By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Role:  Manager, User Experience Research (player/coach) Company:  Fortune 50 healthcare organization (multi‑line) Timeline:  12 weeks (Phase 1) Team:  1 PM, 2 Product Designers, 1 Content Designer, 1 Data Analyst, 1 UXR (me), Eng Lead Headline Outcome We improved task success and perceived ease/satisfaction for “Find Your Benefits” by  ~20–22%  and lifted engagement with the benefits area to a top‑five feature within a month of release. 

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader If you’ve ever presented research to executives and felt the energy drain the moment you mentioned usability scores or journey maps, you’re not alone. Many executives care first and foremost about revenue, growth, and risk mitigation . The good news? UX research directly impacts all three—you just need to frame it the right way. 1. Speak the Language of Business, Not Research Executives don’t buy into research because it’s “interesting”

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Stepping into a UX Research leadership role is exciting—and daunting. The first 90 days can set the tone for your credibility, influence, and the impact your team delivers. Here’s a roadmap for making those early months count. The First 90 Days as a UX Research Leader Day 1–30: Listen, Learn, Build Trust Goals: Understand the business context and product strategy. Build relationships with key stakeholders (product, design, engineering, e

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader “The art of leadership is not giving answers, but asking the right questions.”    In UX research, autonomy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When leaders shift from issuing directives to posing thoughtful questions, they unlock deeper insight, stronger ownership, and scalable impact. Why Autonomy Matters in UX Research UX researchers thrive when they’re trusted to explore, adapt, and innovate. Autonomy fuels: Methodological rigor : Resear

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader   Leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.  In UX research, this means shifting from directing to empowering—serving first, so your team can thrive. Why “Serve First” Matters in UX Research UX researchers are the heartbeat of user-centered design. They navigate ambiguity, advocate for users, and translate insights into impact. But too often, they’re asked to deliver without being supported.

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the high-stakes world of research-driven organizations—where data guides decisions and insights shape strategy—trust isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the currency of collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. And one leadership philosophy consistently earns that trust: servant leadership . What Is Servant Leadership? Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy. Instead of commanding from the top, servant leaders empower f

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the fast-paced world of product development, UX Research Leaders often feel the pressure to move quickly, deliver insights, and prove value. But the strongest leaders know that their role isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about empowering their team to thrive. This is where servant leadership  becomes not only relevant but transformative. Understanding Servant Leadership Servant leadership flips the traditional leadership mode

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As UX Research Leaders, we don’t just manage projects—we manage people. And sometimes, the conversations we have with our researchers are charged with emotion. Whether it’s frustration over a stalled project, anxiety about career growth, or personal stress spilling into work, these moments require us to lean into servant leadership. Servant leadership isn’t about control; it’s about care, empathy, and creating a space where people feel h

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Layoffs are among the most difficult challenges any leader will face—especially in a field like UX research, where trust, empathy, and human connection are the cornerstones of the discipline. When researchers are impacted, leaders must balance organizational realities with care for their people. Leading well during these moments can define your leadership legacy. 1. Acknowledge the Human Impact Behind every role is a person with a story,

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Meetings can either be a powerful force for alignment and inspiration—or a frustrating time sink. For UX Research leaders, striking the right balance in team meetings is crucial. Done well, they foster connection, sharpen research craft, and align the team with organizational goals. Done poorly, they drain energy and enthusiasm. This post outlines best practices, recommended structures, and guidance on how often to hold UX Research team

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader One-on-one meetings are one of the most powerful tools a UX Research Leader can use to build trust, support growth, and keep a pulse on both team health and project outcomes. Yet, too often, these meetings turn into status updates or routine check-ins rather than meaningful conversations. Here’s how to transform your 1:1s into valuable, intentional sessions that drive both personal and professional growth. 1. Set the Right Foundation Bef

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As researchers, we’re trained to uncover hidden truths, challenge assumptions, and illuminate the details that often go unnoticed. But sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen when we pull back the curtain on ourselves. As your UX Research Leader, I believe transparency and authenticity are as important as skill and strategy. So today, I want to share a few things you might not know about me—beyond resumes, research decks, and t

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As someone who’s built and scaled UX research practices across global organizations, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring researchers at every level. One of the most important—and often most misunderstood—conversations is about promotion. If you’re thinking about leveling up, here’s what I want you to know before you ask me for a promotion. This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about demonstrating readiness, strategic impact, and...

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader UX Research has long been the quiet powerhouse behind great products. But too often, researchers find themselves on the sidelines—brought in too late, under-leveraged, or misunderstood. Getting a seat at the table isn’t just about visibility; it’s about influence, timing, and trust. Here’s how UX Research can move from reactive support to strategic leadership. Getting UX Research a Seat at the Table: 1. Speak the Language of Decision-Mak

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Delivering a Findings and Recommendations Report  is one of the most important responsibilities of a UX researcher. It’s not just about presenting data—it’s about telling a compelling story, driving action, and inspiring stakeholders  to make better design and business decisions. A report that wows doesn’t just sit in a folder; it shapes product roadmaps, sparks innovation, and earns credibility for the research team. 1. UX Research Find

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Being a small UX research department in a sprawling organization can feel like steering a kayak in a sea of cargo ships. You’re nimble, strategic, and often under the radar—but your impact can be profound. Whether you're a team of one or a lean group of three, your role is critical in shaping user-centered decisions across the enterprise. Here’s how to thrive, influence, and scale your impact—even when your headcount is small. 1. Embrace

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Becoming a UX Research Leader is more than just managing projects and guiding researchers—it’s about inspiring excellence, creating impact, and raising the standard for what research can achieve within an organization.  While meeting expectations keeps the wheels turning, exceeding them builds trust, earns influence, and shapes the future of the discipline. 1. Champion Strategic Alignment To exceed expectations, you must go beyond execut

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As a UX research leader, your role isn’t only to nurture talent—it also includes holding your team accountable  when standards aren’t met. Disciplining researchers can feel uncomfortable, especially in a field centered on empathy and collaboration. However, addressing performance or behavioral issues with fairness and transparency is critical for maintaining a strong research culture. 1. The Importance of Accountability in Research UX re

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Leading a team of UX researchers goes far beyond assigning studies and reviewing reports. It’s about cultivating practice, craftsmanship, and culture —while ensuring meetings are purposeful and productivity thrives. A well-managed UX research team doesn’t just produce insights; it becomes a trusted partner that drives product direction and user-centered innovation. 1. The Role of a UX Research Leader In Managing UX Researchers Managing U

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As UX research teams grow, leaders face an important challenge: how do you measure and demonstrate the value of research without reducing people to vanity metrics?  Tracking researcher performance and team outcomes helps align research with business goals, ensures career growth for researchers, and makes a strong case for continued investment in UX research. Here’s a breakdown of what to track, how to track it, and best practices for doi