By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader How studying people taught me how to lead them. 💬 Introduction: UX Research Leadership Lessons Hidden in Research Sessions UX Research Leadership didn’t come to me through an MBA program, a management seminar, or a job title. It came through research sessions  — hours of listening, observing, and learning how people think, feel, and behave. Over time, I realized the same principles that make a great UX researcher also make a great leade

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader How humility, listening, and empowerment create stronger research cultures. 💬 Introduction: Leadership That Starts With Service In UX research, leadership isn’t about titles, control, or visibility — it’s about service.The most effective leaders I’ve met weren’t the loudest voices in the room; they were the ones who listened the deepest. Servant leadership shifts the center of gravity from “How can my team serve me?”  to “How can I serv

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Remote and hybrid work have permanently reshaped how teams connect, collaborate, and grow. While the tools have changed, one timeless leadership model continues to stand out: servant leadership . Rooted in empathy, trust, and empowerment, servant leadership is especially powerful in distributed workplaces where face-to-face connections are limited. What is Servant Leadership? Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy. Instead of

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader “The art of leadership is not giving answers, but asking the right questions.”    In UX research, autonomy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When leaders shift from issuing directives to posing thoughtful questions, they unlock deeper insight, stronger ownership, and scalable impact. Why Autonomy Matters in UX Research UX researchers thrive when they’re trusted to explore, adapt, and innovate. Autonomy fuels: Methodological rigor : Resear

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader   Leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.  In UX research, this means shifting from directing to empowering—serving first, so your team can thrive. Why “Serve First” Matters in UX Research UX researchers are the heartbeat of user-centered design. They navigate ambiguity, advocate for users, and translate insights into impact. But too often, they’re asked to deliver without being supported.

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the high-stakes world of research-driven organizations—where data guides decisions and insights shape strategy—trust isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the currency of collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. And one leadership philosophy consistently earns that trust: servant leadership . What Is Servant Leadership? Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy. Instead of commanding from the top, servant leaders empower f

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader In the fast-paced world of product development, UX Research Leaders often feel the pressure to move quickly, deliver insights, and prove value. But the strongest leaders know that their role isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about empowering their team to thrive. This is where servant leadership  becomes not only relevant but transformative. Understanding Servant Leadership Servant leadership flips the traditional leadership mode

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As UX Research Leaders, we don’t just manage projects—we manage people. And sometimes, the conversations we have with our researchers are charged with emotion. Whether it’s frustration over a stalled project, anxiety about career growth, or personal stress spilling into work, these moments require us to lean into servant leadership. Servant leadership isn’t about control; it’s about care, empathy, and creating a space where people feel h

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As researchers, we’re trained to uncover hidden truths, challenge assumptions, and illuminate the details that often go unnoticed. But sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen when we pull back the curtain on ourselves. As your UX Research Leader, I believe transparency and authenticity are as important as skill and strategy. So today, I want to share a few things you might not know about me—beyond resumes, research decks, and t

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader As someone who’s built and scaled UX research practices across global organizations, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring researchers at every level. One of the most important—and often most misunderstood—conversations is about promotion. If you’re thinking about leveling up, here’s what I want you to know before you ask me for a promotion. This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about demonstrating readiness, strategic impact, and...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader In Agile environments, leadership is less about command-and-control and more about empowering...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader The strength of a UX research team isn’t just in the expertise of its senior members—it’s in how...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader When I stepped into the role of UX Research Manager, I quickly realized the title wasn’t just...

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader One of the greatest challenges leaders face is finding the sweet spot between empowering their...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader Leadership is more than assigning tasks and hitting deadlines—it’s about inspiring growth,...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader Servant Leadership in Agile Environments: Empowering Teams for Real Impact Agile isn’t just a...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader In a world that often celebrates authority and control, servant leadership offers a refreshing—and...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader UX research is a discipline rooted in empathy, listening, and service to users. So it’s no...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader A great UX research leader is more than just an exceptional researcher — they’re a strategist, a...

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader Being a great manager isn’t just about delivering results—it’s about building the kind of environment where your team can thrive, grow, and feel valued. The best managers are also mentors, guiding their people not only toward business goals but toward personal and professional fulfillment. After years of leading and mentoring teams, here’s what I’ve found matters most: How to be the Best UX Research Manager 1. Put People Before Projects