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

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.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 | InstagramFeel 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 forwardTimestamps:01:50 Steve Jobs' Focus Strategy03:55 Applying Focus in My Career08:01 The Importance of Specialization11:47 Real-Life Examples of Saying No13:28 The Ripple Effect of Focus17:50 Final Thoughts and Career Advice20:07 Conclusion and How to Connect⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.