In this episode we’re exploring the transformative journey of graphic designer turned UX professional, Justin Campbell. Justin, a Purdue University alum, opens up about his evolution in the field of user experience and how a conversation with me sparked a new trajectory in his career, revealing the versatile nature of skills and the importance of long-term thinking in making career moves.

Justin shares his invaluable insights on the agile transformation of UX design, the essence of design thinking in problem-solving, and the role of collaborative workshops in innovation. As we navigate the concepts of organizational maturity and aligning business goals with user needs, Justin emphasizes the significance of understanding stakeholder requirements and conducting tailored user research, especially in diverse sectors dealing with climate change and agriculture.

Justin's commitment to improving our communities shines through his current work on road safety and city planning, along with his innovative approach to using software for socially impactful projects like housing the homeless. He stresses the importance of mentorship, connecting with industry experts, and the powerful influence of mindset work on career development.

As we debunk the myths of remote work and explore Justin's transition during the pandemic, he highlights how adopting a proactive mindset is essential, advising listeners to lean on thought leaders like myself to make strides in the remote landscape.

Justin Campbell was a passionate design student back in his college days at Purdue University, where he explored the fundamentals of his craft. It wasn't until a pivotal conversation opened his eyes that Justin discovered a lingering fascination with user experience design. Unaware of the field's potential when he first started, he primarily focused on the joy of applying his skills and relishing in the creative process. This initial interest in design laid a steadfast foundation for his expertise. As his career progressed, Justin's horizon expanded, revealing the striking realization that nearly 80% of his established skills effortlessly translated into the burgeoning world of UX. Now, Justin Campbell stands as a professional with a versatile toolkit, merging his love for design with the intricate art of crafting excellent user experiences.

00:00 Podcast interviews successful career transition to remote work.

06:40 Identified differences and made changes to accommodate.

09:16 Stakeholder feedback on user needs and research.

11:20 Worked with government and private companies, initiatives.

16:53 Larger sample size, unmoderated, and qualitative analysis.

19:45 Nielsen Norman Group research shows UX scale.

22:40 Seek to be change-oriented, help organizations improve.

26:07 Local farmers collaborate, distrust large national growers.

29:19 City traffic optimization, reducing depth through engineering.

32:13 Using lean UX integrates development and design.

35:49 Developers collaborate to reduce documentation and knowledge transfer.

38:37 Whiteboarding tools are less important than team ability.

43:21 Mindset and determination lead to successful remote work.

44:53 Belief in possibilities shapes the subconscious for success.

47:23 Understanding business language, trusting experts facilitates partnership.

50:47 Seek mentors in UX through resources like ADP List.

Today we're diving into the transformative world of procurement with Tunji, a procurement executive who has navigated the terrains of traditional and remote workspaces. Tunji brings to the table a wealth of experience as a problem solver and strategic leader, helping us understand how procurement is shifting from a transactional function to one that provides a competitive edge to businesses.

In our conversation, Tunji will shed light on how procurement impacts revenue and profitability through speed, cost savings, and inventory management, and the pivotal role technology plays in revolutionizing these processes. Expect to gain insight into digital tools such as ERPs, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and how these innovations are redefining sourcing, negotiations, and supply chain transparency.

Tunji is also a firm believer in the power of mentorship and will discuss how coaching has sculpted his approach to the delicate balance of speed, cost, and risk. He'll share his views on the must-have KPIs, the importance of professionalism and communication, and the significance of quick wins in driving change.

Get ready to explore the challenges and opportunities of leading remote procurement teams, the art of cultivating strategic supplier relationships, and the blend of analytical and human-facing skills needed in the modern procurement landscape.

Tunji's professional journey mirrors the transformative tale of procurement itself, from a transactional function to a strategic cornerstone in organizational success. Tunji began his career at a time when the procurement sector was largely underestimated, perceived as a department focused mainly on operational activities without significant influence on the broader business strategy.

As the years advanced, Tunji witnessed and actively participated in this metamorphosis, embracing the increasing importance of procurement as a force for transformation and strategic influence within businesses. He became an advocate for the value procurement could deliver beyond just cost savings—recognizing its potential impact on revenue growth, profitability, and balance sheet strength.

Today, Tunji stands out as a seasoned professional who has not only witnessed but also contributed to the elevation of procurement from a back-office role to a key player in corporate strategy, often acting as a trusted advisor to the core business functions. Through his experience, foresight, and leadership, he has proven that procurement is indeed a critical element in achieving business objectives, driving transformation, and ensuring a company's competitive edge in a rapidly changing world.

00:00 Procurement's strategic role emerged due to COVID-19.

07:31 Organizations transforming procurement with strategic technology adoption.

15:18 Experience consulting prepared me for ambiguous situations.

17:58 Developed supermarket model for critical material replenishment.

25:31 Prioritize basics before adopting technology for efficiency.

27:57 Assessment in KPIs crucial for taking tasks seriously.

34:35 Resistance to relocation, emphasis on performance evaluation.

40:44 Online presence blurs personal and professional boundaries.

45:11 Prokemeneus needs to secure ingredients for production.

55:20 Seek experienced mentors for valuable guidance.

56:39 Coaching helped learn to evaluate quickly.

In this episode Karen sits down with Susan Byrne, director of headhunting at Hire Headhunter, and a beacon of wisdom in career coaching and counseling.

Today, we're unpacking the seismic shift towards remote opportunities and the multi-faceted approach needed for successful career transitions. Susan brings her personal journey from a blue-collar upbringing to the pinnacle of career strategy, shedding light on the critical need for long-term career planning, especially in a remote work context.

We discuss how candidates can navigate the job market with a flexible mindset about salary and how to use every conversation as a stepping stone towards success. We'll also dig into why aligning one's skills and goals with the market is paramount, and tackle the challenges faced when transitioning from entrepreneurship to being an employee.

Susan and I uncover the realities of executive career management, contrasting it with traditional recruiting, and we break down the drawbacks of standard outplacement services. Our conversation goes beyond just landing the next job but strategizes on future growth and trajectories, empowering you, the listeners, to not just adapt but thrive in the evolving job market.

In this era of remote work, we highlight how crucial it is to refine your narrative and prep for interviews with the diligence of an athlete training for the Olympics. From verbal articulation to the nuances of video interview setups, Susan and I leave no stone unturned, offering you actionable advice to launch you confidently into your next career chapter.

Born and raised in the hardworking blue-collar environment of Southeast Detroit, Susan Byrne's early life was framed by the fervent labor of her parents. Her father dedicated countless hours in a demanding job, enduring physical tolls to ensure the family's financial stability, while her mother juggled the full weight of caregiving and maintaining the household. Despite the lack of emphasis on higher education in her community, Susan harbored a tenacious dream to break the mold.

Determined to transcend the expectations set by her public school upbringing, Susan became a beacon of ambition. She held onto the conviction that a successful career and college education were not just fantasies, but achievable realities. Driven by the example set by her parents' relentless work ethic, Susan committed herself to chart a course that would lead her towards her professional aspirations.

00:00 Today's show features headhunting director and coaching.

04:01 Remote native requires higher paying, skilled roles.

06:40 Transitioning to remote work may mean career change, confidence and interview preparation are crucial.

12:34 Adjust lighting, positioning, and camera focus for interviews.

13:14 Deeper dive into behavioral interview process. Practice, revise, articulate, mock interviews.

18:16 Emphasizing the need for thorough data collection.

22:09 Job market: good demand, uncertain supply, cycle.

22:55 Client age impacts financial planning and strategies.

27:07 Discussing issues around executive career management and scams.

31:31 Investment in coaching and consulting is crucial.

33:58 Vetting process ensures successful client campaigns.

37:36 Entrepreneurs stick to scaling income, not jobs.