Sunflower Squad

Lena Clark

The Sunflower Squad Podcast is your guide to better user experiences in the digital world. We simplify UX concepts for: • Business owners: Create intuitive products that satisfy customers and boost profits. • Professionals: Design user-friendly systems for efficiency. • Everyday users: Navigate digital spaces better and advocate for improved design. Each episode offers practical tips and examples to apply UX principles. Whether you're enhancing your business's digital presence or streamlining daily tech use, we equip you with essential knowledge. Join us to explore how good UX solves problems

Episodes

  1. 24/09/2025

    Ep 8 | Breaking Into Public Health Careers: Lessons from New Grads with Jason Yen

    How do new graduates break into the fast-changing world of public health, especially while navigating the added challenges of being an international student? Join Lena Clark live from New York Tech Week for a conversation with Jason Yen, recent Columbia University Public Health graduate and co-host of the Hack Cafe podcast. Discover how Jason is using storytelling, networking, and adaptability to build a career in healthcare consulting, and why his journey offers lessons for every aspiring public health professional. WANT MORE INNOVATION, UX, AND TECH INSIGHTS?  ╰ Head over to https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com ╰ View the episode show notes: [insert link to blog article] ABOUT THE GUEST: Jason Yen is a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Public Health program with a focus on Health Administration. He has studied hospital operations, insurance systems, and healthcare consulting. As co-host of the Hack Cafe podcast, Jason explores education, career growth, and personal development. With experience navigating the challenges of international student life and building professional networks, Jason is now focused on life science consulting as a pathway to sharpen both technical and interpersonal skills. His work highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and storytelling for new graduates entering a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. ABOUT THE HOST: Hey there! I’m Lena Clark, MPH, founder of Sunflower UX and your Sunflower Squad host. I break down the intersection of tech, public health, and user experience by bringing you expert interviews and real-world solutions for inclusive, accessible innovation. CONNECT WITH HOST: ╰ Website: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com ╰ LinkedIn:   / lena-ux   ╰ Instagram: www.instagram.com/lenawhereyouat/ ╰ Everything else: linktr.ee/sunfloweruxteam CONNECT WITH GUEST: ╰ Website: [insert guest’s website] ╰ LinkedIn: [insert guest’s linkedin] ❤️A BIG THANK-YOU TO OUR CREATIVE TEAM: ╰ Hair: www.instagram.com/styleswithdee/ ╰ Makeup & Styling: www.instagram.com/iblessfaces_artistry/ ╰ Makeup Products: www.instagram.com/danessa_myricks/ ╰ Video Recording: www.instagram.com/extravirginguy/ ╰ Video Editing: www.instagram.com/riosvideo/ #PublicHealthCareers #HealthcareInnovation #NewGradsInPublicHealth #CareerInPublicHealth #InternationalStudents #HealthcareLeadership #HealthEquityVoices #NetworkingMatters #StorytellingInCareers #FutureOfHealthcare #SunflowerSquadPodcastEpisode topics: public health careers, healthcare consulting, international student challenges, job search strategies, networking for careers, professional development, career readiness, Columbia University Public Health, Texas A&M School of Public Health, graduate school advice, healthcare systems, health administration, hospital operations, diverse perspectives in public health, workforce entry, career growth, mentoring, storytelling in job interviews, adaptability, collaboration, soft skills, technical skills, healthcare innovation, higher education pathways, funding challenges, immigration hurdles, Sunflower Squad Podcast, Hack Cafe Podcast, Jason Yen, Lena Clark, Sunflower UX

    8 min
  2. 23/09/2025

    Ep 7 | Why Your Startup Needs Cybersecurity (Even on a Budget): Insights from NY Tech Week with Alex Paunic

    Think your startup is too small for hackers to notice? Think again. Join Lena Clark live from New York Tech Week for a conversation with Alex Paunic, co-founder of PreCog Security. Discover why small businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks and how Alex’s approach makes cybersecurity accessible, affordable, and empowering. WANT MORE INNOVATION, UX, AND TECH INSIGHTS?  ╰ Head over to https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com ╰ View the episode show notes: [insert link to blog article] ABOUT THE GUEST: Alex Paunic is the co-founder of PreCog Security, a company built to help startups and small businesses secure their data without breaking their budgets. With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity—including leadership roles at McAfee and Intel—Alex now focuses on making cybersecurity simple, smart, and scalable. His mission: protect small teams by giving them the tools and habits they need to build trust and safeguard the future. ABOUT THE HOST: Hey there! I’m Lena Clark, MPH, founder of Sunflower UX and your Sunflower Squad host. I break down the intersection of tech, public health, and user experience by bringing you expert interviews and real-world solutions for inclusive, accessible innovation. CONNECT WITH HOST: ╰ Website: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com ╰ LinkedIn:   / lena-ux   ╰ Instagram: www.instagram.com/lenawhereyouat/ ╰ Everything else: linktr.ee/sunfloweruxteam CONNECT WITH GUEST: ╰ Website: https://precogsecurity.com/  ╰ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpaunic/  ❤️A BIG THANK-YOU TO OUR CREATIVE TEAM: ╰ Hair: www.instagram.com/styleswithdee/ ╰ Makeup & Styling: www.instagram.com/iblessfaces_artistry/ ╰ Makeup Products: www.instagram.com/danessa_myricks/ ╰ Video Recording: www.instagram.com/extravirginguy/ ╰ Video Editing: www.instagram.com/riosvideo/ #Cybersecurity #Startups #SmallBusiness #TechInnovation #NYTechWeek #UserExperience #UXResearch #BusinessGrowth #DigitalSecurity #Entrepreneurship #SunflowerSquadEpisode topics: Cybersecurity, startups, small businesses, hackers, cyberattacks, digital security, budget-friendly security, multi-factor authentication, password managers, data protection, employee privacy, fiduciary responsibility, user trust, client relationships, compliance, business growth, user experience, UX, human-centered security, PreCog Security, Alex Paunic, NY Tech Week, innovation, entrepreneurship, small team security, risk management, tech for good, accessible cybersecurity, empowerment through security, Sunflower Squad Podcast, Sunflower UX

    13 min
  3. 06/08/2025

    How Neuro-Symbolic AI Is Changing Data Privacy for Healthcare and Enterprise: Insights from NY Tech Week

    Curious how AI can finally be secure enough for healthcare, research, and the enterprise?  Join Lena Clark live from NY Tech Week for a conversation with Vamsi Sistla, founder and CEO of Symbolic Mind.  Discover how neuro-symbolic AI is breaking down barriers for data privacy and making AI adoption possible—without sending your sensitive data outside your firewall. Want more UX resources and AI insights?  ╰ Head over to: sunfloweruxteam.com ╰ View the episode show notes: sunfloweruxteam.com/blog/ep6neurosymbolicai ABOUT THE GUEST: Vamsi Sistla is founder and CEO of Symbolic Mind, a startup pioneering neuro-symbolic AI foundation models designed for privacy-first industries. With experience as a CTO, global head of data science at Nike, and tech leader at multiple startups, Vamsi is now building AI solutions that stay within your enterprise—making compliance, customization, and trust possible for healthcare, research, and beyond. ABOUT THE HOST: Hey there! I’m Lena Clark, MPH, founder of Sunflower UX and your Sunflower Squad host. I break down the intersection of tech, public health, and user experience by bringing you expert interviews and real-world solutions for inclusive, accessible innovation. 🌐 CONNECT WITH HOST: ╰ Website: SunflowerUXTeam.com ╰ LinkedIn: Lena Clark ╰ Instagram: @LenaWhereYouAt ╰ Everything else: linktr.ee/sunfloweruxteam 🌐 CONNECT WITH Guest: ╰ Website: Symbolic Mind ╰ LinkedIn: Vamsi Sistla  A big thank-you to our creative team: ╰ Hair: @styleswithdee ╰ Makeup & Styling: @iblessfaces_artistry ╰ Makeup Products: @danessa_myricks ╰ Video Recording: @extravirginguy ╰ Video Editing: @riosvideo #NeuroSymbolicAI #DataPrivacy #HealthcareAI #EnterpriseAI #TechWeekNYC #AICompliance #PrivacyByDesign #SunflowerSquad #UXResearch #AIInnovation #PublicHealthTech Episode topics: Neuro-symbolic AI, large language models, AI for healthcare, data privacy, HIPAA, on-premise AI, enterprise security, tech for good, AI innovation, compliance, UX research, user experience, human-centered design, inclusive UX, enterprise UX, usability, privacy by design, AI adoption, user trust, healthcare technology, research data security, digital transformation, product strategy, regulatory technology, Vamsi Sistla, Symbolic Mind, Lena Clark, Sunflower Squad Podcast, Sunflower UX

    6 min
  4. 15/10/2024

    Data-Driven Creativity: When UX Research Inspires Cosplay Magic (Ep 4)

    Struggling with complex UX research or creative projects? Dr. Audrey Reinert shares her innovative Reinert Method, combining quantitative UX research principles with cosplay project management. Perfect for UX professionals, designers, and creative enthusiasts looking to streamline their workflow and boost productivity. Want more UX resources and insights? ╰ Head over to https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com ╰ View the episode show notes: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/blog/data-driven-creativity-when-ux-research-inspires-cosplay-magic Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Dr. Audrey Reinert: UX and Cosplay Expert 02:27 Understanding Quantitative UX Research Methods 04:20 The Reinert Method for Product Development 06:01 Handling Unexpected Project Challenges 09:44 Applying UX Principles to Cosplay Projects 13:18 Neurodiversity in Project Management 16:56 Balancing Perfectionism and Progress in Projects 20:22 Connecting with Dr. Reinert and Final Thoughts ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Audrey Reinert is a senior quantitative UX researcher with over 10 years of experience in human-guided machine learning, AI, and user safety. She's the creator of the Reinert Method, a structured project management approach that revolutionizes both UX research and cosplay creation. Audrey's unique blend of technical expertise and creative passion makes her a sought-after voice in both the UX and cosplay communities. ABOUT THE HOST: Hey there! I'm Lena Clark, a UX researcher with a background in public health. I break down the intersections of public health, tech, and user experience, sharing insights to help you navigate complex systems and build more intuitive, user-friendly solutions. 🌐 CONNECT WITH ME: ╰ Website: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/ ╰ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-ux/ ╰ UX Office Hours: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/office-hours

    23 min
  5. 02/10/2024

    The Essential Guide to UX Roles: Research, Design, Content, and Ops (EP 3)

    In this episode, I'm breaking down the essential UX job titles and roles that shape our digital experiences. You'll learn about UX research, design, content strategy, and operations, and how these roles work together to create amazing products. Want more UX resources and insights? ╰ Head over to https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com Here's what you'll learn in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to UX job titles 00:53 UX Research: Understanding users inside and out 03:11 UX Design: Bringing research to life visually 04:29 UX Content Strategy: Crafting the right message 05:58 UX Operations: Orchestrating the UX process 06:50 Juggling multiple UX roles on smaller teams 07:37 The blurry lines between UX specialties 👀 Want to read along with the video? Check out this blog post: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/blog/essential-guide-to-ux-job-titles Whether you're a UX professional, a business owner, or just curious about how digital experiences are crafted, this video's for you. Hey there! I'm Lena Clark, a UX researcher with a background in public health. I break down the intersections of public health, tech, and user experience, sharing insights to help you navigate complex systems and build more intuitive, user-friendly solutions. 🌐 CONNECT WITH ME: ╰ Website: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/ ╰ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-ux/ ╰ UX Office Hours: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/office-hours

    9 min
  6. 12/09/2024

    I Switched from Public Health to UX and Here's What Happened (Ep 1)

    Struggling to break into UX research? Feeling like your background doesn't fit the tech world? Join Lena Clark as she reveals how her unique experiences in public health, sociology, and even African American hair braiding research led to a thriving career in user experience. Discover how your diverse skills can become your greatest asset in the tech industry. In this Podcast, you'll learn: • How childhood experiences shape a successful tech career • The surprising link between public health and UX research • Why tech giants value researchers with diverse backgrounds • How to leverage qualitative research skills in any industry • The power of community-focused research in landing big tech jobs Who is this for? Aspiring UX researchers, career changers, public health professionals, and anyone curious about breaking into tech with a non-traditional background. 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more career insights and UX wisdom! 📚 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Meet Lena Clark 02:00 Childhood influences on career path 05:00 From sociology to public health 08:00 Discovering qualitative research 11:00 African American hair braider study 16:00 Transitioning to tech and UX 21:00 Freelancing and company creation 26:00 Current projects and future plans 31:00 Key takeaways and advice 🔗 Ready to start your UX journey? Join Lena's UX Office Hours: https://www.sunfloweruxteam.com/ Meet Lena: Lena Clark, MPH, is the founder of Sunflower UX and a champion for accessible user experience. Blending public health expertise with UX savvy, she transforms complex tech concepts into practical, human-centered strategies for businesses of all sizes. Lena's vibrant personality and no-nonsense approach shine through as she mentors emerging UX talent and advocates for diversity in tech. Through her work and this podcast, she demystifies UX, empowers career growth, and demonstrates how businesses can leverage user experience effectively and affordably.

    36 min

About

The Sunflower Squad Podcast is your guide to better user experiences in the digital world. We simplify UX concepts for: • Business owners: Create intuitive products that satisfy customers and boost profits. • Professionals: Design user-friendly systems for efficiency. • Everyday users: Navigate digital spaces better and advocate for improved design. Each episode offers practical tips and examples to apply UX principles. Whether you're enhancing your business's digital presence or streamlining daily tech use, we equip you with essential knowledge. Join us to explore how good UX solves problems