The Interior Design Business CEO

If there is no right way to grow your interior design business, how do you know what to do next? In this episode, I dive into how to identify your unique right way forward.   Understanding your next steps requires examining three key areas: strategy, mindset, and emotional alignment. I share how to evaluate potential business moves through the lens of your goals and vision, while considering your current capacity and season of life. This practical framework helps you make confident decisions about which opportunities to pursue and which to save for later.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/139   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Are you stuck thinking there's a “right way” to grow your business? Maybe you're trying to follow best practices or copying strategies you've seen others use, but something still feels off. In this first episode of CEO Summer School, I'm sharing a truth I know for sure: there's no single “right way” to grow your business.   There are countless ways to run a successful interior design business, and the key is finding what works best for you. This is all about moving away from the belief that there's one perfect method and instead embracing what fits your values, goals, and personal style.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/138   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Are you ready to slow down this summer, but still feel like you should be making progress in your business? Maybe you want to give yourself more space to enjoy the season, but also want to keep your interior design business moving forward.   In this episode, I'm announcing the return of CEO Summer School—my free audio series designed to help you navigate the summer months without feeling overwhelmed. This year, we're bringing it back with a new theme, and I'm excited to share all the details with you. If you participated last year, you'll want to tune in for a fresh twist this time around.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/137   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Is there a part of your business you're feeling pulled to rethink or do differently? Maybe it's something you've outgrown or a new vision that keeps tugging at your attention. When that “what if” won't go away, it might be time to reimagine what's next.   In this episode, I'm sharing a process you can use to make big changes in your business with more clarity and confidence. I'll walk you through the big change I'm making this summer and how you can use the same process to move from an idea to a plan that fits the season you're in.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/136   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Have you ever started a new habit or routine, only to suddenly find yourself completely off track? That moment when you realize you've "fallen off the wagon" can trigger a spiral of guilt and self-judgment that makes it even harder to start again. These moments of deviation aren't failures at all, they're essential parts of the change process.   In this episode, I share how to approach these inevitable moments of inconsistency with curiosity instead of judgment. By dropping the entire construct of "the wagon," you can build genuine self-trust that leads to sustainable change. This shift in perspective helps you recover faster from setbacks, and it transforms how you approach growth in your design business altogether.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/135   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Are you constantly swooping in to save the day, taking on excessive responsibility, and feeling like you're the only one who can do things right? You might be caught in the pattern of overfunctioning, which can lead to burnout without even realizing it.    I share the signs of overfunctioning, why we do it, and most importantly, how to break free from this pattern. By understanding the difference between healthy responsibility and overfunctioning, you can create more balance in your business and personal life. I offer practical questions to help you identify your own patterns and strategies to shift toward a more sustainable way of operating.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/134   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Do you struggle to have difficult conversations with clients, contractors, or team members? I've been coaching on this topic a lot lately, and it's clear that many designers find themselves in situations where they worry about coming across as rude or confrontational.   In this episode, I dive into why these conversations feel so challenging and how to navigate them with confidence. I share specific strategies to help you communicate more effectively, including how to identify what's really holding you back, ways to shift your mindset, and practical approaches to these conversations.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/133   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Are you drowning in unmade decisions? I call this "decision debt" – the accumulation of postponed choices that drain your energy and keep you stuck in a perpetual state of indecision. As interior designers, we help clients make decisions every day, but often struggle with our own business decisions, letting them pile up until they become overwhelming.   In this episode, I'm sharing my framework for clearing decision debt and developing stronger decision-making muscles. I'll help you understand why you might be avoiding decisions, how to identify your unmade choices, and implement a practical system for making decisions with confidence. When you free yourself from decision debt, you'll experience more momentum, clarity, and energy to pursue your vision for your interior design business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/132   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Is uncertainty in the design industry keeping you up at night? With economic shifts, political changes, and market fluctuations, it's easy to feel like the ground beneath your business is constantly shifting. As interior designers, we're not just navigating our own businesses—we're helping clients make significant investments during these same uncertain times.   In this episode, I dive into practical strategies for not just surviving but thriving when everything feels unpredictable. I share why our brains crave certainty and how this natural tendency can actually work against us as business owners. The future may be uncertain, but your ability to navigate it doesn't have to be.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/131   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Have you been ignoring your own needs while taking care of everyone else's? In this special pep talk episode, I explore the powerful practice of identifying what you truly need and then giving it to yourself. Whether it's physical rest, emotional support, or simply permission to want what you want, learning to honor your own signals can transform how you show up in your business and life.   The inspiration for this episode came from a listener who shared her beautiful practice of apologizing to herself for the ways she'd been unkind to her own spirit. I explore how we can all become more attuned to our needs, whether they're big or small, internal or external, and how giving ourselves what we need builds our internal resources and supports our goals rather than detracting from them.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/130   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Have you ever found yourself feeling exhausted, resentful, or frustrated with clients, contractors, or even team members? If so, you're likely experiencing the consequences of ineffective boundaries in your interior design business. I see this pattern repeatedly with designers who come to me for coaching—they know they need to set boundaries but struggle with how to establish and maintain them effectively.   In this episode, I'm breaking down the four most common boundary-setting mistakes I see interior designers make. By understanding what not to do, you'll gain clarity on how to confidently establish and uphold boundaries that support both you and your business relationships. These insights will help you create a more sustainable business model that allows you to show up at your best while still maintaining healthy professional relationships.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/129   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Are you constantly chasing the next goal, pushing yourself to the limit, and feeling like you can never quite catch up? In today's episode, I'm diving into the crucial distinction between hustling and hard work—two approaches that might seem similar on the surface but lead to dramatically different outcomes for your interior design business and personal wellbeing.   I'll walk you through how to recognize whether you're operating from a place of frantic hustle or purposeful hard work, why the emotional fuel behind your actions matters more than the hours you put in, and practical steps to shift your approach if needed. This distinction isn't just about semantics, it's about creating a business that supports your life rather than consumes it, allowing you to achieve meaningful results without sacrificing your well-being in the process.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/128   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Have you been feeling stuck in your interior design business lately? Are you ready to level up but unsure of the next steps to take? Attending a professional retreat or conference could be just the spark you need to reignite your passion and grow your business to new heights.   In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Davis, founder of Davis Interiors and creator of the Midwest Design Retreat. Jennifer shares her insights on how stepping away from the day-to-day operations of your business to attend a retreat can provide the inspiration, validation, and community you need to take your business to the next level.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/127   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

As interior designers, we often juggle multiple projects and deadlines, making it easy to fall into the trap of putting things off until the eleventh hour. But this habit can lead to unnecessary stress, careless mistakes, and even damage to our professional reputation. It's time to make a change.   I dive into the mindset shifts and practical strategies you need to stop doing things last minute. From dropping the self-judgment to finding intrinsic motivation, these tips will help you become more proactive, efficient, and calm in your work.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/126   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources    

If the thought of a break brings up a ton of fears and worries, it's time to start planning now to ensure your interior design business is set up for success during those sweet summer months. Whether you want to take extended time off, work a reduced schedule, or simply navigate the changes in rhythm that summer brings, it's important to be intentional about your approach.   I share the 10 key things you need to do now to prepare your business for the summer season. From mapping out project timelines to reviewing your finances, we'll cover all the bases so you can create a summer experience that supports both your business goals and your personal desires.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/125   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I'm an award winning interior designer and a master certified life and business coach. I created this podcast to help designers go from stressed and overwhelmed to calm, confident, and in control because I know that when you thrive, so will your business.   In every episode, I blend mindset concepts, emotional resilience tools, and practical strategies to sustainably grow your interior design business in a way that supports you creatively, financially, and enriches your life by creating self-defined success.   Here we cover essential topics like time management, boundaries, leadership, goal setting, and more to help you streamline your days, increase your profitability, and build a business you love to run.   If you're ready for a holistic approach to business that empowers you as a designer CEO, you're in the right place. And for instant access to free resources that'll help you implement what you learn on the show, visit desicreswell.com.

In this episode, I dive into the dreaded fear of wasting time and energy and explore why it's not actually possible to waste your time if you have the right approach. I share how this fear manifests as withholding effort and how that ultimately keeps you stuck, preventing you from learning and growing.   Join me as I reframe the idea of "wasted" time and effort and discover how to drop the resistance, stop withholding, and start moving forward with more efficiency and less effort. By the end of this episode, you'll have a new perspective on how to approach challenges in your business and feel empowered to take action without fear.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/124   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I'm joined by fellow interior design business coach Nancy Ganzekaufer for a collaborative conversation about six actionable strategies to make the most of your time. From planning your days for maximum efficiency to using AI to streamline communication and project proposals, these tips will help you work smarter, not harder.   None of these strategies will take much time to implement, but they can have a huge impact on your bottom line. If you're ready to optimize your time and boost your profits, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/123   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I'm sharing the essential habits and practices that have been game-changers for both myself and my clients in creating an interior design business that runs smoothly and supports the life you want to live. These routines will help you feel more grounded, intentional, and in control as the CEO of your business.   Discover how to bookend your week with purpose, schedule time for leadership and focused work, and track the data that matters most. I'm addressing some of the common obstacles that might come up as you implement these routines and giving you strategies to overcome them.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/122   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources  

I'm diving into how to recognize when you're caught in a negative thought spiral and practical strategies to break free from it. By learning to manage your mind in these moments, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm, confidence, and focus in your work and life.   I share five powerful techniques to stop negative thought spirals in their tracks. You'll learn how to separate yourself from your thoughts, ground yourself in the present moment, and find new perspectives that empower you to take action. With practice, you can develop your inner coach and take control of your mental and emotional wellbeing as a design business owner.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/121   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I share a powerful process for systematically assessing new opportunities and invitations. By asking yourself a series of key questions, you can gain clarity on whether saying yes or no is the right decision for you and your business.   Whether you're considering a new design project, partnership, conference, or even your own ideas, this episode will give you the tools to make confident decisions without regret or overextending yourself. Get ready to take control of your schedule and ensure that every opportunity you pursue is fully aligned with your goals and values.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/120   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of risk tolerance and how it impacts your ability to achieve your biggest goals as an interior design business owner. I explore what risk tolerance really means, how to assess where you currently fall on the spectrum, and most importantly - how to expand your capacity to embrace discomfort and uncertainty in pursuit of the results you truly desire.   If you've been struggling to make decisions or take action because of a fear of potential risks or downsides, this episode will provide you with practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. You'll learn how to reframe risk, get clear on the facts, and ultimately develop the willingness to bet on yourself and your business's potential.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/119   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources  

In this episode, I share my personal experience of setting and achieving a challenging goal last year - doing a headstand in yoga. Through this lens, I explore the importance of giving yourself enough chances to succeed and staying committed to your goals, even when progress feels slow or difficult.   Discover how to approach your interior design business goals with a mindset of persistence and belief in your ability to succeed. Learn practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, celebrating small wins, and continually recommitting to your vision. If you're ready to make meaningful changes in your business this year, this episode will give you the motivation and tools you need to stay the course.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/118   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful interior design business through meaningful relationships? In this episode, I sit down with Kasey Johnson and Regan Nix, the co-founders of Blue Pencil Collective, a full-service design and architecture firm, to explore this very topic. Kasey and Regan also share their experience bringing on a new partner, Christy Davis, to expand the reach of their legacy business.   If you're looking to scale your interior design business through authentic relationship building, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies you won't want to miss. Learn how Blue Pencil Collective has built a thriving firm by prioritizing people and cultivating meaningful connections.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/117   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I'm sharing the three most impactful things you can focus on in quarter one to gain traction and build momentum in your business. By constraining your focus and committing to targeted strategies, you'll be able to make meaningful progress towards what you truly desire, whether that's bringing in your best-fit clients, increasing your profitability, or creating a smoother day-to-day in your business.   I dive into the importance of nurturing relationships, gaining visibility through aligned marketing efforts, and integrating the lessons learned from the previous year. Plus, l share some powerful questions you can ask yourself to get clarity on how to apply these focus areas in your unique business. Let's set ourselves up for an incredible year ahead!   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/116   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources  

Do you struggle with follow-through and honoring commitments to yourself in your interior design business? You're not alone. Self-accountability is an essential skill that many business owners grapple with, especially as their companies grow and evolve.   Tune in to discover practical tips for strengthening your self-accountability muscles. I share the key differences between self-accountability and discipline, explain how to build internal motivation by connecting your daily actions to your larger business vision, and reveal why treating yourself as your most important client is a game-changer.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/115   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

At the heart of building a practice you truly love—one that supports you creatively, financially, and personally—is the ability to make thoughtful decisions.    In this episode, I share some powerful questions and beliefs to help you make decisions and pursue your goals with purpose in the coming year. Join me in reflecting on where you are undecided, where you may be straddling decisions, and what needs to happen for you to step into your next level as a designer CEO. Let's make 2025 a year of turning your wants into your reality!   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/114   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Goal aversion can manifest in various ways, some obvious and others more subtle. It might look like telling yourself you're not a goal person, doubting your ability to achieve the goal, or fearing disappointment if you fall short. If you avoid setting goals in your interior design business, or you only feel the resistance to truly committing once you've already set the goal, this episode is for you.   Learn why we set goals as business owners, how to identify where resistance is showing up for you, and what you can do to move past it. Discover how embracing discomfort and building self-trust can help you navigate the goal-setting process and unlock the next level of your interior design business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/113   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I share a powerful strategy that will help you stay motivated, accountable, and on track throughout the entire journey: leveraging both progress goals and outcome goals in your interior design business. Utilizing both of these approaches gives you clarity, direction, and ways to evaluate your path forward, all of which are going to increase your likelihood of succeeding.   Learn what progress goals and outcome goals are, how they differ, and why you need both to not only make consistent progress toward your desired results, but to make the journey there so much more enjoyable. I show you how setting clear and measurable milestones helps you stay focused on what matters most, and why these approaches will help you take your goal-setting to the next level.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/112   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

As we wrap up the current year and look ahead to the next, now is the perfect time to reflect on what worked well, what didn't, and what you want to create moving forward. Goal-setting is an essential practice for any business owner who wants to build something significant that supports them financially, creatively, and fulfills their desire for growth. I can't wait to share my goal-setting secrets with you this week.   Join me in this episode as I walk you through each of the five key elements of effective goal-setting. Learn the most common reason goal-setting falls flat, how to stop working against yourself and create a smooth path forward instead, and my roadmap for making your big goals a reality in 2025.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/111   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources    

As we come to the close of another year and begin thinking about goal setting for 2025, knowing what enough means for you is vital for creating the kind of life and business you truly want. And in this episode, I dive deep into the concept of enough and how it impacts every aspect of your interior design business.   I explore how to identify when you need to define enough, the different ways to approach it, and the transformative power of making that decision for yourself. From setting financial goals to managing your time and team, knowing what enough means for you is crucial for success, and I guide you through this process today.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/110   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

I sit down with brand strategist and copywriter for interior designers, Deb Mitchell, to discuss how powerful messaging can transform your interior design business from the inside out. From the importance of authentic brand positioning to crafting a compelling voice that builds trust with your ideal clients, Deb shares her expert insights on the power of investing in strategic messaging for your business.   Learn Deb's tips for making empowered decisions about your brand messaging and positioning, and the internal growth that's required when you want to up-level. She offers the three pillars that will help you show up as your most authentic and elevated self, and breaks down how effective messaging and positioning can help you sell more easily, increase profits, and save precious time and energy in your business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/109   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources    

As interior designers, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that more is always better. Whether it's working on client projects or moving the ball on our business goals, we believe that if we could just be more efficient, more organized, or more disciplined, we could finally get ahead. But what if this constant pursuit of productivity is actually holding us back? What if productivity isn't the pinnacle it sells itself to be?   Join me this week to hear some hard truths about productivity that might surprise you. But don't worry, I also share some good news that will help you approach your work in a more intentional and sustainable way. Learn why more isn't necessarily better, how the productivity trap strings you along, and most importantly, how to break free from it.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/108

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Ostrom, the founder, executive director, and creative director of Joy Collaborative: a nonprofit located here in the Twin Cities that creates uplifting spaces for children with life-limiting conditions. Mark shares the story behind Joy Collaborative and explores how designers can give back in a way that's authentic to their talents and values.   If you're looking for a more meaningful way to express gratitude to your clients this year, or are toying with the idea of turning your passion project into reality, this episode will leave you feeling inspired. Mark shares how thoughtful, functional design can be truly life-changing for these families. We also discuss creative ways interior designers can incorporate charitable giving as a memorable gifting and marketing opportunity, and how even small contributions can create a powerful ripple effect of joy.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/107

November 6th is your last chance to win a 1:1 coaching session!   It's simple and quick to enter. All you have to do is:   Leave a rating and review wherever you listen. Click the link below to submit a quick form with your info OR send Desi a screen shot on Instagram: @desicreswell   Submission form link: https://forms.clickup.com/f/84j8c-4722/HR98ZECH3SEBGKLGR6

In this episode, I answer a question from a listener who struggles with staying calm and collected when project issues arise. We often absorb the stress of these hiccups to shield our clients from them. However, things are most definitely going to go wrong at some point - whether it's at the project site, during a presentation, or even in response to a client's reaction. So how can we learn to ride the emotional waves ourselves?   I share practical strategies for managing your mindset when the unexpected happens. Learn how to separate facts from stories and how to tune into your body to process emotions. With these skills, along with realistic expectations, you'll be better prepared to navigate project challenges with greater ease and resilience moving forward.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/106

You probably set yourself an annual financial goal back at the beginning of 2024, and here we are, coming into the final months of the year. Are you on track to hit your goals? Maybe you're falling behind, or perhaps you've already surpassed your target and are wondering if you should raise the bar even higher.   Listen in this week as I show you how to master the art of goal revision. Hear what the process of evaluating your current position entails, the factors to consider when deciding whether to adjust your targets, and how to make the most of the remaining months and position yourself for success in the year ahead.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/105

As CEOs of our businesses, we are constantly faced with decisions about what to keep, what to let go, and what to bring in. But without a clear framework for evaluating these choices, it's easy to get stuck in indecision or cling to things that no longer serve us. That's where the concept of All Killer, No Filler comes in - a simple yet profound way to assess what truly belongs in your business and what needs to be released.   I dive into the origins of All Killer, No Filler, share practical examples of how I've applied it in my own life and business, and guide you through the process of using this powerful filter for yourself. You'll hear why this concept is the secret to creating more ease, how it opens up both physical and mental energy, and helps you better utilize the resources in your business.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/104

Whether you have part-time or full-time team members, it's crucial to ensure that their roles and responsibilities align with your company's goals. If you want to feel confident knowing that the investment you've made in your team members will optimize payback for you and your design business, it's time to consider conducting a time audit, and I walk you through this process in this episode.   Learn how you can optimize your team's performance to increase productivity, profitability, and overall satisfaction. Hear the importance of conducting a time audit to identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies in your team's workflow. I also share a step-by-step process for gathering data, reviewing it, and implementing solutions that will create more value for your business as a whole.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/103

Are you holding back in your interior design business due to a fear of rejection? You're not alone. As a designer, putting yourself and your creative ideas out there can feel incredibly vulnerable, and the possibility of hearing no can be paralyzing. But the truth is that learning to work with and move beyond this fear will be transformative for your business and your goals.   Tune in this week as I share a powerful three-step process for supporting yourself through situations where rejection is possible, so that you can take bold action towards your goals with confidence and resilience. You'll learn how to notice and address initial self-rejection, proactively decide what you know to be true about yourself, and put no on the table as a possibility in order to open yourself up to the potential for getting a yes.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/102

This week, I'm joined by my former client and incredibly talented designer, Campbell Minister, as she lets us in on her journey from overwhelmed designer to true designer CEO. Over the past eight years, Campbell has grown her Montclair, New Jersey-based firm to a team of three designers, a director of operations, and a procurement and accounting team. But with this growth has come the challenge of maintaining a thriving business while being present in her personal life as a mother of three.   Listen in this week as Campbell shares her insights on the keys to her success as an interior design business CEO. She opens up about her fear of going from solopreneur to leading a full-time team, how she navigates the desire to control every detail, why focusing on relationships, not outcomes, has been vital to her success, and her goals for the near future.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/101

As I celebrate the 100th episode of the show, there are important lessons I've learned from this incredible journey of creating what has become a well-reviewed and established podcast. But these insights go far beyond podcasting; they are valuable principles you can apply to any new initiative, goal, or project in your interior design business.   Discover why focusing on small wins and cumulative effort is key to achieving big things, how patience and commitment work together to help you stay the course, and why examining your beliefs about yourself is crucial for unlocking your next level of potential.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/100

We've covered a lot of ground over the past CEO Summer School episodes – from trading good for great to overcoming Someday Syndrome. Now it's time to reflect on which topic you want to delve deeper into and embody over the next month. In this episode, I guide you through choosing your focus and making it visible so you stay committed to your goals.   Whether you've knocked CEO Summer School out of the park or it hasn't gone quite as you hoped or planned, join me this week as I show you what's next. In this final episode of the series, you'll hear why making small shifts can compound into the kind of success you want, the importance of acknowledging how far you've come, and how to focus on the insights that resonated most with you.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/99

There are two distinct types of confidence that you can leverage in your interior design business to help it grow and also get out of your own way when your brain tells you, “Well, you've never done it before.” If it feels like your brain is holding you back from achieving your biggest goals, you're in the right place.   I explore the two types of confidence that every interior design CEO needs to master. Learn why your level of confidence affects every aspect of your business and how to build unshakable confidence, even when you're venturing into uncharted territory.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/98

Being an interior design entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. Between managing client relationships, juggling multiple projects, and chasing big goals, self-doubt and insecurity are bound to creep in at times. But even amidst the ups and downs, there are moments when you've felt like you were absolutely nailing it.   I share how to identify and leverage those times when you're at your best so you can embody that version of yourself more often. Learn why tapping into your best self always starts with your thoughts and beliefs and how to use those as fuel to generate the feelings and actions that reinforce your ideal state.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/97

Leading with your future self is all about focusing on where you're going, rather than where you've been. By setting intentions and taking action in alignment with the version of you that has already created the vision you hold for your business, you can access a well of inner guidance and wisdom. While your future self isn't perfect, they are farther along the journey and can offer valuable insight about the now.   Discover how tapping into the wisdom and perspective of your future self can help you make better decisions, stay motivated, and achieve your biggest goals. Hear why now is the perfect time to see what you can do to set your future self up for success, and how to lead with your future self to gain a fresh perspective on your role as CEO of your interior design business.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/96

In this episode, I share examples of common blind spots and provide strategies to help you proactively identify what might be getting in your way. By cultivating greater self-awareness and learning to compassionately examine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can skillfully navigate challenges and achieve the outcomes you desire in your business.   Discover how business blind spots limit your growth and a powerful reflection question that will give you clarity on your current blind spots. With this knowledge, you learn how to make looking for blind spots a regular part of your business-building activities so you can make profound changes to accelerate your growth.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/95

How are you delaying the daily tasks you just don't want to get to? Where in your life or business are you prone to saying, “I'll do it later?”   If you often procrastinate with the best of intentions but find yourself never actually getting to the task, you're in the right place. Whether you're putting things off in the short term or imagining grandiose plans that you never actually take action on, the truth is both hinder your progress toward achieving the goals you want. Learn how to recognize your Later Habit patterns and how to conquer them for good.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/94

If you are currently delaying the results you want to see and the interior design business CEO you want to become, you're not alone. We all engage in someday-ing our biggest dreams. Visualizing the result you want without actually putting in the effort can give you the positive emotional experience you want, but when it becomes your norm, your dreams will stay in the distant future forever.    I explore the concept of Someday Syndrome in-depth and give you a variety of ways to begin thinking about how you might be engaging in this habit both in your day-to-day and long-term planning. Learn the downsides of only taking imaginary action, how there might be an underlying fear or resistance you need to address first, and how to lessen the tendency and impact of putting things off.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/93

Last week, we discussed how feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place in your business is primarily a mental habit. The lens through which you view your life and business is similar. Recognizing your current lenses and considering other options lies at the heart of the mindset work I teach my clients, and I'm guiding you through this process today.   Learn how to name your lenses and identify whether they're truly serving you. I'm offering you a few examples of how your current lenses are coloring your experience, and why switching them out for other options could improve the way you experience every area of your life and business.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/92

If you know what you want to achieve next but only see two different yet equally undesirable options, you might be stuck in rock-and-a-hard-place thinking. Perhaps you're faced with challenging circumstances or courses of action that feel uncomfortable, and you just can't see beyond the 'bad' options. This is where today's CEO Summer School lesson comes into play.   Hear examples of how designers find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, and why, although disempowering, it can feel comfortable to stay frozen. Learn how to strengthen the skill of cognitive flexibility, and why applying your creative thinking skillset as a designer will allow you to see all the options you could be pursuing.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/91