Steve Portigal is a veteran user research leader and consultant who helps companies mature their research practices. He’s the author of Interviewing Users, a classic in the field, and the host of the design leadership podcast Dollars to Donuts. In this conversation, we explore:
how to use creative practices to develop your voice as a leader and storyteller
how to be a smart consumer of research findings when you aren’t an expert in the craft of research
one simple question leaders can ask to set their organizations to make the most of research
and how to create the conditions for high-impact, effective creative work in your team
Please enjoy, Steve Portigal.
Topics discussed
(10:21) Experimenting with writing and finding one's voice
(15:47) Feedback model: GASP - goals, attempts, successes, possibilities
(19:53) Workshops, creativity, and self-doubt
(27:06) Embrace authenticity, find your unique facilitation style
(28:10) Appreciating different approaches, understanding executives' skepticism
(34:37) Engage with compassion
(39:29) Research is essential for informed decision-making
(49:01) Compassion and reflection are crucial for leaders
(50:48) Create a safe learning space for engagement
(56:03) Assessing code quality and marketing effectiveness
(01:00:39) Research raises questions, timing and deployment important
(01:10:31) Stay fascinated with the world around you
Links & resources mentioned
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Links & resources mentioned:
Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email
Steve Portigal: website, LinkedIn
Book: Interviewing Users
Podcast: Dollars to Donuts
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Related episodes:
#3 Christina Wodtke: Unleashing potential with extraordinary teams
#62 Sahil Lavingia: Independent Thinking & Pricing at Gumroad
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Books:
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Other resources:
