In this conversation, Matthew and Lis delve into various themes surrounding personal growth, societal pressures, and the complexities of modern life. They explore the historical context of human existence, the challenges of innovation in business, and the importance of empathy in technology. The discussion also touches on gender roles, the impact of capitalism on personal identity, and the necessity of processing emotions for personal development. Through their dialogue, they reflect on their experiences in the UX/CX field and the evolving nature of human connection in a technology-driven world. Takeaways The historical context of human existence shapes our current perspectives. Modern life can be more complicated than it needs to be due to societal pressures. Gender conditioning influences how individuals perceive their roles in society. Therapy can be a tool for decolonizing the mind and fostering personal growth. Innovation in business is often stifled by existing systems and processes. The Trojan Horse method can facilitate change in organizations. Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in UX/CX projects. Data plays a crucial role in understanding user behavior and improving experiences. Finding passion in work is essential for personal fulfillment. Processing unprocessed emotions is vital for mental well-being. Chapters 00:00 Cold (face) Open 09:01 Decolonizing the Mind and Societal Pressures 21:30 The Role of UX in Business Dynamics 37:12 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection 46:34 The Challenges of Independent Work 50:09 Emerging Opportunities in a Changing Market 56:09 7 +/- 2 Questions 56:40 What is one thing you would change about your profession? 58:00 What do you wish people cared more about? 01:00:08 What's the best meal you've ever had? 01:00:48 What do you wish you'd done differently? 01:01:18 If you left what you're doing now, what would you do for a living? 01:02:05 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore? keywords historical context, modern life, happiness, societal expectations, gender roles, therapy, innovation, UX, CX, empathy, technology, social media, personal growth