I'm your host, Alexandra Tseffos, and welcome to The Design Pop, a podcast for dealer designers! The world of the dealer designer is changing and now more than ever, this community plays an ever-increasing role in the success of projects. These designers possess a wealth of knowledge and passion for furniture and design, but it seems this group is often left unrecognized. As the industry evolves, there is a growing recognition of the value of this role, leading to more opportunities for empowerment. Join me as I share my experiences as a designer, trainer, and consultant to help this community build more influence and recognition - this is the first step in building a community of dealers designers that are focused on learning, improving their craft, and growing their careers. Whether you're a furniture enthusiast or just curious about growing and learning more to apply to your own career. I'm glad you're here. Join me as we harness the power of the design community to explore these important topics in the world of design. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production.
The Design Pop podcast hosted by Alexandra Newman is truly a breath of fresh air in the design industry. From the moment I started listening to this podcast, I was captivated by Alexandra's candid and enlightening conversation style. It felt like I was sitting with a close friend, having an intimate discussion about design and life. The authenticity and vulnerability she brings to each episode are truly remarkable.
One of the best aspects of The Design Pop podcast is the wealth of knowledge and expertise that Alexandra shares with her listeners. As a dealer designer herself, she understands the intricacies and challenges of the industry, and this insight shines through in every episode. She discusses everything from design trends and strategies to practical tips for running a successful business. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, there is so much valuable information to take away from each episode.
Additionally, I appreciate how Alexandra goes beyond just discussing design topics on this podcast. She also delves into personal growth and self-improvement, exploring how these aspects play a vital role in one's professional journey as a designer. This holistic approach adds another layer of depth to the conversations and leaves listeners feeling inspired not only as designers but personally as well.
If I have to point out any potential areas for improvement, it would be that sometimes the episodes feel slightly rushed. With such engaging content, it would be beneficial to allow more time for certain topics to be explored in greater detail. However, this is merely a minor critique in comparison to the overall value provided by The Design Pop podcast.
In conclusion, The Design Pop podcast is an absolute gem for anyone in the design industry (not just dealer designers). Alexandra's ability to engage her audience with her candid storytelling and insightful discussions sets this podcast apart from others in its genre. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or simply an enjoyable listen, this podcast delivers on all fronts. I eagerly await each new episode and highly recommend The Design Pop to anyone looking to expand their design knowledge and grow both personally and professionally.
On this episode of The Design POP Podcast, host Alexandra Tseffos sits down with Erica Jaffe—Creative Director & Ancillary Specialist at Benhar Office Interiors, and affectionately known as the "Office Furniture Girl" on Instagram, to explore how dealer designers can sharpen their approach and enhance their impact on client interactions.From her early days in interior design, retail furniture sales, to business development at a dealership, Erica shares how clear communication, thoughtful expectation-setting, and a dose of humor can transform the designer-client relationship. Hear how she's leveraging social media to educate, entertain, and build both trust and credibility within the design community.Where to find The Design POP in Chicago https://www.thedesignpop.com/Chicago-2025The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
Stephanie Wolfson, Design Manager at HAT Collective, didn't set out to become a designer—she followed her curiosity, and it led her somewhere unexpected. With a background in theater and marketing, she found her way into the world of commercial interiors and discovered a love for the “3D puzzles” of furniture design.In this episode, Stephanie shares how curiosity helped her carve out new roles, take a bold career pause, and navigate the tough conversations that come with growth. It's a candid, inspiring look at what's possible when you stop chasing the perfect plan—and start following what lights you up.Learn more about POP into Excellence 2025; a professional development event for dealer designers & design leadersLast chance for "All Access:" https://www.thedesignpop.com/offers/dmdNUU2R/checkout The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Bradley and Pam Smith—two former dealer designers who made the jump to the A&D world and now work at HKS. They open up about what that transition was really like, from unexpected stress relief to letting go of manufacturer sales goals and adapting to new tech.We dive into the sometimes tricky dynamic between dealerships and A&D firms, and what it takes to collaborate well. Kate and Pam share what they wish they had known earlier, bust a few myths (like whether fancy renderings actually help win projects), and offer real, practical advice for building better partnerships.Register for FREE to attend the webinar Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Collaboration Between Dealer Designers and A+DSubmit a question for the panelists link: https://www.thedesignpop.com/pie-2025-questionsLearn more about POP into Excellence 2025; a professional development event for dealer designers & design leadersThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
In this candid conversation, Alexandra chats with Wesley Edmonds, Director of Workplace at OFS, about the challenges and opportunities for women in design. They tackle the evolving role of dealer designers, the gender gap in leadership, and how sponsorship can fuel career growth.With personal stories, industry insights, and plenty of laughter, they explore the disconnect between A&D and dealer designers, the need to break down silos, and why empowering all designers—regardless of title—matters. Plus, they get real about juggling careers and motherhood in a fast-paced, male-dominated industry.Honest, funny, and full of actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in workplace design or leadership.Oh, and Pop Into Excellence kicks off on May 5th! (Stay tuned for more information). The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Join Alexandra Tseffos as she chats with innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo about how AI is shaking up the commercial interiors industry. After crossing paths at CET Experience, where Shawn delivered a keynote that got everyone thinking, they dive into what it really means to be "remarkable" in an AI-powered world. From lessons in cross-industry innovation to the future of furniture specification, this conversation will challenge how you see technology's role in design. Whether you're all-in on AI or still a little skeptical, Shawn's take on embracing disruption "without losing the human touch" is one you won't want to miss.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
On this episode, I sit down with Rob Kirkbride (Editor in Chief of officeinsight magazine), a true legend in commercial furniture journalism. Rob's seen it all—from covering “just office furniture” in the early days to witnessing the incredible changes shaping our industry today. Recorded LIVE from the CET Experience in October, we dive into some seriously interesting stuff, like how AI is shaking up design and journalism, why in-person workplace connections are more important than ever, and what it's like to have toured almost every furniture factory out there. Rob also shares his thoughts on mentorship, the future of dealer networks, and how we can better connect with younger professionals. It's a lively, thoughtful conversation with someone who's been at the heart of our industry for years—join us! You can hear more on CETx, such as one of our most popular episodes, "Look for Friendly Faces."Learn more about ROOM The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
The Design Pop starts the new year with a reflective and forward-looking episode. Alexandra takes you on a journey through the milestones of the past year while sharing her vision for the year ahead. Discover how experiences from 2024 are shaping bold new initiatives, inspiring personal growth, and fostering deeper connections in the design community. Tune in to be inspired, refocus your goals, and gear up for an impactful 2025!Listen to Trisha Harp's episodeListen to The Design Pop LIVE from CETxContact The Design Pop about Teknion's trainingThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
In this candid conversation, Trisha Harp from Young Office shares her incredible story of resilience in the wake of Hurricane damage to their Asheville location. She walks through the devastating impact of the hurricane, how her team rallied together, and the unexpected silver linings of rebuilding their showroom from scratch. From navigating disaster recovery to sharing insights about her career journey through working for a dealer and manufacturer, Trisha offers a powerful look at adaptability, teamwork, and finding opportunities in challenging moments. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Join us as we chat with Erick Gama, a strategic RFP specialist at BOS in Chicago, about his unique journey in the design world. From his college days studying interior design to becoming an integral part of a specialized response team, Eric shares how he carved out his career path. He opens up about the challenges of working on RFPs, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his advice for emerging designers eager to make their mark. Eric's story is a testament to the power of teamwork, personal growth, and staying open to unexpected opportunities in the design industry.Sign up for The Design POP's Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinarThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
In this episode of The Design Pop, host Alexandra chats with Lance Amato, Head of Customer Experience at CANOA, live from CET Experience. Together, they explore how design technology is changing the commercial furniture industry, especially for dealer designers. Lance opens up on his journey from architecture and design to tech, admitting he once underestimated the complexity of dealer designers' work. They discuss CANOA's bottom-up tech adoption, new CIF file integration, and how AI enhances (not replaces) the design process. It's a conversation about bridging gaps, improving data access, and making tools work better for everyone in design.Sign up for The Design POP's Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinarThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Learn more about ROOM Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
I'm at CET Experience this week, meeting with designers and hugging friends, new and old - this is one happy place! This morning, Configure hit the stage with some exciting updates, and though you might've missed it, don't worry—we've got you covered! In this episode, I sit down with two very special guests: Aaron Okkema (Global Head of Interiors at Configura) and Erin Corrill (Global Head of User Community at Configura). Together, we discuss what's happening at this year's show, what's new at Configura, and what might be on the horizon for the commercial interiors industry. Sign up for The Design POP's Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinarThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Learn more about ROOM Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Are you using AI without even realizing it? In this episode, Alexandra takes a fun dive into how AI is shaking up the design world. She's joined by Kari Anderson, founder of Techbox Collective, Scott Loomis from Steelcase, and Felipe Teixeira of Encodec to chat about how AI is being used in real design projects. They break down the perks, the pitfalls, and what we need to watch out for as AI becomes a bigger part of our creative process. From ditching boring tasks to unlocking new levels of creativity, they explore how AI shapes the future of design and what it means for you!Sign up for The Design POP's Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinarThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Join Alexandra as she takes you on a journey to the CET Experience, Configura's annual user conference. From her emotional first attendance in 2009 to her current role as a media sponsor, Alexandra shares personal anecdotes and insights into this unique industry event.Featuring interviews with Configura CEO Stefan Pearson and award-winning designer Alessandra Salazzo, this episode explores what makes the CET Experience special. Whether you're a seasoned CET user or new to the commercial interior design industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on professional growth, industry connections, and the latest in design technology.Also - don't miss exclusive details about the 2024 CET Experience and a special discount code for Design Pop listeners!For $75 off registration to CETX: https://www.cetexperience.com?promo=CETXDESIGNPOP2024Or use the code: CETXDESIGNPOP2024If you are heading to CETX let us know! We are looking for people who want to participate in the pod. Contact alexandra@thedesignpop.comWant to sign up for a free monthly pop webinar in the future? Follow this link to register.
In this episode, Alexandra Tseffos takes a moment to reflect and reconnect after a whirlwind month. She shares stories from a recent journey to Greece, exploring her heritage and creating memorable family experiences. From historic landmarks to unique family dynamics, Alexandra's travel tales reveal deeper connections to her life's purpose.She also dives into her experiences at NeoCon and Design Days and how reconnecting with others creates true moments of gratitude and curiosity. Tune in for a heartfelt blend of personal stories and professional insights that underscore the importance of human connection and discovery.To access the Pop into Excellence recordings, please visit: https://www.thedesignpop.com/offers/AP2S9W9LPOP into Excellence 2024 recordings are a limited release. This offer ends on August 1st at 12am central time.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInConnect with Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
What truly drives collaboration between sales reps and designers? Today, we cut through the noise to explore how technology and simplified processes can foster better partnerships.Join us as we hear from industry experts Lindsey Shepherd, owner of Full Circle, and Tom Caterino, principal at Contract Sources in Boston, as they share how they use technology and unique approaches to communication to create harmonious and impactful relationships that deliver real results for their businesses and people.But wait, there's more! Alexandra also examines survey results from the North American Independent Rep Council (NAIRC), hosted by Jeff Carlson, on the use of specification services and technology by independent rep groups. The results may surprise you.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
In today's episode, we sit down with Aaron Estabrook, Director of Digital Marketing and Media Strategy at OFS, who shares compelling insights on building a personal brand that resonates and stands out in a crowded market. Together, they explore the impact of personal branding on career advancement, the psychological barriers professionals face, and practical strategies for overcoming them. Aaron offers actionable advice on how individuals can express their unique values and skills, enhancing visibility and connections within their industry. This episode is an essential listen for anyone eager to elevate their professional profile and forge meaningful connections in the design world. Whether you're an emerging designer or a seasoned professional, you'll find valuable lessons in building a brand that truly represents who you are and attracts the opportunities you seek.Register for Aaron's Pop into Excellence personal branding workshop here. Learn more about The Design POP into Excellence event The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Are you thinking of "crossing over?" On this episode, we welcome Alison Kulisek, a designer-turned-salesperson who has experienced multiple "crossover" events in her design industry career. Alison is currently an Account Executive at MDC Interior Solutions and today she'll share her path from dealer designer to sales, discussing the stresses and challenges of both roles.This episode offers a deep dive into the diverse career trajectories within the design field, exploring the essential skills required to excel in both design and sales roles. Highlighting the significance of embracing risks and innovation, our discussion underscores the necessity of adaptability and courage to distinguish oneself in the ever-evolving design industry.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Learn more about The Design POP into Excellence event Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
On today's episode, Laura Boone, co-founder and principal of turnerboone, shares the unique business model and company culture that drives their success. During our chat, Laura discusses prioritizing highly skilled account managers (who have design backgrounds) over traditional commission-based sales, emphasizing hiring for culture fit and developing leaders internally. Laura also highlights embracing remote work for top talent, prioritizing customer experience, and staying open to industry evolution. Her insights offer a glimpse into an innovative dealership structure centered on service excellence and employee satisfaction.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Despite starting his design career in his 30s, Paul Riches has become a distinguished leader at MillerKnoll. Captured during a conversation between long-time industry friends at the CET Experience, Paul traces his winding path to design. From deciding against law school to touring with a heavy metal band, his journey demonstrates how saying "yes" can unlock unforeseen opportunities.Now a celebrated technological trailblazer, Paul helped push early dealer design software to the limits. He shares valuable insights on innovation, client expectations around speed-to-market, and why designers shouldn't fear AI. Tune in to discover Paul's unconventional trajectory and perspective on technology transforming the workplace.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
In the second installment of our series, we delve deeper into the actual practices of dealer design incentives.Join us as we speak with Brent Matthews, President of Price Modern, who explains the rationale behind introducing designer incentives in their organization.We'll also engage with two design leaders who take distinctly different approaches to incentives. Joining us are Julia Machado, a familiar voice on The Design Pop, who collaborated with Brent on these incentives, and Kim Melka from Duet Resource Group, bringing a fresh perspective.To cap off the episode, I'll break down the findings from our online survey about design incentives used by both manufacturers and dealers. This episode is packed with real-world insights that are sure to enlighten you.Get the Incentives Report hereThe Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
As projects get more complex, dealer designers juggle more responsibilities - and as more responsibilities grow, so too does dealer designer compensation, right? RIGHT?! Well, apparently, not always…In this first episode of our two-part series, we dive into the complexities of dealer designer compensation and incentives. Join us with consultant Shelley Rosetta from Solomon Coyle, who helps shed light on why, despite rising pay, 80% of designers are leaving for better opportunities. Together, we tackle how Dealer Principals can better retain and motivate talent by aligning compensation with skills, setting clear KPIs, and offering more than just monetary rewards. Expect insights on transparency, training, and recognition in part 1 of today's episode, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions and survey data in part two. Stay tuned!The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Can you believe it's been a whole year of podcasting already? Crazy! As a new podcaster, 2023 has been a fun and surprising journey. For instance, my kiddos now call this podcast, "mama's show" and my hairstylist mentioned she “digs the sound of my voice.” It's a little startling to know so many folks are listening, both inside and outside our industry. Even though I'm still adjusting to this new reality, I've loved strengthening old connections and making new friends through this podcast journey.Looking ahead into 2024, I hope to bring more leadership perspectives to the table and chat about topics that impact the life of a dealer designer, like the role of incentives, career advancement, work-life balance, and so much more.I hope you enjoy this episode and take time this holiday season and unplug. Thank you for joining me on this journey and I look forward to sharing more with you in the new year, so stay tuned!The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
Recorded LIVE from the CET Experience, Alexandra sits down with Julia Machado, Director of Design at Price Modern. Together, they explore Julia's transformative journey from a production designer to a leader in management. Their discussion delves into the evolution of her leadership skills, the criticality of maintaining work-life balance, and the art of empowering teams while fostering specialization. A significant part of their conversation revolves around the industry's ambiguous career paths and how professionals can proactively navigate and advance their design careers. Julia shares her valuable insights, providing perspectives from both an individual contributor and a managerial standpoint, offering a comprehensive view of the potential trajectories of a design career within a dealer organization.And make sure to stay tuned for the last few minutes of today's episode, as we look ahead to our next episode, in which we'll need your help learning more about "incentives" for dealer designers. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
CET Experience is Configura's annual user community conference. This year, CETx was in Scottsdale, Arizona and The Design Pop Podcast was lucky enough to get to speak to, interview, and mingle with the attendees of this incredible event. In fact, we were excited to get some time with a very special guest, Stefan Persson, Chief Executive Officer at Configura (maker of CET Commercial Interiors software). In this episode, Stefan walks us through his unique path to Configura and the exciting new changes coming to the CET program, such as integrating AI, updating the user interface, and releasing other new exciting features. Tune in to hear his insights on Configura's origins, values, and exciting plans ahead.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)Connect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedInLearn more about Alexandra Tseffos and The Design Pop
While at AIA's Women's Leadership Summit, there were references to the fact that women were leaving the profession between graduating and becoming licensed. When I asked where they were going, a common response was: Interior Design and UX.Kari Anderson has spent 3 decades in the industry, mostly at dealerships, and has always been fascinated by technology. I met her as an early adopter of CET in 2009. In 2018, she made a shift and was re-educated as a UX designer. This episode explores her journey personally and professionally as she applied her existing interior design experience to a new function of design.Kari Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxandkari/UX&Kari: https://uxandkari.com/Techbox Collective: https://techboxcollective.com/Where are the women?https://www.acsa-arch.org/resource/where-are-the-women-measuring-progress-on-gender-in-architecture-2/The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
In today's episode, we're going deep into a surprisingly hot topic in the world of the dealer designer. Should the reins of ancillary decisions be in the hands of designers, salespeople, a specialist, A&D, manufacturer's rep… all of them? To help break down this debate, we welcome two very special guests, Jodi Sorenson (Director of Furniture Design at AGILE INTERIORS) and Abby Leopold (Principal at CH411). We discuss how ancillary has become more complex, the differences between specification & selection, and explore ideas on how dealerships can enhance the ancillary process as the demand for ancillary grows.Plus, we glean findings from a survey put out by The Design POP, revealing how dealerships approach ancillary, with some eye-opening feedback. Join us for a comprehensive look into the evolving realm of ancillary furniture and how this topic just might make or break your dealer design team.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
In today's episode, Alexandra interviews Ellen Gerovac, VP of Design at BSI-Milwaukee and Mother of 4 children. Together, they discuss their experiences becoming parents while building design careers, including overcoming early misconceptions about motherhood in the industry. Ellen shares advice on setting boundaries between work and home life, being creative about managing workload, and involving kids in your design passion. Alexandra and Ellen offer clear advice for managing your mental health as a Mom, emphasizing clear communication, asking for help when needed, and maintaining balance during stressful seasons of life. As you'll hear, this conversation aims to empower designers to advocate for their needs while bringing their best selves to their families and their work.Looking to make a change? The independent designer registry is a way to help you market your skills, in a field you love, to those who need your design expertise. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with Alexandra on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
Today, we chat with Josh Collins, Design Director at Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. In this episode, we discover how Josh's experience working in A&D and data analysis led him to prioritize design and embrace the challenges of the dealership industry, realizing the immense potential for dealer designers to make a lasting impact on the world of work environments.We also explore the transformative effects of the pandemic on redefining work and consider how dealer designers can shape the future, leaving their mark on the universe of design.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with me on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
In Part 2 of our designer stress series, I team up with esteemed communication coach and AlwaysStrategic founder, Rob Langejans, as we explore the findings from our Dealer Designer Stress Assessment. With his extensive expertise in Architecture, Engineering & Construction, and Contract Furniture, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.Tune in as we go further on the topic of managing stress, enhancing workplace satisfaction, and improving communication techniques. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with me on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
Let's talk stress. In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the complex stress landscape that dealer designers confront daily. From relentless requests for deliverables, quick deadlines, exhaustive email chains, and unending creative demands - we examine how these tasks can grind you down. This balancing act between projects and people strains not just the mind and body, but also begins to cross over into every facet of life and business.So, what's the greatest source of your work-related stress? How do you counteract this daily pressure? Join me as we navigate these questions and consider solutions for managing and mitigating the stresses that many dealer designers are facing daily.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with me on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
On this episode of The Design Pop, I sit down with the brilliant Jill Stewart, VP of Business Strategy at Office Revolution. Together, we dive into Jill's journey, starting as a dealer designer to leading a diverse team of designers and workplace professionals today. Jill breaks down what she's learned on this journey and how embracing change just might be the most important skill we can learn in today's fast-moving, tech-enabled, world.We also explore the power of a design team and how to unleash their potential. Jill emphasizes the significance of recognizing and respecting the work of dealer designers, and how their unique ability to connect with people can help elevate your organization.Tune in to this episode to discover how to "get to the table" and take your career to the next level.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with me on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
Welcome to the very first episode of The Design Pop! So...where should I start?In this inaugural episode, I take a moment to reflect on my design career and share the valuable lessons I've learned along the way. As I delve into the topic of success, I ponder which skills have truly contributed to my achievements. For instance, could it be that figure skating, a passion nurtured by my Mom, has played a role in my current career path?Join me as I delve into the importance of identifying our unique strengths as designers, and how leveraging these strengths can pave the way for success in our businesses. In today's episode, we'll explore the crucial role of self-awareness in design, and how recognizing our strengths can lead to creating meaningful and impactful work.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place ProductionConnect with me on LinkedInFollow The Design Pop on LinkedIn
I'm your host, Alexandra Tseffos, and welcome to The Design Pop! I'm here to help you build a design career that you love by learning and understanding perspectives from within our industry. Whether you're a furniture enthusiast or just curious about growing and learning more to apply to your own career. I'm glad you're here.Through my journey as a designer and trainer in the design community, discovered the importance of understanding dealer processes to effectively train and understand designers. Along the way, I noticed a common craving among designers for community, partnership, and validation. Now self-employed, I aim to raise awareness about frequently asked questions in the design community and explore topics such as the future of design, better collaboration between designers and salespeople or manufacturer reps, and what flexibility means to a designer. Join me as we harness the power of the design community to explore these important topics in the world of design.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production.
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