Meet Antara Dave

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antara Dave. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antara below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Antara with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I get my work ethic from my mother. She is one of the strongest, most determined people I know—someone who pursued everything she wanted in life with grit, resilience, and empathy. Watching her navigate challenges with unwavering dedication taught me to approach my own career with the same mindset.

I’ve always believed in giving my all to whatever I do—whether it was transitioning from Data Analytics to Product Design, leading design for Azure Experimentation and AI Safety at Microsoft, or creating “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health.”

Her influence instilled in me the values of persistence, continuous learning, and purpose-driven work—principles that drive me every day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a Lead Product Designer at Microsoft, specializing in Experimentation Platforms, AI Safety, and AI Medical Imaging. My work revolves around data-informed design, where I blend analytics and UX to create intuitive, high-impact products. What excites me most is solving complex problems—whether it’s optimizing large-scale A/B testing experiences or designing for AI security and trustworthiness.

Beyond my work at Microsoft, I’m deeply passionate about designing for inclusivity. My project, “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health,” won multiple national and international awards, as it challenges workplace stigma around menstruation and promotes equitable policies.

I also enjoy public speaking and mentorship, helping others bridge the gap between data and design. I recently spoke at the MIT CODE Conference about UX for Experimentation Platforms, and I’ll be sharing more insights on the NNg Podcast about my work in this space.

For me, design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy, problem-solving, and impact. My goal is to keep pushing boundaries, advocating for evidence-based UX, and making technology more inclusive and effective for everyone.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey:

Curiosity & Critical Thinking – I’ve always questioned the “why” behind decisions, whether in data analytics, product strategy, or design. This mindset helped me transition from Data Analytics to Product Design and thrive in Experimentation, AI Safety, and AI Medical Imaging. Advice: Stay curious—ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, and don’t settle for surface-level answers.

Adaptability & Risk-Taking – Switching careers wasn’t easy, but embracing uncertainty helped me grow. Moving from Home Depot to Microsoft, taking on new challenges like leading experimentation platform design, and speaking at events like MIT CODE Conference and the NNg (Nielsen Normal Group) Podcast all required stepping outside my comfort zone. Advice: Don’t fear change—every challenge is an opportunity to learn and redefine yourself.

Empathy & Storytelling – The best designs are data-driven yet deeply human. Whether advocating for inclusivity in workplaces with “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health” or designing for AI trust, I’ve learned that storytelling bridges the gap between users, business goals, and design. Advice: Develop empathy—listen to users, understand their pain points, and use storytelling to drive impact.

For those starting out: stay curious, embrace change, and always design with empathy.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been advocating for myself and actively creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. I’ve learned to speak up for what I want, whether it’s securing public speaking engagements, pushing for impactful design decisions, or stepping into leadership roles.

I successfully advocated for myself to speak at the MIT CODE Conference, where I shared insights on UX for Experimentation Platforms. This led to further opportunities, including an upcoming feature on the NNg Podcast. Additionally, I’ve been recognized for my work with multiple national and international awards, including for “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health”, a project that challenges workplace stigma around menstruation.

Beyond professional achievements, I’ve grown in confidence and strategic thinking, ensuring that my work aligns with both business impact and user needs. The past year has reinforced that advocating for yourself is not just about ambition—it’s about owning your expertise, pushing boundaries, and making meaningful contributions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.antaradave.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsmileorange/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antara-dave/