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Dana Leshchuk – Meet the Mentor

I'm Dana, a Digital Designer passionate about creating impactful and user-friendly digital experiences. I’m driven by a strong commitment to efficiency, creativity, and delivering results that make a difference. Specializing in UX/UI design, I focus on helping individuals successfully navigate career transitions and embrace new challenges in the design industry.
Dana Leshchuk

Product designer, Zington Xperience

Why did you decide to become a mentor?

Becoming a mentor felt like a natural progression in my career. Besides, I dreamed about becoming a teacher since I was a child, so I guess I'm fulfilling that dream too.

Now, after years of navigating the ups and downs of the design industry, from struggling to get my first job to working internationally, I feel a strong desire to give back. Being a mentor allows me to share what I’ve learned, especially about overcoming challenges like self-doubt, creativity block, working with clients, and even burnout.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to help someone else build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their careers. I went into mentoring with the expectation that I’d be teaching others, but in many ways, I’ve ended up learning just as much from my mentees. The experience has expanded my perspective, and I find it inspiring to see how others approach similar challenges from different angles. It's a two-way street where both mentor and mentee grow together.

How did you get your career start?

My career journey was anything but linear. I have a master's degree in tourism management but just after a few years working in the industry, I realized that design is my true passion. I studied graphic design for 2 years during weekends while working full-time. It was tough but I was happy!

After finishing my design studies I ended up moving to Sweden, where I faced numerous challenges just trying to get my first job in design. I also self-taught myself UX/UI design in the meantime and enjoyed it very much. I sent out plenty of CVs and was met with rejection after rejection, which was disheartening, especially being in a foreign country where I was still learning the language. 

However, I refused to give up. A turning point came when a startup where I was interning helped connect me with opportunities and gave me the support I needed to land my first design role. I had some great mentors who helped me navigate my early career, teaching me the importance of persistence and self-confidence.

These experiences shaped who I am today, and they also fuel my passion for mentoring others who are at the beginning of their journeys.

What do mentees usually come to you for?

Mentees usually come to me for guidance on career transitions, navigating the UX/UI design process, and advice on how to break into the industry. Since I’ve worked remotely from different countries and understand the complexities of adjusting to new environments, I also often help with work-life balance, particularly for those who are considering working abroad.

I structure my mentorships by first understanding the individual’s specific goals and challenges. Whether they’re just starting out in design, feeling overwhelmed by career choices, or dealing with imposter syndrome, I work with them to build confidence and develop clear, actionable plans. I’m a firm believer in the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and aligning work with passion, so I try to instill those values in my mentees.

What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

One of my favorite mentorship success stories involves a mentee who was struggling with the decision of whether to shift from a technical role to UX/UI design. He felt torn between sticking with a secure path or diving into something new that he was truly passionate about but had little experience in.

Over several months, we worked together to not only build his design skills but also to boost his confidence. He took on small design projects to build his portfolio, and we navigated the challenges of learning a new discipline while still working in his current role. Eventually, he leaped into a full-time UX/UI position and has since flourished in his new role.

Seeing that mentee's growth and knowing that I had a small part in helping him make that transition was incredibly rewarding.

What are you getting out of being a mentor?

Being a mentor has been an eye-opening experience for me. It’s taught me the value of empathy, patience, and active listening. I’ve become a better leader, not just in my mentoring relationships, but also in my professional roles. It has deepened my ability to guide teams and manage projects more effectively.

On a personal level, mentoring has reminded me of the excitement and passion that come with starting something new. It’s inspiring to work with people who are at the beginning of their journey, full of curiosity and ambition. It also keeps me sharp—my mentees challenge me to think critically about my own work and approach. In many ways, it has reignited my own passion for design and for helping others navigate the sometimes difficult path of building a meaningful career.

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