It seems hard, as being a designer feels like an uphill battle. The constant push to influence business decisions. The extra effort to navigate shrinking timelines and cost cuts. Just to find out that the user feedback was ignored or dismissed.  

And while designers fight to have a seat at the table, the rise of gen AI, which can put wireframes together in minutes, calls their role into question.

How can designers bring valuable competencies to the table? What is necessary to overcome the "us vs. them" mentality? And how to win priority to create what’s important for business in the long run?