131: Why I don't teach every UX topic (and why my focus is *your* superpower)

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Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Feel like you’re doing everything “right” and still not getting anywhere? You might be saying yes to too much—and it’s slowing you down.

In this episode, Sarah shares how one of Steve Jobs’ greatest strengths—his ability to say no—has shaped the design of Career Strategy Lab and her own career choices. You’ll hear how saying no to shiny objects, distractions, and opportunities that seem exciting on the surface actually leads to deeper results, more momentum, and a better UX for job seekers inside CSL.

Whether you’re applying to every job that pops up, overcommitting to upskilling, or trying to be everything to everyone, this episode is a reminder that focus is a strategy—and saying no is a skill.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What Steve Jobs’ product philosophy can teach you about your UX career

✔️ How Sarah decides what to say no to in her business—and why it matters

✔️ Why not doing “all the things” actually creates better outcomes for clients

✔️ The trade-offs you’re making every time you say yes

✔️ How saying no led to CSL’s newest AI tool + all-in-one experience

✔️ 3 reflection questions to help you narrow your focus and move forward

Timestamps:

01:50 Steve Jobs' Focus Strategy

03:55 Applying Focus in My Career

08:01 The Importance of Specialization

11:47 Real-Life Examples of Saying No

13:28 The Ripple Effect of Focus

17:50 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

20:07 Conclusion and How to Connect

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