“If I’m so great, why am I not in high demand?” 😔
Daniel asked this question during our conversation earlier today, and I know he’s not alone.
Daniel’s been in tech for over 20 years – a psychology and social work degree holder who brings deep expertise in delivering empathetic and joyful user experiences. He’s brilliant, experienced, and exactly the kind of human-centred practitioner we need.
And yet it’s been tough finding the next opportunity.
To specialize or go wide?
Is his brand of “empathy” is too fluffy for CIOs who just want outcomes?
Here’s what’s happening out there:
🥦 AI is quietly eroding junior positions
🥦 Companies won’t approve headcount unless they can prove AI can’t do it
🥦 We have AI talking to AI – candidates using it to apply, recruiters using it to filter
🥦 250+ applications within hours of posting a role
The result? Massive mistrust on both sides. 😖
But here’s what Daniel reminded me of:
In the AI era, human connection matters MORE, not less. ❤️
AI can help us breathe.
But it shouldn’t replace the deep human relationships that matter – whether that’s with donors in nonprofits, customers in crisis, or team members who are already stretched to 250%.
Daniel’s staying true to his brand: Delivering empathetic, joyful user experiences through a human-centred lens.
Not because it’s “fluffy” – but because it drives the outcomes CIOs actually care about: adoption, reduced support tickets, better data quality, systems that people actually USE.
If this resonates – remember:
🍩Your worth isn’t your employment status
🍩Sometimes the market timing just sucks (and it’s not you)
🍩Don’t diminish your struggles by comparing to others
🍩Keep putting your authentic self out there
Daniel – thank you for your authenticity and vulnerability. Your gifts matter. The world needs more people who lead with empathy. 🌹
And to anyone reading this who values human-centred design and empathetic leadership – Daniel’s looking for his next opportunity.
He’s worth talking to.
—> By the way, Daniel will be speaking at the next
#BadAssBA meetup that Vanessa Grant and myself co-lead on 28 October! Keep your eye out for the announcement! (the details to join 👇🏻- make sure to set the filter to “Most Recent” as LinkedIn hides comments with URLs 🙄)
If you’re in a good place, reach out to someone who might not be. If you’re not in a good place, please reach out to someone safe.
If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to: UK: Samaritans freephone 116 123 USA: Crisis line 988
You don’t have to go through this alone.
