About me
I’m an accomplished product designer, strategist, and leader. I have over 10 years of experience in UI/UX product design and strategy. I have a proven track record of driving innovation across Healthcare, FinTech, Entertainment, and Ecommerce. I am an expert in aligning user needs with core business objectives through design thinking methodologies. I'm an advocate for servant-leadership, fostering team empowerment and self-organization.
I am a user-centered design thinker. My mantra is, "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution."
After work
When I'm not emersed in product design, I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. For me, an active lifestyle not only keeps me grounded, I believe it makes me a better product designer. I often draw inspiration for my work in the everyday experiences life has to offer. Some of my go-to activities are surfing, running, yoga, hiking, and playing guitar.
Volunteering
Giving back is an important part of my life. I've traveled to Nepal five times over the last 12 years with four of those visits dedicated volunteering with All Hands and Hearts, an NGO dedicated to building schools in remote villages throughout the country. These efforts have been some of the most transformative and rewarding expereinces of my life, allowing me to connect with other cultures in a deep and meaningful way.
I highly recommend checking out All Hands and Hearts!
Travel
Travel has been another formative aspect of my life. I've prioritized exploring the world and experiencing different cultures over the last 12 years. I've been fortunate to visit over 30 countries and counting! I believe the experiences I've had along the way have not only benefitted me personally, they have been integral to my professional life, allowing me to better understand people on a deeper level. Along the way, my travels have inspired another hobby of mine, photography.
What others say about me
During his tenure at Innovation Refunds, Steve consistently demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to excellence in leading the UX team. Steve possesses a rare combination of creativity and technical expertise, allowing him to conceptualize groundbreaking solutions while ensuring their feasibility within the constraints of our projects.
He fostered a collaborative environment within our team, encouraging open communication and the exchange of ideas. His ability to mentor and motivate team members not only enhanced productivity but also contributed to the professional growth of everyone involved.
One of Steve's standout qualities is his unwavering dedication to understanding user needs. He conducted thorough research and analysis to gain valuable insights, which informed our design decisions and ultimately led to the delivery of user-centric products. Steve Ettlin is an invaluable asset to any organization and a seasoned UX design professional who can drive innovation and deliver results.
Director of UX
I've had the pleasure of working with many talented designers in my career, but Steve's something special. He's the rare combination of talent, technical expertise, and emotional intelligence.
From understanding the subtle nuances of email marketing to resolving complex technical problems that arise as you build out a new website, I've seen Steve tackle it all. He's an asset to any company looking to build a strong creative team, improve their messaging, and create user-friendly digital interfaces.
With his help, you'll be able to tackle any challenge that may arise.
If you need a strong creative leader, with incredible people skills, AND the technical expertise to shore it all up, he's your fella.
Director of Strategic Marketing