Design leaders often step into environments where previous UX efforts have failed, leaving behind a legacy of distrust among executives. A Director of UX describes this as walking into a trashed house and being handed a broom. The challenge isn't just about creating good design; it’s about restoring faith in a process that has previously disappointed stakeholders. Many designers mistakenly believe that producing great work will naturally change minds. However, the real task is understanding why trust was lost in the first place. To effectively engage with skeptical stakeholders, design leaders need to treat them like users. This involves conducting informal meetings to uncover past grievances and expectations. Questions like “What did the previous team promise you?” and “What did they actually deliver?” help pinpoint the real issues. Common themes include executives feeling they didn’t receive value for their investment, often due to delays or lack of actionable insights. Understanding these complaints is essential for rebuilding trust. Restoring confidence takes time and consistent effort. Leaders should focus on delivering small, quick wins rather than one large project. This approach mirrors physical therapy, where gradual improvement rebuilds strength and trust. Consistency in the design process is crucial. For example, if initial user feedback sessions yield positive insights, sticking with that method in future projects reinforces reliability. Translating design outcomes into business metrics like cost savings or employee productivity helps demonstrate value to decision-makers, making it easier to shift perceptions about UX from unreliable to essential.