RJripley jene
Founding mentor
🌱 First session
Freelancer, Consultant, Researcher @ freelance
About
i've worked in tech, apple, and startups over 20yrs. i have coached 10yr+ for newcomers, academics and career switchers. i have experience in AI product development; production for video, audio, and print; music production exp in recorded and live sound events; my backround in ee/cs later switched to psychology/hci, plus a mba. turns out i like people more than staring at computer screens. my goal now is to share my learnings, knowledge, & wisdom, so others can do more, better & faster than i did. i am also here to learn from you! i learn the most when collaborating with others, trying out new strategies to turn complex problems into simple approaches.
How I can help
I help people make breakthroughs in their creative process. got a problem gaining users as a startup? i can help you create user journeys! feeling stuck in a rut? i can help you see what's missing in the blind spots and discover what options you have to move forward! feeling nervous about pitching, interviewing, recruiting, etc? i got you! let's practice mock sessions and create a plan to work thru the shaky stuff. Not sure what kinda help you need, but know you need something? Yep, let's chat about it and percolate some new ideas! updating your resume, cv, portfolio for your next win! the sky's (not even) the limit! whatever you can imagine, we can create a pathway there! every session, you will leave with insights toward your next step!
Ask me about
IC to manager
Returning from a break
Freelance to full-time
Layoffs
A failed launch
First or only designer
A reorg
Getting passed over
Influence without authority
Imposter syndrome
Presenting to execs
Craft to strategy
Growing into leadership
general life stuff
standing out
market fit
gtm pricing
using AI Tools and Agents
Frequently asked
What should i prepare before our session?
bring whatever you want to share to get feedback on: portfolio, resume; list of most pressing questions? prioritize the most important one to ask.
why did you leave Apple?
i was invited to apply for a doctorate in psychology. i got in, so i saved up and left to focus on that. one of the best decisions of my life! aside from when i joined apple ofc. no ragrats
what do you do now?
whatever i want. ok ok kidding aside, i am wrapping up my phd in applied psychology with emphasis in media & technology. research focused in human decision making influenced by sound, music, prosody, and adaptive tech. currently prepping to publish book called the creative self. i also enjoy nerding out on the latest emerging tech, and fitting in time to catch up on anime.
Expertise
Fintech
Freelancing
Leadership
Interviewing
Graphic Design
AI tools
Education & EdTech
Media & Entertainment
Product Roadmap and Strategy
Resources I share
Also here to learn
ripley mentors on Hop and is growing too. A bit about their own path right now.
Working on
in the middle of doctorate prepping for dissertation; building committee, forming research focus.
Growing toward
currently publishing new book on creativity; also developing research program in psychology, exploring human decision making, creativity, prosody, music and emotion.
Could use a hand with
Returning from a break, Pivot into design, Freelance to full-time, A reorg, First or only designer, Influence without authority, Negotiating comp, Presenting to execs, Stakeholder standoffs, Craft to strategy, First design hires, Building a design system