Dark UX Academy Application for October 2025 Cohort
Hey there, thanks for your interest in Dark UX Academy.
Here's what this application is for - an intensive 1 quarter training starting in October to transform you from Sr. level executor -> Design leader in 90 days.
Spots are limited, and I personally interview all applicants.Who it’s for:
- Senior Designers- Staff Designers- Principal Designers
Who feel like they've reached a wall. Things are stuck. They've reached their ceiling of growth. No one's listening to their ideas, and they don't know why.
The Transformation: I take designers from overlooked executors → to trusted leaders who influence strategy, earn promotions, and get paid what they’re worth.
From: Stuck taking ordersSafe pair of handsCut out of decisionsWork changed without inputPaid less than you’re worthInvisible when it matters mos
To: Trusted as a partnerInvited into decisionsFluent in business languageSeen as influential + promotablePaid like a leaderOperating with clarity + confidence
What It Is: A 90-day, high-intensity cohort for senior, staff, and principal designers. Not a passive course.
It's done with you coaching designed to:
Build business acumen (connect design to money + strategy)Teach you how to design influence + credibilityArm you with tactics to elevate your power and likability
Here’s what you get: Live weekly training + group coaching with me
A structured 3-phase curriculum
Phase 1: Build Your Business Acumen
W1: Harsh truth — stakeholders don’t care about you
W2: Main quests vs. side quests — measuring value
W3: Business models explained
W4: KPIs that matter to you
Phase 2: Designing and Building Your Influence, Trust, and Credibility
W6: Power audit your company
W7: Bait the hook to suit the fish
W8: Communication styles that land
Phase 3: Applying Tactics to Elevate Your Power, Influence, and Likability
W9: Dark UX tactics — boundaries, gatekeeping, plays I never reveal
W10: Being likable — tactics to use now + forever
W11: Standing out — CEO language, no self-sabotage, growth vision
W12: Selling your work — comp, pitching, influence
👉 By the end, you’ll have: A business model + KPI map of your orgA power audit + influence strategyA personal influence playbookThe confidence + language to win promotions + raises + sell yourself
👉 Applications are open for the October Dark UX Academy Cohort ($8K upfront or $10K over 6 months).
Get your boss to pay for it - ask me how.
Email
(We’ll use this to reach you if you’re accepted.)
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Current Role + Years of Experience
e.g., Senior Product Designer — 7 years
What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now in your career?
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Why do you want to join the October Dark UX Academy cohort?
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What would success look like for you after 90 days?
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Are you able to commit the time and energy required for this program?
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Are you able to commit the time and energy required for this program?
Which payment option are you considering? ($8K upfront / $10K w/ 6-month financing)
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Which payment option are you considering? ($8K upfront / $10K w/ 6-month financing)
Anything else you want me to know?
