ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO • 9 MIN READ

🚀 Think like an entrepreneur, succeed in any career with Eli Woolery

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Join 6,000+ designers improving their soft skills, weekly!

Beyond UX Design's mission is to give you the tools you need to be a truly effective UX designer by diving into the soft skills they won't be teaching you in school or a boot camp. These skills are critical to your success.

Explore how the entrepreneurial mindset can revolutionize your career approach. Eli Woolery, co-host of the Design Better podcast, shares insights on applying entrepreneurial principles to any professional journey and offers actionable strategies for career growth.

How can adopting an entrepreneurial mindset transform your career, even if you never plan to work for yourself?

I’d argue two major things make some people just more likely to get ahead:

⇢ Grit
⇢ Resourcefulness

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So why are some people more successful than others?

Obviously, there are many variables here, such as talent and access to education and money, and we all know that the playing field isn’t even.

But some of those people who have all the opportunities still fail.

And often, people who don’t have any of those things overcome the odds.

The best designers I’ve worked with weren’t ever the most talented. They never gave up, and they figured out how to get things done.

Those two things together are often described as an “entrepreneurial mindset,” but I’d argue that they are incredibly valuable even if you have no intention of working for yourself.

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Take me for example. I’ve had side hustles nearly my entire career. But until recently, I’ve never actually worked for myself.

⇢ I started making websites for beer money in the early 2000s
⇢ My wife and I made silly NOLA t-shirts
⇢ I started two different podcasts
⇢ I wrote a book

All of that while I had a full time job.

But no one has executed this concept better than Elijah Woolery. You probably know him as the co-host of Design Better, but it might surprise you to hear about everything he’s done while still having a full-time job.

This week Eli joins me to talk about how to take that entrepreneurial courage and apply that to your career, even if you never plan on working for ourself.

Don’t miss it!

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A Scrappy Designer: Applying...
Feb 19 · Beyond UX Design
56:52
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🎯 Here are some key takeaways from our chat

1️⃣ Embrace an entrepreneurial mindset in your career. Adopt the perspective of an entrepreneur, even if you're not operating your own business. Take ownership of your professional journey. Be proactive and consistently seek opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

2️⃣ Harness the power of resourcefulness and grit: Successful entrepreneurs are often resourceful and have a lot of grit. Find new ways to get things done, ask questions, and adapt when needed. Keep pushing through challenges to reach your goals.

3️⃣ Leverage your network and seek mentorship: Connect with peers, industry professionals, and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and potential opportunities. Use office hours, workshops, and industry events to broaden your network and obtain valuable insights more quickly.

4️⃣ Experiment and prototype your career: Don't hesitate to try out different roles and projects to find what truly excites you. Approach your career as if it were a prototype to identify the best fit.

5️⃣ Embrace continuous learning and curiosity: Foster a sense of curiosity and dedication to lifelong learning. Stay updated on industry trends and explore new technologies and tools. This mindset keeps you adaptable and receptive to new opportunities in your career.


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🎙️ In case you missed them...

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This week, I chat with Stef Walter about the intricacies of enterprise UX design within large organizations. We explore her journey, challenges, and strategies for creating user-centered tools in complex environments.

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Join 6,000+ designers improving their soft skills, weekly!

Beyond UX Design's mission is to give you the tools you need to be a truly effective UX designer by diving into the soft skills they won't be teaching you in school or a boot camp. These skills are critical to your success.