Brad Kaloupek
UX designer, leader, and innovator.
I solve good problems with good people.
An accomplished senior leader with a diverse skill set that encompasses design thinking, software product design, and leadership within technology organizations. Founding designer in 3 software companies, I’ve grown design teams and process to scale businesses. My career is defined by design leadership, dedication to fostering innovation, and ability to solve complex problems.
Recent Work
Consulting & Design Services
Kaloupek Design works with early stage startups, advises VC funds, and helps entrepreneurs realize their vision. My engagement is tailored to your needs including high-level advising and strategy, scaling existing teams, early concept prototyping and execution.
Setscale: Zero to One Fintech
Setscale is a “Zero to One” Fintech startup funding demand in trade finance. I led all aspects from product design, brand launch, and raising 9.5MM in seed funding. Going from stealth mode to launching our new brand and digital product within 4 months.
PlanSource: Innovation Lab
I founded and led our innovation lab. Experimenting with early AI/ML, applying data science, facilitating cross-functional workshops, and producing several mobile-focused experiences. Growing PlanSource reputation as an innovator, adding IP and creating new revenue streams.
PlanSource: Design Systems & Admin Redesign
I led the efforts to introduce a new design system and elevate our existing Administration tools towards self-service. Growing our user base by 85% and saving ~180k of service hours annually.
Hi, I’m Brad
An accomplished senior leader with a diverse skill set that encompasses design thinking, software product design, and leadership within technology organizations. Founding designer in 3 software companies, I’ve grown design teams and process to scale businesses. My career is defined by design leadership, dedication to fostering innovation, and ability to solve complex problems.
Change has been continuous in my 20+ years of design. But I continue to be driven by the same goal: Solve good problems with good people. Design is a vehicle for collaboration, decisions, and innovation.
Highlights
- Leadership: Built & led UX teams at 3 software companies.
- Player/Coach: Comfortable as an IC and mentoring designers on my team.
- Design Strategy: Working cross-functionally using workshops and design thinking to envision the future.
- Innovation: Identify and rapid execution on concepts resulting in significant long-term ROI.
- Research: Implement tools, analyze KPIs, and leverage user research data to make decisions.
- Consultive: Guiding internal or external clients to positive outcomes.
- Friendly Giant: Yes, I’m 6’-7” with a cross-fit problem.
Tools
Design
- Figma, Sketch, etc.
- Miro, Figjam, etc.
- Prototyping
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Front-end coding HTML/CSS/JS
- Google Suite
- Atlassian Product Suite
- Behavioral analytics including Pendo, FullStory, Hotjar, Google Analytics
- Qualitative research tools including UserLytics and UserTesting.com
- Quantitative research including UsabilityHub and in-app surveys
Expertise
- B2B and B2C SaaS Software
- Benefits Technology, Insurance & Healthcare
- GreenTech & Building Technology
- FinTech & Trade Finance
- Consumer & Commercial Real Estate
- Agencies and Marketing
Company Characteristics
- Early stage companies or startups that value a generalist skill set, encompassing all aspects of design.
- Growth stage companies that need to scale their UX team, design process, & product strategy.
- Provide a balance leadership and direct contribution during the design process.
- Companies that operate in the open, welcome new ideas, and value cross-team collaboration.
- Mission driven companies with a focus and empathy for our customers.
Brad Kaloupek
UX designer, leader, and innovator.
I solve good problems with good people.