From Art School to AI Research at Google: Abey Stenman on Embracing Your Unique Skills

We often hear about the "traditional" path to tech success, especially in the startup world. But what if your background isn't typical? What if you're feeling the sting of imposter syndrome? We sat down with Google UX Research Lead Abey Stenman, an expert in human-AI collaboration and zero-to-one product innovation, to discuss how your unique journey might be your biggest asset, and how AI is leveling the playing field for every aspiring founder.

Abey’s journey from art school to a senior role at Google isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in forging your own path. Here’s what we learned.

Your Unique Background is a Superpower, Not a Hurdle

Abey's story starts far from computer science. "I went to art school... I settled on visual communications or what otherwise known as graphic design, heavily actually in print, not even in digital media." Yet, she rose to become a force at Google, shaping AI-driven user ecosystems.

Her secret? Leaning into those unconventional skills. "My design background was a huge source of my imposter syndrome for years," Abey admits. But she soon realized: "It wasn't until I leaned into those skills that I've mastered... that's kind of what made me me."

Your non-traditional background isn't something to overcome; it's a unique combination of skills that makes you stand out. Don't ignore them; leverage them. That ability to "make lemonade out of lemons," as Abey puts it, is what helps you get unstuck and build.

Ditch the "Seat at the Table" Mentality

Many founders, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds, feel they need permission or validation to belong. Abey has a candid rebuttal to this:

"There was constantly this notion of UX deserves a seat at the table. How to get a seat at the table. Well, it's like, let's stop talking about that and actually just pull up a chair and sit down and like stop trying to sell UX. Just do it. Just go make impact. And nobody's ever going to ask you why you should be there in the first place."

Stop waiting for an invitation. Your value isn't granted; it's demonstrated through action and impact. Focus on solving problems and creating value, and people will naturally want to be at your table.

AI: Your New Co-Founder (Even with 20 Minutes to Spare)

Abey's expertise lies in human-AI collaboration, and she sees firsthand how AI is empowering new waves of creators. She shared a striking anecdote from her research:

"I was speaking to a college professor... they mentioned how fascinating it was... seeing people who... a stay-at-home mom a couple of years ago, or even mentioned as a janitor... now are taking these classes because these tools are making it more possible and more attainable and less intimidating."

Even more powerfully, Abey recounted a user who, "within that 20 minutes while their baby was asleep, they were actually able to unlock or I guess discover the art of the possible."

• Low-code/no-code tools with AI assistance are dramatically lowering the barrier to entry for building and launching ideas.
• Learning has never been easier. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or Gemini are now real-time troubleshooting partners, accelerating your learning loop from idea to execution.
• Sometimes, the technology comes first. Don't feel pressured to have the "big idea" before exploring what's possible. Dive into the tools, see what they can do, and the ideas might follow.

The Shifting Landscape: Why Being an Entrepreneur Feels Less Risky Now

The traditional wisdom used to be that working for a big company was "safe" and starting up was "risky." Abey sees a fundamental shift:

"It kind of seems like the switch really is flipping and actually working for someone else feels riskier because you could be laid off any day for any old reason. It feels a lot riskier putting your career in someone else's hands when actually you could actually put your career in your own hands and the technology has never been easier to access."

This isn't just about starting a company; it's about embracing an entrepreneurial mindset in everything you do. "Nobody has the answer to where those roles are going and what exactly they're ultimately gonna be. It's up to all of us to actually define that."

You have more agency than ever. Whether you launch a startup or redefine your role within an existing company, taking ownership of your professional path is crucial. The rules are changing; you get to help write them.

Candid Advice for the Aspiring Founder: Keep Trying

If you're feeling doubt or hitting roadblocks, Abey's message is simple:

"Keep trying. Because the technology is constantly changing. And if you try it one day and you lose motivation because you can't troubleshoot through something... that last mile integration that was a huge blocker might actually no longer exist, or that blocker might not exist three months, four months, six months, a year from now."

Ultimately, Abey's optimism stems from human ambition itself: "So much of what AI changes about our world has to do with the human beings who are wielding it and the human ambition... I still have not lost faith in human beings."

Don't give up. The tools and support systems are evolving at breakneck speed. What's impossible today might be a simple click away tomorrow. Focus on your great idea, connect with the right tools and people (like us!), and keep pushing forward.

Connect with Abey: Find Abey Stenman on LinkedIn.

Ready to start building? Discover tools and a community designed for early-stage founders at Solid Ground AI. Let's overcome what's stopping you.