Ever found yourself at a crossroads in your design career, torn between the comfort of the familiar and the allure of the unknown? I recently sat down with Scott Runkel, a seasoned design leader whose journey took him from the intimate world of fine arts to leading global teams at IBM. His story is a masterclass in embracing change, fostering empathy, and navigating the complexities of a UX career.
The Leap from Art to Design
Scott’s foray into design wasn’t a straight path. Initially enamored with painting and the pure expression of fine arts, he resisted the idea of commercial design. It wasn’t until a candid conversation with his college design professor that he considered graphic design as a viable path.
“I saw it as such a meaningful form of communication,” Scott shared. He realized that design could be a conduit for creativity and expression, not just a commercial endeavor. This shift in perspective is a valuable lesson: sometimes, stepping outside our comfort zone can unlock new dimensions in our careers.
Actionable Tip: Be open to advice from mentors and professors. They often see potential paths that we might overlook. Don’t dismiss opportunities because they don’t fit your initial plan.
From Boutique Studios to Corporate Giants
Moving from a small design boutique to a behemoth like IBM is no small feat. Friends and colleagues questioned Scott’s decision, thinking he had “sold his soul.” Yet, this move was transformative.
Scott was thrust into roles at IBM that challenged him beyond his experience level. His executive creative director had more confidence in him than he had in himself. She placed him in situations where he had to sink or swim, accelerating his growth exponentially.
Actionable Tip: Seek leaders who believe in you and will challenge you. Embrace opportunities that stretch your abilities—they’re the crucibles where growth happens.
The Power of Empathy in Leadership
One of our conversation's standout themes was empathy's role in leadership. Scott emphasized that empathy isn’t just about understanding users and creating a safe space for team members to express themselves.
However, he also pointed out a nuanced perspective: sometimes, as leaders, we need to dial down empathy just enough to make tough decisions. This doesn’t mean becoming insensitive; instead, it’s about balancing compassion with the needs of the business.
Actionable Tip: Cultivate empathy and develop the ability to make difficult decisions when necessary. Leadership isn’t just about being liked; it’s about guiding your team through good and challenging times.
Navigating Layoffs and Career Uncertainty
Scott’s insights on layoffs are particularly resonant in today's volatile job market. Having been on both sides of the table, he understands the emotional toll. His advice? Recognize that layoffs often aren’t about individual performance but larger economic factors.
He also shared how being laid off early in his career changed his perspective on employment. It taught him to focus on making the most of his time with a company, building meaningful relationships, and not overworking to the point of burnout.
Actionable Tip: Don’t let a layoff define you. Use it as an opportunity to reassess and realign your career goals. Remember, your worth isn’t tied to a single job or company.
Embracing Cross-Industry Experiences
Scott has worked across diverse industries—from mining to retail to finance. This breadth of experience has honed his problem-solving skills and made him a more versatile designer.
“There’s so much more commonality across industries than we give credit for,” he noted. By exposing ourselves to different fields, we expand our skill set and uncover new passions.
Actionable Tip: Don’t box yourself into a single industry. Seek opportunities that challenge you in new ways. The skills you gain are transferable and enrich your perspective.
The Convergence of Design and Product Management
We also dug into the increasingly blurred lines between design and product management. Scott sees a future where these disciplines overlap more significantly, enhancing collaboration and product outcomes.
Gaining experience in both areas can be incredibly beneficial for those early in their careers. It makes you more versatile and enhances your understanding of the product development lifecycle.
Actionable Tip: If you’re a designer, consider learning more about product management—and vice versa. This interdisciplinary knowledge can set you apart and open up new career avenues.
Final Thoughts: Charting Your Own Path
Scott’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and following your instincts. He encourages designers to be organic in their career planning, seize unexpected opportunities, and not be afraid of making shifts—even if they seem daunting.
“You own your career,” he reminded us. “No company can control you. You have the insight you need to make your own decisions.”
If Scott’s story resonated with you as much as it did with me, I highly recommend watching our full interview. We dig deeper into these topics and explore even more actionable advice for navigating a fulfilling career in UX.
Watch the full interview here, and let’s continue the conversation.
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