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...

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-Makers Executives don’t always speak “rese

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