The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted (And What to Do About It)

How do you actually get promoted from Senior to Staff Product Designer? What skills, mindset, and strategies matter most at the Staff level?In this episode, I talk with Catt Small, a Staff Product Designer, developer, and game maker who’s worked at companies like Asana, Etsy, SoundCloud, and Nasdaq, about how to move up the design career ladder and build influence as a senior IC.We cover:What hiring managers look for in Staff Designer interviewsThe difference between Senior and Staff DesignersHow to demonstrate staff-level impact without being a managerThe reality of career resets, emotional burnout, and how to stay in love with the craftMentioned in the show:https://www.cattsmall.comhttps://maven.com/catt-small/staff-designerWhether you’re a Senior Product Designer trying to get promoted, or you’re aiming to understand the Staff+ IC career path, this conversation is full of real talk and tactical advice.