Chris Gielow🇺🇸

Experienced Design Leader | President at UX Speakeasy, SoCal's largest UX Community

About Chris Gielow

Experienced Design Leader | President at UX Speakeasy, SoCal's largest UX Community

I'm proud to be recognized in the 100 Most Influential Mentors for Design at ADPList! https://adplist.org/adplist100/2026

I bring thirty years of experience in UX Design to the table, including over fifteen as Design Director.

I was a leader at Walmart Design, where I Directed the teams for Health & Wellness and Supply Chain.

I have previously established teams at Unicorn ($1B IPO) Startups, and worked for Design-Driven companies like Intuit and Motorola. I’m passionate about growing high-performing Design teams and cultures.

As the President of UX Speakeasy, Southern California's largest UX Meetup, I’m deeply committed to nurturing the design community, empowering designers to grow and thrive. I’m passionate about mentoring designers at all stages of their careers, helping them unlock their full potential and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of design.

Note: I do not offer referrals. I want to provide you with an authentic mentorship experience and support, and I appreciate mentee's who want the same. Thank you!

Expertise

DesignUX DesignProduct DesignInteraction DesignUX ResearchUsability TestingProduct strategyPrototypingQualitative researchCollaborationProblem-solvingLeadership

Sessions with Chris Gielow

Mentorship Session (45 min): I am happy to provide mentorship at all levels. I have insights navigating the US market, and standing out as a candidate or leveling up in your current role. I can provide mid and senior level designers insight into navigating the politics at low-maturity companies, and how to level up to a high-maturity company. I can mentor UX Managers and Directors on how to create, manage and lead teams and grow influence. With 30 years experience, my perspectives will be unique, but I am pragmatic. I see value in the skill of UX Design even as we see the profession transforming. We can talk about how to navigate this pivot and play to your strengths, talents, and interests. Let's meet!

What mentees say

“Chris was so awesome, I'm so glad I came across his profile! I got a lot of great insight and he inspired me immediately! I've talked to multiple mentors in the past and he's my favorite for sure. Looking forward to meeting with him more :)”
Nikki Smith, Junior UX Designer at Kennesaw State University

“Chris is a very resourceful mentor. He shared insights and provided suggestions based on my situation.”
Sylvia Zhang, New Grad

“Lots of great advice and insights!”
Adelina Martinez, UX/UI Design Intern @ SDSU Entrepreneurship Initiatives