Finding My Next Chapter: A Scary but Exciting Leap

In September 2024, I decided to step down as Chief Experience Officer at Xccelerate. It was a bold move—I didn’t have a new job lined up, and I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted next. But I knew I needed a change. After more than a decade working across startups, agencies, consultancies, and corporate roles, I wanted to reflect on what truly excited me.

Design has always been fun for me. Stressful at times? Sure. But ultimately, it’s the kind of challenge I love. That said, I’ve learned something important: When a job starts feeling like just “work,” it’s time to reassess.

I also believe our education system is flawed in pressuring young people to find their purpose at age 17. Finding purpose is not a decision; it’s a journey. For me, that journey has been fueled by trying different things, travelling, reading, and listening to those with more experience. What I realised during this transition was that I thrive when I’m learning. That’s the thread that ties everything together for me—and it’s what I decided to prioritise in my next role.

Lesson 1: Finding purpose is not about making a single choice—it’s about staying curious and adapting as you grow.

The Steps I Took: From Introspection to Action

When I left Xccelerate, I didn’t dive straight into applications. Instead, I took a step back to create a plan. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Networking: Your Lifeline in Job Hunting

Networking is a non-negotiable. I reached out to friends, former colleagues, and new connections both online and offline. These conversations weren’t about asking for a job—they were about exploring ideas and sharing insights. Genuine human interaction is invaluable, and building relationships now can open doors down the line.

2. Leveraging Frameworks to Reflect and Strategise

I leaned heavily on tools and resources to guide my introspection. One standout was Chris Nguyen’s Job Sprint course. The first module alone provided incredible value, helping me define my Ikigai (the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs). The course also taught me how to refine my personal brand, enhance my LinkedIn profile, and create a “swag bag” showcasing my proudest accomplishments.

If you’re looking for actionable guidance on UX Design, I can’t recommend Chris’s materials enough. Check out his UX Playbooks and Job Sprint resources here:

• Fast Track Designer Bundle

• Junior Designer Bundle

• Senior Designer Bundle

(Yes, these are affiliate links—if you purchase through them, it helps me out!)

3. Building a Strong Portfolio and Presence

With clarity on my goals, I worked hard on my portfolio and CV. I even joined a UXcel Portfolio Roast session, where my friend Jonas Bröms offered transformative feedback. This process wasn’t just about polishing my materials—it was about aligning them with the kinds of roles I wanted.

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4. Applying Strategically

For a few months, I applied to more than 30 roles. Each application was tailored to the specific job description, with a customised CV and cover letter. While this approach is time-intensive, it also ensures quality over quantity. I focused on roles that aligned with my values and career aspirations.

How I Landed My Job at HDO: A Story of Serendipity and Persistence

In May 2024, I attended a Creative Mornings event in Madrid. It wasn’t about job hunting—I went to learn and connect. During the event, I struck up a conversation with the person next to me. That person turned out to be a co-founder of HDO, a consultancy focused on improving workplace culture in Mexico and South America.

Our conversation was casual and genuine, with no agenda. Months later, when I reached out to share my updated portfolio and CV, that connection led to interviews, discussions with HDO’s leadership team, and ultimately, my new role.

Lesson 2: You never know where an opportunity might start. Show up, be curious, and cultivate relationships authentically.

Steps and Mindset for Finding Your Next Opportunity

Here’s what worked for me—and what might work for you:

• Learn to Communicate
  Practice public speaking and refine how you explain what you do in one sentence.
  
  

• Be Useful
  Help others without expecting immediate returns. It builds goodwill and relationships.
  
  

• Be at the Right Place at the Right Time
  Attend events, participate in online communities, and stay engaged. Opportunities often come from unexpected places.
  
  

• Keep Your Portfolio Alive
  Treat your portfolio as a living document. Regularly update it with new work or insights.
  
  

• Reflect Regularly
  Take time to understand your goals and adapt as needed. Active listening and journaling are great tools for this.

  
  

  

Lessons and Recommendations

During my job search, I was actively seeking answers and inspiration for my next steps. I turned to books, audiobooks, and podcasts to feed my curiosity and broaden my perspective.

Books I Read

• Copywriting Secrets by Jim Edwards: A hands-on guide to mastering the art of persuasive copywriting.

• Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson: Explores how to position yourself as an authority in your field.

• Good Services by Lou Downe: Focuses on designing services that truly meet users' needs.

• $100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi (read for the third time): Teaches how to create offers so good people feel stupid saying no.

• Design for a Better World by Don Norman: Examines how design can address pressing global challenges.

Audiobooks I Listened To

• Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan: A motivational guide on accelerating success in just three days.

• The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco: Challenges traditional paths to wealth and advocates for entrepreneurial thinking.

• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: Discusses mindfulness and living in the present moment.

• $100 Million Leads by Alex Hormozi: A tactical guide to generating leads and growing your business.

• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss: Offers strategies for escaping the 9-to-5 grind and achieving lifestyle freedom.

• The Art of Focus by Dan Koe: Explores methods for deep work and prioritizing effectively.

• Day Trading Attention by GaryVee: Insights on leveraging attention in the digital economy.

Podcasts I Recommend

Long-distance running helped me listen to over 40 hours of podcasts! Here are my top picks:

• Beyond UX Design

• Dive Club

• Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal

• Service Design Show

• The Koe Cast

• The Startup Ideas Podcast

• Modern Wisdom

• Growth Design Podcast

• Awkward Silences

• The Game

• The Unscheduled CEO

• Founders

Learning Platforms I use:

• I practised and expanded my skills using platforms like UXcel, which offers great resources for designers. Shoutout to Gene Kamenez for developing such a cool product!

• I invested in learning memberships like Masterclass and Blinkist, which I highly recommend.

The takeaway? Creativity thrives on curiosity. Feed your mind, and the ideas will follow.

Conclusion: A New Beginning and What’s Next

I’m thrilled to start this new chapter with HDO. My role is to expand the company’s presence in Spain and, eventually, Europe, using strategic thinking and design principles to improve organisational culture and performance.

On the side, I’m also working on an entrepreneurial project called Karebukun, which I’ll share more about soon.

If you’re navigating your own job hunt, remember: to endure the process. It’s tough, but persistence and adaptability can create incredible opportunities.

Feel free to reach out at hola@kalebcardenas.mx or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to help.

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