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From Finders to Builders

A Podcast for UX Research Pioneers

If you’re the first UX researcher at your company—or dreaming of becoming one—you know the terror of building something from nothing. From Finders to Builders can help overcome this, a podcast that feels like a roadmap for of establishing UX research best practices. Hosted by Julian Della Mattia, a researcher who’s been “the first” multiple times, this show gives actionable advice, candid stories, and a community-first ethos.

Meet the Host: Julian Della Mattia

Julian isn’t just a UX researcher—he’s a practice builder. With a career centered on being the first or early hire in research teams, he’s turned his hard-won lessons into a resource for others. His mission? To help researchers transition from “finding” insights to “building” sustainable, impactful practices.

The podcast dives into topics like:

  • Building research operations (ReOps) from scratch.
  • Bridging academia and industry (e.g., Elisabeth Morin-Lessard’s transition from academic research to UX8).
  • Leading without authority, as discussed by Roberta Dombrowski, who emphasizes that leadership isn’t about titles but traits like communication and vision.

Key Themes for UX Research Newcomers

Democratizing UX Research

Yao Adantor, founder of Research Bookmark, envisions a future where UX research is accessible beyond niche teams. His advice? Learn the language of business stakeholders and tie research outcomes to KPIs like customer satisfaction or market share. This alignment turns researchers into strategic partners, not just data collectors.

Transitioning from Academia to Industry

Elizabeth Morin-Lessard’s episode unpacks the leap from academic rigor to industry speed. Key takeaways:

  • Adapt analytical skills to fast-paced environments.
  • Master stakeholder communication—translate findings into actionable business insights.

Surviving as a Solo Researcher

Nikki Anderson, author of Impact, shares tactics for solo researchers:

  • Engage stakeholders early to secure buy-in.
  • Track your impact with metrics that resonate with leadership.
    Pedro Vargas adds practical tips: start with simple tools (like spreadsheets) for participant management and treat internal tools as products.

The Role of AI and ResearchOps

Caitlin Sullivan, a startup research consultant, explores how AI can accelerate workflows—like automating data tagging—while stressing the irreplaceable value of human empathy. Meanwhile, episodes on ResearchOps highlight frameworks like the 5Cs (Concept, Consumption, Content Type, Creation, Cleaning) for building effective repositories.

Neurodiversity in UX Research

Odette Janssen’s conversation tackles being a neurodivergent leader. Her advice:

  • Advocate for inclusive processes (e.g., flexible communication styles).
  • Leverage neurodivergent strengths, like pattern recognition, in research analysis.

Why This Podcast Stands Out

Unlike generic career advice, From Finders to Builders zooms in on the firsts: first hires, first practices, first leadership steps. Julian’s guests—like Yao Adantor and Roberta Dombrowski—aren’t just experts; they’re have navigated ambiguity and lived to share the playbook.

How to Engage

From Finders to Builders isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building resilience. Whether you’re drafting your first research plan or scaling a team, this podcast reminds you that every “first” is a step toward shaping better user experiences. As Julian says: “Your journey might start alone, but you’re part of a community now.”

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