Hola! I'm Nata, a senior product designer with over 7 years of experience. Product design is more than looks, It is product understanding and building bridges between business needs/goals and user needs/goals.
Feel free to book a call if you are looking for some guidance. Happy to connect. 😊
My Mentoring Topics
- User Testing,
- Design thinking,
- Prototyping,
- Product design,
- Design Sprints,
- Sprint planning,
- Team work
D.
16.September 2022The sessions I had with Nata were very helpful for me !
Nata took our sessions seriously and helped me with my job interviews.
These sessions really helped me to prepare myself for the upcoming interview and to think more like a UX designer.
Thank you very much!
A.
15.July 2022Had an excellent session with Nata. She was very empathizing and kind. The session helped me a lot.
S.
6.September 2021The session was very valuable to me. I felt that you listened carefully and were genuinely interested in learning about my needs and goals. Talking to you helped me to better understand my options. I liked that you suggested different paths on how to proceed (adding some more case studies to the portfolio etc.). All your comments were clear and comprehensible. Overall, the session felt really supportive and motivating.
It was also great that you invested so much extra time so the session didn't end abruptly .
And of course, I highly appreciate that you forwarded my application.
Thank you very much!
I.
16.August 2021The session was very helpful, it was my first time to try such an experience.
Nata was so friendly, straight to the point, she had all the answers to my questions.
L.
8.April 2021I really enjoy my discussion with Nata. She was very clear, concise in her constructive feedback. She gives great examples of how to shape a portfolio/app critique. Also, she has great listening skills to understand a mentee's goals and needs. She also recommended a good strategy towards working on improving my design skills. One day, she will make a great design lead/design director to any company as it is obvious she shows great team skills and leadership values to a 'growing' designer. Thank you
E.
18.March 2021What did I *not* learn from our sessions would be the better fitting question here 🙂 I sought mentorship with Nata early in my career-change into product design, not only I got the best reviews, constructive feedback and lessons on how I could improve my design thinking process, but I also got immensurable motivation, every time. She's genuinely committed to helping out in any way she can, and besides being a great designer, she's also an inspiring woman and badass latina – I can't put into words how essential it was for me to have this level of empathy and representation. Thank you so so much, Nata 💕
E.
25.November 2020Guidance regarding structure and how to tackle building my first PD portfolio, a lot of insights regarding what should your process include as best practice and tips applying to job :)
Anonymous
24.November 2020J.
19.November 2020C.
17.November 2020She shared a lot of useful insights about her career and experience with her current company. It was a nice and helpful conversation and I wish her all the best.
The Lean Startup - How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses
Eric Ries
Key Facts and Insights Emphasis on Experimentation over Elaborate Planning: The Lean Startup methodology promotes experimentation over detailed planning, which allows businesses to adapt and innovate continuously. Customer Feedback over Intuition: Ries emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in shaping products and services rather than relying solely on intuition. Iterative Design: The methodology encourages iterative design, which involves making small changes in products based on customer feedback and observing the results. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): This concept is central to the Lean Startup approach, focusing on creating a basic version of a product to test market hypotheses. Validated Learning: Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, where startups learn from each iteration through rigorous testing and adjustment. Innovation Accounting: This is a method to measure progress, set up milestones, and prioritize work in a startup environment. Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop: This is the core component of the Lean Startup methodology, which emphasizes the iterative process of building, measuring, and learning. Pivot or Persevere: Ries introduces a decision-making process in which a startup decides whether to pivot (make a fundamental change to the product) or persevere (keep improving the current product). Continuous Deployment: The Lean Startup methodology encourages continuous deployment of updates to the product, based on the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop. Lean Management: The Lean Startup approach also extends to management, with streamlined processes and decision-making strategies. In-depth Analysis of "The Lean Startup" "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries is a game-changing book that has reshaped the way businesses think about innovation and growth. Drawing upon his own experiences, Ries presents a new approach for startups to achieve their goals by focusing on continuous innovation and customer feedback. One of the key points in the book is the emphasis on experimentation over elaborate planning. Traditionally, businesses have relied on detailed and lengthy business plans. However, Ries argues that in the rapidly changing business landscape, these plans can quickly become obsolete. Instead, he advocates for a culture of experimentation, where ideas are tested, and changes are made based on the outcomes. This approach allows businesses to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities more effectively. A second key insight from the book is the importance of customer feedback. Ries suggests that businesses should not merely rely on intuition or assumptions about what customers want. Instead, they should engage with customers, seek their feedback, and use this information to shape their products and services. This is an integral part of the iterative design process advocated by Ries. The concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is central to the Lean Startup methodology. Rather than spending extensive resources developing a perfect product right from the start, Ries suggests starting with a basic version of the product, testing it in the market, learning from customer feedback, and making modifications accordingly. The MVP helps businesses to test their market hypotheses with minimal resources. Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, which is a process of learning from each iteration of the product. Through rigorous testing and adjustment based on customer feedback, startups can learn valuable insights about their product and the market. A significant concept in the book is innovation accounting, a method to measure progress, set up milestones, and prioritize work in a startup environment. This accounting system is designed to provide startups with a clear measure of their progress and inform decision-making processes. The Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop is another core concept in the Lean Startup methodology. Startups are encouraged to build a product, measure how it performs in the market, learn from the outcomes, and then build again. This iterative process fosters continuous improvement and innovation. Ries also introduces a decision-making process in which a startup decides whether to pivot or persevere. If a product is not meeting its objectives or gaining traction in the market, the startup may decide to pivot, i.e., make a fundamental change to the product. If the product is showing promise, the startup may decide to persevere and keep improving the product. Continuous deployment of updates to the product is another strategy advocated by Ries. Based on the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop, updates are made to the product and deployed continuously. This approach ensures that the product is always improving and adapting to customer needs and market changes. Finally, the Lean Startup approach extends to lean management, with streamlined processes and decision-making strategies. The goal is to create an organization that is adaptable, efficient, and focused on continuous innovation. In conclusion, "The Lean Startup" presents a new approach to business, emphasizing agility, customer feedback, and continuous innovation. It provides a roadmap for startups looking to achieve success in a rapidly changing business landscape.
ViewThe Essential Calvin And Hobbes
Bill Watterson
Key Facts and Insights: The Essential Calvin and Hobbes is a compilation of the comic strips by Bill Watterson which were initially published from 1985 to 1995. The comic strip revolves around a six-year-old boy Calvin and his anthropomorphic tiger friend, Hobbes, named after the 16th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Calvin, an imaginative and adventurous boy, often finds himself in trouble due to his wild imagination and his inability to conform to societal norms. Hobbes, who is a stuffed tiger in the real world, becomes real whenever Calvin is alone with him, symbolizing the power of imagination. The comic strip effectively uses humor and satire to explore complex philosophical, social, and environmental issues. Watterson's artwork is expressive and detailed, often using surreal landscapes to depict Calvin's imaginative world. The relationship between Calvin and Hobbes is central to the strip, offering commentary on friendship, childhood, and life. The comic strip often criticizes the education system, consumer culture, and environmental degradation. Watterson's refusal to merchandise the characters is a testament to his belief in the integrity of his art and his resistance to the commodification of culture. Despite being a comic strip primarily targeted for children, the philosophical undertones and societal commentary make it appealing to adults as well. Analysis and Conclusions: "The Essential Calvin and Hobbes" is a compilation of comic strips that take us on a journey through the imaginative world of Calvin, a six-year-old boy, and his anthropomorphic tiger friend, Hobbes. It is a rich tapestry of humor, adventure, and philosophical pondering that explores complex social and environmental issues. Calvin, named after the 16th-century theologian John Calvin, is an imaginative and adventurous boy who often finds himself in trouble due to his inability to conform to societal norms. He symbolizes the free-spirited, curious, and rebellious nature of childhood. His wild imagination often leads to surreal and fantastical adventures, which Watterson masterfully illustrates with expressive and detailed artwork. Hobbes, named after the 17th-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes, is a stuffed tiger in the real world but comes to life whenever Calvin is alone with him. His existence as a real entity is subjective, depending on Calvin's presence. This subtly highlights the power of imagination and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy in a child's world. The comic strip is rich with philosophical undertones. For instance, Calvin's constant questioning of authority and societal norms reflects a deeply rooted existentialist philosophy. He often grapples with questions about individual freedom, the meaning of life, and the nature of reality, providing a profound commentary on the human condition. The strip also offers a scathing critique of the education system through Calvin's aversion to school. Watterson portrays school as a place that stifles creativity and individuality, echoing the sentiments of many educational reformers. Consumer culture is another frequent target of satire. Calvin's parents are often shown struggling to keep up with societal expectations of success and consumption, while Calvin himself remains blissfully indifferent to material possessions, finding more joy in his imaginative play with Hobbes. Environmental degradation is a recurring theme in the strip, with Watterson often highlighting the destructive impact of human activities on nature. Calvin and Hobbes' adventures in the woods serve as a stark contrast to the polluted, chaotic city life, subtly emphasizing the need for conservation and sustainable living. The relationship between Calvin and Hobbes forms the emotional core of the strip. Their camaraderie, disagreements, and shared adventures offer insightful commentary on friendship, childhood, and life. Lastly, Watterson's refusal to merchandise the characters is a testament to his belief in the integrity of his art and his resistance to the commodification of culture. It is a rare and commendable stance in an increasingly commercialized world. In conclusion, "The Essential Calvin and Hobbes" is not just a comic strip compilation, but a thought-provoking exploration of childhood, imagination, and society. Its enduring popularity among children and adults alike attests to its timeless appeal and depth.
ViewLeaders Eat Last - Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't
Simon Sinek
Key Facts and Insights from "Leaders Eat Last" The concept of the 'Circle of Safety': Leaders should create a safe environment where team members feel secure, supported, and free to express their thoughts and ideas. Effective leadership is about serving others, not being served. This is the concept of 'servant leadership.' Trust and cooperation are crucial for a team to function effectively. This can only be fostered in an environment where team members feel safe and valued. The biology of leadership: Certain chemicals in our bodies – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin – play a significant role in leadership and team behavior. The danger of valuing numbers over people: In an organization, prioritizing metrics and profits over the well-being of the team can lead to a toxic work environment and poor performance. The importance of empathy in leadership: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps in building strong relationships and fostering cooperation within the team. Leadership requires courage: The courage to take the risk, to take care of others before oneself, and to make the right decisions, even if they are not popular. The role of communication in leadership: Effective leaders communicate a clear vision that inspires team members to work towards a common goal. Leadership is a lifestyle, not a rank: Leadership is about behavior and action, not about titles and positions. Leadership is about consistency: Trust is built through consistency. Leaders should be consistent in their actions and decisions to earn the trust of their team. Importance of flexibility and adaptability: Good leaders are flexible and adaptable in the face of change. They are open to new ideas and willing to adjust their strategies if necessary. An In-Depth Analysis of the Book's Contents "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek offers a comprehensive exploration of what makes a truly effective leader. Drawing on a range of examples from the military, business, and beyond, Sinek provides clear insights into how leadership works and how it can be fostered within an organization. At the core of Sinek's argument is the concept of the 'Circle of Safety.' This idea suggests that leaders should strive to create a supportive and secure environment for their teams. Only in such an environment can individuals feel safe enough to take risks, innovate, and cooperate effectively. This ties closely to the principle of servant leadership, a concept that has been widely discussed in leadership literature. Sinek argues that true leaders serve their teams, not the other way around. This service-oriented mentality fosters trust and cooperation, which are crucial for team performance. Sinek also delves into the science of leadership, discussing the role of certain chemicals in our bodies – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin – in leadership and team behavior. This biological perspective provides a unique lens through which to understand leadership dynamics. A key warning in the book is about the danger of valuing numbers over people. This is a common pitfall in many organizations, where the drive for profits and performance metrics can overshadow the human element. Such an approach can lead to a toxic work environment and ultimately harm performance. The importance of empathy in leadership is another key theme in the book. This aligns with current research in emotional intelligence, which highlights the role of empathy in building strong interpersonal relationships and fostering a cooperative team environment. Throughout the book, Sinek emphasizes that leadership requires courage. This includes the courage to take risks, to prioritize others over oneself, and to make the right decisions even when they are not popular. Effective communication is also highlighted as a crucial aspect of leadership. Leaders need to articulate a clear vision that inspires their team and motivates them to work towards a common goal. Sinek stresses that leadership is a lifestyle, not a rank. It is about behavior and action, not about titles and positions. This demystifies the concept of leadership and makes it accessible to everyone in an organization. Consistency is another important aspect of leadership according to Sinek. Trust, he argues, is built through consistency. Leaders need to be consistent in their behavior, actions, and decisions to earn the trust of their team. Finally, Sinek underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership. In our ever-changing world, leaders need to be open to new ideas and willing to adjust their strategies if necessary. In conclusion, "Leaders Eat Last" offers a holistic view of effective leadership, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, serving others, fostering trust and cooperation, understanding the biology of leadership, valifying people over numbers, demonstrating empathy, courage, effective communication, consistency, and adaptability. This aligns with many current theories and concepts in leadership literature, offering a practical guide for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills and create a more effective team.
ViewStart With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action
Simon Sinek
Key Facts and Insights from "Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action" The Golden Circle: At the core of Sinek's theory is the three-layered model known as the Golden Circle. It encompasses 'Why', 'How', and 'What' as the fundamental aspects of any organization or individual's purpose. Importance of 'Why': Sinek emphasizes that most successful organizations and leaders start by defining 'Why' they do what they do, not just 'What' they do or 'How' they do it. Leadership and Inspiration: The book underscores that successful leaders inspire action in their followers by articulating a clear 'Why' and aligning it with the beliefs of their followers. Manipulation vs Inspiration: Sinek distinguishes between manipulation (using external factors to drive behavior, like price, fear, etc.) and inspiration (motivating through a deep-rooted sense of belief or purpose). Clarity of Purpose: Clarity of 'Why' is crucial for any organization or leader to succeed and inspire others. This clarity is often missing in companies that struggle. 'Why' and Trust: When organizations and leaders communicate their 'Why', it helps build trust and loyalty among their employees or followers. The Role of Innovation: Sinek posits that innovation is born from a strong 'Why'. It's not just about doing things better, but doing them for a better reason. 'Why' and Culture: A clear 'Why' helps create a strong culture where employees feel they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. Companies as a Reflection of Leaders: Companies often reflect the persona of their leaders, especially their 'Why'. This is why it's crucial for leaders to have a clear sense of their own 'Why'. Consistency of 'Why': The 'Why' should remain consistent even as the 'What' and 'How' might evolve over time. Detailed Analysis and Summary of "Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action" Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" presents a transformative perspective on leadership and organizational success. At the heart of his argument is the Golden Circle, a model composed of three fundamental elements: Why, How, and What. These elements, Sinek asserts, form the basis of any individual's or organization's purpose. However, he emphasizes on the importance of starting with 'Why'. Why is the purpose, cause or belief that drives every one of us. Many organizations can clearly articulate 'What' they do and 'How' they do it, but the 'Why' often remains elusive. Sinek argues that this is where many organizations falter. Drawing parallels with biological concepts, he positions 'Why' as the limbic brain (responsible for feelings, such as trust and loyalty) and 'What' and 'How' as the neocortex (responsible for rational thought and language). When it comes to leadership, the book posits that great leaders are those who inspire action by articulating a clear 'Why'. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and companies like Apple are successful not because of what they do, but because of why they do it. They start with 'Why' and then move outwards to 'How' and 'What'. This approach resonates with people's beliefs, thereby inspiring them to act. Sinek distinguishes between manipulation and inspiration. While manipulation involves driving behavior through external factors such as price, promotions, fear, or peer pressure, inspiration comes from a deep-rooted sense of belief or purpose. He asserts that manipulation can lead to transactions, but only inspiration can foster loyalty. The book also stresses the importance of a clear 'Why' in building trust and loyalty. When organizations and leaders communicate their 'Why', it resonates with their employees or followers on an emotional level, leading to increased trust and loyalty. Innovation, according to Sinek, is a byproduct of a strong 'Why'. It is not merely about doing things better, but about doing them for a better reason. This perspective aligns with the theory of innovation diffusion by Everett Rogers, who highlighted that people adopt new ideas or products not because of their advantages, but because they align with their beliefs. Sinek also discusses the role of 'Why' in creating a strong culture. A clear 'Why' provides employees with a sense of purpose, making them feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. This is reflected in the principle of 'Cultural Fit', which suggests that employees perform better when their personal values align with the organization's values. The book further suggests that companies often mirror the 'Why' of their leaders. This is why it is crucial for leaders to have a clear sense of their own 'Why'. Finally, Sinek emphasizes that while 'What' and 'How' may change over time, the 'Why' should remain consistent. This consistency of 'Why' is essential for maintaining the trust and loyalty of employees and customers. In conclusion, "Start With Why" offers profound insights into how great leaders inspire action. It makes a compelling case for starting with 'Why', thereby transforming the way we understand leadership and organizational success. Sinek's philosophies, when applied, can indeed lead to more inspired employees, loyal customers, and successful organizations.
ViewRadical Candor - How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean
Kim Scott
Key Insights from the Book: The importance of Radical Candor - a management philosophy that encourages open, honest, and direct communication. The two dimensions of Radical Candor: Care Personally and Challenge Directly. How to avoid the pitfalls of Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy. The importance of giving and receiving feedback effectively. How to encourage a culture of open communication in the workplace. Practical strategies to implement Radical Candor in real-life situations. The role of empathy and understanding in fostering Radical Candor. How Radical Candor helps in building strong relationships at work. The significance of emotional intelligence in implementing Radical Candor. The benefits of Radical Candor for personal growth and professional development. An In-Depth Analysis of "Radical Candor" Author Kim Scott's "Radical Candor" is an insightful exploration of a management philosophy that encourages open, honest, and direct communication. Scott, a veteran of Google and Apple, has distilled years of leadership experience into this philosophy, which she believes can revolutionize the way we lead and work. The core principle of Radical Candor revolves around two dimensions: Care Personally and Challenge Directly. As a leader, it is pivotal to demonstrate that you genuinely care about your team members as individuals. However, it's equally important to challenge them directly and offer constructive criticism to help them grow. The book warns against the pitfalls of three ineffective communication styles: Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy. Obnoxious Aggression is characterized by direct feedback that lacks empathy. Manipulative Insincerity is when feedback is neither caring nor direct, often resulting in dishonesty and deceit. Ruinous Empathy, perhaps the most common pitfall, happens when leaders care about their employees but are unwilling to provide direct feedback for fear of upsetting them. Scott emphasizes the importance of giving and receiving feedback effectively. Feedback should be immediate, face-to-face, and must offer a clear path for improvement. Moreover, it should be a two-way street - leaders should also be open to receiving feedback from their teams. The book offers practical strategies to implement Radical Candor in real-life situations. These strategies are crafted to help leaders adopt Radical Candor without falling into the traps of the ineffective communication styles mentioned earlier. It also underscores the role of empathy and understanding in fostering Radical Candor, highlighting the significance of emotional intelligence in implementing this philosophy. Scott asserts that Radical Candor can help in building strong relationships at work. By fostering open communication, it can create a positive work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and motivated. Furthermore, Radical Candor can lead to personal growth and professional development. It encourages individuals to be more self-aware, fosters continuous learning, and promotes a growth mindset. In conclusion, "Radical Candor" presents a compelling case for a management approach that prioritizes open, honest, and direct communication. By incorporating Radical Candor into our leadership styles, we can foster a more positive, productive, and rewarding work environment.
View
E.
28.September 2022Hey Nata,
Thank you for the 2nd session in a row.
I appreciate your approach of digging deep into the root cause of the problem. Coming to the problem's first principles and then modeling on your example how you would behave in a similar situation or sharing examples from your professional life.
I've tried to implement some of your advice, which was helpful.
Looking forward to catching up with you in some time again :)
Best,
Egor