Spotlight: Nolan Golden, the UX Designer and Social Anthropologist

Nolan Golden, an award-winning activist, is transitioning from community mental health and project management to the world of UX/UI. They aim to be a catalyst for change, using their unique perspective and skills to create user experiences that not only meet functional requirements but also serve as a platform for advocacy and positive social impact. | Check out Nolan's website here.

📝 Get to know Nolan Golden

I bring a diverse set of experiences to the table, forged by my journey as an entrepreneur from a young age. At just 18, I ventured into the world of business, co-founding and co-running a cannabis enterprise where I served as the Director of Customer Experience. This entrepreneurial endeavor not only instilled in me a deep understanding of business operations but also provided firsthand lessons in building a business from the ground up. My time in the cannabis industry was instrumental in shaping my strategic thinking and operational prowess, setting the stage for my subsequent roles in Brand Ambassadorship, Retail Operations, and Customer Engagement. Later, I wanted to give back to my community, and spent years as an activist and mental health practitioner in the non-profit world - earning me the prestigious title of, Point Foundation Scholar. These experiences further enriched my skill set, helping me develop insights into human behavior, empathy, and effective business operations.

🔋 What is your profession?

Through formal training I'm a, UX Designer, Social Anthropologist, & (recovering) Thespian. I aspire to be a catalyst for change, using my charismatic personality, eye for aesthetic, and business operations know-how to create products that not only meet functional requirements but also serve as a powerful platform for positive social impact.

🔎 What's your job/s and kind of company are you looking for?

I am poised to use my diverse skill set in the realm of branding and identity development. Guiding companies in communicating their values through compelling visual mediums and successful product launches is where I see myself creating meaningful change for both the company and the communities they serve.

🔥 What achievements and projects you're most proud of?

It was an absolute dream to work on the innovative product, posi, under the visionary leadership of founder, Amber Michal. Leveraging my expertise in branding and user experience design, I had the privilege of shaping the visual identity and user experience of Amber's crowd-funded mobile application. Collaborating with Amber and our talented team was an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as we focused on creating a product tailored for neurodivergent individuals – a community I proudly belong to. For a detailed overview of my contributions and the projects I spearheaded, feel free to explore my portfolio!

🌟 What type of company culture and values do you believe will enable you to thrive in your workplace?

As a trained thespian, I thrive off feedback, so any place where I can receive valuable critique, mentorship, and be trusted as a designer, sign me up! I'm a fashionista and culturista at heart. Designing content for fashion and culture businesses is a dream - Hi, Conde Naste!

📣 Shoutout to the professionals who have inspired you and can act as your reference!

James Rayo (he/him) has been such a joy to collaborate and work with. Colleagues from the past coined us, "The Dream Team", for our dynamic-duo ability to make products that aren't just pretty to look at, but will leave you feeling [pretty] good when you see how easy they are to use. You can learn more about James here