I live by what I call the “no bullshit mentality”. This means I’m always honest, whether the question is personal or business-related. I’ll always respond with complete honesty—though sometimes, I may take a more diplomatic approach.
In the past, during initial interviews for potential projects, I’ve focused on getting to know the clients while allowing them to get to know me. I ask a lot of questions and am always as transparent as possible. If I see that we don’t align on core values, I simply won’t move forward with the project.
In business, the “no bullshit mentality” is all about integrity, authenticity, and charting an ethical path toward long-term success. I work with clients who share my values. For that reason, I never work with political parties or agendas that I don’t align with. I avoid companies that promote addictive behaviours, such as those in the gambling industry, or those that exploit people’s vulnerabilities, like predatory lenders. Most importantly, I refuse to work with companies that promote or fail to sanction hate speech or similar harmful behaviours.
This might make my pool of clients smaller, but that’s a trade-off I’m more than willing to accept. In the end, it ensures that the work I do aligns with my values and leads to more meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. Beyond business, this approach brings fulfilment to my personal life as well, helping me stay true to who I am. It’s something I actively teach my kids, encouraging them to follow their own ethical path, be honest, and prioritise integrity in everything they do.
A “no bullshit mentality” in design is all about prioritising the user. Focusing on user-centric design, simplifying processes, and creating straightforward experiences should always be the goal. Using dark UX patterns to manipulate user behaviour not only risks damaging trust but also leads to user dissatisfaction—something no company can afford. Instead, aligning a company’s goals with the real needs of its users will always result in better long-term outcomes.
Accessibility should be at the core of any design process, ensuring that the final product is usable by everyone. Clean, minimalistic design tends to offer the most seamless experience, whereas excessive animations or visual clutter can overwhelm users. By focusing on inclusivity and simplicity, a design not only becomes more functional but also more enjoyable for the users it serves.
The “no bullshit mentality” is, to me, the way forward—not just in business, but in life. While other approaches may offer short-term gains, this mindset prioritises ethics, leading to more sustainable, long-term success for any business. Personally, I lead my life with the same values, striving to help people whenever I can—whether through donating, volunteering, or simply being my best self. In a world where authenticity is increasingly valued, adopting a “no bullshit mentality” isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the key to thriving in the long run.
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Featured photo by Ludde Lorentz on Unsplash
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