Design Me

I never really understood why I used the 20% of apps on my phone, 80% of the time. I never really understood how those apps hooked me each step of the way. I never really understood the importance of seamless design flow in the user experience.

I never really mapped out the necessity of seamless UI & UX on the impact of revenue. If revenue cures all problems, good design is the oil of oregano (if ever you feel like you are getting sick, trust me, get oil of oregano).

Now it’s one of the pieces I think about daily, not only digitally but in real life (yes, real life is still a thing, and we are still humans…I think).

In today’s digital-first world, leaders can’t afford to overlook UX, especially in combination with AI—it’s a key driver of customer retention and revenue. This newsletter covers:

1. The UX advantage with Dorsa Giyahi of Designers and Coffee

2. AI for non-techy leaders

3. Key Headlines

4. Benefits of Cannabis and Working Out

⏲️ Estimated read time 6 minutes.

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The UX Advantage: Empowering Leaders to Drive Growth 

With Dorsa Giyahi from Designers & Coffee

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the line between online and in-person interactions has blurred. For VP-level leaders and above, one challenge stands out: crafting seamless, user-centric experiences that align with brand values and fuel revenue growth.

With over a decade of experience in product design and user experience (UX), I share actionable insights to help you enhance customer journeys—digitally and face-to-face.

This article, written for Polaris Perspective, explores how UX strategies shape leadership decisions, accelerate revenue, and refine sales models by integrating digital and physical touchpoints—all through the lens of product design.

💡 Why UX is a Leadership Priority

Exceptional UX is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a business imperative. Leaders must recognize UX’s direct impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue.

Core UX Principles for Leaders:

• User-Centric Design – Leaders set the tone. Embedding user feedback ensures offerings are functional, delightful, and trust-building.

• Brand Consistency Across Channels – Disconnected experiences confuse customers. A unified brand message fosters higher retention and loyalty.

• ⁠Seamless Integration – Transitions between digital and physical interactions should feel natural. Mobile-first designs and QR codes enrich in-person engagement.

The Revenue Impact of UX

UX is a hidden lever for revenue growth. Companies focused on UX can boost conversion rates by up to 200%. Here’s how:

✔ Reduce Drop-Off Points: Frictionless journeys—from optimized checkouts to smooth in-store navigation—keep users engaged.

✔ Build Long-Term Loyalty: Positive experiences drive repeat business and reduce acquisition costs through organic recommendations.

✔ Drive Premium Sales: Customers pay more for brands delivering superior experiences, positioning offerings as premium.

Actionable Insights for Business Leaders:

To elevate your UX strategy and align it with business goals, consider these steps:

1. Conduct Data-Driven User Research:

• Identify friction points through behavioral data.

• Conduct user interviews to understand motivations.

• Leadership Tie-In: Empower cross-functional teams to own and apply these insights.

2. Implement Feedback Loops

• Capture real-time customer insights

• Regularly share updates on improvements driven by feedback.

• Leadership Tie-In: Champion a culture that listens and adapts.

3.  Optimize Digital Touchpoints

• Ensure fast, intuitive, digital experiences.

• Use clear calls-to-action and logical pathways.

• Sales Tie-In: Seamless digital journey’s accelerate sales cycles

4. Empower Your Team

• Provide UX training for consistent customer interactions.

• Establish dedicated UX teams for continual improvements.

• Revenue Growth Tie-In: Empowered teams deliver better experiences, boosting retention and advocacy.

Bridging Online & In-Person Experiences

☕️ Personalization at Scale: Leverage CRM data for tailored experiences across digital and in-person channels.

☕️ Streamlined Sales Journeys: Treat sales funnels as design challenges—simplify, clarify, and reduce friction.

☕️ Tech-Enabled Sales: Augmented reality and mobile apps enhance in-person sales with interactive, memorable experiences.

Leading UX Transformations

Leadership drives UX transformation through:

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align product, marketing, and sales teams around user-first goals.

2. UX-Aligned KPIs: Tie customer satisfaction (CSAT), NPS, and retention directly to performance incentives.

3. Leading by Example: Executives must champion UX investments to secure organization-wide buy-in.

Quick UX Wins for Leaders

UX improvements don’t require massive budgets. Consider:

✔ Collecting Feedback: Use Google Forms or quick interviews for rapid insights.

✔ Simplifying Navigation: Audit key actions like checkout for intuitive access.

✔ Improving Accessibility: Use tools like WAVE for enhanced usability.

✔ Optimizing for Mobile: Fast load times and tappable buttons are essential.

✔ Running UX Audits: Review customer journeys and document friction points.

✔ Leveraging Affordable Tools: Tools like Hotjar help prioritize impactful fixes.

By embedding user-first thinking, leaders foster meaningful customer connections, resilient teams, and sustained growth. The opportunity is here: lead with intention, embrace innovation, and set new standards through exceptional UX.

📩 Subscribe for More Insights: dorsagiyahi.substack.com 📱 Connect with our Community on Instagram: @designersandcoffee

Polaris Perspective: Prioritize UX, it’s actually a non negotiable if you are a rising, budding, current, or timeless executive leader

🤖 AI’s Executive Briefing

How a non-techy Leader Can Adapt to AI Without Starting Over

AI isn’t just for tech wizards or Gen Z—it’s a tool that any leader can leverage, regardless of age or background. The key is to adapt without overhauling everything at once.

🔹 Think Like a CEO, Not a Technician
You don’t need to code or understand AI’s deepest mechanics. Your role is to ask the right questions: Where can AI save time? How can it improve decision-making? Focus on strategy, not syntax.

🔹 Start Small, Win Big
Don’t try to automate everything at once. Pick one process to enhance—whether it’s AI-driven customer insights, scheduling automation, or streamlining reports with AI tools like ChatGPT. (Reply to this email if you want to chat specific tools I’m using)

🔹 Build an AI-Smart Team
You don’t have to be an AI expert, but you do need people who are. Encourage your team to explore AI and bring solutions to you. Consider hiring or consult with AI-literate professionals to bridge the gap.

🔹 Stay Curious, Not Defensive
AI isn’t replacing leaders—it’s making them more effective. Read, watch, and experiment with AI tools. The best leaders stay students, no matter their age.

Polaris Perspective: AI is just another shift—like email, the internet, or smartphones. You don’t need to be an AI expert, just an AI-enabled leader.

Longevity & Events- Cannabis and Working Out

Some fitness enthusiasts swear by cannabis as a workout booster. A University of Colorado Boulder study found that 70% of users say it makes exercise more enjoyable, while 66% report improved focus (Journal of Cannabis Research). Plus, THC and CBD help with pain relief and muscle recovery (PMC), making it a potential game-changer for post-workout soreness.

But it’s not all gains—cannabis can increase heart rate and impair coordination, which could be risky for high-intensity training (GSSI). If you're curious about combining the two, start slow, listen to your body, and choose the right strain for your goals.

I personally leverage cannabis pre workout to get focused and locked in. I try to focus on cannabis rich with terpenes such as limonene & beta-caryophyllene due to their mood-enhancing stimulants, and for recovery, focus on cannabis dominant in Pinene for inflammation and recovery.

Terpenes might sound like I’m speaking straight from a chapter in Harry Potter to most, so if you want more information on terps, workouts with cannabis, or want to explore more, msg me directly.

Would you try working out with cannabis? Do you already do it? What are the results?

On Saturday, my brother Leon Joseph and dear friend Liz Wexler hosted an incredible cannabis infused strength & yoga sessions at Trends Dispensary in Long Island City. They’ll be doing more of these, so if interested, send us a note and we’ll add you to the list.

Some pictures from the Strenthzen & Rythm event this week. It was an amazing event, and hint hint….well designed with the user experience (UX) at the heart of it!

Have you enjoyed this newsletter? Is it providing value? Do you know somebody that would find it useful? Send them this newsletter and if you refer 5 people your next coffee run will be on me. (3 referrals = $15 Starbucks)

As the world becomes more complex, it becomes more and more challenging to stay grounded, focused and aligned. Stay ahead by fostering unity, innovation, and trust across your teams and yourself. Don’t miss out on upcoming events and insights that will help shape your success in the months to come.

- SKV