profile

Joe Taylor Jr.

I write about what it takes to change your world, whether that's making music, growing a business, or crafting something uniquely yours.

Featured Post

Mid-week Briefing: Stability from Self-Trust; No More Midlife Crisis; Intentional Awareness at Work

Hello Reader, Here's what I've been talking about with clients this week... Career transitions trigger deep uncertainty, but building self-trust provides stability when external systems fail. This article explores how internal resilience, not forced confidence, helps professionals navigate job loss and career upheaval. Key takeaways: • Distrust vs. mistrust matter differently: Distrust protects against specific threats like layoffs, while mistrust creates pervasive doubt that undermines...

Hello Reader, Here's what we're talking about with clients and UX Helpdesk members this week... Modern branding transcends logos and campaigns... It’s fundamentally shaped by digital interactions. The evolution of brand identity now places user experience and interface design at the core of how companies connect with audiences. Key takeaways: • Digital-first reality: Brand perception is increasingly determined by online touchpoints rather than traditional visual elements, making every...

Hello Reader, Here's what I've been talking about with clients this week... Alanis Morissette reflects on three decades since Jagged Little Pill ...discussing addiction, menopause, and the predatory music industry of the 90s in a candid Guardian interview ahead of her Glastonbury debut. • Recovery requires radical honesty: Morissette describes addiction as “relief-seeking measures that kill you eventually,” naming work, love, sex, and shopping as her personal struggles. She emphasizes the...

Hello Reader, Here are three of the stories we've been reviewing with clients and with members of our new UX Helpdesk program... 1,000 Untrue Fans: Seth Godin on Authentic Audience Building Seth Godin challenges the popular “1,000 true fans” concept by examining what happens when creators prioritize numbers over authentic connections. He argues that superficial engagement metrics often mask the absence of real impact. Key takeaways: • Many creators focus on accumulating followers rather than...

Hello Reader, Here's what we're talking about with clients this week... Web Vitals: Essential Metrics for Measuring Website Performance Google’s Web Vitals initiative provides standardized metrics to help developers measure real-world user experience on websites, focusing on loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability to ensure optimal digital experiences. Key Takeaways: • Core Web Vitals simplify performance tracking by focusing on three critical metrics: Largest Contentful...

Hello Reader, Here's a few of the topics I've been talking about with clients this week: Financial hardships and shifting life expectations are reshaping how millennials experience their midlife transitions. Unlike previous generations’ stereotypical sports-car-and-affair crises, today’s 40-somethings are seeking meaningful reinvention through fitness journeys, career pivots, and authentic self-expression while navigating economic constraints. • Economic reality check: 81% of millennials...

A person stands in the middle of a dry, grassy field, draped in a white sheet with two black eye holes cut out, resembling a ghost.

Hello Reader, Here's what our team's been talking about with our clients and UX Helpdesk members this week... Herajeng Gustiayu calls out something we’ve been talking about with our UX coaching and helpdesk clients for years… Software development has become unnecessarily complex, with developers drowning in tool sprawl and configuration nightmares that detract from actual problem-solving and innovation. • Tool overload creates friction: Modern development requires juggling dozens of...

A baby rat explores a tiny vase.

Hello Reader, Here's this week's rundown of stories I'm talking about with my clients and colleagues... The traditional one-job career model is crumbling as AI eliminates entry-level white-collar positions and companies prioritize profit over loyalty. Career coach J.T. O’Donnell outlines a strategic path to escape dependency on single-employer income through knowledge monetization. • Identify your Unique Value Add (UVA): Transform from “just an employee” to a business-of-one by understanding...

A couple of zebra standing next to each other

Strategic Insights for mission-driven leaders facing interpersonal challenges Workplace Conflict Reached Critical Levels in 2024 The latest research from the Workplace Peace Institute reveals that workplace conflict has intensified significantly, with 32% of disputes occurring between different management levels. The study found that 88% of leaders have witnessed poor morale among employees affected by conflict, while 23% of employees have left their jobs due to unresolved workplace tensions....

A blue robot toy stands up.

Hello Reader, Here's a summary of the user experience and customer service stories we've been chatting about with our clients this week... Artificial Incompetence: The Dark Side of AI in Customer Experience Shep Hyken explores how “artificial incompetence” - poorly implemented AI systems - can damage customer relationships and brand reputation. When companies deploy AI without proper testing or human oversight, the resulting frustration creates worse experiences than having no automation at...