Meet Elise Li

We recently connected with Elise Li and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elise, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

The first “only one in the room” story is about my transition to a new career. I pursued a master’s degree in fashion management in Hong Kong, where most of my classmates came from fashion design or business backgrounds, aiming for careers in fashion or marketing. I, on the other hand, wanted to shift to UX design, which made me feel incredibly isolated. While my classmates attended numerous recruitment events for companies like LVMH, L’Oréal, and DFS, I found myself alone, quietly working on my portfolio at home. With no formal education or internship experience in UX/UI, my resume was essentially blank. Although I made a few friends at PolyU, our different career paths meant they couldn’t offer much support, leaving me feeling like the only one in the room.

Despite my lack of background and network, I gradually moved toward success. My first step was to dive in. I didn’t have real projects, but I used a fashion app project from school along with a branding design project to create a portfolio website. I applied to about 20 companies, landing one interview, but I was disappointed with the quantity and quality of the responses. Self-doubt crept in, and I questioned whether I should continue my job search in Hong Kong.

The second step was to seek guidance from someone with a similar experience. Since I didn’t know anyone in the field, I turned to online resources. At that time, ADPList wasn’t popular, so I reached out on Xiaohongshu and connected with a UX designer with seven years of experience in Hong Kong who happened to be a PolyU alumna. She reviewed my portfolio and provided encouraging feedback, emphasizing the importance of using LinkedIn. Following her advice, I improved my LinkedIn presence and secured about ten interviews within a month, ultimately landing a job.

The second “only one in the room” story relates to my experience at work without a mentor. Most companies in Hong Kong are small, typically having only one or two designers, and everyone is busy with their own tasks. To navigate this, I sought help from my peers for design-related questions. For product processes and business insights, I consulted with the PM and other colleagues. Additionally, I connected with my mentor, Michael, a design director at IBM, through ADPList. He provided valuable advice on collaborating with colleagues and advancing my career.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hello readers of Bold Journey!
My name is Elise, and I’m a Lead Product Designer based in Hong Kong with six years of professional experience. My primary focus is on fintech, where I work on apps and websites. I also run my own studio, where I occasionally help friends and clients with digital products, whether related to fashion or technology—essentially, anything that piques my interest.

In addition to my work, I’m a content creator and educator. I share my insights on UX design, products, technology, and career development on social media, along with my daily experiences and thoughts as a product designer. Since March 2024, I’ve been offering free UX mentorship on ADPList. I believe that mentoring is not a one-way street; it’s a mutual exchange. I learn a lot from my mentees and gain tremendous energy from our interactions.

You can find me on
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/xuanelise-li
ADPList: https://adplist.org/mentors/elise-li

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe that people are driven by their mindset rather than just hard skills. Here are three key points that reflect this belief:

First, execution is essential. Don’t overthink—just do it. We live in an age of information overload, where we’re bombarded with countless opinions on social media. This can lead to indecision, as we may hesitate when constantly weighing others’ perspectives. While you might not always know what you like, you definitely know what you don’t like. So, if you have various ideas or interests, try them out! This process will help you gradually identify what you truly want to pursue.

Second, choices matter more than effort. Let me clarify: I believe every profession has its value and deserves respect. However, there’s often a significant difference between the compensation received and the effort expended. I think it’s important to choose the most lucrative path within a field that interests you. For example, I pivoted from fashion to product design because I was passionate about design and wanted to pursue a more rewarding career.

Third, persistence and continuous learning are crucial. Once you commit to a goal, avoid dwelling on what you’ve given up. Stay focused on your chosen path, regardless of the challenges. I know many friends who are designers and have stepped back due to burnout. However, every profession requires effort. When I decided to become a UX designer, I turned down opportunities in fashion to start fresh—reading UX books, taking courses, and volunteering in the field. Years later, I’m still learning and balancing input with output.

If someone embodies these mindsets, I believe they can achieve success in virtually any endeavor.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is a lack of time.
In the past, I was busy working on my portfolio, job hunting, and preparing for interviews. Now, I’ve shifted my focus to mentoring others, attending creative networking events, working on side projects, and staying fit to maintain my health. While I feel like I’m making progress, I often find that there just isn’t enough time in the day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eliseli.info/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xuanelise-li/
• Twitter: https://x.com/e1ise_li
• Other: Xiaohongshu: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5ad87ee4e8ac2b1c7e43ee30?xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=5ad87ee4e8ac2b1c7e43ee30&apptime=1731951020&share_id=22464cbbed154e18b1a3c418288ba43e