Ben Sykes
From Hollywood Sets & Combat Zones to Building Products at Google
Male from Austin, United states and speaks EnglishAvailable for Collaboration, Interviews in Remote Formats
Anything related to Military, Film Industry and or UX Design.
Topics Discussed by Ben Sykes
About Ben Sykes
Ben Sykes is a multidisciplinary force—equal parts combat-tested leader, creative technologist, and human-centered design advocate.
With over 25 years of hands-on design experience, Ben's career has spanned military service in the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to designing immersive UX systems at some of the world’s most influential companies, including Google, Microsoft, Cisco, and Silicon Labs.
From leading the visual and interaction design for American Idol Underground to inventing data visualization backbones at Google, Ben has continually delivered design that is intuitive, scalable, and deeply empathetic.
He’s also taught and mentored hundreds of emerging designers as an adjunct professor at San Francisco State University and curriculum designer at General Assembly—empowering the next generation of UX thinkers.
Beyond digital products, Ben’s journey includes work in the film industry, culinary arts for TV productions, and keynote speaking on overcoming PTSD and anxiety.
His story is not just about design—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the human experience that underpins every interaction.
Availability for Interviews
Weekdays only from 9am to 5pm America/Chicago
Interview & Promotion Format
- Guest Form
- Pre-Interview Call
- Share Episodes
- Email Subscribers
Target Audience
Anything related to Military, Film Industry and or UX Design.
Why Invite Ben Sykes as a Guest?
1. **Military Experience:** With a background in the Marine Corps Infantry Reserve and significant contributions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I can offer unique insights and stories that will engage and educate listeners about military service and combat experiences. 2. **Film Industry Insights:** Having worked on 12 features and 4 TV shows, including Oscar-winning American Beauty, I can share behind-the-scenes anecdotes and valuable perspectives on the entertainment industry that will captivate audiences. 3. **Culinary Expertise:** As a catering chef for prestigious events like the Grand opening of Opus One Winery and the Dennis Tito Spaceflight send-off, I can provide a flavor-filled discussion about the intersection of food, creativity, and high-profile events. 4. **Personal Growth Journey:** From overcoming PTSD through CPT therapy to leading a sober life, I bring a real and inspiring narrative of resilience in the face of challenges, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating similar struggles. 5. **Presentation Skills:** With engaging speaking topics like career advice and design fundamentals, I can deliver valuable content in an articulate and compelling manner, ensuring an informative and enjoyable podcast episode for both listeners and the host. 6. **Promotional Support:** With an established online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, IMDb, and Clarity, I can help promote the podcast episode to a wider audience and potentially attract new listeners to the show.