Shows
UX SpotlightAI Product Development Done Right: Why "Fail Fast" Breaks Product-Market Fit — with Debbie Levitt“Fit” Episode SummaryIn this episode of UX Spotlight, Denis and Debbie dive into concepts from her latest book, Atomic Product-Market Fit.They discuss how the tech industry has glorified “failing fast” and “vibe producting,” and why companies need to refocus on delivering true quality and value.Debbie explains that Product-Market Fit is not just a big-picture achievement; it is won or lost at the Macro, Meso, and Micro levels.The conversation explores the reality of AI in product development, including where AI can genuinely help as a critical-thinking partner and where it can work against teams when used to repl...
2026-05-1954 min
Delta CX HiveEp 295: The First Wave of The AI Bubble Bursting / The AI Squeeze / The Levitt LoopLots to cover today in the worlds of #AI #layoffs #startups and more! We're examining how the first wave of the AI bubble bursting (according to me) will affect companies trying to build AI into their products. Learn about what I'm calling the AI Squeeze. Then we'll look at my new economic theory that I'm calling The Levitt Loop. It's actually two loops. One starts with layoffs and causes more layoffs. The other forces consumers to shop more by quality, which should force companies to improve quality and compete based on it... but will it?"T...
2026-04-221h 04Delta CX HiveEp 293: Fire People Who Declare Their Industry DeadLet's read and discuss my article at https://rbefored.com/fire-people-who-declare-their-industry-dead-55e1d168645fHoly cats, it's here! You can now buy my new book in most formats. https://AtomicPMF.com Check out my free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! It's a preview of my new course. https://atomicpmf.comSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2026-04-0220 minDelta CX HiveEp 292: Claude Prototypes - Goodbye Replit? Lovable? Cursor?There's a new feature in Claude, and it might help Anthropic eat the lunch of other tools... that already run the Claude API. It's an interesting cannibalization. Sorry that this one doesn't work as well as an audio-only podcast! I try to describe everything.Holy cats, it's here! You can now buy my new book in most formats. https://AtomicPMF.com Check out my free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! https://atomicpmf.com/lightningSupport the showJoin our free community. All links a...
2026-04-0138 minDelta CX HiveEp 291: "Human In The Loop" vs AI Running WildWe'll read and discuss my new article about how the "human in the loop" isn't enough. https://medium.com/r-before-d/human-in-the-loop-vs-ai-running-wild-265cb3e38368 Holy cats, it's here! You can now buy my new book in most formats. https://AtomicPMF.com Check out my upcoming free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! I'm also running a Life After Tech cohort to help you brainstorm next career moves or work areas. https://atomicpmf.com/coursesSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dc...
2026-03-2618 minDelta CX HiveEp 289: Investigating AI Voice Agents as "User Researchers"We'll read my new article about how I tested an AI voice agent. https://rbefored.com/ai-user-research-conversation-cc06367c4efb And since I opened up this AI agent to my community, we'll see what else it captured.Holy cats, it's here! You can now buy my new book in most formats. https://AtomicPMF.com Check out my upcoming free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! https://atomicpmf.com/lightningSorry this posted out of order!Support the showJoin our free...
2026-03-2554 minDelta CX HiveEp 290: Atomic Product-Market Fit + My "AI and Excellent Research" Course: AI in research & strategyI have a new book and course! Learn more at AtomicPMF.com. I'm teaching my three-level model to product-market fit, which you'll need if you have products or services you want humans to buy. As part of the course, I'll be teaching how I use AI in my work. I've been refining my technique for over 1.5 years, and am excited to teach it to you! The course can be taken live, or watch the live sessions later, and take the course asynchronously.If you're under pressure to use AI more, or you're curious about how t...
2026-03-201h 07Delta CX HiveEp 288: Domain Names, Websites, Copyrights, Web Hosting, & MoreJoin me and special guest Piermario Orecchioni as we discuss website topics you might not understand. Come ask your questions!Sorry for the slight echo for the first 38 min. I didn't realize that a second mic in the room was also on. OOPS!Holy cats, it's here! You can now buy my new book in most formats. https://AtomicPMF.com Check out my upcoming free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! https://atomicpmf.com/lightningSupport the showJoin our free community. A...
2026-03-111h 03Delta CX HiveEp 287: Atomic Product-Market Fit Book Launch! AtomicPMF.comHoly cats, it's here! You can now buy my new book in most formats. https://AtomicPMF.com I'll read some excerpts, share the table or contents, take your questions, etc.! Quick note: I keep saying it's 266 pages since that's the length of the PDF. But the last numbered page in the print book is 258. :)Check out my upcoming free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! https://atomicpmf.com/lightning"Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.comSupport the showJoin...
2026-02-271h 06Delta CX HiveEp 286: AI Transformation Is Service Design w/Larry MarineAdding AI to internal processes OR the products and services you deliver to customers is more than a tech integration. You'll need to understand what users need, and then design/build for that. Well, if you want to be successful.https://customercentricity.com/service-design/ai-transformation/Check out my upcoming free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! https://atomicpmf.com/lightning"Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.comSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https...
2026-02-2657 minDelta CX HiveEp 285 - "Atomic Product-Market Fit" Book PreviewMy book will be published soon. Get to know it in this free preview!Check out my upcoming free webinar about better product-market fit and using AI thoughtfully in UX qual research! https://atomicpmf.com/lightning"Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.comSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2026-02-2520 minDelta CX HiveEp 284 - Evolving PRDs (Product Requirements Documents) into Product Strategy DocumentsLet's talk about a better way to document projects and product strategy! https://rbefored.com/evolving-prds-into-product-strategy-documents-04a6050fca38Temple at https://atomicpmf.com/psd"Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.comSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2026-02-1142 minDelta CX HiveEp 283: Exercise: The ROI We Deliver"The ROI We Deliver" is an exercise you can run with your team. I hope you run it with stakeholders, leaders, and execs as well! It's part of my upcoming "Atomic PMF" book. Come get a preview!https://medium.com/r-before-d/the-roi-we-deliver-an-exercise-bbeda5ab1ec2https://cxcc.to/miro has the template"Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.comSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear...
2026-01-2821 minDelta CX HiveEp 282: Can Claude Be a CX or UX Researcher? Jan 2026 EditionIn January 2025, we had Claude pretend to be a CX/UX Researcher. I saved all the docs and prompts we used last time. Using the same things a year later, let's see how it does.Jan 2025 version: AI-Powered UX Research: Can Claude Replace Human CX/UX Professionals? (Jan 2025) - Ep 257 https://youtube.com/live/zCVcUZmktEo"Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.comSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we us...
2026-01-211h 37Delta CX HiveEp 281: Top 2026 Secrets for Using Claude BetterIn this session, I'll share my top secrets for using Claude better based on what I learned from heavy usage in 2025. They include instance rotation, personality summoning, and tear it apart. You might be able to use this outside of Claude, but I can assure you they work in Claude Sonnet 4.x."Atomic Product-Market Fit" new book coming in late Feb 2026! atompicpmf.com🔗 Community, books, articles, videos, and other links and resources at dcx.toSupport the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll epi...
2026-01-141h 08Delta CX HiveEp 280: Boundaries w/ Difficult Family or Friends - with Dr. Seth FinklePsychologist Dr. Seth Finkle will join us for a discussion about having healthy boundaries with difficult family or friends. When is it OK to not go to that holiday dinner? When is it OK to cut someone off completely? Seth recommends the following books:"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab"Where to Draw the Line" by Anne Katherine"Setting Boundaries to Find Peace with Narcissists & Codependents" by Robert Charles"Boundaries" by John Townsend and Henry Cloud (warning: it has a somewhat religious tone)Originally live streamed o...
2026-01-021h 16Delta CX HiveEp 270: Will AI & AI Agents Create a Resurgence in UX Work?We keep hearing that AI will be a resurgence, a Renaissance, for UX jobs. There will be more for us to do, though it will be different... evolved... but not "shrinking." The claims are common, and they are full of hope. We press like because we want it to be true. But is it true?Detaching from reality can be fun for a while, but we shouldn't ignore realities when it comes to understanding our careers, the job market, and the likely short- and long-term future. This webinar will examine most of the claims that A...
2025-12-291h 16Delta CX HiveEp 275: Using AI in UX Research Analysis, Synthesis, and ReportingSince this episode starts with an article, you can jump to 24:05 (timestamp) for the UXR work with Claude #NotSponsoredI've been using Claude to help with qualitative research analysis, synthesis, and reporting through all of 2025. I'll show you how I do it so you can give it a try, and adjust it for your needs. I also tested Microsoft Copilot, which was unusably awful, and ChatGPT's paid version, which was good. But I'll stay with Claude.We'll start with my article https://rbefored.com/ai-incompetent-if-you-use-it-loser-dinosaur-if-you-dont-69ffae7b50f1 "AI: “Incompetent” If You Use It, “Loser Dinosa...
2025-12-291h 19Delta CX HiveEp 279: Warning: Paid Peer Career Coaching CohortsAs people are increasingly struggling to find jobs, there are more and more people and programs popping up. Some are quite expensive! Some don't sound worth it. Let's turn our critical thinking towards these so we can assess them.We'll start with my article https://medium.com/r-before-d/warning-paid-peer-career-coaching-cohorts-f588daba4c13 and then open it up for questions and discussion.Originally livestreamed 2 December 2025.Support the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear...
2025-12-2922 minDelta CX HiveEp 273: Can a Personal Brand Help You Stand Out as a Job Candidate?People love to tell you that you need a personal brand. And they often have something to sell you that they claim will help you build one. And in turn, this will help you stand out among job candidates and get that job! That's a lot of 'maybes' linked together. And is any of this true?In this live stream, we'll start with Debbie's article on the topic. https://medium.com/r-before-d/can-a-personal-brand-help-you-stand-out-as-a-job-candidate-de6bf8eea0e8 We'll open it up for questions and comments.Originally livestreamed 22 July 2025.Support the show
2025-12-2926 minDelta CX HiveEp 268: Beware of Fake Recruiters on LinkedInWe'll read and discuss Debbie's recent article on this topic. https://medium.com/r-before-d/identifying-fake-linkedin-recruiter-accounts-0e4edb7499d9 Note that since this livestream, some fake accounts have changed their tactics. Instead of pretending to be recruiters, they now pretend to be tech workers or leaders at famous companies. Same scam, new disguise.Why be wary of these fake accounts? What's the harm in connecting with them or giving them a chance? Shouldn't we be open to trying anything to get us a job? Let's discuss.Originally live streamed on 20 May 2025.
2025-12-2926 minDelta CX HiveEp 269: If AI Builds the Product, Do We Still Need Discovery Research?We'll read and discuss Debbie's recent article on this topic. https://rbefored.com/if-ai-builds-the-product-do-we-still-need-discovery-research-368b9e85e9b9Do we still need to do discovery, generative, or exploratory research if we’re going to have AI design our interfaces or build our prototype? The answer to that depends upon your commitment to your customers and your commitment to quality.Originally live streamed 17 June 2025.Support the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear word...
2025-12-2912 minDelta CX HiveEp 271: Open Source AI - Cheaper, Private, In Your ControlJoin special guest Alan Underwood as we discuss and take questions about Open Source AI. Open Source AI is perfect for anyone who wants the benefits of AI without the corporate strings attached. Discover how to install open source LLMs for free and get the same AI capabilities without the costs or privacy concerns.* Keep sensitive user data private and secure on your own systems,* Replace expensive AI subscriptions with free alternatives,* Set up document search and RAG pipelines in minutes,* Build AI features directly into products without fees...
2025-12-2943 minDelta CX HiveEp 272: Planning a New Business - and - Inexpensive ExperimentsBy request from our Delta CX Hive Discord! I've been helping people start and improve small businesses for over 30 years. In this episode, I'll show you how I create spreadsheets to plan businesses and check if they are likely to be economically viable. I'll also read my new "Inexpensive Experiments" article to give you some ideas on how to test a business idea before spending too much. https://rbefored.com/exploring-new-work-paths-with-inexpensive-experiments-8748e4fc7a3ePlus a special preview of my Atomic Product-Market Fit model, coming in September!Originally livestreamed 15 J...
2025-12-2955 minDelta CX HiveEp 264: Good and Bad Research QuestionsLet's dive deeply into mostly crappy questions, and how to ask better questions. This is important for discovery, generative, exploratory, and evaluative research. You don't want to go into product processes, design thinking, design sprints, or solutions with bad research data thanks to bad questions!Originally live streamed on 15 April 2025.Support the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2025-12-291h 13Delta CX HiveEp 262: Freelancing, Contracts, and Starting a BusinessA fresh-for-2025 livestream about starting your own business. We'll include discussions around freelancing and contracting, plus having a good contract. Originally live streamed on 4 March 2025.See my old video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vd_MCdeuQE&pp=ygUSZGVsdGEgY3ggcHJvcG9zYWxz about how I create proposals.Support the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2025-12-291h 09Delta CX HiveEp 261: Does Work Really Want Your "Authentic Self"?Take Action Tuesday! Let's talk about your "authentic self." Lots of media tell you to be more authentic at work, be more vulnerable, and share more of yourself. But is that safe? And if not, can you protect yourself and still be your authentic self?Originally live streamed 18 Feb 2025.Support the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2025-12-2956 minDelta CX HiveEp 254: Who Will Be The Last Tech Worker With a Job (The Multicorn)?Reading and discussing my article predicting who will be the last key tech worker to remain employed. https://medium.com/life-after-tech/who-will-be-the-last-tech-worker-with-a-job-the-multicorn-0542f0879a5aOriginally live streamed on 13 Jan 2025.Support the showJoin our free community. All links at https://dcx.toAll episodes are marked "explicit" since sometimes we use swear words.
2025-12-2944 min
DHABADebbie Levitt “The Mary Poppins of CX and UX"Send us Fan MailDesign expert Debbie Levitt shares her perspective on how UX and CX professionals are being systematically disempowered despite their critical role in creating successful products and services. She explores how the "fail fast" culture and AI hype are undermining accountability and quality in design.• Debbie has 30 years of experience in CX, UX, product, and business strategy• The return-to-office movement is harming remote workers and creating inefficient work environments• AI development lacks proper governance and respect for intellectual property rights• Companies claim to be customer-centric while rarely engaging with actual u...
2025-08-051h 02
Your Life After TechEp 013: Nicole Menkhoff: From Tech Leader to ConsultantNicole Menkhoff takes us on a captivating journey through her professional evolution... from aerospace engineering with a focus on rocket propulsion to leadership roles at tech giants like Google, Twitter, and Apple, before launching her own consulting business in late 2024.Nicole recognized the tech industry's gradual shift away from true innovation and toward an overemphasis on profit and shareholder value. This sparked Nicole v3.0, a transformation from corporate tech leader to independent consultant helping organizations reinvent productivity and enhance national security.We chatted about redefining success beyond the size of your paycheck and breaking free...
2025-05-0832 min
Your Life After TechEp 012: Kristina Kennedy: From UX Research to French PastriesKristina Kennedy's career journey takes us from the familiar terrain of tech layoffs to the total yum of French pastry kitchens. Having worked seven years in user experience research, her professional path took an unexpected turn when she was laid off. Rather than immediately jumping back into the tech job hunt, Christina paused to reconsider what truly brought her fulfillment.During the isolation of the pandemic, Kristina discovered baking as a source of presence and joy. She then pursued internships in both boulangerie (bread making) and patisserie (pastry making) in Lyon, France, where she currently lives. While...
2025-05-0123 min
Your Life After TechEp 011: Jess Vice - From Copywriter to CollectiveWhat happens when you reject traditional business hierarchies and build something radically different? Jess Vice takes us on their journey from struggling English graduate to tech professional to co-founder of Kit Research and Strategy—a collective challenging how business gets done.After years of corporate instability, being repeatedly laid off without warning, Jess realized they needed to create a work environment aligned with their vision. The collective model Jess co-created offers clients expert services without the 40% markup typical of traditional agencies. It allows practitioners to set aside vacation weeks at the beginning of each year, create multiple in...
2025-04-2438 min
Your Life After TechEp 010: Ricardo Brito - From Service Design to In Service to OthersRicardo Brito shares his transformative journey from tech burnout to becoming a solopreneur and career coach. He offers insights for individuals considering career transitions, warning against waiting until burnout or layoffs to take action.• Ricardo’s background transitioning from graphic design to UX design• The importance of following curiosity and exploring new paths• Proactive planning to avoid financial insecurity during career changes• Warnings against chasing “golden handcuffs” and unfulfilling roles• Launch of Ricardo’s program, "Solo Business Co-Pilot" • Importance of personalizing career development strategiesFind him at RicardoBrito.meMessage us!S
2025-01-0925 min
Your Life After TechEp 009: Tonia Bartz - From UX Research to Holistic WellnessCurious about making a major career shift? Meet Tonia Bartz, a former UX Researcher turned holistic wellness coach, who shares her journey from the tech world to the realm of integrative nutrition and wellness. Embrace your imperfections! Whether you're staying in tech or considering moving to a new career, Tonia reminds us to listen to that little persistent voice. There's a reason we keep imagining alternative futures for ourselves.Tonia's links:Stay up to date on upcoming workshops, free events, coaching openings + more by following Imperfect AF on the social apps + signing up for t...
2024-12-1225 min
Your Life After TechEp 008: Jeff Kim - A Lifetime in Various Types of DesignJeff Kim is a tech and design expert with decades of experience. His life took some wild turns after being laid off in October 2023. Join Jeff in the warm nostalgia of CorelDRAW and QuarkXPress, shifting into web design, and then years of UX work. After researching and rejecting a franchise opportunity, Jeff and his wife launched Minneapolis Sign Design, diving into the world of vehicle graphics and signage. The couple brought their years of entrepreneurship and business acumen skills into play, and recently opened the doors of a 5,000 square foot shop.DesignMSD.comJeff o...
2024-12-0527 min
Experience DesignedEp25. Life After Tech: From Tech Uncertainty to Career Clarity with Debbie LevittJoin us for an eye-opening discussion with Debbie Levitt, a UX research leader, accomplished author, and career coach who's tackling the tech industry's most critical challenges head-on. Drawing from her latest book, Debbie explores how professionals can navigate the seismic shifts happening in tech – from widespread layoffs to AI's growing influence on the workforce.In this timely conversation, we explore practical strategies for future-proofing your career. Debbie shares invaluable insights on developing your "Plan B," helping you assess your transferable skills, uncover hidden opportunities, and chart a course toward career resilience. Whether you're concerned about job security or...
2024-12-031h 11
Your Life After TechEp 007: Faith Lane - Empathy in Every Career PathFaith Lane, a veteran UX Designer with over two decades of expertise, joins us to share her captivating career journey, marked by resilience and adaptability. After a layoff, she shifted to apply her UX skills in a non-traditional setting: Directing at a daycare company. Children, teachers, and parents are her new stakeholders.Where might Faith go from here? If tech jobs remain difficult to find, she's considering the funeral industry, perhaps funeral direction. It's another opportunity for her to use empathy... and apply some UX and Service Design to an industry that badly needs it....
2024-11-2122 min
The Action Mappers Podcast🎙️Ep:3- What's Holding You Back from Achieving Top Quality With Debbie Levitt!🎙️ What's Holding You Back from Achieving Top Quality With Debbie Levitt! Welcome back to The Unstoppable Product Pioneer Podcast! This week I had the privilege of sitting down with Debbie Levitt, the CXO of Delta CX, to tackle one of the most critical topics in product and ux strategy: achieving top quality. Debbie and I dive into aligning business objectives with user needs, the role of empathy and communication in effective product management, and the power of tools like the Knowledge Quadrant to bridge understanding gaps. She shares her incredible insights from years of experience navigating fast-paced, high...
2024-11-1741 min
Your Life After TechEp 006: Simone Robutti - Choosing Ethical and Values-Based WorkSimone Robutti shares the wild and interesting journey of transforming his career from data engineering to a path aligned with his personal values. He's also juggling multiple work areas fantastically... from consultant to a fermentation studio to organizational design/process improvement.Simone discusses the pivotal roles and motivations that shaped his journey, including teaching political praxis and addressing workers' rights in the gig economy. He's truly a model of aligning professional pursuits with one’s core beliefs.Simone's links:Consultancy one-pager: https://bit.ly/robutticcTech Workers Coalition: https://techworkerscoalition.org/Personal We...
2024-11-1437 min
Your Life After TechEp 005: Jenny Shirey - From Research to Red WinesWhile staying in tech (UX research), Jenny Shirey takes a bold leap into the world of wine. It's a tale of resilience and transformation, where wine becomes more than just a beverage—it's a gateway to a fulfilling second career.As Jenny contemplates opening a wine shop or bar, her tale of transition offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering a career change. Setting deadlines and embracing accountability emerge as crucial strategies to overcome the overwhelming task of creating a business plan. With an emphasis on finding joy and fulfillment in one's work, this episode is a h...
2024-11-0731 min
Your Life After TechEp 004: John Braine - Staying in Tech, Building Up Art and MusicJohn Braine is a UX Designer combining his passion for technology with his love for art and music. John shares his journey from self-taught web design in the 90s to shifting into UX design. John shares his practical techniques for integrating artistic pursuits into daily life, emphasizing the importance of small habits, consistent progress, and holding yourself accountable. John is staying in tech, and increasingly adding art and music as both hobbies and money-makers. Find him on Instagram as @trontsephoreMessage us!Support the show
2024-10-2429 min
Your Life After TechEp 003: Heidi Araya - From Agile Coach to AI CoachEver wondered what it feels like to completely redefine your life's work? Join us as Heidi Araya from BrightLogic.ai shares her personal narrative of transformation from a seasoned tech veteran to a pioneering AI coach. Heidi opens up about her journey from roles in big tech, including technical writer and agile coach, to facing job uncertainty and discovering a new adventure. By enrolling in a data science program at MIT, Heidi initially aimed to spearhead AI initiatives but soon realized a passion for helping others harness the power of generative AI. The conversation delves into the b...
2024-10-1730 min
Your Life After TechEp 002: Danielle Malik - From Silicon Valley to Social ImpactDiscover the inspiring journey of Danielle Malik, a seasoned design leader who has transitioned from the tech world to make a significant impact in social causes. After two decades in the tech industry, Danielle embarked on a mission to align her work with her values. Motivated by her passion for addressing complex challenges in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and green energy, Danielle made the bold decision to transition from tech following a layoff. Get to know Danielle and her new business, Rising Tide Residences, a housing initiative helping those in need and in transition.
2024-10-1029 min