Collaboration is not merely a "nice-to-have" attribute; it is a vital skill for modern teams and organizations. The most innovative and forward-moving teams anchor themselves on strong collaboration and trust as core values.

In this presentation, Yana Mazdharova will delve into effective strategies for fostering good interpersonal relationships within cross-functional teams. She will explore the contributions designers bring to the table, and offer practical insights gleaned from real-world corporate, freelance, and startup settings. Yana's expertise and experience will provide attendees with valuable knowledge and actionable steps to enhance their collaborative efforts and drive success in their projects.

Ever wonder what it’s really like to go from being a hands-on UX designer to leading a team in Big Tech? Or maybe you’re experiencing that “fear of missing out” when you see others chasing the “dream” design job?

In this talk, Tsvetelina will share an honest look at her journey from an Individual Contributor to a Design Manager, highlighting both the positives and the tougher parts you don’t always hear about.

We’ll explore:

• The realities of climbing the UX career ladder and transitioning into management.

• How FOMO shapes our perceptions of success - and what’s the reality of being part of Big Tech

• Honest comparisons of the UX work in startups, agencies, and Big Tech, so you can figure out which path might fit you best.

Come away with practical guidance, honest reflections, and actionable strategies—minus the industry hype. Whether you’re weighing your next career move or simply curious about what it means to lead in the ever-evolving UX field, this session will help you gain clarity on how to forge your own path to success.

Designers and developers work on different timelines—designers look to the future while developers build from what’s already been designed. They speak different languages and follow different processes. How can we bridge these gaps and build a more collaborative development process? In this talk, we will explore the integration of modern techniques and AI-driven tools to enhance design systems, fostering improved communication between cross-functional teams. By leveraging artificial intelligence, we can not only boost productivity and innovation but also create a more harmonious and efficient workflow for both designers and developers

How does a design system win over product developers and designers? Everyone wants to ship new features, but they don't know why they should adopt your components and follow your guidelines. Let’s solve this, and turn apathy into excitement. We’ll explore the many ways to attract attention to your design system, elevate its place in your product, and build a thriving community around your work.