  • Why every business development person also needs “a Jen”
  • How they handle the natural ebbs and flows of independent consulting
  • Why knowing what gives you energy — and what drains you — matters
  • How they define success for Topology today
  • The importance of building a business that supports the life you want to live

Connect with us:

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-19509928 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400 4640 jenbrisellijessestrawbridge 16 full false Jeff Gothelf: Becoming Forever Employable Jeff Gothelf: Becoming Forever Employable In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle sits down with Jeff Gothelf, consultant, speaker, and author of Lean UX, Sense & Respond, Lean vs. Agile vs. Design Thinking, Who Does What By How Much?, and Forever Employable.

Jeff shares the story behind his leap into consulting, including launching an agency with Josh Seiden, the acquisition by Neo Innovation and later Pivotal, and the realization that the real asset he built was not the company itself but the reputation and ideas he developed through writing, speaking, and teaching.

Kyle and Jeff discuss:

  • What it takes to build a sustainable consulting practice today
  • How partnerships can work without sacrificing independence
  • Why building a personal brand through content marketing matters
  • How generosity and knowledge sharing create long-term consulting opportunities
  • Why consultants should specialize and “plant their flag”
  • Jeff’s writing discipline 
  • Why owning your audience through email and newsletters still matters
  • Jeff’s philosophy on pricing and why “people value expensive things”

Connect with Us:

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle sits down with Jeff Gothelf, consultant, speaker, and author of Lean UX, Sense & Respond, Lean vs. Agile vs. Design Thinking, Who Does What By How Much?, and Forever Employable.

Jeff shares the story behind his leap into consulting, including launching an agency with Josh Seiden, the acquisition by Neo Innovation and later Pivotal, and the realization that the real asset he built was not the company itself but the reputation and ideas he developed through writing, speaking, and teaching.

Kyle and Jeff discuss:

  • What it takes to build a sustainable consulting practice today
  • How partnerships can work without sacrificing independence
  • Why building a personal brand through content marketing matters
  • How generosity and knowledge sharing create long-term consulting opportunities
  • Why consultants should specialize and “plant their flag”
  • Jeff’s writing discipline 
  • Why owning your audience through email and newsletters still matters
  • Jeff’s philosophy on pricing and why “people value expensive things”

Connect with Us:

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-18806702 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0500 3550 jeffgothelf 15 full false Amy Heymans - Realities of an Agency Acquisition: Letting Go and Starting Over Amy Heymans - Realities of an Agency Acquisition: Letting Go and Starting Over In the final episode of 2025, Kyle sits down with someone who has been woven into her UX journey for nearly two decades: Amy Heymans — founder of Mad*Pow, founder of Beneficent, and co-founder of the Dignified Futures Conference.

Amy and Kyle first met in 2006, when Mad*Pow was just a few people in a small Portsmouth, NH office. Over the next 13 years, Amy grew the agency into a nationally respected 70+ person consultancy known for its exceptional design work and its influential events, including HXD, the Center for Health Experience Design, and the Financial Experience Design Conference.

But this conversation goes far deeper than Mad*Pow’s rise.

In 2019, Mad*Pow was acquired — the “dream scenario” for many agency founders. Amy shares openly what that experience was really like: the financial realities behind acquisitions, the emotional complexity of letting go of her company, the personal circumstances that shaped the outcome, and the surprising truth that the big exit doesn’t always look like the fantasy many consultants imagine.

After leaving Mad*Pow, Amy stepped into a prestigious role as Chief Design Officer at UnitedHealthcare, navigating an enormous 400,000-person organization. She talks candidly about why the move felt right, why it ultimately didn’t align with her values, and how she knew it was time to walk away.

Today, Amy is the founder of Beneficent, where she focuses on systems thinking, futures design, and complex problem-solving across health, finance, and the public sector. She also co-leads the Dignified Futures Conference, a gathering dedicated to reimagining systems for social impact — and she shares what inspired it and how designers, policymakers, and innovators can get involved.

This episode covers:

  • How Mad*Pow really began
  • The messy truth behind scaling a design agency
  • The realities of selling a firm — financially, emotionally, and personally
  • Why Amy returned to corporate — and why she left
  • How she’s building Beneficent differently from Mad*Pow
  • How ADHD shows up in her work as both a challenge and superpower
  • The future of UX consulting in the age of AI and speculative foresight
  • Practical advice for landing big clients and navigating uncertainty

This is one of the most candid conversations ever aired on The UX Consultants Lounge — a deep, honest look at success, identity, reinvention, and the realities of leading a UX career across decades of change.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In the final episode of 2025, Kyle sits down with someone who has been woven into her UX journey for nearly two decades: Amy Heymans — founder of Mad*Pow, founder of Beneficent, and co-founder of the Dignified Futures Conference.

Amy and Kyle first met in 2006, when Mad*Pow was just a few people in a small Portsmouth, NH office. Over the next 13 years, Amy grew the agency into a nationally respected 70+ person consultancy known for its exceptional design work and its influential events, including HXD, the Center for Health Experience Design, and the Financial Experience Design Conference.

But this conversation goes far deeper than Mad*Pow’s rise.

In 2019, Mad*Pow was acquired — the “dream scenario” for many agency founders. Amy shares openly what that experience was really like: the financial realities behind acquisitions, the emotional complexity of letting go of her company, the personal circumstances that shaped the outcome, and the surprising truth that the big exit doesn’t always look like the fantasy many consultants imagine.

After leaving Mad*Pow, Amy stepped into a prestigious role as Chief Design Officer at UnitedHealthcare, navigating an enormous 400,000-person organization. She talks candidly about why the move felt right, why it ultimately didn’t align with her values, and how she knew it was time to walk away.

Today, Amy is the founder of Beneficent, where she focuses on systems thinking, futures design, and complex problem-solving across health, finance, and the public sector. She also co-leads the Dignified Futures Conference, a gathering dedicated to reimagining systems for social impact — and she shares what inspired it and how designers, policymakers, and innovators can get involved.

This episode covers:

  • How Mad*Pow really began
  • The messy truth behind scaling a design agency
  • The realities of selling a firm — financially, emotionally, and personally
  • Why Amy returned to corporate — and why she left
  • How she’s building Beneficent differently from Mad*Pow
  • How ADHD shows up in her work as both a challenge and superpower
  • The future of UX consulting in the age of AI and speculative foresight
  • Practical advice for landing big clients and navigating uncertainty

This is one of the most candid conversations ever aired on The UX Consultants Lounge — a deep, honest look at success, identity, reinvention, and the realities of leading a UX career across decades of change.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-18332783 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500 3664 amyheymans 14 full false Lisa Dance - UX Still Needs a Public Awareness Campaign Lisa Dance - UX Still Needs a Public Awareness Campaign In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle talks with Lisa Dance, a UX researcher, consultant, author, and community advocate based in Richmond, Virginia. Lisa is the founder of ServiceEase, creator of the UX Census RVA, author of Today Is the Perfect Day to Improve Customer Experiences, and a regular UX voice on Richmond’s business radio scene.

Lisa brings a thoughtful, refreshing perspective on what it means to practice UX in a complex and shifting industry. She has built her career around improving hard to use systems, elevating customer experience, and helping her local community understand what UX actually is and why it matters.


What you will learn in this episode

  • How ServiceEase came to life:
    Lisa describes starting her consultancy in 2011 and moving between in-house and freelance work, highlighting flexibility as the key to her career path.
  • Improving customer experiences through storytelling:
    Lisa shares that her book grew out of everyday frustrations with overly complicated tasks and uses illustrated stories to show how widespread bad customer experiences are, especially when technology makes them worse.
  • Sharing UX with the broader public:
    Through UX Happens in RVA, Lisa explains UX to business audiences in plain language. She talks about pitching the segment and using news stories, including the Amazon FTC case, to help non-tech listeners understand UX.
  • The future of UX and the rise of AI:
    Kyle and Lisa explore concerns about AI and how companies use it to hide deeper problems. They also reflect on industry layoffs, declining focus on user needs in big tech, and the continued importance of UX in smaller mission driven organizations.
  • Marketing yourself as a consultant:
    Lisa reflects on the difficulty of staying visible as a shy solopreneur and shares a key insight: the real competition is not other consultants, but companies that take no action at all.
  • Specializing or staying generalist:
    Lisa and Kyle discuss how to approach specialization, what it means to be T shaped, and why consultants need to help clients see that UX skills translate across industries.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle talks with Lisa Dance, a UX researcher, consultant, author, and community advocate based in Richmond, Virginia. Lisa is the founder of ServiceEase, creator of the UX Census RVA, author of Today Is the Perfect Day to Improve Customer Experiences, and a regular UX voice on Richmond’s business radio scene.

Lisa brings a thoughtful, refreshing perspective on what it means to practice UX in a complex and shifting industry. She has built her career around improving hard to use systems, elevating customer experience, and helping her local community understand what UX actually is and why it matters.


What you will learn in this episode

  • How ServiceEase came to life:
    Lisa describes starting her consultancy in 2011 and moving between in-house and freelance work, highlighting flexibility as the key to her career path.
  • Improving customer experiences through storytelling:
    Lisa shares that her book grew out of everyday frustrations with overly complicated tasks and uses illustrated stories to show how widespread bad customer experiences are, especially when technology makes them worse.
  • Sharing UX with the broader public:
    Through UX Happens in RVA, Lisa explains UX to business audiences in plain language. She talks about pitching the segment and using news stories, including the Amazon FTC case, to help non-tech listeners understand UX.
  • The future of UX and the rise of AI:
    Kyle and Lisa explore concerns about AI and how companies use it to hide deeper problems. They also reflect on industry layoffs, declining focus on user needs in big tech, and the continued importance of UX in smaller mission driven organizations.
  • Marketing yourself as a consultant:
    Lisa reflects on the difficulty of staying visible as a shy solopreneur and shares a key insight: the real competition is not other consultants, but companies that take no action at all.
  • Specializing or staying generalist:
    Lisa and Kyle discuss how to approach specialization, what it means to be T shaped, and why consultants need to help clients see that UX skills translate across industries.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-18247715 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0500 3550 lisadance 1 13 full false Steve Portigal and Justin Dauer - Solo, Together: How Two Independent UX Consultants are Collaborating Steve Portigal and Justin Dauer - Solo, Together: How Two Independent UX Consultants are Collaborating In this episode, Kyle sits down with two UX industry veterans who are trying something new: Steve Portigal and Justin Dauer have announced a unique collaboration that allows them to work together while maintaining their independent practices.

Steve Portigal has been running Portigal Consulting for over two decades, is the author of "Interviewing Users" and "Doorbells, Danger and Dead Batteries," and is a familiar face at conferences worldwide. Justin Dauer is the founder of Anomali by Design, author of "Creative Culture" and "In Fulfillment," and focuses on design leadership and building healthy creative environments.

We explore what their "chocolate and peanut butter" collaboration actually looks like, why they chose collaboration over partnership, and how they're combining Steve's research expertise with Justin's design leadership experience. 

Steve opens up about social comparison being the hardest part of consulting for him, while Justin shares insights about the importance of controlling your own destiny as a consultant. 

Other topics discussed:

  • The evolution of their collaboration and their ideal joint projects
  • The current consulting slowdown
  • Business development strategies: How to be found by clients vs. finding them
  • The reality of being "too well-known": When fame can actually hurt your hirability
  • Book publishing experiences: Traditional vs. self-publishing and how writing supports consulting work

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode, Kyle sits down with two UX industry veterans who are trying something new: Steve Portigal and Justin Dauer have announced a unique collaboration that allows them to work together while maintaining their independent practices.

Steve Portigal has been running Portigal Consulting for over two decades, is the author of "Interviewing Users" and "Doorbells, Danger and Dead Batteries," and is a familiar face at conferences worldwide. Justin Dauer is the founder of Anomali by Design, author of "Creative Culture" and "In Fulfillment," and focuses on design leadership and building healthy creative environments.

We explore what their "chocolate and peanut butter" collaboration actually looks like, why they chose collaboration over partnership, and how they're combining Steve's research expertise with Justin's design leadership experience. 

Steve opens up about social comparison being the hardest part of consulting for him, while Justin shares insights about the importance of controlling your own destiny as a consultant. 

Other topics discussed:

  • The evolution of their collaboration and their ideal joint projects
  • The current consulting slowdown
  • Business development strategies: How to be found by clients vs. finding them
  • The reality of being "too well-known": When fame can actually hurt your hirability
  • Book publishing experiences: Traditional vs. self-publishing and how writing supports consulting work

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-17652912 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400 4696 steveportigaljustindauer 1 12 full false Susan Mercer - A Former Client's Perspective Susan Mercer - A Former Client's Perspective In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle welcomes her first-ever client into the Lounge: Susan Mercer. With over 30 years of experience in digital technology—including roles in UI design, product management, and UX research leadership—Susan brings a rare and candid perspective on what it’s really like to hire and work with UX consultants.

Kyle and Susan share their history of collaborating on two major projects, including one of the largest diary studies Kyle has ever led. From there, they dive into what clients think during the procurement process, how proposals get evaluated, what builds (or erodes) trust, and what makes a consultant stand out.

Now that Susan is stepping into UX consulting herself, this conversation also touches on how her years on the client side are shaping how she approaches her new business, Perspecta Consulting.

Whether you’re a consultant trying to better understand your clients or a UX leader considering bringing in outside help this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.

Topics include:

  • What really goes on behind the scenes when a client is scoping and approving a UX research project
  • The qualities that make a consultant stand out during the selection process
  • Why trust and communication are everything and what erodes them fast
  • What clients wish consultants knew about proposals and pricing
  • How to set consultants up for success (and what happens when you don’t)
  • Susan’s transition from research director to independent consultant


Notable Quotes

  • "I’m looking for a thought partner—not a salesperson. Someone who’s going to help me solve a problem, not just sell me their services… If you tell me everything you can do before even asking what I need, it feels like a car salesman pitch. That’s a turnoff."

  • "I like hearing a lot of questions from consultants in that first call. Curiosity is a core skill for a researcher, and I want to see it right away."

  • "If the methodology and reasoning are weak but the price is high, that’s when I start to get skeptical."

  • "Consistent communication is key. I’d rather have a little too much communication than be left wondering what’s going on."

  • “I want the consultant to make me and my team look good.”


Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, Kyle welcomes her first-ever client into the Lounge: Susan Mercer. With over 30 years of experience in digital technology—including roles in UI design, product management, and UX research leadership—Susan brings a rare and candid perspective on what it’s really like to hire and work with UX consultants.

Kyle and Susan share their history of collaborating on two major projects, including one of the largest diary studies Kyle has ever led. From there, they dive into what clients think during the procurement process, how proposals get evaluated, what builds (or erodes) trust, and what makes a consultant stand out.

Now that Susan is stepping into UX consulting herself, this conversation also touches on how her years on the client side are shaping how she approaches her new business, Perspecta Consulting.

Whether you’re a consultant trying to better understand your clients or a UX leader considering bringing in outside help this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.

Topics include:

  • What really goes on behind the scenes when a client is scoping and approving a UX research project
  • The qualities that make a consultant stand out during the selection process
  • Why trust and communication are everything and what erodes them fast
  • What clients wish consultants knew about proposals and pricing
  • How to set consultants up for success (and what happens when you don’t)
  • Susan’s transition from research director to independent consultant


Notable Quotes

  • "I’m looking for a thought partner—not a salesperson. Someone who’s going to help me solve a problem, not just sell me their services… If you tell me everything you can do before even asking what I need, it feels like a car salesman pitch. That’s a turnoff."

  • "I like hearing a lot of questions from consultants in that first call. Curiosity is a core skill for a researcher, and I want to see it right away."

  • "If the methodology and reasoning are weak but the price is high, that’s when I start to get skeptical."

  • "Consistent communication is key. I’d rather have a little too much communication than be left wondering what’s going on."

  • “I want the consultant to make me and my team look good.”


Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-17540629 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400 3693 susanmercer 1 11 full false Dan Brown - From EightShapes to Curious Squid: Building, Closing, and Reimagining a UX Consultancy Dan Brown - From EightShapes to Curious Squid: Building, Closing, and Reimagining a UX Consultancy In this episode of The UX Consulting Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with longtime friend and industry leader Dan Brown to explore the evolution of his consulting journey—from co-founding the beloved UX agency EightShapes to launching his solo consultancy, Curious Squid.

Together, they dive into:

  • The origin story and 18-year legacy of EightShapes
  • Why Dan and his co-founder Nathan Curtis ultimately decided to close the agency
  • The emotional and operational realities of hiring employees as a small consultancy
  • How Dan approached building Curious Squid, his new independent consultancy 
  • The mindset shift from running a team to going solo
  • Writing as a way of thinking (and how Dan keeps up such a prolific publishing pace)
  • Why he launched a new podcast—Unchecked: The Architecture of Disinformation—and how it aligns with his professional mission
  • The marketing tactics that are actually working for him as an independent consultant

Dan also shares thoughtful reflections on:

  • The power of staying top-of-mind through relationship-building
  • What makes a good consultant (spoiler: it starts with listening)
  • Why authenticity is non-negotiable, even when running your own business
  • His best advice for those considering growth, hiring, and long-term sustainability

Whether you're running your own consultancy or thinking about taking the leap, this conversation is packed with relatable stories and hard-earned wisdom.


Notable Quotes:
“It is terrifying. It’s 100% terrifying.” – Dan, on the decision to take on full-time employees at EightShapes

“Some of the best design work I did was designing EightShapes itself.” - Dan, on designing company culture


Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:



Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consulting Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with longtime friend and industry leader Dan Brown to explore the evolution of his consulting journey—from co-founding the beloved UX agency EightShapes to launching his solo consultancy, Curious Squid.

Together, they dive into:

  • The origin story and 18-year legacy of EightShapes
  • Why Dan and his co-founder Nathan Curtis ultimately decided to close the agency
  • The emotional and operational realities of hiring employees as a small consultancy
  • How Dan approached building Curious Squid, his new independent consultancy 
  • The mindset shift from running a team to going solo
  • Writing as a way of thinking (and how Dan keeps up such a prolific publishing pace)
  • Why he launched a new podcast—Unchecked: The Architecture of Disinformation—and how it aligns with his professional mission
  • The marketing tactics that are actually working for him as an independent consultant

Dan also shares thoughtful reflections on:

  • The power of staying top-of-mind through relationship-building
  • What makes a good consultant (spoiler: it starts with listening)
  • Why authenticity is non-negotiable, even when running your own business
  • His best advice for those considering growth, hiring, and long-term sustainability

Whether you're running your own consultancy or thinking about taking the leap, this conversation is packed with relatable stories and hard-earned wisdom.


Notable Quotes:
“It is terrifying. It’s 100% terrifying.” – Dan, on the decision to take on full-time employees at EightShapes

“Some of the best design work I did was designing EightShapes itself.” - Dan, on designing company culture


Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:



Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-17425550 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400 3763 danbrown 1 10 full true Christine Perfetti - Blending UX Consulting with a Mission-Driven Passion Project Christine Perfetti - Blending UX Consulting with a Mission-Driven Passion Project In this episode of The UX Consulting Lounge, host Kyle Soucy reconnects with long-time friend and UX veteran Christine Perfetti for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation about career reinvention, self-worth, and the power of authentic connection.

After decades of success in the UX world—most recently through her consultancy, Perfetti Media—Christine found herself at a professional and personal crossroads. Instead of staying the course, she decided to explore something new: a passion project called Lift Up Connections, where she brings women together in small cohorts to help them navigate career and life inflection points with clarity, intention, and support.

Kyle and Christine talk about:

  • Why so many in the UX industry are questioning their career paths right now
  • Christine’s journey from high-profile consulting work to launching Lift Up Connections
  • The emotional challenges of tying self-worth to professional success
  • How connection, vulnerability, and community have become central to Christine’s work
  • The practical tools and exercises she uses to help women design their next chapters
  • Balancing a passion project with ongoing consulting work—and what she’s learned from both

Whether you’re a UX consultant, an in-house practitioner, or someone wondering what’s next, this episode will speak to anyone craving more meaning, alignment, and joy in their work.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consulting Lounge, host Kyle Soucy reconnects with long-time friend and UX veteran Christine Perfetti for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation about career reinvention, self-worth, and the power of authentic connection.

After decades of success in the UX world—most recently through her consultancy, Perfetti Media—Christine found herself at a professional and personal crossroads. Instead of staying the course, she decided to explore something new: a passion project called Lift Up Connections, where she brings women together in small cohorts to help them navigate career and life inflection points with clarity, intention, and support.

Kyle and Christine talk about:

  • Why so many in the UX industry are questioning their career paths right now
  • Christine’s journey from high-profile consulting work to launching Lift Up Connections
  • The emotional challenges of tying self-worth to professional success
  • How connection, vulnerability, and community have become central to Christine’s work
  • The practical tools and exercises she uses to help women design their next chapters
  • Balancing a passion project with ongoing consulting work—and what she’s learned from both

Whether you’re a UX consultant, an in-house practitioner, or someone wondering what’s next, this episode will speak to anyone craving more meaning, alignment, and joy in their work.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-16897910 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400 4644 christineperfetti 1 9 full false Lisa Bragg - The Art of Purposeful Self-Promotion: Being a Signal Through the Noise Lisa Bragg - The Art of Purposeful Self-Promotion: Being a Signal Through the Noise In this engaging episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with Lisa Bragg, an expert in strategic self-promotion and the author of "Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion." Together, they explore the nuanced art of self-promotion that doesn't just add to the noise but acts as a clear signal, bringing value and visibility to your work. 

Whether you're a UX consultant or in any field where self-promotion feels a bit icky, this episode offers practical advice and thoughtful insights to help you share your accomplishments confidently and effectively.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Understanding why self-promotion is crucial, especially for consultants.
  • Learning how to share your successes without sounding boastful.
  • Discovering practical tips on transforming discomfort into effective self-advocacy.

Notable Quotes:
“You can't sell a secret... Everyone needs to build social currency.”

“Waiting for others to notice you is not a good marketing strategy.”

“ Self promotion is also about connecting and giving recognition to others...  anybody who's inspired you, letting them know that is just such a gift that you can give them. And that in return, it helps everyone, It helps yourself, it helps them...  give more to the world than we take from it... not to act entitled and not to have the purpose of whatever we share to be to dim or blow out other people's light.”

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this engaging episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with Lisa Bragg, an expert in strategic self-promotion and the author of "Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion." Together, they explore the nuanced art of self-promotion that doesn't just add to the noise but acts as a clear signal, bringing value and visibility to your work. 

Whether you're a UX consultant or in any field where self-promotion feels a bit icky, this episode offers practical advice and thoughtful insights to help you share your accomplishments confidently and effectively.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Understanding why self-promotion is crucial, especially for consultants.
  • Learning how to share your successes without sounding boastful.
  • Discovering practical tips on transforming discomfort into effective self-advocacy.

Notable Quotes:
“You can't sell a secret... Everyone needs to build social currency.”

“Waiting for others to notice you is not a good marketing strategy.”

“ Self promotion is also about connecting and giving recognition to others...  anybody who's inspired you, letting them know that is just such a gift that you can give them. And that in return, it helps everyone, It helps yourself, it helps them...  give more to the world than we take from it... not to act entitled and not to have the purpose of whatever we share to be to dim or blow out other people's light.”

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-16649956 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:00:00 -0500 3479 lisabragg 1 8 full false Tamara Adlin - The Power of Alignment Tamara Adlin - The Power of Alignment In this episode of the UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy speaks with Tamara Adlin, owner of Adlin, Inc., a consultancy specializing in helping early-stage startups and larger companies with product alignment and redesigns. They discuss her impressive career journey and her profound impact on the field of UX consulting. Tamara shares her experiences transitioning from a corporate role at Amazon to establishing her own consultancy, along with the lessons learned from a brief stint co-creating an agency.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Challenges and Rewards of Specializing: Insights into the implications of specializing in early-stage startups and how it shapes business prospects and networking.
  • Her Quick Hit Process: Tamara introduces her unique approach to initial client engagements, distinguishing it from typical assessments and emphasizing the importance of alignment before design.
  • Women in Tech: Tamara provides candid advice for female consultants navigating the tech landscape, underscoring the necessity of advocating for proper titles and compensation.
  • Career Coaching and Support: Tamara discusses her commitment to mentoring and coaching. She talks about the importance of having open conversations about career advancement and salary negotiations, highlighting her involvement with the "Never Search Alone" network to support job seekers.
  • New Ventures: Discussion on Tamara's latest podcast, "Corporate Underpants," which delves into how internal politics affect digital products. She also hints at her upcoming book, Align Before Design.

Connect with Us:

  • Host: Kyle Soucy | Usable Interface (https://usableinterface.com/)
  • Guest: Tamara Adlin | Adlin, Inc. (https://www.adlininc.com/)

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of the UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy speaks with Tamara Adlin, owner of Adlin, Inc., a consultancy specializing in helping early-stage startups and larger companies with product alignment and redesigns. They discuss her impressive career journey and her profound impact on the field of UX consulting. Tamara shares her experiences transitioning from a corporate role at Amazon to establishing her own consultancy, along with the lessons learned from a brief stint co-creating an agency.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Challenges and Rewards of Specializing: Insights into the implications of specializing in early-stage startups and how it shapes business prospects and networking.
  • Her Quick Hit Process: Tamara introduces her unique approach to initial client engagements, distinguishing it from typical assessments and emphasizing the importance of alignment before design.
  • Women in Tech: Tamara provides candid advice for female consultants navigating the tech landscape, underscoring the necessity of advocating for proper titles and compensation.
  • Career Coaching and Support: Tamara discusses her commitment to mentoring and coaching. She talks about the importance of having open conversations about career advancement and salary negotiations, highlighting her involvement with the "Never Search Alone" network to support job seekers.
  • New Ventures: Discussion on Tamara's latest podcast, "Corporate Underpants," which delves into how internal politics affect digital products. She also hints at her upcoming book, Align Before Design.

Connect with Us:

  • Host: Kyle Soucy | Usable Interface (https://usableinterface.com/)
  • Guest: Tamara Adlin | Adlin, Inc. (https://www.adlininc.com/)

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> https://usableinterface.com/podcast/tamara-adlin-The-Power-of-alignment/ Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-16552903 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500 3368 tamaraadlin 1 7 full true Erika Hall and Mike Monteiro - Consulting with Backbone: Authenticity, Humanity, and the Value of Hard Truths Erika Hall and Mike Monteiro - Consulting with Backbone: Authenticity, Humanity, and the Value of Hard Truths In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with two legendary figures in the UX and design consulting world: Erika Hall and Mike Monteiro, co-founders of Mule Design. Known for their honesty, wit, and willingness to challenge the status quo, Erika and Mike bring decades of experience—and a few well-placed truth bombs—to this candid conversation about UX consulting.


Key Topics Covered:

  • The Origin of Mule Design: Why they chose the name Mule and how it represents their approach to consulting—doing the work with intelligence, honesty, and integrity.
  • Lessons from the Trenches: The challenges of running a consultancy, firing clients, dealing with contracts, and why you always need a good lawyer.
  • The Current UX Climate: Why UX professionals are not to blame for recent industry turbulence, and the role speculative tech growth has played in overhiring and layoffs.
  • Being “The Helpers”: Mike and Erika’s advice on contributing to meaningful work—whether in civic tech, local organizations, or community projects—and embracing the value of problem-solving skills.
  • Marketing and Business Development: The importance of putting yourself out there authentically. Erika shares how being consistent and unapologetic about your expertise helps clients find you, while Mike encourages consultants to embrace honesty and avoid sounding like machines.
  • Why Authenticity Matters: A bold call to action for UX consultants to stop trying to fit in, stop being bland, and start telling hard truths—because that’s what clients actually need.

When asked to describe UX consulting in one word, Erika says, “Lost”, and Mike delivers a punch: “Dead.” Listen to the episode to hear their powerful explanations and why the future of consulting requires honesty, backbone, and humanity.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with two legendary figures in the UX and design consulting world: Erika Hall and Mike Monteiro, co-founders of Mule Design. Known for their honesty, wit, and willingness to challenge the status quo, Erika and Mike bring decades of experience—and a few well-placed truth bombs—to this candid conversation about UX consulting.


Key Topics Covered:

  • The Origin of Mule Design: Why they chose the name Mule and how it represents their approach to consulting—doing the work with intelligence, honesty, and integrity.
  • Lessons from the Trenches: The challenges of running a consultancy, firing clients, dealing with contracts, and why you always need a good lawyer.
  • The Current UX Climate: Why UX professionals are not to blame for recent industry turbulence, and the role speculative tech growth has played in overhiring and layoffs.
  • Being “The Helpers”: Mike and Erika’s advice on contributing to meaningful work—whether in civic tech, local organizations, or community projects—and embracing the value of problem-solving skills.
  • Marketing and Business Development: The importance of putting yourself out there authentically. Erika shares how being consistent and unapologetic about your expertise helps clients find you, while Mike encourages consultants to embrace honesty and avoid sounding like machines.
  • Why Authenticity Matters: A bold call to action for UX consultants to stop trying to fit in, stop being bland, and start telling hard truths—because that’s what clients actually need.

When asked to describe UX consulting in one word, Erika says, “Lost”, and Mike delivers a punch: “Dead.” Listen to the episode to hear their powerful explanations and why the future of consulting requires honesty, backbone, and humanity.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-16294464 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500 3822 ericahallmikemonteiro 1 6 full true Lynne Polischuik & Justin Davis - Navigating the Evolution of UX Consulting: Adapting to Industry Shifts Lynne Polischuik & Justin Davis - Navigating the Evolution of UX Consulting: Adapting to Industry Shifts In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy welcomes Lynne Polischuik and Justin Davis, two seasoned UX consultants, to discuss the evolving landscape of UX consulting. From the challenges of today’s market to the exciting opportunities presented by AI and emerging work models, this episode dives deep into the current state of UX consulting and where it’s headed.

At the top of this episode, Kyle shares a personal update about navigating the unexpected cancellation of a big project and the lessons she learned about asking for help, trusting her network, and staying resilient as a consultant.


Key Topics Covered:

  • How the UX consulting landscape is shifting in today’s economic climate.
  • Where consultants can deliver the most value as the industry evolves.
  • The transformative role of AI in how we work and create impact.
  • The unique challenges and benefits of taking breaks from consulting to go in-house—and how to successfully transition back.


Notable Quotes:
“As consultants, our value isn’t just in the deliverables—it’s in the outcomes we enable, like reducing costs, improving products, and creating business impact.”

“AI isn’t going to replace us, but consultants who embrace AI will deliver more value, faster. It’s a tool, not a threat.”

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy welcomes Lynne Polischuik and Justin Davis, two seasoned UX consultants, to discuss the evolving landscape of UX consulting. From the challenges of today’s market to the exciting opportunities presented by AI and emerging work models, this episode dives deep into the current state of UX consulting and where it’s headed.

At the top of this episode, Kyle shares a personal update about navigating the unexpected cancellation of a big project and the lessons she learned about asking for help, trusting her network, and staying resilient as a consultant.


Key Topics Covered:

  • How the UX consulting landscape is shifting in today’s economic climate.
  • Where consultants can deliver the most value as the industry evolves.
  • The transformative role of AI in how we work and create impact.
  • The unique challenges and benefits of taking breaks from consulting to go in-house—and how to successfully transition back.


Notable Quotes:
“As consultants, our value isn’t just in the deliverables—it’s in the outcomes we enable, like reducing costs, improving products, and creating business impact.”

“AI isn’t going to replace us, but consultants who embrace AI will deliver more value, faster. It’s a tool, not a threat.”

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-16143996 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500 4720 lynnejustin 1 5 full true Elizabeth Creighton - Scaling Your UX Consultancy: Newsletters, Courses, and Deliverables Elizabeth Creighton - Scaling Your UX Consultancy: Newsletters, Courses, and Deliverables In this episode of the UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with Elizabeth Creighton, the owner of Brazen, a consultancy that offers UX research and training services. Elizabeth shares great tips about scaling your UX consultancy through newsletters, online courses, and investing in deliverables. Plus, they discuss the emotional journey of having to pause your consulting practice in order to take a leave of absence and how to bounce back. 

Key Topics Covered:

  • The Power of Newsletters: Elizabeth discusses how starting a newsletter helped her connect with clients, maintain visibility, and generate new business. She shares practical tips on managing the workload and gaining subscribers.
  • Creating Online Courses: Elizabeth explains her experience developing a user interview skills course on Maven. She provides insights on choosing a platform, balancing course creation with client work, and the impact of teaching live cohort-based courses.
  • Enhancing Deliverables: Elizabeth shares her experience in hiring a presentation designer to elevate the quality of her client and course presentations. She shares the value of investing in high-quality templates to improve professionalism and efficiency.
  • Managing a Leave of Absence: Elizabeth and Kyle also touch on the challenges consultants face when needing to taking breaks for personal reasons, like maternity leave, and how to bounce back afterward.

Notable Quotes:
“Starting a newsletter really helped me stay top of mind with past clients. It’s about building that direct line of communication that social media can’t always provide.”

“Investing in a professionally designed presentation template has completely changed the way I present to clients. It’s not just about looking polished; it’s about delivering more impact.”

Connect with Us:

  • Host: Kyle Soucy | Usable Interface (www.usableinterface.com)
  • Guest: Elizabeth Creighton | Brazen (www.brazen.io)

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of the UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with Elizabeth Creighton, the owner of Brazen, a consultancy that offers UX research and training services. Elizabeth shares great tips about scaling your UX consultancy through newsletters, online courses, and investing in deliverables. Plus, they discuss the emotional journey of having to pause your consulting practice in order to take a leave of absence and how to bounce back. 

Key Topics Covered:

  • The Power of Newsletters: Elizabeth discusses how starting a newsletter helped her connect with clients, maintain visibility, and generate new business. She shares practical tips on managing the workload and gaining subscribers.
  • Creating Online Courses: Elizabeth explains her experience developing a user interview skills course on Maven. She provides insights on choosing a platform, balancing course creation with client work, and the impact of teaching live cohort-based courses.
  • Enhancing Deliverables: Elizabeth shares her experience in hiring a presentation designer to elevate the quality of her client and course presentations. She shares the value of investing in high-quality templates to improve professionalism and efficiency.
  • Managing a Leave of Absence: Elizabeth and Kyle also touch on the challenges consultants face when needing to taking breaks for personal reasons, like maternity leave, and how to bounce back afterward.

Notable Quotes:
“Starting a newsletter really helped me stay top of mind with past clients. It’s about building that direct line of communication that social media can’t always provide.”

“Investing in a professionally designed presentation template has completely changed the way I present to clients. It’s not just about looking polished; it’s about delivering more impact.”

Connect with Us:

  • Host: Kyle Soucy | Usable Interface (www.usableinterface.com)
  • Guest: Elizabeth Creighton | Brazen (www.brazen.io)

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-15891486 Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400 3956 elizabethcreighton 1 4 full false Becca Kennedy - From Academia to UX Consulting Becca Kennedy - From Academia to UX Consulting In this episode of the UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with Becca Kennedy, the owner of Kennason, a UX consultancy that combines design research and content design services. With over 15 years in the industry and nearly a decade of running her own consultancy, Becca shares her insights and experiences in the world of UX consulting.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Becca’s Transition from Academia to UX Consulting: Becca discusses her journey from earning a PhD in Human Factors Psychology to becoming a successful UX consultant. She delves into how her academic background shaped her approach to user experience and how she transitioned from academia to the consulting world.

  • Finding and Retaining Clients: Becca shares her early experiences in finding her first clients through local networking and discusses the importance of building relationships within the community. She also talks about her innovative “Let’s Fix It” workshops, designed to give new clients a taste of her services with actionable takeaways.

  • The Importance of Saying No: Becca and Kyle explore the critical importance of knowing when to turn down work. Becca provides tips on how to evaluate potential projects and maintain a balance between business growth and personal well-being.

  • Subcontracting Insights: They discuss the benefits and challenges of subcontracting through larger design firms, offering advice on how to balance direct client work with subcontracting projects.

  • Disability Insurance for the Self-Employed: Becca provides valuable advice on the often-overlooked topic of disability insurance for freelancers and consultants, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and security.

Submit Your Stories and Questions: Do you have a topic or question you’d like us to explore in a future episode? Perhaps there's an anonymous consulting story you want to share? Click here to submit your story or question on our podcast website.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode of the UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with Becca Kennedy, the owner of Kennason, a UX consultancy that combines design research and content design services. With over 15 years in the industry and nearly a decade of running her own consultancy, Becca shares her insights and experiences in the world of UX consulting.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Becca’s Transition from Academia to UX Consulting: Becca discusses her journey from earning a PhD in Human Factors Psychology to becoming a successful UX consultant. She delves into how her academic background shaped her approach to user experience and how she transitioned from academia to the consulting world.

  • Finding and Retaining Clients: Becca shares her early experiences in finding her first clients through local networking and discusses the importance of building relationships within the community. She also talks about her innovative “Let’s Fix It” workshops, designed to give new clients a taste of her services with actionable takeaways.

  • The Importance of Saying No: Becca and Kyle explore the critical importance of knowing when to turn down work. Becca provides tips on how to evaluate potential projects and maintain a balance between business growth and personal well-being.

  • Subcontracting Insights: They discuss the benefits and challenges of subcontracting through larger design firms, offering advice on how to balance direct client work with subcontracting projects.

  • Disability Insurance for the Self-Employed: Becca provides valuable advice on the often-overlooked topic of disability insurance for freelancers and consultants, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and security.

Submit Your Stories and Questions: Do you have a topic or question you’d like us to explore in a future episode? Perhaps there's an anonymous consulting story you want to share? Click here to submit your story or question on our podcast website.

Connect with Us:

- - - - -

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-15644362 Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400 4230 beccakennedy 1 3 full false Karen McGrane - Embracing Adaptability in UX Consulting Karen McGrane - Embracing Adaptability in UX Consulting In this episode, host Kyle Soucy is joined by Karen McGrane, a renowned UX consultant, to dive deep into the intricacies of UX consulting, running a consulting business, and adapting to industry changes. Karen shares her extensive experience, from starting and running multiple consulting firms to managing business downturns and shifting industry norms. 

Karen’s wealth of experience and candid reflections make this a must-listen for anyone in the UX consulting community!

Key Points Discussed:

  • Introduction to Autogram: Karen discusses her current consultancy, Autogram, which she started during the pandemic with Jeff Eaton, focusing on content strategy and management.

  • Navigating Business Losses: Karen opens up about a tough period in 2011 when she lost significant business and had to make tough decisions regarding staff and the future direction of her company. The conversation delves into changes within the consulting industry, particularly how expectations around office spaces and employment structures have evolved post-pandemic.

  • The Impact of 2023 on Consulting: Karen reflects on the challenges faced by consultants in 2023, noting it as one of the toughest years, and discusses strategies for resilience and adaptation.

  • Partnerships and Collaborations: Insights into forming effective partnerships in consulting, as exemplified by her seamless collaboration with Jeff Eaton and the transparent profit-sharing models they implement.

  • Marketing in a New Era: The decline of traditional marketing channels like conferences and Twitter has prompted Karen to explore new ways of promoting her services and connecting with potential clients.


View the episode chapter links for the full list of topics that were discussed.

- - - - -
Connect with Us:


Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this episode, host Kyle Soucy is joined by Karen McGrane, a renowned UX consultant, to dive deep into the intricacies of UX consulting, running a consulting business, and adapting to industry changes. Karen shares her extensive experience, from starting and running multiple consulting firms to managing business downturns and shifting industry norms. 

Karen’s wealth of experience and candid reflections make this a must-listen for anyone in the UX consulting community!

Key Points Discussed:

  • Introduction to Autogram: Karen discusses her current consultancy, Autogram, which she started during the pandemic with Jeff Eaton, focusing on content strategy and management.

  • Navigating Business Losses: Karen opens up about a tough period in 2011 when she lost significant business and had to make tough decisions regarding staff and the future direction of her company. The conversation delves into changes within the consulting industry, particularly how expectations around office spaces and employment structures have evolved post-pandemic.

  • The Impact of 2023 on Consulting: Karen reflects on the challenges faced by consultants in 2023, noting it as one of the toughest years, and discusses strategies for resilience and adaptation.

  • Partnerships and Collaborations: Insights into forming effective partnerships in consulting, as exemplified by her seamless collaboration with Jeff Eaton and the transparent profit-sharing models they implement.

  • Marketing in a New Era: The decline of traditional marketing channels like conferences and Twitter has prompted Karen to explore new ways of promoting her services and connecting with potential clients.


View the episode chapter links for the full list of topics that were discussed.

- - - - -
Connect with Us:


Links and Resources Mentioned:


Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-15458758 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:00:00 -0400 4132 karenmcgrane 1 2 full false Introduction: An Interview with Your Host, Kyle Soucy Introduction: An Interview with Your Host, Kyle Soucy In this special introductory episode, we get to know Kyle, the host of our UX Consultant Podcast. Celebrating her 20th year in business as an independent UX research consultant, Kyle shares her journey, the motivations behind starting this podcast, and what listeners can expect in future episodes. Joined by her children, Roger and Gabriel, Kyle answers some of the most frequently asked questions about her career, offering a personal and heartfelt look into her life as a consultant.

Show Highlights:

  • Introduction to Kyle (00:00:00) - Kyle introduces herself and her company, Usable Interface, and reflects on her 20-year career as an independent UX research consultant.
  • Why This Podcast? (00:02:00) - Kyle discusses the reasons for starting the podcast, emphasizing the need for real talk about consulting, especially in the current economic climate.
  • What to Expect (00:03:00) - An overview of the podcast's format, including interviews with other UX consultants, client appearances, listener questions, and more.
  • Who is This Podcast For? (00:05:00) - Defining the target audience for the podcast: independent contractors, consultants, freelancers, and solopreneurs in the UX field.
  • About Kyle and Her Consultancy (00:07:00) - Kyle answers common questions about her business, Usable Interface, with her kids, Roger and Gabriel, asking the questions.
  • Kyle's Journey into UX and Consulting (00:12:00) - Kyle shares her path from working in a Fortune 500 company to becoming an independent consultant.
  • The Leap into Consulting (00:20:00) - How Kyle transitioned from a corporate job to starting her own consultancy.
  • Finding Work as a Consultant (00:23:00) - The importance of networking, building connections, and establishing credibility through speaking and writing.
  • Challenges and Rewards (00:28:00) - The best and worst parts of consulting, according to Kyle.
  • Advice for Aspiring Consultants (00:30:00) - What it takes to be a successful UX consultant, including mastering your craft, being self-motivated, and building a strong network.
  • Specialization in UX (00:34:00) - Kyle discusses whether to specialize in a particular area of UX and shares her experience as a qualitative UX researcher.
  • Bloopers and Wrap-Up (00:38:00) - Enjoy some funny bloopers with Kyle and her kids. Kyle wraps up the episode and teases the next episode featuring a guest interview with Karen McGrane.

Links and Resources:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> In this special introductory episode, we get to know Kyle, the host of our UX Consultant Podcast. Celebrating her 20th year in business as an independent UX research consultant, Kyle shares her journey, the motivations behind starting this podcast, and what listeners can expect in future episodes. Joined by her children, Roger and Gabriel, Kyle answers some of the most frequently asked questions about her career, offering a personal and heartfelt look into her life as a consultant.

Show Highlights:

  • Introduction to Kyle (00:00:00) - Kyle introduces herself and her company, Usable Interface, and reflects on her 20-year career as an independent UX research consultant.
  • Why This Podcast? (00:02:00) - Kyle discusses the reasons for starting the podcast, emphasizing the need for real talk about consulting, especially in the current economic climate.
  • What to Expect (00:03:00) - An overview of the podcast's format, including interviews with other UX consultants, client appearances, listener questions, and more.
  • Who is This Podcast For? (00:05:00) - Defining the target audience for the podcast: independent contractors, consultants, freelancers, and solopreneurs in the UX field.
  • About Kyle and Her Consultancy (00:07:00) - Kyle answers common questions about her business, Usable Interface, with her kids, Roger and Gabriel, asking the questions.
  • Kyle's Journey into UX and Consulting (00:12:00) - Kyle shares her path from working in a Fortune 500 company to becoming an independent consultant.
  • The Leap into Consulting (00:20:00) - How Kyle transitioned from a corporate job to starting her own consultancy.
  • Finding Work as a Consultant (00:23:00) - The importance of networking, building connections, and establishing credibility through speaking and writing.
  • Challenges and Rewards (00:28:00) - The best and worst parts of consulting, according to Kyle.
  • Advice for Aspiring Consultants (00:30:00) - What it takes to be a successful UX consultant, including mastering your craft, being self-motivated, and building a strong network.
  • Specialization in UX (00:34:00) - Kyle discusses whether to specialize in a particular area of UX and shares her experience as a qualitative UX researcher.
  • Bloopers and Wrap-Up (00:38:00) - Enjoy some funny bloopers with Kyle and her kids. Kyle wraps up the episode and teases the next episode featuring a guest interview with Karen McGrane.

Links and Resources:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-15343806 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0400 2434 introduction 1 1 full false Trailer: Welcome to the UX Consultants Lounge Trailer: Welcome to the UX Consultants Lounge Links and Resources:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Links and Resources:

Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.

Don't want to miss an episode? Be sure to sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

I can’t wait to have you back in the lounge for our next episode!

]]> Kyle Soucy Buzzsprout-15343657 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400 96 trailer trailer false