MAKING UX WORK: The Joe Natoli Podcast

Somewhere along the way, many of us start believing that our work is proof — proof that we're talented, valuable, or worthy of being in the room.

In this episode, Joe explores why it's so easy to tie our identity to what we produce...and how that mindset leads us to defend artifacts instead of solving problems.

You'll learn why outcomes matter more than deliverables, why simplicity is often harder than complexity and what it takes to separate your self-worth from your work.

This one is about letting go of the need to protect what you create — and finding confidence in the impact you leave behind.
If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.
Each episode explores the human side of UX and product design careers — confidence, power, politics, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.
No hype, no platitudes, no bullshit. 
Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Some of your absolute best work will be uninvited.
In this episode, Joe talks about proactive design — noticing what’s broken, fixing it thoughtfully... and doing the work even when it’s not “in scope.”
You’ll learn how to improve things without stepping on toes, why quiet initiative builds influence and how caring enough to act changes how people see you.
And hopefully, above all else, you'll see that stewardship does not ever require permission.
If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.
Each episode explores the human side of UX and product design careers — confidence, power, politics, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.
No hype, no platitudes, no bullshit. 
Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Even on your best day, your logic cannot defeat someone else's fear.
Understanding, however, can.

In this episode, Joe explores why data, research and rational arguments fail when people feel threatened — and how that fear shows up disguised as resistance.

You’ll learn how to lower stakes, build trust, and lead people through discomfort without escalating conflict.

The goal of this episode is to help you navigate the emotional terrain your work lives in — whether you like it or not.
If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.
Each episode explores the human side of UX and product design careers — confidence, power, politics, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.
No hype, no platitudes, no bullshit. 
Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Good work doesn’t automatically win.

In this episode, Joe explains why strong ideas still get ignored — and why influence, timing and relationships matter every bit as much as craft.

You’ll hear about the “second game” happening in every organization, how ideas actually move and what it takes to make your work survive in the real world.

And make no mistake: this is NOT about selling out.

It's about making sure you understand how change really happens — and what it takes to make it so.
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Special thanks to the incomparable Lisa Baskett for her amazing late-night-DJ-smoother-than-silk voiceover ;-)
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If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.
Each episode explores the human side of UX and product design careers — confidence, power, politics, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.
No hype, no platitudes, no bullshit. 
Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

Outside of the one and only Vivianne Castillo, nobody tells you just how much emotional labor this job involves.
In this episode, Joe talks about the invisible work designers do every day — managing fear, insecurity, resistance, and ego — and how easily and quickly that turns into burnout.
You’ll learn how to recognize emotional subtext without absorbing it, how to listen without fixing and how to protect your own energy while still doing meaningful work.
This one is about empathy — with boundaries.
...........................................................
Special thanks to the incomparable Lisa Baskett for her amazing late-night-DJ-smoother-than-silk voiceover ;-)
...........................................................
If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work.
Each episode explores the human side of UX and product design careers — confidence, power, politics, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks.
No hype, no platitudes, no bullshit. 
Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.