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Ioana
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Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#171 Inside Lovable & Intercom: what top design talent looks like in 2026
Ioana shares recent field insights on vibe coding, design culture, and AI-driven strategies she learnt from Lovable and Intercom designers. She talks about the value of rapid experimentation, user-centric design, and the future of top design talent in 2026.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Preorder Ioana's upcoming book here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Ioana's co-working spaceJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI project: aidesign-os.comIoana's WhatsApp groupIoana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course Cr...
2026-02-24
24 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#170 Lessons learned from 4y at a scale up
Anfi shares insights on her journey working in a fast-paced scale-up, transforming weaknesses into strengths, strategic product pitching, effective communication at scale, leading impactful workshops, what defines a great manager, the difference between delivery and vision, and strategies to elevate UX culture from low to high maturity.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Sign up for Anfi's Design → Impact translation WS workshop on February 18Preorder Ioana's upcoming book here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Ioana's co-working spaceJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3...
2026-02-18
39 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#169 How to speak the business language
Anfi and Ioana discuss how to get buy-in and communicate effectively with stakeholders. They explore how to present designs convincingly, articulate decisions clearly, and address what to do if data on the impact of design choices isn’t available.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Sign up for Anfi's Design → Impact translation WS workshop on February 18Preorder Ioana's upcoming book here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Ioana's co-working spaceJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI project: aidesign-os.comIoana's WhatsApp groupIoana's AI Goodies Newsletter...
2026-02-11
44 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#168 Will we still have design jobs in the future?
Anfi and Ioana explore the future of design jobs, questioning whether design roles will remain the same as the tech industry transforms. They discuss how design roles are evolving right now, especially as AI begins to generate UI and we communicate through prompts. In this new landscape, what exactly are we designing? Can we still call ourselves UX designers, or will our roles shift into something new? Anfi and Ioana discuss why designers need to improve our technological skills to stay relevant in this changing field.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Mentioned in this episo...
2026-02-03
48 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#167 How to stay sane in the age of AI
Anfi and Ioana explore the mental health challenges of recent years, sharing strategies to preserve self-identity, manage anxiety, and set healthy boundaries in the context of an increasingly AI-driven world.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Preorder Ioana's upcoming book here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI project: aidesign-os.comIoana's WhatsApp groupIoana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course Create a Learning Strategy...
2026-01-27
42 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#166 How to get hired in 2026
Anfi and Ioana discuss their strategies for preparing for the upcoming hiring season, covering key topics such as portfolio, the interview process, practical take-home challenges and whiteboard exercises. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: 08:33 How to make your portfolio stand out?21:43 Do I need to show that I am AI first designer?26:33 Do designers need to specialize or be generalists?34:48 How to approach Interviewing process?54:41 How to prepare for white board and take home challenges?Mentioned in this episode: Sign up for Anfi...
2026-01-21
1h 06
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#165 Skills and traits UX designers need in 2026
Ioana and Anfi discuss how values are shifting in the design world amidst rapid change. They explore the traits that designers should cultivate, current market observations, and whether traditional skills remain relevant. They delve into whether designers need to learn coding, the role of vibe coding, and if we're heading towards becoming design engineers or builders.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Mentioned in this episode:Preorder Ioana's upcoming book here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Get your Design Course Bundle, featuring 6 courses, guides, and templates crafted by experienced design practitioners2026 pre...
2026-01-14
40 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#164 Year-End Reflections
Anfi and Ioana reflect on the past year, sharing how their careers have evolved and how AI has impacted their journeys. Looking ahead to 2026, they discuss their goals and upcoming creative projects.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Preorder Ioana's upcoming book here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI project: aidesign-os.comIoana's WhatsApp groupIoana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course ...
2025-12-31
48 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#163 Surviving Design - Why I Wrote a Book
Ioana offers a glimpse into her upcoming book release.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Preorder your copy here. The first 100 copies will be hand-signed.Check out these links:Ioana's AI project: aidesign-os.comIoana's WhatsApp groupIoana's AI Goodies NewsletterJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's Domestika course Create a Learning StrategyEnroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount.Into UX design online course by Anfisa❓Next topic ideas:
2025-12-24
15 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#162 These skills will increase your salary in 2026
Anfi and Ioana discuss the key factors that can directly influence your salary and increase your earning potential within your role.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.• What are some less obvious skills crucial for promotion, like visibility and internal branding? • Do you really need to want a promotion, and is it always worth pursuing? • Additional subtle skills that can lead to getting promoted include mentoring juniors, leading workshops, advocating for good design with non-design team members, and demonstrating openness to AI while maintaining critical thinking.Check out these links:
2025-12-17
48 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#161 How design industry is changing and what is getting behind us
Anfi and Ioana explore the fundamental transformations shaping the market today. They discuss how AI has become embedded in every aspect of our work, reshaping paradigms and emphasizing outcomes over tasks. The episode delves into how to develop the right mindset for staying relevant, rethinking and renewing your approach to design, and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI project: aidesign-os.comIoana's WhatsApp groupIoana's AI Goodies Newsletter...
2025-12-09
33 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
234 | Busy? Stressed? Time for Renewal & Hope with Scripture, for Christian Women | Dr. Ioana Popa
Are you feeling tired at the end of the week? Are there a lot of things going on in your life? Do you need to take a pause and regenerate with Christ at the center? Wrapping up the year while we prepare for Christmas can be challenging and can bring much stress. But we know that God is everywhere, filling all things, including in times of stress. And where there is God, there is HOPE. Today I invite you all to take a break from the cares of the world and explore how hope in...
2025-12-05
14 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#160 The design tools we actually use
Anfi and Ioana discuss how AI and design tools they use daily have impacted their workflows. They share their experiences with various tools, highlighting which ones have become essential, and predict how these tools will evolve and shape their work in the coming year.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course Create a Learning StrategyEnroll in Ioana's AI course ...
2025-12-02
37 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
232 | Healing With IFS: Meeting Our Parts With Christ’s Compassion: IFS Part 7, With Dr. Ioana Popa
Today, we are bringing to a close the MINI SERIES on Internal Family Systems (IFS), by discussing the Steps for the HEALING JOURNEY, with Christ at the helm. Through the might of the IFS psychological methodology, along with the work of the gentle spirit of God at work within us, healing is possible. It's possible, when we meet the different parts of ourselves with the same compassion that Christ offers us. Here is a sneak peak of what you can hear in this episode: 🔅 There are 4 steps to help us bring healing to...
2025-11-28
19 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#159 Should you get into UX design if you are starting out in 2026?
Anfi and Ioana explore the design scene in 2025, sharing insights on current trends, key shifts, and the evolving landscape. They discuss the changing value of designers in the age of AI, questioning whether traditional roles will remain relevant. Additionally, they offer practical advice for newcomers entering UX design in 2026 from diverse backgrounds amidst this rapid transformation.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course ...
2025-11-26
36 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
230 | Avoid Burnout: Internal Family Systems & Christianity-Part 6 POLARITIES, With Dr. Ioana Popa
I hope you are well! Here is Part 6 (out of 7) of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Christianity series, which addresses polarities. This is relevant in our lives as it is common to feel that there is an internal war, as we carry on with our responsibilities. We might be smiling on the outside, but stressed inside, and in time, this can lead to burnout. Polarities is a term used in IFS to explain that we have parts that are proactive (managers), trying to avoid problems. This works until we encounter triggers, which...
2025-11-21
12 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#158 The biggest hardships in our UX careers
Ioana and Anfi discuss their biggest career challenges, explore what the industry should do to empower designers and prioritize design, and consider how a shift towards everyone becoming builders might impact the industry's future.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course Create a Learning StrategyEnroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount.Into UX design online course by Anfisa
2025-11-18
27 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
228 | Let God Soothe You: Internal Family Systems & Christianity-Part 5 EXILES, With Dr. Ioana Popa
As we keep growing both professionally and personally in Christ, we become better versions of ourselves and we see the transformation. Nonetheless, life happens, and we might get triggered, respond in ways that we are not proud of, and then start wondering "What did I do wrong?", "Why can't I fix this?" or "Why can't I do this?" and we feel we go backwards or in circles instead of forward. In reality, we are never going back (although it feels that way), as growth is more of a spiral movement! Why does this...
2025-11-14
15 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#157 5-Step plan to get started with vibe-coding
Ioana explains the origin of the term "vibe coding" and its core principles. She outlines how to build products using this approach, including a practical plan for coding with vibe coding methodologies. Ioana discusses how vibe coding can lead to burnout if not managed properly and emphasizes that vibe coding is a genuine approach to software development, not just a trend. She also recommends tools to start exploring vibe coding.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course ...
2025-11-11
16 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
226 | Soothing Parts-Internal Family Systems & Christianity-Part 4 FIREFIGHTERS, With Dr. Ioana Popa
What happens when an unwanted fire erupts in someone's home? The firefighters are called and they respond quickly to help put out the fire before it spreads. Similarly, when we have internal fires (pain, suffering, sadness, shame), they need to be put out; therefore, we have internal parts that show up quickly to distract and soothe our mind and body - the Firefighter part. As described in IFS (Internal Family Systems) methodology, these parts are very reactive and occur as a response to a great amount of stress or unpleasant experiences, either current or from...
2025-11-07
15 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
224 | Internal Family Systems & Christianity, Part 3-MANAGERS, With Dr. Ioana Popa
In Hebrews, St. Paul tells us this: "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." - Hebrews 12:1 (NIV). As Christian professional women & servant leaders, we lead in many capacities, which brings a great amount of responsibility, and therefore, to keep ourselves moving forward, we call upon our "Manager Parts" as described in Internal Family Systems (IFS). These parts help us problem solve, persevere, and keep running the race. However, if we simply follow the path with our noses...
2025-10-31
16 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
222 | Internal Family Systems & Christianity Part 2 – Access Your True Self, With Dr. Ioana Popa
We could be at work, at home, with friends, or on social media, and all of a sudden, someone says something, and we are triggered. What was once a peaceful state turns into worry, frustration, or self-doubt. Sometimes we can think through a situation and return to our center, but at other times, the emotions and thoughts linger in the back of our consciousness, draining us. What do we do? And is there a framework that can help us quickly go back to that 'peace that surpasses all understanding'? This Week's Concept: Your T...
2025-10-24
17 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#156 How to Become an Entrepreneur as a UX Designer
Anfi and Ioana discuss how to start your entrepreneurship journey as a UX designer.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • How can you transition to entrepreneurship, and how do you know it's the right path?• What is Anfi and Ioana’s entrepreneurial experience?• How do you navigate ambiguity?• Can starting with no money lead to success?• Top practical tips for aspiring entrepreneur-designers.Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter...
2025-10-21
39 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
220 | Internal Family Systems & Christianity, Part 1-OVERVIEW, With Dr. Ioana Popa
💡 WEEKLY TIPIf you've ever felt grounded and peaceful one day and wake up the next, feeling self-critical and frustrated, then you are not alone. There is a reason for this. This state of being internally fragmented makes us feel like we are taking two steps forward and one step back. And we mistakenly take any state of being as our identity. But our true identity comes from Christ. So the question, as many people have asked me, is this - How can I better understand myself and find healing while staying gro...
2025-10-17
16 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#155 Balancing Parenthood and a UX Career w/ Ran Liu
Ioana and Ran share their experiences of becoming mothers, exploring how to navigate the pressures of succeeding in the tech industry while balancing parenthood, and addressing the challenges of parental burnout.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.This episode's guest: Ran Liu's LinkedInCheck out these links:Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course Create a Learning StrategyJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Into UX design online course by Anfisa❓Next topic
2025-10-15
45 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
218 | Anger and the 2 Sides of the Same Coin: Criticism and Self-Criticism, With Dr. Ioana Popa
As Christians, we don’t like to be critical or judgmental toward others. It is common, though, to believe that it is best to be self-critical in order to be more humble. Although great self-examination is essential in our path for healthy humility, too much of it can do inner damage and erode our sense of confidence. What is not commonly known is that Criticism and Self-Criticism are actually two sides of ONE coin, stemming from anger. WEEKLY NUGGET: What is Anger? 1. Anger is a natural response (coming from a part of...
2025-10-10
10 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#154 Important Ideas from TED AI Vienna
Ioana uncovers a bunch of other eye-opening insights she learned at the TED AI Vienna conference, such as how AI could actually widen inequality, possesses surprisingly strong persuasive power, might be making us intellectually lazy, and is completely transforming the way scientific research is conducted.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.Check out these links:Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterIoana's Domestika course Create a Learning StrategyJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Into UX design online course by Anfisa
2025-10-07
20 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
216 | Conformed to This World? 2 Powerful Questions Discerning Conformity, With Dr. Ioana Popa
There is a common dilemma many of us contemplate - we want to be completely free in Christ, but we struggle with conforming to the world’s demands. And as professional Christian women and servant leaders, of course, we do not want to conform to the world. We are inspired by the bible verse "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 (NKJV) We want to be our very best an...
2025-10-03
09 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
214 | Anchor for Renewal: 5 Reasons for Burnout and What To Do About It, With Dr. Ioana Popa
One of the questions I get the most is ‘how do we end up in burnout? What are some personal root causes?' Burnout is not a diagnosis, but a syndrome initially described in the workforce. Nowadays, especially after the pandemic, many people have started to use this word outside of work as a sense of general stress and depletion. Interestingly enough, burnout does not come with bells and whistles, so prevention becomes really important; therefore, identifying the root causes to avoid them is paramount. Here is what I discovered in my...
2025-09-26
10 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#152 How to nail your portfolio one-liner
Anfi and Ioana discuss how to craft an effective one-liner for your portfolio.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • What exactly is a one-liner, and why is it important to focus on it?• What are the common pitfalls when crafting a one-liner?• What essential elements should a strong one-liner include?• What are some examples of good and bad one-liners?• How can you personalize your one-liner to reflect who you are, incorporating your past experiences and future aspirations?Check out these links:Join Anfi...
2025-09-24
34 min
She Leads Boldly: Returning to God’s Pace for Leadership, Motherhood & Marriage
From Burnout to Renewal: Dr. Ioana Popa on Balancing Faith, Family, and Calling Without Compromise
Have you ever felt like you’re giving everything at home 🏡, at work 💼, and even in ministry ✝️ — yet running on empty inside? You’re not alone, Sis. You don’t have to keep leading from a place of exhaustion.In this powerful episode of She Leads Boldly 🎙️, I sit down with Dr. Ioana Popa, CEO and Co-Founder of Team For The Soul® Institute. After burning out twice 😔, Dr. Ioana discovered a better way — one rooted in God’s presence and designed for lasting renewal. Through her Renewal In Action® Blueprint, she now helps faith-driven women like you align faith, family, an...
2025-09-24
31 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
212 | Prayers Without Borders: Bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth Today, With Dr. Ioana Popa
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* There is something very powerful about connecting with each other as Christian women through prayer. And we can do this even if we are not physically in the same space and time! In the moment you are reading this, there is someone praying to Christ right now. We can join this amazing web of prayers and light at any moment. And when you pray, know that you have a cosmic impact for the Kingdom and bring God's light into the world. Like...
2025-09-19
11 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#151 Designers become curators: UX in the age of generative UI
Ioana explores how AI is transforming the role of designers from creators to curators and editors of machine-generated outputs.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • When did you first notice AI design outputs starting to look the same?• If our role shifts to curation—similar to art curators—what qualities define a design curator?• Are we still truly creating, or have we become editors and directors of AI-generated work? Are we building solutions as before, or primarily guiding and shaping AI outputs?Check out these links:Join...
2025-09-17
17 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
210 | Chronic Stress? Burnout? Why Do They Sneak Up on Christian Women? With Dr. Ioana Popa
There is nothing better than a joyful Christian! If you don't find yourself in a joyful state of being throughout your day, it's time to ask yourself, 'What is getting in the way?' Many times, the blocks are connected to chronic stress, and what I call the hidden burnout. It can develop slowly, until we feel like a ton of bricks in our life's 'backpack', leaving us feeling depleted, stuck, or in pain. But with God, all things are possible! Once you understand the phases of how chronic stress happens...
2025-09-12
09 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
208 | Moving Up To Your Next Level and Feeling Resistance? Attachment Styles & God, With Dr. Ioana Popa
As Christian professionals and servant leaders, as you move to the next level of performance and growth, it is only natural to experience inner blocks or resistance. Some of the deepest blocks are subtle and come in moments of intense stress with questions such as: 'Does God answer my prayers or not?', 'Is God distant?' or 'Is He mad at me? Our conscious mind might say, "Of course not, God loves me!", but deep down there could be a nagging doubt and uneasy feeling. The good news is that these questions...
2025-09-05
15 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#149 Tech world has changed
Ioana shares her experience in San Francisco at the Adobe AI Summit, reflecting on her observations of the city’s vibrant tech scene and emerging AI trends in its dynamic environment.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode:Ioana discusses the city’s infrastructure, her time socializing with people from Lovable, and how AI has become a core part of modern companies. She explores how AI tools are transforming the creative process and opening new opportunities for designers, diving into how designers can thrive in this evolving landscape.Check out these links:Ioana's ...
2025-09-03
23 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
206 | Coaching: Can It Help Us Grow Psychologically and Spiritually for the Kingdom?, With Dr. Ioana Popa
If you want to continue to grow and reach your highest potential with coaching and want a sneak peek into my proven Coaching Program for Christian Women, then this is for you. If you search the internet, you can often find people sharing different transformational modalities, but not many combine expertise with science, psychology, spiritual care AND Christian Faith. If you are feeling like it is difficult to find what you need to keep on growing, you are not alone. More than a decade ago, I could not either, so with God's help I decided...
2025-08-29
15 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
204 | Breathing With God: Quick Steps To Stay Grounded, With Dr. Ioana Popa
When we are in high-stakes situations, either at work, home, or in church, and the potential for conflict exists, it is important to know how we can quickly ground ourselves in God. And as a Christian professional and servant leader, you likely experience these types of situations often. In this episode, I offer various tips from the Bible and from science to help you be present and grounded, allowing Christ to speak through you. The quickest way to do this is through our bodies, through our breath. I will also go through some...
2025-08-22
11 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
202 | Jumpstart Your Regeneration With a Small Step: Christian Contemplation, With Dr. Ioana Popa
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* One of my deepest joys is to connect with God in contemplation and silence. Initially, though, contemplation was difficult, since many thoughts, ideas and emotions seemed to jump in. I felt I was constantly missing the mark, as the goal, whatever the goal was, seemed elusive. And at some point, after imperfect practice, it clicked: contemplation is not about 'doing,' 'searching,' or 'finding' - it is about tapping into 'being' with God. In our busy lives...
2025-08-15
10 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
200 | Change That Sticks: Growth Mindset & Map of the Inner World, With Dr. Ioana Popa
As professionals and servant leaders, we know that we often fall, then we pick ourselves up, learn from our mistakes and move on. This is what psychology calls Growth Mindset: the process of realizing that mistakes are part of the journey, that we can readjust and move forward. The problem is that it takes a lot of effort to calibrate our mindsets, emotions, and behaviors, without spiraling down. And in time, this can become discouraging as we watch ourselves in disbelief going through the same negative patterns over and over. The great news is that...
2025-08-08
19 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#146 Does product design quality still matter in 2025?
Ioana and Anfi discuss what constitutes good design quality.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Marketplace.In this episode: • Is it still important to prioritize UX design and maintain high design quality?• How do some companies manage to succeed despite having poor design?• How would you define quality in the context of design?• Should designers always aim to work within a mature UX organization, or can design quality sometimes be secondary?• How do you define good design quality?Check out these links:Join...
2025-08-05
38 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
198 | Stop the Cycle Leading to Burnout: Separate & Release From the Cares of the Day, With Dr. Ioana Popa
You work all day, support your family, respond to emails, push projects over the finish line, care for your home, attend to neighbors, pray and try to have a moment of respite when you can. You probably have a lot of balls in the air. When it is time to relax, it is common for us to want to make sure we are caught up with our social media platforms, friends, news, watching a movie, or playing games, even overindulging in some food. If this is you, know that you are not alone. Unfortunately, it...
2025-08-01
11 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
196 | When Striving Is Not Working: Two Pathways To Lead From Your Soul, With Dr. Ioana Popa
How do we lead from a grounded presence, responding to the many demands of our work, families, volunteer work, and church communities, without compartmentalizing, all while praying unceasingly? Compartmentalizing can be helpful in the short run (sometimes for years and even decades), but in the long run, it takes a toll on us, leading to chronic stress, burnout and even disconnection from God in spite of our best efforts. And as God calls you to be in high-level leadership at work, leading only with your mind or emotional intelligence is NOT enough, as it can...
2025-07-24
14 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#144 Being a Junior Designer in the Age of AI
Anfi and Ioana discuss the current state and future of the junior designer market, ways to succeed, the impact of AI, and whether pursuing this career is still worthwhile.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. Explore a Wix Studio collection of outstanding websites crafted by creatives.Make sure to join the "Storytelling portfolio workshop" by AnfisaIn this episode: • What do you currently think about the junior designer market? How do you see it changing by 2025? Have you noticed any effects of AI on this field?• How c...
2025-07-22
35 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#139 Are designers best positioned for the age of AI?
Ioana and Anfisa discuss the future of design roles, the impact of AI on collaboration, and how professionals can adapt and thrive in the evolving tech landscape.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • Predictions for the future of design roles• How AI will shape collaboration with product managers and developers?• Why designers are well-positioned to thrive in the AI era?• How product managers and engineers are also set up for success in the future?Check out these links:Join Anfi’s ...
2025-06-18
44 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#138 Live Maven Session: "Transition to an AI Design Role: Skills + Strategy"
Ioana had a live Maven session where she shared insights on how AI is transforming design, the role of AI designers, and strategies to stay relevant in this evolving industry.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: Slides from the episode• How has AI transformed the design industry?• What does AI-driven design truly entail?• What is an AI designer, and how does it differ from traditional design roles?• What new challenges arise when designing AI interactions?• What principles and processes should guide AI design?• How can designers stay relevant in the AI era?• How do...
2025-06-12
52 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#136 From corporate to creative freedom: The Lumo studio story
Ioana and Imogen from Lumo Studio delve into how to start your business in the design industry, cultivate a strong studio culture, and navigate the evolving landscape of creativity and entrepreneurship.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: •What inspired your courage to start Lumo Studio?• How do you handle uncertainty and unpredictability?• How has working with family shaped your studio culture?• Can you share the story behind shaping your technology stack and how it supports your business?• How do you select your clients?• Is intuition enough when doing business?• What's your process...
2025-05-21
35 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#135 What should you do when you know you're underpaid?
Ioana and Anfisa discuss how to spot if you're underpaid, prepare for salary talks, and decide whether to stay or look for a new job.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • How do you know if you're underpaid, and what should you do about it?• How can you get ready for a salary negotiation chat?• When’s the right time to talk about changing jobs within your company, and when’s it better to start looking elsewhere?Mentioned in this episode: TeamBlindCandor
2025-05-14
33 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#132 Running UX workshops
Ioana and Anfisa discuss how to set up an effective workshop.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • How to properly set up a workshop for maximum engagement and productivity?• In what ways do workshops provide advantages over traditional meetings? Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterEnroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount.❓Next topic ideas:Submi...
2025-04-23
36 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#131 Finding your strengths
Ioana and Anfia explore ways to identify and leverage personal skills for career growth, and find products that align with you personality.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • What helped Ioana realize her interest in the AI field, especially when AI was just becoming popular?• How to identify your skills and use them to shape your career?• What steps can you take to find a product that matches your personality and values?Check out these links:Join Anfi’s ...
2025-04-15
38 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#130 AI's Impact on the Design Process
Ioana talks about the impact of AI on the field of UX design.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • Where can AI support the design process, and where should we be cautious?• What AI tools does Ioana use in her design work?Check out these links:Ioana's AI for designers course on Interaction Design Foundation.Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterGuide to AI - Resources & Links LibraryJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.❓Next topic ideas:Submit your questions or feedback anonymously her...
2025-04-08
23 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#129 How to become an AI designer
Ioana talks about the impact of AI on the field of UX design.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: 1:06 - Episode Begins2:17 - Wix Sponsorship3:31 - Ioana’s Journey into AI Design9:02 - What does it mean to be an AI designer, and why should you consider pursuing this career?17:10 - What are some practical ways designers can integrate AI into their current roles?21:53 - How can you present AI-driven solutions to stakeholders?Check out these links:
2025-03-26
27 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#128 UX leadership during the tech crisis
Anfisa and Ioana explore the future of UX maturity in product organizations, examining the shift away from user-centricity, the impact of AI, and how we can redefine the benchmarks for measuring UX effectiveness in the evolving design landscape.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: 01:04 Episode starts02:35 Wix sponsorship04:16 Catch up09:39 What will UX maturity in product organizations look like in 2025 and in the years to follow?21:07 What is coming up for us in the design industry? With a clear shift away from user-cen...
2025-03-18
39 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#127 How to get promoted in UX design
Anfi and Ioana discuss what factors influence promotions and strategies for designers in various contexts to achieve advancement in your career.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode: • What factors come into play when seeking a promotion?• How can designers in different contexts achieve promotion?• What are the tips for designers who feel frustrated about not being promoted?• What strategies can designers employ if they work in environments that do not have formal promotion cycles?Check out these links:Joi...
2025-03-05
38 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#126 I am a senior designer now, what's next?
Anfisa and Ioana delve into the challenges that senior designers face as they reach the peak of their careers.In this episode: • Anfi and Ioana share their personal experiences• Should you aim for a management position, or is it better to focus on growing as an individual contributor?• What skills should I learn next?Check out these links:Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter...
2025-02-25
44 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#124 The skills UX designers need in 2025
Anfisa and Ioana explore strategies for navigating the design market in challenging times and discuss what essential skills designers need to acquire.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode:• What skills should I focus on learning now to stay relevant in the design market?• How will technology advancements impact the job market and skills demand in 2025 and beyond?• How can I adapt to emerging technologies, including AI?Check out these links:Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a va...
2025-01-21
39 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#123 Year-End Reflections
Anfisa and Ioana share their reflections on the year.This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio.In this episode:• What achievements are we most proud of from this year?• What were the defining high and low moments we experienced?• What key themes or words resonate with our intentions for the coming year?Check out these links:Ioana's AI Goodies NewsletterJoin Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey.Enroll in Ioana's AI course ...
2024-12-24
42 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#120 Favorite product design books
Anfisa and Ioana talk about their favorite UX design books. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. In this episode: • What were some of the most influential books that shaped our careers? • What are some of the must-read books that we would recommend to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry? Design book classics we mentioned: The design of everyday things (by Don Norman) Don't make me think (by Steve Krug) Visual Explanations (by Edward Tufte) Steal Like an Artist / Keep Going / Show Your Work...
2024-12-05
39 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#119 Emerging and future design roles
Anfisa and Ioana dive into how design roles might evolve in the future. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. In this episode: • What trends are currently shaping the design landscape? • How do you envision the future of career growth within the design field? • What do you anticipate for researchers and content designers, who also play integral roles in design organizations? Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey. ...
2024-11-21
33 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
159 | Can We 'Tune' Into God? Powerful Mindset Shift for Greater Joy in Christ | Dr. Ioana Popa
If you are reading this, most likely you long to access more and more of God’s presence in your daily life. Yet, one of the biggest challenges we face is that we often strive too much to be with God. And at the opposite end, we might try to give up our will completely to God, which can lead us into passivity. How can we find the right balance? Is there a way to co-create with God? Can we 'tune' into God's presence? Yes, and the Ancient Christian theology has a beautiful fr...
2024-11-15
14 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#118 Mastering Whiteboarding and Take-Home Assignments in UX Design
Anfi and Ioana explore whiteboarding exercises and take-home assignments, discuss their experiences and share tips for successfully completing them. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. In this episode: •What are whiteboarding exercises and take-home assignments? •What are some common examples of whiteboarding challenges and take-home assignments? •When should you accept or decline assignments? •What tips can help you successfully complete whiteboarding challenges and take-home assignments? Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and works...
2024-11-12
41 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#117 Designing for AI at Miro
Anfi and Ioana dive into the journey of an AI designer, exploring the transition from concept to production, the unique challenges of designing AI features, and the insights gained from user research that shape the process. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. Episode Timestamps: 0:51 – Episode Intro1:55 – Wix Sponsorship3:26 – Regular Catch-up 5:43 – Can you share your journey joining the new team as an AI Designer at Miro?19:27 – How many of those initial concepts made it into production? What are the differences between a typical design process and an AI-driven one...
2024-11-05
42 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
157 | Effective Communications & The Power of Expressing Our Needs | Dr. Ioana Popa
As Christian women professionals, how many times have we been performing well, excelling, and offering support to everyone around us—only to find ourselves caught off guard by an unexpected comment? Many of us weren’t culturally trained to express our needs, especially in fast-paced environments like work, home, or church. Sometimes, we’re stunned into silence; other times, we react with frustration, leaving us displeased with ourselves afterward. In today’s episode, I’ll unpack why these moments happen and how they relate to our unmet needs. I’ll also share what lies beyond...
2024-11-01
16 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
155 | Quick Tips To Come Back To Your Grounded Center Using Science | Dr. Ioana Popa
Today, we continue our focus on staying grounded as we lift one another up in Christ. In this episode, I’ll share a third way to come back to our grounded center as we navigate political debates and how we can hold strong values and opinions while also practicing compassion for other human beings, which we are called to in Christ. I unpack practical ways to center ourselves, especially through a nervous system perspective, so that we can respond with peace and clarity in these uncertain times. If you’re ready to return to y...
2024-10-18
16 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#112 What to look for in a UX Role?
Anfi and Ioana explore the key factors that have shaped their career decisions and offer insights on making thoughtful choices for your professional journey. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. Episode Timestamps: 0:58 - Episode Kickoff 1:04 - Special announcement about our new partnership with Wix 3:01 - Life Updates 8:43 - Reflecting on the mechanisms behind career decisions and key learnings so far 25:40 - How to assess team dynamics, company culture, and project fit during interviews? Mentioned in this episode: Platforms that provide insights into company cultures, organizational structures, an...
2024-10-16
35 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
154 | Lifting Up Our Neighbors Who Are Suffering - In Prayer | Dr. Ioana Popa
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* There's so much happening in our world right now, from hurricanes in Florida, upcoming elections, to ongoing struggles across the country and in the world. Most likely you have been praying already - so thank you for that! And in today's episode on Youtube and Podcast, the invitation is to do it TOGETHER, across time and space throughout the DAY, to cover those who suffer with our prayers. Christ said whenever 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He is with us.
2024-10-11
09 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
153 | Staying Peaceful and Centered in Christ During Divisive Election Season | Dr. Ioana Popa
It’s election season in the United States, and with so much inflammatory news and commentary, how can we stay peaceful and centered like Christ? This is challenging because many people hold strong political views, and the news and comments can often inflame our emotions, raising our heart rates and pulling us away from that "peace that surpasses all understanding." On top of this, social media algorithms are formed: the more we click, the more we are shown content that reinforces our views, our positions and choices become magnified and come back to us like an...
2024-10-04
19 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#113 Collaborating with developers
Anfi and Ioana share their experiences collaborating with engineers, what makes a great developer, and offer tips for improving teamwork. Timestamps: 0:41 Episode’s intro and updates from Anfi and Ioana 05:00 How has your collaboration with engineers evolved over the last 10 years? 11:52 What qualities make a good engineer from a designer’s perspective? 22:54 Tips for effective collaboration: How can regular syncing help improve teamwork? What are the strategies for staying on the same page with devs if you work remotely? Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s ...
2024-10-01
32 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
152 | Are You Using Your Brain’s Hidden Gift To Build Holistic Self-Care? | Dr. Ioana Popa
As a Christian woman, you pour out into your work, family, community, vocation, and church and chances are that your plate is full. And probably you might not have time to regenerate and feel the presence of God everyday, even when you set your mind to do it. First, let me say that you are not alone! And second, here’s the amazing part: God has designed a hidden part of our brain to work FOR us - even while we rest! This hidden power can help you: 🌱 Consolidate learning even while sleeping. 💧 Regenerate...
2024-09-27
13 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#112 Design market predictions
This episode was recorded during the Hatch conference in Berlin. In this episode: • What key trends shaped the design industry in 2023 and 2024? How do they influence the design market in 2025 and beyond? • What can designers do today to stay competitive in the evolving design industry? Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey. Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount. ❓Next topic ideas: Submit yo...
2024-09-17
40 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
150 | Five Effortless Practices to Close the Gap Between Your Intentions & Actions | Dr. Ioana Popa
As successful as we are as Christian Women professionals and servant leaders, how many times do we want to do things and end up delaying or not doing them? And, at the opposite end, we sometimes impulsively jump into action, to only regret it later. These moments of mismatch between our true intentions and our actions can drain our energy, nagging us in the back of our minds, that we 'are not good enough.' Sometimes these nagging thoughts are just below the surface of our consciousness, leaving us with an unshakable feeling...
2024-09-13
13 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
149 | Seek The Kingdom of God: Aligning Mind, Body, Heart and Soul in Contemplation | Dr. Ioana Popa
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* As we start the fall season with all its busyness and reflect on our intentions for the coming months, it's essential to remind ourselves to stay focused on God. And there's no better way to do that than to align your conscious mind—with its logical, cause-and-effect thinking—with your deeper intuition and subconscious wisdom. One way to achieve this is through contemplative practices. In this episode, we contemplate on a Bible verse and experience how dwelling on scripture not only engages our...
2024-09-06
10 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
147 | Using Memory Retrieval Cues to Solidify Your Effortless Habits | Dr. Ioana Popa
We are often so busy with commitments and giving to others in Christ, that we have to rely heavily on our to-do lists to manage our day. But unless you are a To-Do-List Ninja, it is easy to get tired of the structure they provide. And when we finally pause to regenerate, it is so easy to get sucked into mindless activity (social media, news, shows), which on the surface seems to be fun, but they are not truly regenerating and can leave us feeling drained or empty. In this episode, I’ll un...
2024-08-23
12 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#111 Becoming a mature UX designer
In this episode: • What does it mean to be a mature designer? • What key traits should you focus on developing as you advance in your design career? • Is maturity in design the same as seniority, or is it something else? • Hosts share practical tips, insights, and personal stories about navigating workplace conflicts and growing into a more mature designer. Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey. ...
2024-08-20
34 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
146 | Can We 'Create' TIME For Ourselves? One Powerful Psychological Concept | Dr. Ioana Popa
How many of us feel we don’t have enough time in the day to regenerate and do self-care? One of the most common complaints I hear from people, including myself years ago, is: "I don't have time." And that’s a valid concern, as there are so many things we want to do, so many people to serve in Christ, so many activities to get involved with, not to mention doing self-care. But here are two unique things about TIME: 1️⃣ Time is the best equalizer in the world, as ALL of us have the same 24...
2024-08-15
13 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#110 Storytelling in UX portfolios
In this episode: • Why is storytelling important? • Why is everybody talking about storytelling? What does it mean to have a story in your portfolio? • How should a good case study be structured? • What are some tips and tricks for effectively using storytelling in your portfolio? Mentioned in this episode: Hatch Conference in Berlin, September 4-6 Ioana's Instagram live on how the life of an AI product designer looks like. Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support yo...
2024-08-06
33 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
143 | From Information To Transformation: A Contemplative Practice For The Kingdom | Dr. Ioana Popa
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* We live in an age filled with knowledge but, as you know, there's a difference between information and transformation. So how do we navigate all the information which is available to us, in order to experience transformation? There are many ways to transform in Christ, one of which is using contemplative practices. Contemplations are very helpful, because during the practices, we allow for alignment and integration between our left brain and right brain, between our logical mind and our Godly wisdom/intuition.
2024-07-25
11 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
142 | Training Your Focus: Aligning with God's Higher Ways | Dr. Ioana Popa
Are you familiar with this verse (this is one of my favorites!): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."" — Isaiah 55:8-9 And (re)reading this verse you might wonder: how do we actually access more of God's thoughts? How do we shift our attention from being hijacked by all the things happening around and/or inside of us, in order to allow mo...
2024-07-18
15 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
141 | Harnessing the Power of Emotions: Wisdom from the Bible, Science & Psychology | Dr. Ioana Popa
As Christian women, we are often more in touch with our emotions, which can sometimes carry negative connotations, especially in social situations. You might have heard comments like, "Oh, women are so emotional." And to make things more complicated, emotions come with their own negative stories and thought patterns, which can make our emotions even more intense. But it is not our fault! God created us in such a way, that we naturally experience variations in our emotions and energy levels: one day we can be joyful, peaceful, and another day we might...
2024-07-11
14 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
140 | Stuck In Negative Stories? Insights: God’s Ways to Heal Our Thoughts | Dr. Ioana Popa
Our mind produces thousands and thousands of thoughts each day, and based on research, many of them are actually negative and repetitive. So does this mean that we are stuck in our conditionings inside of our mind? Do we need to constantly fight them? What if there's a way God designed our brain to help us with this? Throughout my career in the medical and psychological fields I have seen lots of perspective shifting, and the good news is that we now have a better (and more hopeful) way of understanding our brain...
2024-07-04
14 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#107 How can your side interests help in you UX career?
In this episode: • How can you leverage your secondary skills in your UX journey? • How can you utilize your background when transitioning into a UX career? • How can you begin identifying which of your skills are relevant to design? LinkedIn post mentioned in the beginning of the episode Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community: Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount. ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously here...
2024-07-02
25 min
Welcome to the Mystery
Navigating the Calling to do the Work
Episode 6Navigating the Calling to do the WorkThis week Ioana talks about how we can navigate the Call to Serve and do the Work and the challenges that come with it in a manner that is as safe and as anchored as possible.We explore:Anchoring back into our body and the difficulties that some of us can have with thatFinding those places in nature that nurture us and strengthen our connection to the Earth and to all that is and where we can hear our soul...
2024-06-30
43 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
139 | Marrying Christian Faith and Psychology? Renewal Conversation with the Louhs | Dr. Ioana Popa
If you have been with me for a while, you know how passionate I am about integrating what seems for some people to be opposites: science/psychology and our Christian faith. And today you will hear an interview with a couple that does the same thing - integrating faith with psychology, this time within their marriage: the Louhs! Fr. Nick Louh is the pastor of a church in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition, and Dr. Roxane Louh is a Clinical Psychologist. In this Renewal Conversation, they share how their unique approach combines practical life...
2024-06-27
58 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#106 Remote vs. Office Jobs: Pros and Cons
In this episode: • Hosts' Experiences with Office vs. Remote Jobs: • Why understanding cultural aspects is crucial for remote work? Mentioned in this episode: "Culture map" book Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community: Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount. ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously here Links: 🎓 Into UX design online course by Anfisa 🎓 Domestika course Create a Learning Strategy by Ioana 🧡 Want to support us? Sign up here to get access to exclusive locked episodes for
2024-06-27
33 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
138 | Regenerate Through the Body In Just A Few Minutes: Contemplative Practice | Dr. Ioana Popa
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* As Christian women wanting to serve others in our vocation, it's easy to get pulled in too many directions as we often carry responsibilities that leave us feeling depleted. But what if you could find calm and renewal in just a few minutes? Wait, is that even possible? Yes, the fastest way to shift our state of being is through our body. We are psycho-somatic beings, and psychological research is showing that as we shift our body, our emotions and even our hormones change...
2024-06-20
13 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
137 | Setting Intentions Effortlessly Using Psychology, For The Kingdom | Dr. Ioana Popa
Do intentions matter or not for the Kingdom? And if so, how can I set intentions in a way that feels effortless? Is there a way that God created our brain to support us in this? These are common questions that I hear often from my students and clients, and I am here to say that - YES - intentions do matter - YES - we can set intentions in an effortless way, without adding one more thing on our TO-DO list- and YES - God created our brain in an amazing way...
2024-06-13
16 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
136 | Self-care Micro Mindset Shift: Beyond Weekends and Vacations, for Christian Women | Dr. Ioana Popa
Are you ready to transform the way you think about self-care and renewal? There is a micro mindset shift that you can make today which can have a tremendous impact on your life. The reality that is often overlooked by many is this: renewal and self-care are not projects. Too often, we wait for the perfect vacation, retreat, or weekend to take care of ourselves - turning self-care into a task rather than a way of being, adding more to our TO-DO list. But we are busy caring for others in the first...
2024-06-06
07 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#105 Discovering what you are good at as a UX designer
In this episode Anfisa and Ioana discuss how can you learn what you are good at as a UX designer. Mentioned in this episode: "Which of the million UX roles suits you best? A personality type analysis" article by Bas Wallet Hatch Conference in Berlin Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community: Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount. "Honest UX talks" Linkedin page ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously ...
2024-06-06
27 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
135 | 'Mind Your Mind': Powerful Tips to Shift Thoughts & Assumptions with Dr. Randa Anderson
“Is everything really the way it appears to you? Always put a question mark after every thought, since you usually look at things with a negative slant…If you put two question marks, it is better. If you put three, it is better still.” - St. Paisios (modern saint from Mt. Athos). Our mind and thoughts are so helpful in navigating our responsibilities and life, but on the flip side, they can get us at times into difficulties, as thoughts are usually a reflection of our subconscious assumptions and beliefs. It is comforting to know that ch...
2024-05-30
45 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#104 Collaborating with content designers (at MEWS)
In this episode, Anfisa is discussing collaboration with Michael at MEWS: • How does collaboration between UX designers and content designers look like? • What are the differences between journalism and UX writing? • What brought Michael from a journalist into UX writing? • Is it important for the UX writer to read a lot? • What's the typical workflow of the UX writer? • What UX designers can learn from content designers about accessibility? • How do you prepare yourself to enter the UX writing industry? Episode's gues...
2024-05-29
1h 06
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
134 | Short Contemplative Practice: Release The Cares of the World with Scripture
*Do NOT drive or operate machinery - during this Contemplative practice* Last week I shared about the significance of a Separate & Release routine in order for us to let go of the day effectively and 'put the cares of the world to the side,' as our Christian faith encourages us to do. As a follow up, today I invite you to schedule some time for yourself, a pause in your day, to experience a Separate and Release contemplative practice and spend time with God and with a bible verse, to do just that.
2024-05-23
13 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#103 When to stop hustling
In this episode: • Where does the pressure to hustle come from for designers? When can you say enough is enough? • What hustling can bring you in a positive and in a negative way? • Are junior designers more prone to hustle or feeling that they need to prove themselves? Are they having a harder time to stop compared to senior designers? Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community: Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount. ...
2024-05-22
41 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#101 Am I good enough?
In this episode: • What to do if you feel you are not good enough as a designer in the beginning of your career? • What are the factors influencing the feeling of being an impostor? • Tips and advice form Anfi and Ioana on how they dealt with impostor syndrome. • How does company culture Iinfluence your response to impostor syndrome? Mentioned in this episode: "Culture map" book Check out these courses: Join Anfi’s Job Search community: Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Ca...
2024-05-01
45 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
117 | Avoid the Slippery Slope of Burnout: Address The #1 Core Belief for Christian Women | Dr. Ioana Popa
Is self-care considered selfish? I often hear these phrases among Christian women: “ I am selfish if I take care of myself,” or “I know I need to do self-care but (deep down) I still feel selfish.” As a Christian woman, you might be wondering, “aren’t we supposed to be like Christ and just give, give and give?” There's some truth to that, however the more skilled we are, and the more we give and help others, more and more people are going to come to us for help. And the more you have to give...
2024-01-25
15 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#91 Growing as UX designers
In this episode: Anfi and Ioana look back at their careers and reflect on the challenges they encountered professionally. They share tips and strategies they used in order to overcome those challenges. Check out these courses: Enroll on Ioana's AI course "AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career" on Interaction Design Foundation with 25% discount. Enroll on Anfisa's "Job hunting strategy course | early sign up" ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously here Links: 🎓 Into UX design online course by Anfisa 🎓 Domestika course Create a Learning Strategy by Ioana 🧡 Want to support us? Sign up here to get access to exclusive l
2024-01-10
39 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#87 How we failed a podcast re-branding project
In this episode: Anfisa and Ioana delve into the missteps behind the failed rebranding of 'Honest UX Talks'. Let us know where do you usually listen to the 'Honest UX talks' podcast in the question section. Mentioned in this episode: Enroll on Ioana's AI course "AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career" on Interaction Design Foundation with 25% discount. ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously here Links: 🎓 Into UX design online course by Anfisa 🎓 Domestika course Create a Learning Strategy by Ioana 🧡 Want to support us?...
2023-11-28
27 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#86 The Long-Awaited Return: UX and Life Check-in
In this episode: Anfisa and Ioana unveil their career milestones and life transformations. Let us know where do you usually listen to the 'Honest UX talks' podcast in the question section. Mentioned in this episode: Enroll on Ioana's AI course "AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career" on Interaction Design Foundation with 25% discount. ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously here Links: 🎓 Into UX design online course by Anfisa 🎓 Domestika course Create a Learning Strategy by Ioana 🧡 Want to support us? Sign up here to get access...
2023-11-23
30 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
101 | Walking With God and Preventing Burnout: Renewal Conversation With Janell Wood and Dr. Ioana Popa
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, especially as Christian women dedicated to serving others, it's not uncommon to sometimes dismiss the signs of burnout. "It is not happening to me" is a common subconscious thought. We often push ourselves to the limit, thinking it's our duty in Christ to keep giving without pause, but then feel a sense of subtle shame or guilt when we say no. All this is very common. But what if there were ways to prevent burnout before it took a toll on our well-being and our connection...
2023-10-06
58 min
Honest UX Talks by Wix Studio
#85 The Impact of AI on UX Design industry
Episode's sponsor: Dovetail is a one source of truth for all sorts of user research insights. Collect, analyse, synthesize and share user research easily and effectively. In this episode: How is AI changing the design industry? What is the type of work AI can and cannot do? What skills are not going to be replaced by AI in the foreseeable future? What kind of design work can be easily automated? How to stay relevant in the design industry? Upcoming Events: ...
2023-05-25
36 min
Thriving In Christ | Professional Women, High Level Habits, Resilience, Burnout, Stress, Grief
71 | A Deep Way of Knowing If We Are Renewing or Not: Interview With Dr. Ioana Popa, Co-founder Team for the Soul®
"There are so many self-care advices nowadays, how do I know what to choose? As I love giving to others, how do I know if I am renewing, so I don't burn out?" If you have questions like these, you are not alone. In this episode, you will hear directly from the co-founders of Team For The Soul®, as Sebastien is interviewing Dr. Ioana on the topic. She will share briefly about: - Her journey of giving and regeneration - The overarching Inner Conscious Psychological Map which inspired the choice of a...
2023-03-10
33 min