Synopsis
In this episode of the Smithfield Smackdown podcast, Be Kaler Pilgrim, Founder at Smithfield Search, chats with Jason Mesut, coach, design leader and long standing champion of the UX and interaction design community. Jason shares his journey from digital design leadership into coaching, reflecting on what drew him toward helping others find clarity and confidence in their careers. His turning point came during a difficult professional moment when coaching helped him reframe challenges, which sparked his interest in supporting others to do the same.
The heart of the discussion is Jason’s “Smackdown” topic, the misaligned organisation. He unpacks how lack of alignment between people, teams, leadership and strategy quietly corrodes culture, trust and creativity. The shift to remote work has magnified these gaps, creating workplaces full of meetings but short on meaning. Through Jason’s coaching work, he sees the toll misalignment takes, such as stress, burnout and a culture of fear that stifles risk taking and imagination. Yet he is optimistic that better self awareness, clearer communication and curiosity driven leadership can bring people back into sync.
They also discuss how coaching builds confidence and resolves conflict, and helps leaders reconnect to purpose, while reminding us that play and fun are not extras at work but ingredients for creativity and cohesion. Jason ends with a proud leadership story, the moment a mentee took the stage for the first time and shone. For him, that was the real reward of leading, creating space for others to grow.
Key Takeaways
- Alignment is everyone’s responsibility, from individual purpose to organisational strategy.
- Fear and overwork reduce creativity and risk-taking.
- Coaching can unlock clarity, confidence and better conversations.
- Even in tough times, making space for connection and fun is essential.
- Great leadership often means helping others find their voice.
