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.

Cassandra will explore how design can secure an equal seat at the table alongside product, engineering, and other disciplines to drive growth and impact within organizations. She will discuss the typical tensions that arise between design and other departments and how to overcome these challenges to foster collaboration and innovation.

💚 What does Gaudí’s art have in common with an overwhelmed designer? After mentoring 50+ designers across 20+ countries, one thing is clear:

Stress is just a signal, not a setback.

In her talk "Turn Stress into Inspiration", Eva will share how challenges, when met with clarity and intention, fuel authentic creative growth.

This isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about growing better. 🍀

Join her and explore together what really fuels creative growth.

About the speaker

Eva Staneva is a design leader with 15+ years of experience and a mentor passionate about personal development for over 10 years. She helps businesses create innovative, user-centered products and empowers designers to grow creatively and confidently in trust-based, collaborative environments.

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