PHILIP BURGESS

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Servant leadership often gets misunderstood as a style where leaders simply yield to others, avoiding conflict or difficult decisions. This view misses the core of what servant leadership truly means. Serving others does not require passivity or sacrificing your own needs and limits. In fact, setting clear boundaries is essential to lead effectively while serving. This post explores how servant leaders can balance care and authority, ens

The only constant in the world of UX is change. As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are emerging that will shape the future of UX research. In this post, we'll explore the most significant of these trends and what they mean for UX professionals. Embracing Change in UX Research Change is inevitable in the world of user experience. As we move forward, it's essential to stay informed about the trends that will impact our work. Understanding these trends can help us adap

By Philip Burgess The Power of UX Research: A Guide for 2025 UX Research is the systematic study of users, their behaviors, needs, and motivations to improve product design and usability. It employs various research methods and techniques that gather insights through qualitative, quantitative, or mixed approaches to inform and optimize user experience design throughout product development. Key Aspects of UX Research The main purpose, and power of UX Research, is to understan

When I first encountered affinity mapping, I was struck by its simplicity and power. It’s a method that turns chaos into clarity, helping teams uncover patterns in user data that might otherwise remain hidden. If you’re looking to elevate your UX research and strategy, mastering affinity mapping is a game-changer. It’s not just about organizing notes on a wall; it’s about unlocking insights that drive smarter design decisions and measurable business value. Let’s dive into how

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 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 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 Leading a UX research team in an agile environment requires more than just managing tasks and deadlines. It demands a leadership style that puts the team’s needs first, fosters collaboration, and nurtures growth. Servant leadership offers a powerful approach to achieve this by focusing on empathy, support, and shared purpose. This post explores how servant leadership can transform the way UX research teams operate within agile frameworks

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Servant Leadership often brings to mind images of someone standing at the front, directing the team with authority. Yet, my experience as a UX Research Manager has taught me that leading from behind can be far more powerful. Embracing the role of a servant leader has reshaped how I guide my team, foster collaboration, and deliver meaningful user insights. This post shares my journey, practical lessons, and the impact of servant leadershi

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Servant leadership is a powerful approach that focuses on supporting and developing team members rather than controlling every detail. Yet, many leaders struggle to find the right balance between guiding their teams and stepping back enough to allow autonomy. Micromanagement can stifle creativity and motivation, while too little involvement may leave teams feeling unsupported. This post explores how leaders can empower their teams effect

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Agile teams thrive when leadership focuses on supporting and enabling team members rather than directing them. Servant leadership fits naturally within Agile frameworks by putting the needs of the team first and helping individuals grow. This approach creates an environment where teams can deliver real impact through collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Team collaborating in an Agile workspace What Servant Leadership Me

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Leadership often brings to mind authority, control, and decision-making power. Yet, a different approach has gained attention for its focus on serving others first. Servant leadership flips traditional leadership on its head by prioritizing the growth and well-being of people and communities. This style creates environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best. Understanding the core principles

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research shapes how products and services meet real human needs. Yet, the success of UX research depends not only on methods and tools but also on how teams work together. Servant leadership offers a powerful way to support UX researchers and their teams, creating an environment where everyone can contribute fully and deliver meaningful results. Servant leadership focuses on serving the team first, helping members gr

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader When I think about my role as a leader, one thing always comes to mind: I work for my team, not the other way around.  That mindset is at the heart of servant leadership , and it’s shaped every decision I’ve made in my career. Over the years, I’ve led teams of every size—from one person to fifteen—and in every scenario, my focus has been the same: remove barriers, build trust, and help people grow into their best selves. What Servant Lea