Podcasts about designing

Could your love of puzzles turn into a creative business? In this episode, we explore the world of interactive scavenger hunts—and how people are making real money designing them. Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week. Show notes: SideHustleSchool.com Email: team@sidehustleschool.com Be on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questions Connect on Instagram: @193countries Visit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.com Read A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.com If you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.

Today, we're exploring the science behind scent—and why it's so deeply connected to our brains. Joining Mosheh for this conversation is Mike Kinsey, a master perfumer and olfactive scientist at Procter & Gamble, who helps create some of the most recognizable scents in household products. In this special episode, sponsored by Gain and Downy, Mike breaks down why smell is so strongly linked to memory and emotion. He also explains how scent preferences shift across regions and cultural moments (like the rise of “clean” scents after COVID), and how major brands work to predict trends, avoid fleeting fads, and develop iconic fragrances for everything from shampoo to laundry detergent. Stick around until the end, when Mosh puts his nose to the test in a blind scent challenge – with scent-sational results!  #GainPartner #DownyPartner

Need to systemise your clinic? Start your free trial of Allie!https://www.allieclinics.com/In episode 305 of the Grow Your Clinic podcast, CM Team Ben Lynch, Jack O'Brien and Hannah Dunn dive into the crucial topic of retaining top team members by designing effective career pathways. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding what matters to both clinic owners and their team members, as roles evolve and change. Listeners can expect valuable insights on creating a meritocratic environment in private practice and how to implement impactful career progression strategies. Additionally, the episode features a unique analogy shared by Jack about how a display home package can simplify the process of defining career pathways in a clinic settingWhat You'll Learn:

Michael Dismuke and writer Josh Allen open the writers' room to explore how to design dramatic stories for RPGs. In Part 1, they cover defining your story's end goal, structuring a three-act arc, crafting inciting incidents, and building meaningful conflicts that keep players engaged. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

How are 500,000 people using neurofeedback to hack their sleep, stress & focus without relying on stimulants or wearables? Ariel Garten, neuroscientist & Muse co-founder, breaks down how EEG & FNIRS technology tracks brainwaves in real time to guide meditation, sharpen focus, & deepen sleep. This episode reveals how brain training stacks up against smart rings, & why heart rate variability, digital sleeping pills, & prefrontal cortex tuning matter more than ever. Meet our guest Ariel Garten is a neuroscientist & former psychotherapist who co-founded Muse, the brain-sensing EEG headband that's helped over 500,000 users reduce stress, sleep better & improve meditation. She's passionate about making brain health accessible through innovative tech that empowers people to take control of their mental well-being. Ariel is also a sought-after speaker, known for bridging science, technology & human potential. Thank you to our partners Outliyr Biohacker's Peak Performance Shop: get exclusive discounts on cutting-edge health, wellness, & performance gear Ultimate Health Optimization Deals: a database of of all the current best biohacking deals on technology, supplements, systems and more Latest Summits, Conferences, Masterclasses, and Health Optimization Events: join me at the top events around the world FREE Outliyr Nootropics Mini-Course: gain mental clarity, energy, motivation, and focus Key takeaways Learn how different brainwave types (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma) relate to your state of mind & focus Prioritize quality sleep, sunlight, food & loving connections as non-negotiables for long-term brain health Use clinical-grade EEG for real-time insight into brain activity as it's more accurate than wrist or ring wearables Speed up meditation progress with tech that provides real-time feedback on attention & focus Train sleep quality with biofeedback tools like the digital sleeping pill that guide the brain into deeper sleep & track stages Support relaxation & boost brainwave coherence for calm focus through heart rate variability & controlled breathing Build cognitive flexibility through regular brain training & meditation to improve adaptability & focus recovery Boost brain oxygenation, endurance & prefrontal cortex performance through physical exercise Prioritize recovery especially sleep & relaxation, for brain growth & post-training performance Stay flexible by adapting meditation, exercise & brain training schedules to life's changing demands Episode Highlights 5:30 How Muse Made Clinical-Grade Neurofeedback Accessible at Home 9:25 Use Cases for Neurofeedback & Brain Training 27:07 Connection Between HRV, Vagus Nerve, & Brainwave Activity 37:58 Designing a Minimalist Muse Protocol for Daily Use 1:02:26 Addressing Myths & Misconceptions in Cognitive Training Links Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y1OuaYFXXdo  Full episode show notes: outliyr.com/215 Connect with Nick on social media Instagram Twitter (X) YouTube LinkedIn Easy ways to support Subscribe Leave an Apple Podcast review Suggest a guest Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for us? Let me know in the show notes above and one of us will get back to you! Be an Outliyr, Nick

In the episode Kelly and Jessica are here to help you create the ultimate summer weekend — no flights, no big plans, just joy. Whether you're looking to enjoy time with family, relax solo, or plan something fun with friends, this episode is packed with inspiration for making the most of your weekends right where you are. From backyard ideas and low-key adventures to seasonal crafts and simple pleasures, you'll walk away with doable, feel-good ways to bring the getaway vibes home. Perfect for those craving ease, fun, and connection this summer.

In this solo episode, Cody dives into one of his favorite parts of the hospitality world: hotel design

What if you could close the gap between what you think your customers experience and what they actually feel—using raw, unfiltered feedback you can see and hear for yourself? In a constantly evolving digital landscape, the journey from a customer's very first click to their final interaction is more complex—and crucial—than ever before. But many leaders believe that their customer experience is far better than it really is—a costly blind spot that leads to missed opportunities for building trust and loyalty. How can organizations truly see their products and services through their customers' eyes and outpace the competition in building brand confidence? You won't want to miss this week's Delighted Customers Podcast, where Mark Slatin sits down with Baran Erkel, Chief Strategy Officer at User Testing. Baran's rich background—from developer to consulting to enterprise SaaS leadership—gives him a unique 360-degree view on why empathy at scale is the new differentiator and how User Testing's platform enables businesses to bring the authentic voice of the customer into every decision. If you're a leader who wants to turn insight into action, streamline feedback loops, and future-proof experiences in the age of AI, Baran's expertise is essential listening. Here are three compelling questions Baran Erkel answers on this episode: Why is traditional customer feedback (like NPS surveys) not enough for truly understanding and closing the customer experience gap? How does User Testing enable organizations to “get out of the building” and immerse themselves in real-time, video-based customer feedback—even at scale? What is the transformative role of AI in the future of human insights, feedback, and designing for trust? Tune in to this insightful conversation and discover how to proactively bridge blind spots in your customer journey. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—or catch Delighted Customers on all of your favorite podcast platforms so you never miss an episode! Meet Baran Erkel Baran Erkel is the Chief Strategy Officer at User Testing, where he leads strategy, corporate development (including mergers and acquisitions), and product management for their industry-leading platform. With over 15 years in enterprise software and a career foundation in computer science and consulting, Baran's passion lies in helping businesses harness human insights to drive innovation and deepen customer trust. User Testing, founded in 2008, now serves over 3,000 clients—including global enterprises in financial services, tech, and retail—by enabling rapid, actionable feedback through both digital and physical customer experiences. Baran is committed to equipping organizations with the tools and mindset shifts needed to close the “experience gap” and thrive in today's competitive landscape. Connect with Baran on LinkedIn. Show Note References Coupa Café anecdote illustrating the powerful impact of real-time, direct customer feedback The Bain & Company “CX Gap” statistic User Testing's role in transitioning from reactive to proactive customer listening The future of AI-powered feedback and its integration with human insights Don't forget to listen and subscribe—transform your approach to customer experience starting today!

Designing equitable workplace culture starts with rethinking how power, rewards, and mindsets shape human systems. Shree Lakshmi, a researcher, strategist, and designer at Optimistic Design, shares how organizations can transform internal processes by co-creating solutions with the very people impacted by them. With a background spanning global health, education, and government innovation, she reveals how inclusive design and systems thinking uncover the root causes of disengagement and empower leaders to create cultures of true belonging, alignment, and impact.

Welcome to Season 9 of Choose UCalgary, the University of Calgary's prospective student podcast. The Choose UCalgary Podcast is intended for any prospective student who is hoping to learn more about the University of Calgary. We will chat with key representatives from the UCalgary community to help keep you updated and informed on all things UCalgary.  Episode 24: In today's episode, we explore the innovative and boundary-pushing world of design in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI) program in UCalgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL). We're joined by passionate students Chloe and Hayley, along with Chad Connery, Assistant Professor at SAPL, who share what it's like to be part of a program that challenges conventions, fosters world-building, and prepares students to address today's most pressing issues. Learn how SAPL's interdisciplinary, studio-based approach creates space for exploring diverse fields like fashion, sustainability, urbanism, computational design, and more, all while reimagining the future of our built environment. Plus, hear about the BDCI's exciting move to downtown Calgary and what it means for future students.Learn more about the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at: https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-studentsLearn more about supportive advising for the BDCI Program: https://discover.ucalgary.ca/portal/saplarticle  Prospective Student Resources: Download the app today: https://ucalgary.ca/future-students/guidebook?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organicUndergraduate Discover UCalgary Blog: https://discover.ucalgary.ca/portal/discoverucalgary_blog?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organicHow to apply for admissions: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/admissions/how-to-apply?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organicChoose from 250+ program combinations: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/programs?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organicConnect with a recruiter: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/contact/recruiters?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organicWays to customize your degree: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/programs/selecting-degree?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organicFor more information about UCalgary: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=organic Follow us on Instagram @choose.ucalgary, YouTube, and the University of Calgary Future Students Facebook page! DM us your questions or any topic you would like to see on the Choose UCalgary Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli discusses how micro-wows power customer service—those small, thoughtful gestures that significantly connect with customers. He explains how identifying customer pain points, personalizing interactions, and consistently delivering beyond expectations can turn everyday encounters into memorable experiences that enhance loyalty and advocacy. Dr. Michelli emphasizes training teams to recognize and seize opportunities for delight and balance consistent service and unexpected pleasures to surprise and engage customers. Listeners can access a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Also, those wanting to speak to Joseph are encouraged to contact him directly. If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share, or subscribe!

This week on Networth and Chill, Vivian sits down with design superstar Bobby Berk to explore how money mindset shapes everything from career pivots to creative success. Fresh off his Queer Eye fame, Bobby opens up about his journey to building a multi-million dollar design empire, sharing the financial lessons he learned while transforming both homes and his own bank account. From navigating the feast-or-famine cycle of creative careers to making smart investments in his brand, Bobby reveals the money moves that helped him turn his passion for design into serious wealth. Whether you're building a creative business or just trying to design a better financial future, this episode delivers the blueprint for turning your talents into lasting prosperity. Follow Bobby on Instagram and TikTok! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the past few weeks, we've been diving into the world of weaving with natural fibres, exploring local textile traditions and capabilities, and don't get us wrong - we will always love that. But there's also a whole world of sciency possibilities shaking up the future of fabrics and fabulous ways.Pack your (metaphorical) bags for a European innovation tour!And get ready to answer some wild questions, like... What if bacteria could help us co-design a new generation of sustainable fabric dyes? Could we build a machine for that?Where does all the grape waste go from France's vineyards, and hey, what if we turned it into a fancy new animal-free leather alternative?And, how might one creative woman figure that out, DIY style, starting with a coffee grinder in her home kitchen? We all know polyester is plastic, right? So how come we expect our exercise gear to be moisture-wicking, when we're all at the gym encased in what's essentially sweaty, non-breathable, plastic-baggings? Who's ready for the ugly truth about the massive list of potentially toxic fabric finishing agents that fly under that radar? Okay! Don't panic - there's a new generation of clean, safe, bio-based alternatives...Featuring:Charlotte Werth, a bright young German Biodesigner specialising in bacterial dyeSamatha Mureau, an almost-French former fashion buyer turned alternative leather pioneer working with waste from the wine industry in the South of FranceMatthias Foessel, the infectiously upbeat force behind Swiss green chemistry company Beyond Surface TechnologiesFuture Fabrics Expo is on in London now - discover here.Find all the links & further reading at thewardrobecrisis.comTell us what you think? Find Clare on Instagram @mrspressGot recommendations? Hit us up!And please share these podcasts.THANK YOU x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you you get your money to line up with being available when you actually need it? Designing a portfolio with this strategy in mind is called "Liability Matching" and it's a concept that Ross and Dan believe in and teach regularly. While rules of thumb like "The 4% Rule" get all the buzz, this is how to think about actually connecting your money with its purpose.Send us a textSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram

My guest for Episode #529 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Scott Gauvin, CEO of Macresco and co-creator of the Respect for People Roadmap. Episode page with video, transcript, and more With 30 years of experience leading operational transformations across sectors including biotech, pharma, agriculture, and manufacturing, Scott brings both a systems mindset and a people-first philosophy to his work. His journey into Lean began with frustration over leadership that blamed people rather than fixing systems—sparking a personal quest to better integrate continuous improvement with what he calls the “practice” of respect for people. In this episode, Scott shares the evolution of his thinking and how it culminated in the Respect for People Roadmap, a structured learning experience designed to operationalize cultural change through nine actionable behaviors. We explore the difference between “respecting people” as an individual action and “respect for people” as a system-level design principle. Scott also challenges the common notion that respect must be earned, arguing instead that every human being is inherently worthy of it—an idea rooted in his research on Confucian influences within Toyota's founding culture. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone struggling to move beyond Lean tools and truly build a culture of continuous improvement grounded in human dignity. We also touch on how these ideas align with the Shingo Model, why so many transformations fail to stick, and how organizations can design systems that scale respect—without waiting for permission from the top. Check the links below to learn more and access Scott's free “test drive” version of the Roadmap. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: What's your origin story with Lean and operational excellence? What drew you to explore the “respect for people” pillar more deeply? How do you distinguish between “respect for people” and “respecting people”? Why do so many interpretations of “respect” default to hierarchy or politeness? How should leaders approach differences in how individuals define respect? Is it a mistake to assume respect must be earned rather than given? What are your thoughts on the phrase “better to be respected than liked”? How do challenge, kaizen, and respect interrelate in Toyota thinking? What did your research uncover about Confucianism's influence on Lean? How does the concept of “respect for people” show up in system design? What inspired the creation of the Respect for People Roadmap? What are the three key behavioral principles embedded in the Roadmap? What makes this program scalable and sustainable across organizations? Why was it important that the nine behaviors require no leader permission? How do you respond to the idea that “respect for people” should be translated as “respect for humanity”? Are you looking to pilot the Roadmap in healthcare settings? What would transformation look like if it were truly resilient—not dependent on a single leader This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

ABOUT DHRUV PARTHASARATHYDhruv Parthasarathy has spent the last 8 years focused on applying modern software and machine learning techniques in healthcare. Dhruv currently serves as the CTO of Commure, HATCO, and Augmedix. In the role of CTO, he leads product, engineering, and design teams. Prior to this, Dhruv helped found Athelas which eventually merged with Commure.In these roles, Dhruv has designed and developed end-to-end solutions for revenue cycle automation, ambient documentation, patient engagement, and at-home diagnostics for oncology.Before this, Dhruv was the Director of Machine Learning Programs at Udacity, where he led the development of the AI, Self-Driving Car, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning Nanodegree programs.Dhruv also worked as a Product Engineer at Udacity, where he rebuilt the main signed-in experience and was responsible for the backend development. Dhruv obtained a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2013. Following this, they pursued a Master's degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence at MIT from 2013 to 2014. This episode is brought to you by Side – delivering award-winning QA, localization, player support, and tech services for the world's leading games and technology brands.For over 30 years, Side has helped create unforgettable user experiences—from indies to AAA blockbusters like Silent Hill 2 and Baldur's Gate 3.Learn more about Side's global solutions at side.inc. SHOW NOTES:How the Commure team moves with speed & momentum (3:26)Commure's operational strategy / key leadership principles (4:57)Hiring & cultivating multi-talented individuals (7:16)How to optimize decision-making, push decisions down & minimize risk (8:40)Why speed is a core principle for building successful eng orgs (11:36)Getting unstuck in your decision-making as an eng team (13:07)Challenges faced while building a high-performing eng team in healthcare (15:47)Tactics for hiring less experienced engineers & bringing them up to speed (18:22)Customization as a product principle and how it manifests in EPD (20:55)Why the polymath style approach to engineering is more vital now than ever (23:47)Lessons learned around scope & using it to create leverage (26:06)Frameworks for assessing areas most likely to create a compound win (28:22)Rapid fire questions (30:35)LINKS AND RESOURCESCinema Speculation - The long-awaited first work of nonfiction from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: a deliriously entertaining, wickedly intelligent cinema book as unique and creative as anything by Quentin Tarantino.This episode wouldn't have been possible without the help of our incredible production team:Patrick Gallagher - Producer & Co-HostJerry Li - Co-HostNoah Olberding - Associate Producer, Audio & Video Editor https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-olberding/Dan Overheim - Audio Engineer, Dan's also an avid 3D printer - https://www.bnd3d.com/Ellie Coggins Angus - Copywriter, Check out her other work at https://elliecoggins.com/about/

About the Guest(s):Amy Irvine is the CEO and founder of Rooted Planning Group, a dynamic organization focused on aligning financial planning with life goals. With extensive experience in financial advising, Amy has carved a niche for herself by integrating life design with financial strategy. A firm advocate for actionable and personalized financial planning, Amy is deeply involved with Money Quotient, where she assists individuals in bridging their life aspirations with their financial plans. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on retirement planning, promoting a holistic view that encompasses more than just financial stability.Episode Summary:Join Amy Irvine, the visionary CEO of Rooted Planning Group, in this engaging debut of the "Retirement Design" series on Money Roots. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding how life's design intersects with financial planning, particularly as one approaches retirement. By leveraging her expertise and the insights from Money Quotient, Amy guides listeners to view retirement as a life phase that requires thoughtful preparation, far beyond financial readiness. This episode sets out to redefine the traditional perceptions of retirement, encouraging both current retirees and younger listeners to envisage a fulfilling life post-retirement.The podcast episode delves into why planning for retirement needs to extend past monetary considerations. Amy Irvine shares statistics and demographics illustrating the longevity and societal shifts that beckon us to rethink retirement paradigms. One key assertion from Amy is that "life is about events supported by your dollars and cents." This episode of Money Roots is enriched with insights about retirement practice, longevity statistics, and transformative life in retirement. Amy introduces a guide/workbook for personal introspection on retirement, emphasizing the psychological transition into retirement as significantly as the financial aspect. Through her expert lens, Amy implores listeners to design their retirement life proactively, seeing it as a transition, rather than an end.Key Takeaways:Retirement should be designed proactively as a significant life transition, not merely a financial milestone.Life expectancy has increased significantly, influencing the need for a broader retirement strategy that includes social networks and active lifestyles.Practicing retirement in the year preceding actual retirement can aid in adjusting to new routines and discovering fulfilling activities.A higher emphasis on personal development and social connections can enhance life satisfaction more than financial gains alone.Retirement is a continuous design process, and individuals should remain flexible, allowing their plans to evolve and change as needed.Notable Quotes:"Life is about events supported by your dollars and cents.""The older you get, typically the longer your life expectancy is.""It's not just the size of your portfolio but the size of your social network that affects life satisfaction.""Retirement should be thought of as a major life transition deserving thought and preparation in all areas.""You get to design life in retirement...and you know what? It can change."Resources:Rooted Planning GroupMoney QuotientAARP Study: "Baby Boomers Look Forward to Toward Retirement"Stay tuned for more insightful episodes in the "Retirement Design" series on Money Roots, where Amy Irvine will continue to offer practical exercises and thought-provoking insights to design a fulfilling retirement. Don't miss out on the upcoming parts...

In this deep and emotional episode of ClockingOut, I reconnect with returning guest Miami Mike now repping Philly as Philly Mike to unpack the journey behind his powerful new creative project “The Ink Shelf.”⁠We explore how living with Graves' disease shaped his mindset, how he turned trauma into art, and what it means to create from a place of survival and purpose. This conversation is raw, real, and inspiring from building a memoir in hospital beds, to collaborating with over 50+ artists, to launching a physical gallery-meets-bookstore experience.⁠If you're an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to turn pain into power this one's for you.

How do we understand the complexity of who we are and who we are becoming?…Today, Abbie and Celiane use social construction as a framework to explore forming futures, intent v. impact, "good" design, and sustainability transitions....Celiane Camargo-Borges is an intercultural explorer, researcher, and facilitator with a passion for fostering collaboration across diverse communities. Born and raised in Brazil, she embarked on a global journey of learning and discovery, moving to England as a young adult to study the language. From there, her curiosity led her to the USA for her Ph.D., followed by experiences in Taiwan, Singapore, and finally, the Netherlands.These global experiences have shaped her expertise in working with international teams and developing social impact projects in communities and organizations. She operates at the intersection of psychology, design thinking, imagineering, social innovation, and lifelong learning.Celiane is a faculty member at Breda University of Applied Sciences and a consultant at DesigningConversations.us, where she helps organizations and communities navigate complex challenges through meaningful dialogue and creative methodologies. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, USA.She facilitates workshops using active methodologies that foster dialogic interaction and collaboration. As a researcher, she engages in participatory inquiry, working with approaches such as action research, arts-based research, narrative research, and future-forming research.Her work is driven by a commitment to co-creating meaningful change through conversation, creativity, and collective action. Along with fellow alum of the podcast, Sheila McNamee, she is the co-author of Design Thinking and Social Construction: A Practical Guide to Innovation in Research....Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution....Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann....⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Explore all things CMM Institute here.

Creating effective SaaS pricing can be challenging. You need to balance customer value with business goals while making it easy for prospects to choose the right plan. In this episode, Wes reveals the exact 4-step Value Ladder Framework that top SaaS companies use to nail their pricing strategy - plus shows you how to build a complete pricing page in under 15 minutes using AI. Key Highlights: 01:03: The Value Ladder Framework overview02:06: Identifying your value metric 03:17: Finding your ideal price point04:30: Live demo - Using the ProductLed Pricing Page GPT10:00: How to determine pricing based on competitor research12:08: Designing the final pricing page with AI tools Stop guessing at your pricing.  Use this scientific framework to build pricing pages that actually convert prospects into paying customers. Resources:

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with David Hirschfeld, 35-year software veteran and founder of Tekyz, to talk about why designing workflows before you start building is critical for sustainable growth.We explore how the speed of modern tools and AI can create a dangerous illusion of progress, causing teams to skip planning and discovery. David challenges the common “build while flying” mindset and explains why taking time to think first actually speeds you up.You'll also hear his contrarian, but highly practical, "Launch First" approach, where sales and marketing happen before building. It's a powerful method for validating product-market fit early, avoiding wasted development cycles, and moving fast without flying blind.Whether you're launching a startup, building internal platforms, or scaling R&D, this episode will reshape how you approach planning, execution, and risk.Learn more about the Launch 1st Method at https://launch1st.tekyz.com/Connect with David at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhirschfeld/Ready to assess your organization's efficiency? Connect with us at leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com to uncover high-impact improvement opportunities.

In this episode of The Brand is Female, Eva Hartling sits down with Cynthia Sakai, founder of evolvetogether, the elevated personal care brand that took the world by storm with its mission-driven, design-forward essentials.Launched at the start of the pandemic with a medical-grade face mask that quickly became a celebrity favourite, evolvetogether has since grown into a full line of high-performance products for daily life—combining sustainability, science, and style.-Cynthia shares her journey from launching her first company at 18 to building Vita Fede, a luxury jewelry brand, and now creating a globally loved personal care company rooted in purpose. In this conversation, she breaks down:-The early days of evolvetogether and what led to its explosive growth-How her fashion and jewelry background informs her approach to product and brand design-The strategies behind building a loyal community through both DTC and retail-Why creating products that are beautiful, functional, and responsible is more than a brand philosophy—it's a personal missionTune in to hear how Cynthia is making everyday essentials anything but ordinary.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In a world filled with so much uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by what you can't control. Volatile markets, shifting tax laws, and political noise don't seem to be going away anytime soon. But when it comes to retirement planning, there are things you can control, and they're far more powerful than most people realize. In this episode, Lee walks through the four key areas retirees should focus on to build clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. He shares how his “financial house” model helps retirees decide how much risk they're comfortable with, and why flexibility is the key to effective income planning. You'll also hear why it's worth paying attention to future tax exposure and how to plan around Social Security instead of depending on it. Rather than obsessing over political gridlock or looming program changes, Lee shows how to reduce reliance on government promises and build a retirement plan that stands strong regardless of what's happening in Washington or on Wall Street.   Here's what we discuss in today's show:

Designing wearables with integrated AI /ML just got one step easier with Nordic Semiconductor's acquisition of Neuton.AI. While the two companies had already been working together, you can expect a lot more integration between Nordic's MCUs and the very low-power AI IP that Neuton.AI has become famous for. On this week's Embedded Executives podcast. I spoke to Øyvind Strom, the EVP of Nordic's Short-Range Business Unit. He explains why a developer should sit up and take notice, and what the design community can expect from this powerful combination down the road.

Caroline and Liz engage welcome Corey Damen Jenkins to the show, principal and CEO of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates. Renowned across the industry for his exuberant use of color and pattern, this episode offers listeners an exclusive look at his upcoming book, "Design Reimagined," as well as his new YouTube series of the same name. Corey shares his remarkable journey from the automotive industry to the heights of the design world, highlighting the importance of flexibility in design and life. He provides practical tips for layering, combining styles, and using anchor pieces, offering valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and budding decorators. What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to How to Decorate Podcast 00:34 Special Guest: Corey Damen Jenkins 01:34 Corey's Journey: From Automotive to Interior Design 03:34 The 779th Door: A Turning Point 06:07 Overcoming Rejection and Finding Success 09:58 Design Philosophy and Generosity 11:27 Design Reimagined: The New Book 15:13 Flexibility in Design and Life 21:03 Combining Traditional and Modern Elements 27:58 Practical Tips for Layering and Mixing Styles 34:38 The Importance of Scale in Design 34:52 Living Room: The True Heart of the Home 36:20 Sectionals: Love-Hate Relationship 38:52 A Bold Upper East Side Apartment 42:16 The Power of Jewel Tones 49:29 Designing for Families and Functionality 51:30 Launching a YouTube Series 58:05 Anchor Pieces and Budgeting Tips 01:02:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Also Mentioned: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ballarddesigns.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Shop Now ⁠coreydamenjenkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Designer Website ⁠@coreydamenjenkins⁠ | Designer IG Please send in your decorating dilemmas + pictures so we can answer them on an upcoming episode (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@ballarddesigns.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) . And, of course, please subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already in Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Happy Decorating!

About Derek SiversDerek Sivers has worn many hats, musician, entrepreneur, author, and philosopher, but his work maintains a single throughline: a relentless pursuit of living deliberately. He first found success by founding CD Baby, an indie music platform that revolutionized digital distribution before he sold it for over $20 million and donated most of the proceeds. Since then, he's become a bestselling author of books like Anything You Want, Hell Yeah or No, and Useful Not True, each filled with punchy, poetic wisdom earned from experience. In this episode, we explore how to treat your life like a design problem, why marketing is part of the art, and how vulnerability and weirdness aren't liabilities—they're the keys to resonance. Whether you're building a company, making games, or just trying to figure out how to live a more meaningful life, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and invite you to take that first small but deliberate step. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

#341: Rachel Blank is the Founder and CEO of Allara, a virtual care platform built for the millions of women living with complex, chronic conditions. Allara makes expert healthcare accessible by connecting patients with specially trained, and highly empathetic doctors and Registered Dietitians who treat patients from a whole health perspective. Rachel founded Allara following her own experience struggling to get a diagnosis and trusted treatment for PCOS. Prior to founding Allara, Rachel was the Director of Strategy at Ro and is a graduate of Harvard Business School.Topics discussed:Why Allara Health would not have started if she stayed in her previous relationship and did not call off the weddingImportance of not rushing into marriage, especially when you know it doesn't feel rightThe difference between feeling unsafe and emotionally safe and understood in a relationshipPersonal experience with navigating PCOS and different women's health conditionsReceive weekly personal insights from Emily's email newsletter and subscribe hereWatch Full Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatfulfillsyou/videosBILT Credit Card Info (Pay Rent and Earn Points):https://bilt.page/r/HQ06-ZV7OENJOY 10% OFF THE WHAT FULFILLS YOU? CARD GAME AT www.whatfulfillsyou.com - code "WHATFULFILLSYOU10"Follow the What Fulfills You? Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatfulfillsyouFollow Allara Health on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allarahealthFollow Emily Elizabeth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyeduong/Read more on the blog: https://emilyelizabeth.blog/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/what-fulfills-you-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maya Razon drives Learning & Leadership Development at the Google School for Leaders. In this episode of The Edge of Work, Maya shares how her team designs transformative learning experiences for Google's global leaders. She explores how the “inner game” of leadership, physical space, and AI integration are reshaping how leaders learn and grow in a rapidly changing world. From leveraging neuroaesthetics in learning environments to adapting leadership programs for social impact innovators, Maya discusses Google's human-centered, research-informed approach to developing leaders.Links:Maya's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-razon-a894343/ReWork Article: https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/learning-development-using-science-to-enhance-learning-outcomes 

What if your most valuable asset isn't your time, but your unique way of thinking?In this episode of Scaling Expertise, I chat with business strategist and OG podcaster Jason Van Orden to talk about building a business that scales beyond your hours and your inbox.Jason has been turning ideas into scalable assets since launching his first podcast in 2005 (yes, really). Today, he helps consultants and coaches package their knowledge into branded methods and systems that create real leverage—and real impact. We talk about why your signature method is more than just marketing—it's your filter, framework, and freedom. How to detach your business from your presence and turn your ideas into repeatable assets. What traps to avoid when you serve too broadly, and how to position yourself to attract premium clients who buy into your method, not just your minutes.If you've ever wondered how to turn your expertise into intellectual property that can scale—without losing your voice or burning out—this one's for you.Key Takeaways:Create a Signature Method: Your method isn't just a framework—it's a strategic filter that helps you stay focused and aligned.Detach Value from Time: To scale, you must shift from selling access to you, to selling results through a system.Define Who You Serve Best: Narrowing your ideal client and solution makes growth simpler, not smaller.Systematize Your IP: Organizing your knowledge into processes allows for more impact with less burnout.Your Voice Matters: Even if your approach uses common tools, your perspective and values make it unique—and that's worth branding.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

This might be our most giggly conversation yet. Alicia Quan and Sarah Mondestin interview Annabel Blake (they/them), Principal AI Design Researcher at Canva.The three discuss connections throughout Annabel's career and life, touching on various topics like research, kids, play, AI, ethics, toys, authorship, and advice for designers and researchers working the spaces of education and AI. So much gold in this one!About AnnabelAnnabel works on conversational interfaces, generative experiences for education and on early R&D. Annabel's work lives at the intersection of research, design, and play and includes studying how young people experiment with AI recreationally and how they use it for fun, comfort, and creativity. Annabel also writes “strange little books for children, like a book you wear on your head or a story about a robot goat… that comes with a chatbot goat (called Sardine!).”Annabel's Links⁠Playful Futures⁠⁠annabelblake.com⁠⁠bookandbot.com⁠ ⁠Center for Humane Technology⁠ Chapters00:00 - Annabel's Squiggly Career Path03:14 - Olympic Journey and Injury04:42 - Reflections on Career Squiggles06:07 - Intersection of Research, Design, and Play08:38 - Kids and AI: Restoration and Exploration12:46 - Children's Books and Technology17:39 - Young People and AI: Surprising Uses21:39 - Designing for AI vs. Traditional UX28:17 - Co-Design and Early Access Testing32:48 - Educators and AI Tools36:22 - Innovative Teachers and Their Challenges39:24 - The Importance of Playfulness in Education46:11 - AI in Education: Balancing Innovation and EthicsFollow us

Jennifer Speciale helps leaders rewrite the rules of career growth

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to the incredible costume designer behind both seasons of ANDOR, Michael Wilkinson (BATMAN V SUPERMAN, WATCHMEN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, GARDEN STATE, TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN). Caitlin talked with him one-on-one about: The close relationship between costume creation and production design Designing for characters like Mon Mothma and Cassian who have pre-established looks in other Star Wars films  The evolution of Kleya's character as seen through her clothing  … and so much more! We also talked our favorite costumes from ANDOR, and why costumes are such a core piece of storytelling. Thank you to Lucasfilm for the opportunity! Join our Patreon community and unlock bonus episodes + more! Our website! Follow us on Twitter/X @skytalkerspod Follow us on TikTok @skytalkers Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram @skytalkerspodcast Follow Charlotte on Twitter/X @crerrity Follow Caitlin on Twitter/X @caitlinplesher Email us! hello@skytalkers.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, we explore how your home silently impacts your mind, memory, and emotional well-being. Our guest, Nicole Baxter—neuroaesthetic designer and creator of The Emotional Home—breaks down the science behind how sensory input from our environments shapes our brain's chemistry and mental health. From the hidden anxiety caused by cluttered or mismatched furniture to the healing power of intentional design, Nicole helps us understand how our homes can either support or sabotage our healing journey. Whether you're in recovery, transformation, or simply seeking peace, this episode shows why designing your home is more than a style choice—it's a mental health intervention. About the Guest:Nicole Baxter is a seasoned designer, speaker, and the founder of The Emotional Home—the first neuroaesthetic-based design theory for residential spaces. With 30+ years of experience, Nicole creates sanctuaries that not only look beautiful but support emotional and psychological healing. Her work bridges neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and design to help people build homes that nurture who they're becoming. Key Takeaways: Your environment constantly feeds your brain data that impacts your emotions and nervous system. The amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus respond to sensory cues, triggering either calming or stress hormones. Mismatched, chaotic home environments can create low-level anxiety and mental fatigue. Most people underestimate the emotional toll of disorganized or outdated living spaces. Designing for joy, safety, and who you're becoming is an act of self-care and healing. Connect with Nicole Baxter:Instagram: @nbaxterdesign   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Tune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind   Stay Tuned And Follow Us!•⁠ ⁠YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife•⁠ ⁠Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod•⁠ ⁠Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod•⁠ ⁠Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind•⁠ ⁠LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #neuroaesthetics #mentalhealthdesign #wellness #mindbodyconnection #TheEmotionalHome #healingathome #MindfulnessMatters #InteriorWellbeing #ConsciousLiving #PodcastLife

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 20th and 21st century philosopher and moral theorist, Alasdair MacIntyre's short address "Designing Our Descendants: Seven Traits for the Future", a presentation to the 1978 general meeting at the Hastings Center. MacIntyre first discusses how intentionally designing descendants is a matter that has political dimensions, then sets out seven key traits that he thinks are most needed, and concludes with projections of what the lives of people in a society where these traits are widespread would look like. The seven traits in a "new table of virtues" MacIntyre identifies and discusses are: Ability to live with uncertainty (and an unpredictable environment) Roots in particularity (a capacity for finding a particular and local way of being a home in the world) A commitment to non-manipulative modes of relationship with people and nature Finding a vocation in one's work (an ability to find a work that is peculiarly our own to do in the world) Accepting one's death (recognition that there will come a time when one's life is complete) Hope (a spirit of hope for which there cannot be adequate empirical grounds) Willingness to take up arms (to go to war and to acquire the skill necessary to win a war) To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3,500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler You can get MacIntyre's After Virtue here - amzn.to/2RiplGT

Obe Carrion is an absolute legend and one of the most iconic stars that rose during the early years of American bouldering.Obe has climbed, competed, and worked in every role climbing has to offer. And he always does it with the best of the best.THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY Mad Rock! Mad Rock's motto is “CLIMBING SHOULD BE FOR EVERYBODY! Innovative, highly technical and affordable climbing shoes and gear.”SHOW NOTES:Obe Carrion's InstagramRampageMadrock Climbing, This Episode's SponsorSupport the showSupport us on Patreon: HEREVisit our podcast page: HERESign-up with one of our coaches: HEREFollow us on Instagram: HERE

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4l51qH3 ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Dheerja Kaur, Vice President of Product Management at Robinhood, for a deep dive into how thoughtful design, strategic innovation, and customer obsession can transform industries—especially one as complex and regulated as finance. Dheerja brings insights from her journey across major brands like ESPN and The Skimm, sharing how those experiences shaped her unique approach to building products that are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply human. Designing for obsessive user bases: How Dheerja's work with passionate communities—from sports fans to finance enthusiasts—has underscored the value of user loyalty and brand ethos. Democratizing finance through design: A look at how Robinhood lowered economic barriers and emphasized intuitive user experiences to make investing more accessible to everyone. Embracing complexity without sacrificing clarity: Dheerja discusses how her team balances regulatory requirements with elegant product design that promotes user education and confidence. Coaching with ‘Spidey sense': Learn how she develops product intuition in her teams without micromanaging, and how recognizing subtle signals can lead to better outcomes. A culture of experimentation: Why Robinhood encourages teams to pursue bold ideas—even at the risk of failure—and how this fuels long-term growth and innovation. Harnessing real-time insights: Discover how customer feedback from support, surveys, and experimentation informs Robinhood's product strategy and user experience. AI and the future of product design: Dheerja shares Robinhood's early experiments with AI, including the new Cortex product, and how first-principles thinking guides their approach. Championing inclusive leadership: Dheerja reflects on her own experience navigating imposter syndrome and why she prioritizes supporting women and underrepresented groups in tech. Dheerja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dheerja/ Robinhood website: https://robinhood.com/ Dheerja's website: https://www.dheerja.com/ Bobby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmeixner Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast

Send us a textEric Swanson currently holds the position of Senior Vice President of Practice and Instructional Products at Renaissance Learning. In this capacity, he works with educators, technologists, and researchers to build best-in-class practice products and experiences that improve academic outcomes for students and educators. Working with the Renaissance Next, myON, Accelerated Reader, Lalilo, and Freckle teams, as well as our Math and Literacy product portfolios and new product ventures, Eric ensures the practice and instruction product strategy, roadmaps, and Go- to-Market activities fit within Renaissance and with our customers' needs.Storey Sitwala is Senior Director of Product Management at Renaissance. Throughout her career, she has focused on the challenge of how to scale insight-driven best practices for educators. She has spearheaded and developed innovative solutions across education nonprofits, school systems, and within the education technology sector, leveraging her expertise in information science, data visualization, psychology, and user experience design.

David Carvalho is the founder of Naoris Protocol. With more than 20 years of experience as an ethical hacker, he was an advisor to Nation States and Critical Infrastructures under NATO on cyber-war, cyber-espionage, and cyber-terrorism, and has been an advisor to multi-billion-dollar global enterprises like Nokia-Siemens, AT&T, and EA Games. (Interestingly enough, David created the first Distributed AI and Blockchain-based CyberSecurity Mesh solution and was also the former youngest Global CISO in the EU).In this conversation, we discuss:- Why cybersecurity needs a new foundation (not more tools)- The threat of Q-Day: why quantum risk is closer than we think- How to secure Web2 & Web3 without hard forks or protocol fragmentation- Quantum's Threat to Crypto- Building trust at the Sub-Zero Layer: securing the layer below all layers - Why Web3 inherited all of Web2's worst security flaws — and how to fix it - Transforming IoT, AI and cloud into trusted, self-defending systems - Why legacy cybersecurity is a dead end — and how incentives fix it - Designing the world's first Post-Quantum DePIN infrastructure- Becoming “security” in the blockchain trilemma Naoris ProtocolWebsite: naorisdr.comX: @NaorisProtocolDiscord: discord.gg/naorisprotocolDavid CarvalhoX: @katanationcyberLinkedIn: David Joao Vieira Carvalho--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT. PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers.    PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions. Code: CRYPTONEWS50This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below:PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50

今年的 WWDC 我(Justin)又一次来到现场，这是我的第三次 WWDC 了，也是我最特别的一次 WW 之旅。因为这次我是跟一大群朋友一起来的，主要是谜底和 CapWords 的朋友们。我们一行7人，不仅 CapWords 带我们飞，感受了一把在 WWDC 上台领奖的喜悦(我在台下做气氛组也很激动)，我们还在 WW 结束之后前往优胜美地山里，住在小木屋夜聊了几个小时。 本期节目是我(Justin)和 CapWords 团队的在那天夜聊的内容，我们谈了开发 CapWords 的心路历程，谈了这趟来 WWDC 的不容易，也谈了大家各自开始喜欢苹果的缘由。时间过得飞快，我们还没开始进入主题，刷一下就过去了。聊得不过瘾，我们相约再来一期，只不过接下来几天我们都累坏了，下一期等我们择日再来。 再次恭喜 CapWords 成为中国首个获得苹果设计大奖(Apple Design Awards)的 iOS 应用，有这样的朋友我感到非常荣幸，虽然我在这个项目上没啥贡献，但是这些天跟大家在一起，很替大家感到骄傲，我穿上 CapWords 的队服，也感到与有荣焉。 CapWords 官网: https://capwords.app/ | 在 App Store 下载 本期嘉宾 CapWords 开发者： Acelee(强哥) @DTD_STUDIOS Clu @thexclu | Blog 61(柳毅) @liuyi0922 | Blog

Discover how to create spaces that support peace, presence, and emotional well-being. In this soulful conversation, interior designer Kim Depole shares how her time with Thich Nhat Hanh and the teachings of mindful living transformed her design philosophy. Learn how to design from the inside out, turning your home or workspace into a sacred, healing environment. Perfect for those interested in mindful interior design, conscious living, and creating intentional, soul-nourishing spaces.

Keith Hempel always knew he was going to be an architect. Growing up in Southern California with a creative mother and a technical father, he seemed destined for the vocation. A transformative, “eye opening” and “earth shattering” year studying the craft in Florence set him on his way.    Today, he helps lead a cohort of over 500 architects, engineers, landscape architects, interior designers and planners in his role as President/Chief Design Officer at LPA Design Studios. The integrated firm delivers timeless, sustainable built environments with a collaborative approach and focus on research-driven sustainable solutions.   Listen in wherever you get your podcasts as Vince and Keith discuss how his Grandmother helped build the Apollo spacecrafts, the strengths and limitations of creative intuition and why it takes years to truly become a leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you ever found yourself grinding endlessly, only to pause and think, “Is this really what I signed up for?” Maybe you started your business chasing freedom—only to end up feeling trapped by the very thing you built. It's a common trap: the belief that working harder and enduring more pressure will eventually earn you the right to enjoy life after a big exit. But as today's guest discovered, you don't need to wait 10 more years to start living. What you really need is a clearer why, a stronger structure, and the right people around you—people who understand your vision and support your growth. Blake Denman is the president and founder of Rickety Roo, a remote agency specializing in SEO and paid search marketing. He'll discuss his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, which was influenced by a personal injury, and the importance of designing your business and life around personal values, not just growth for growth's sake. He also shares his time management strategies, how he uses AI for self-reflection, and his perspective on the mental load of entrepreneurship. If you're an agency owner still doing everything—from ops to admin to taxes—you'll relate to his story. In this episode, we'll discuss: Strategic hires that might results in your identity crisis. Designing your life before it designs you. Time audits, energy filters & the “$5K task” rule. Figuring out what you actually want. Do you thrive in chaos? Manufacture some healthy pressure. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources Wix: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Wix Studio, the all-in-one platform designed to help agencies scale without the headaches. With intuitive tools, robust native business solutions, and low maintenance, Wix Studio lets your team focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to your clients. Ready to take your agency to the next level? Visit wix.com/studio and discover how Wix Studio can transform your workflow, boost profits, and strengthen client relationships. The Moment that Forced Him to Slow Down Blake didn't set out to build an agency. Like a lot of agency owners, he fell into it. What started as freelancing to pay the bills while he finished school and pursued a different career path took a hard left turn—literally—when a serious bike accident landed him with a traumatic brain injury. That moment forced Blake to slow down. Rebuild. Rethink. And when he got back into client work, he realized something: just because you can do it all doesn't mean you should. Like many agency owners, he hit the familiar ceiling of capacity. So he started hiring. First contractors. Then a coach in 2019. That's when the game really changed. The Pivot Point: Strategic Hires (and the Identity Crisis That Follows) When you've built your agency from the ground up, letting go isn't just hard—it can mess with your head. One of the pivots that really made a difference in Blake's agency was the strategic hires that required him to let go of some areas of the business. For instance, when he finally handed over operations. “I was like that John Travolta meme—just looking around wondering what to do with myself.” And that's the truth no one talks about: letting go of operations isn't just a tactical decision. It's emotional. You've tied your identity to being the guy who does everything. And suddenly… you're not. That shift sparked something deeper—what Blake calls “identity paralysis.” Not a crisis, but a freeze. A moment of, “If I'm not the operator, who am I now?” Spoiler: that question is the start of real CEO-level growth. Designing Your Life (Before It Designs You) Most agency owners plan every quarter like a military op: KPIs, OKRs, revenue targets. But how many plan their life that way? Blake started mapping his ideal year: the trips, the purchases, the experiences. Then he calculated what income he actually needed to live that life. We're mostly led to believe those goals are too far away, but the first time he did this he was just $1,500/month off. So many agency owners think they need to sell their business to finally live the life they want. But often, you don't need to sell—you just need to restructure. What if the business could serve your life now instead of being the thing you have to escape? Time Audits, Energy Filters & the “$5K Task” Rule Most people say they value their time but let it slip through their fingers, which is why you need a time tracking method that works for you. After trying a few, Blake got a framework from one of his early coaches. He categorizes his weekly tasks into four buckets: $5, $50, $500, and $5,000/hour value. If you think your time is worth $5,000 but the time audit shows its mostly spent in the $5 or $50 buckets, congrats—you've just diagnosed why your growth is stuck and your energy's tanked. To his surprise, this is what happened to Blake, who was spending way more time than he thought on the $5 and $50 columns. You don't scale by doing more. You scale by doing less of the wrong things. What Do You Actually Want? If your agency isn't giving you time, freedom, and joy… what the hell are you building it for? Blake now runs his agency with zero calls on Mondays. Focus time is blocked. The calendar is color-coded. And most importantly, the business doesn't need him 60 hours a week to grow. He also has the whole team on Brain.fm, a tool that uses science-backed audio to get you in the zone faster. Some would call that a lifestyle business, but so what? Lifestyle business can be extremely profitable too. Why not build your business around what you like and don't like? People who  struggle for 20 years to then sell their agency find that after all their work they have maybe ten years left to do the things they want to do. Lessons for the Owner-Operator Ready to Evolve If you're reading this and feeling that twinge—that mix of burnout and “I want more” clarity—take these cues from Blake: -Let go of the identity that your agency is you. -Map your ideal life, then build your business to fund it. -Hire for elevation, not just delegation. -Your value isn't in the tasks you do. It's in the vision you hold. From the Hustle Hamster Wheel to the Hedonic Treadmill You want the 8-figure agency, right? So did Blake. Until he realized that every time he hit a new goal, he'd feel good for a week… maybe five days. Then it was back to baseline. This is what's called the Hedonic Treadmill—and agency owners live on it without realizing it. We chase growth for growth's sake. Or worse, for external validation—from peers, clients, even family. Blake stopped to think about what was next after he had the money. Was he supposed to save it? Spend it? Did he even need that much? Define what you want your life to look like, and build your agency to support that. Don't fall into the trap of chasing growth for validation more than for yourself. If you let go of the idea of just hitting a number, surround yourself with the best team and clients, and set your priorities, you'll be able to go after what you really want and live your best life. Agency Owners & the Calm in the Chaos Most agency owners have had the type of upbringing that's them great under pressure. Calm in chaos. Laser-focused when everything's on fire. Of course, this can also become a trap if you start creating chaos just to feel normal. For instance, you may seek pressure to push you into action. In his case, after years of needing the chaos, Blake turned to Claude to figure out a way to manufacture chaos without the disastrous consequences. His AI coach creates a “painful penalty” for missing a goal. For instance, donate $1,000 to a political group you can't stand if you miss a revenue target. That'll light a fire. Point is: for some people motivation isn't just about dreaming big. If you need some added pressure to get working engineer consequences that make staying small more painful than pushing forward. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Valeria Stromtsova is a Product Manager who traded fintech for sustainability and now works at Treeapp, helping plant trees where they're needed the most. Valeria's hot take? That product managers need to take the lead in creating a sustainable future, making sure they make a difference by considering the impact of their product decisions on their users, their stakeholders... and the planet we live on. Find Valeria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerastromtsova/.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Chelsea Kramer, keynote speaker at the Rise Happiness Summit and founder of Design to Thrive—a coaching program helping high-achieving women build lives they love (without burning out in the process).Chelsea shares her own story of chasing career success at all costs—working 60+ hour weeks in corporate consulting—until a breaking point forced her to redefine everything.We talk about:Redefining success on your termsNavigating fear during career shiftsHow to reclaim your energy, purpose, and joyWhy burnout isn't a badge of honorAnd how true alignment creates space for mid-week tennis (yes, really!)✨ Explore more: chelseakramer.com

In this Shortcast edition, Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand, shares how applying storytelling principles can bring clarity, purpose, and momentum to your personal and professional life. Drawing from narrative theory, Donald explains how to see your life as a story—complete with a clear goal, supporting characters, and an inciting incident—and how productivity begins with the power of focus and finish. In this Shortcast, we explore: The Life-as-Story Framework: Donald outlines the classic storytelling structure and how it applies to real life: a character with a problem, a guide, a plan, and a call to action that leads to either success or failure. The Power of an Inciting Incident: We discuss how deliberately creating an inciting incident—like signing up for a marathon or making a public commitment—can push you into meaningful action. Designing the Ideal Workday: After battling writer's block, Donald took a road trip and absorbed every productivity audiobook he could, using what he learned to build a personalized, high-focus day planner. Focus and Finish: Donald explains how the two most important productivity principles are narrowing your focus and completing what you start—because only finished work makes an impact. Clearing the Clutter of Life's Script: By eliminating unnecessary “characters” and distractions from your life story, you can make space for the plot that actually matters. Donald's insights offer a unique, narrative-driven approach to productivity that helps you clarify your goals, trim the distractions, and finish what matters most. Find more shortcasts like this on Blinkist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices