Podcasts about designing

In our new episode, we share insights from listener feedback that helped us pivot our content strategy.

Brannigan Thompson, EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Voya Financial, joins host Dave Hennessy to discuss Voya's strategic shift and what it means for talent strategy. Brannigan shares how his experience living and working in the Netherlands early in his career shaped his leadership approach, and how Voya is now designing its organization for the future rather than around current talent. Key topics: - Designing structure and success profiles for where the business will be in 3-5 years - Implementing AI agents in HR, including interview scheduling and development planning - Voya's four cultural pillars: customer obsession, AI and automation, performance, and quality fundamentals - Why Voya helps employees discover their individual purpose—even when they choose to leave - The importance of continuous performance feedback and measurable KPIs Plus: Keystone's Coach's Corner with Shawna Simcik on the difference between kind and nice leadership.

In some years it feels easier to begin the new year with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Other years, it can be difficult to get going and build up those new habits that we'd love to develop.Whichever kind of year this is shaping up to be for you, I have a few things planned these next few weeks to help make it a productive one.Today, I have a couple studies to share that look at a popular technique for getting started when your motivation isn't quite there.Then, Coworking Week begins Monday, where we'll have five days of drop-in coworking calls to clear distractions, get unstuck, and check things off your list (join here).And the week after that, I'll be opening the doors for the Winter Psych Essentials class, where through a month of group classes and gentle peer accountability, you'll learn how to accelerate your progress, and perform more confidently in 2026 with research-based techniques and exercises from performance science that you can apply to your daily practice (details here).But for now, let's take a look at a strategy that could make it easier to start (and finish) tasks, whether that be practicing, studying, or doing the laundry:When You Can't Get Yourself to Start Practicing, Try ThisReferencesAra, Z., Rahim, I. B., Zhou, P., Yu, L., Esmaeili, B., Yu, L., & Hong, S. R. (2025). You are not alone: Designing body doubling for ADHD in virtual reality. arXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2509.12153Eagle, T., Baltaxe-Admony, L. B., & Ringland, K. E. (2024). “It Was Something I Naturally Found Worked and Heard About Later”: An Investigation of Body Doubling with Neurodivergent Participants. ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, 17(3), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1145/3689648More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter, for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof: A free 7-day performance practice crash course that will help you shrink the gap between the practice room and the stage. Learning Lab: A continuing education community where musicians and learners are putting research into practice. Live and self-paced courses

What if success isn't personal at all — but mathematical?Kyle Austin Young reveals why so many intelligent, capable people fail to reach their goals — even when they do everything “right.” Drawing from his own experience of repeated layoffs, personal burnout, and rebuilding his life through consulting, Kyle introduces a powerful framework for rethinking success through probability rather than motivation.Kyle explains how overwhelm, survival mode, and mental clutter don't just affect our wellbeing — they distort our ability to make good decisions. Together, Marc and Kyle explore how success diagrams, probability hacking, and intentional reflection can radically improve the odds of achieving meaningful goals — personally and professionally.This is a conversation about slowing down, reclaiming agency, and learning how to design success instead of hoping for it.Show Partners:A special thanks to our mental fitness + sweat partner Sip SaunasPersonal Socrates: Better Question, Better LifeGet in Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthehumanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-champagne-

Vietnamese collector Pham has salvaged twenty church clocks from around Europe, many of which had been replaced with electronic versions. One clock, made in Italy, dates back to 1750 and, remarkably, still keeps time accurately. Pham enjoys restoring and preserving the timepieces, saying they remind him of how precious time is and to savor each moment. In James 4, the writer encouraged his readers to recognize the preciousness of time by reminding them that their lives are like “a mist that appears for a little while” before vanishing (James 4:14). James warned against making plans to “go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money” (v. 13) without consulting God. Instead of presuming on God for the timing and success of their ventures, he reminded them that they “do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (v. 14). Designing our own successes is actually boastful and arrogant if it leaves God out of the picture. When we recognize the brevity of our lives, we’re able to hold our plans for the future more loosely and better embrace the present moment. We live and work according to God’s design and purpose, which means we can humbly entrust our future to Him and savor each day as the gift from Him it truly is—no matter what it may hold.

In this episode, Gretchen Rubin shares how to go from chaos to calm and why your environment shapes your habits and happiness. She explores how organizing and decluttering physical spaces can boost mental clarity and emotional well-being. Gretchen also shares practical strategies for habit change, discusses individual differences in preferences for order, and explains how small environmental tweaks can make positive behaviors easier. The conversation also covers managing possessions, letting go of outdated identities, and making intentional life choices. Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways The relationship between outer order (organization and decluttering) and inner calm (mental and emotional well-being). The impact of small environmental changes on habits, mood, and productivity. The concept of “feeding the good wolf” from the parable of two wolves, emphasizing intentional living. The significance of setting intentions or themes for the new year, such as choosing a “word of the year.” The role of “ignition costs” in habit formation and how reducing friction can facilitate positive behaviors. The varying responses individuals have to clutter and organization, including “clutter blind” individuals and “abundance lovers.” The importance of monitoring habits and recognizing progress to encourage continued growth. Strategies for managing possessions and making decisions about what to keep or discard. The psychological challenges of letting go of items tied to past identities or aspirations. The concept of “choosing the bigger life” as a decision-making framework to guide intentional choices. For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠ Connect with the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheOneYouFeedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this conversation with Gretchen Rubin, check out these other episodes: Living Skillfully with Gretchen Rubin (2020) Designing a Life That Supports You: Presence, Beauty, and the Power of Environment with Nate Berkus By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠Hungry Root⁠: For a limited time, get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to www.hungryroot.com/feed  and use code FEED. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aura Frames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AuraFrames.com /FEED ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to get $35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter –  by using promo code FEED at checkout. This deal is exclusive to listeners, and frames sell out fast,  so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uncommon Goods ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠has something for everyone – you'll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won't find anywhere else, and you'll be supporting artists and small, independent businesses. To get 15% off your next gift, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNCOMMONGOODS.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Post your job for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/oneyoufeed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's say we are going to build a house. Think of all the roles and activities there are to fulfill. Designing the home. Clearing the land and building a foundation. Building the home, which includes framing, plumbing, electricity, roofing, and more. Putting the finishing touches on it, such as trim. Then buying furniture and interior design. Landscaping. Each role and activity embodies a different set of interests and skills. Which role and activity would you find most fulfilling? Think of the workplace. Everyone is working to ultimately deliver a product or service. In the business there are many roles and activities. No matter where I'm working and what the product or service is, I absolutely know the role and activity that fits me. And one of the best tools to help me clarify this is called The 6 Types Of Working Genius. You can find it at workinggenius.com. It's $25 and I don't make a dime. I've had all my kids and most of my friends take this, my clients as well. The profile helps me understand them and helps me guide them. Patrick Lencioni is one of the foremost influencers in business management and teams. He's author of 11 best selling books and most anyone in business in America has read The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. I've had Patrick on the podcast three times and I experience him as one of the more insightful people I know regarding human behavior and performance. He has a book titled, The 6 Types of Working Genius, and the online assessment takes about 10 minutes, and again is at workinggenius.com. Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Caldera Lab and WHOOP. Today we sit down with interior designer, TV host, and wellness advocate Sabrina Soto to explore how our homes profoundly shape our mental health, nervous system, relationships, and sense of identity. Sabrina shares her deeply personal journey—from growing up in chaos and creating a safe haven as a teenager, to landing her first HGTV role through a Craigslist ad—and explains why design isn't about trends or perfection, but alignment. This episode explores the emotional weight of clutter, how environment influences cortisol and stress, why small changes can create massive life shifts, and how designing your space is ultimately about designing the life you want to live—one intentional step forward at a time. Follow Sabrina @Sabrina_soto Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Why Your Home Might Be Keeping You Stuck 01:21 – Sabrina's Daily Wellness & Non-Negotiables 04:36 – How Home Design Directly Impacts Mental Health 05:21 – Childhood Trauma, Chaos & Creating a Safe Haven 06:15 – Why People Dread Coming Home (and How to Fix It) 09:12 – Creating "Vignettes" That Support Your Best Life 11:00 – Why Sabrina Rejects Design Rules & Trends 12:13 – How Life Phases Shape Your Design Style 13:01 – Music, Culture & Identity in Home Design 14:14 – Using AI Wisely (Without Losing Your Intuition) 15:09 – The Craigslist Ad That Changed Everything 18:25 – Acting "As If" Before the Opportunity Arrives 21:01 – Why You're One Phone Call Away From Changing Your Life 24:30 – Cuban Culture, Perfectionism & Letting Go 28:39 – How Sabrina Scans a Room in the First 60 Seconds 30:16 – The 5-Minute Declutter That Lowers Stress 32:22 – How to Refresh a Room With $500 35:16 – 3 Cheat Codes for Instant Room Elevation 36:20 – Where People Waste the Most Money in Design 39:49 – Timeless Design vs. Trends You'll Regret 42:25 – Should Your Whole Home Match? 43:27 – What HGTV Doesn't Show You About Makeovers 47:06 – Designing a Home That Calms the Nervous System 49:29 – When a Bedroom Makeover Saves a Marriage 52:14 – How Your Environment Creates a Ripple Effect in Life 56:48 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Save 20% on the best men's skincare with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.CalderaLab.com Get the WHOOP 5.0 activity tracker at https://www.Join.WHOOP.com/everforward Watch and subscribe on YouTube

Motherhood can humble your nervous system fast, especially when sleep is unpredictable and everyone has an opinion. Lindsey Simcik (Almost 30) opens up about what it looks like to trust your instincts as a mom, even when you're tired, unsure, or doing things differently than the moms around you. We talk about choosing a gentler sleep path, tuning out the noise of parenting "rules," and why presence (especially during breastfeeding) can be one of the most profound biohacks for a child's long-term attachment and regulation.  We also get real about how marriage changes after baby, how the mental load creeps in, and the family "phone hygiene" boundaries that can protect connection in a world built to distract us. WE TALK ABOUT:  09:30 - Sleep deprivation realities and the "solo parenting" nights that break you open 11:00 - Handling judgment and staying anchored in your parenting values 13:10 - Choosing gentle sleep support without abandoning your instincts 17:15 - Rebuilding intuition by getting quiet and turning down outside noise 20:45 - Breastfeeding as a presence practice and why scrolling can dull connection 23:35 - Creating "phone hygiene" rules so your child feels more important than a screen 30:50 - Scheduling intimacy and rebuilding partnership after baby 36:55 - Mental load, control, and letting your partner build confidence as a parent 44:20 - Work-life integration: mini sprints, grace, and letting go of rigid structure 48:50 - Designing your days around your season instead of someone else's rules SPONSORS: Join me in Costa Rica for Optimize Her, a 5-night luxury women's retreat in Costa Rica with yoga, healing rituals, and biohacking workshops—only 12 spots available. RESOURCES: The Only Non-Toxic Baby Registry Guide You'll Ever Need — and It's Free Explore my luxury retreats and wellness events for women. Shop my faves: Check out my Amazon storefront for wellness essentials. Lindsey Simcik's substack and Instagram Almost 30 podcast LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music

"Consistency, not intensity, is what transforms a life." Every January, millions of people promise themselves that this will be the year everything changes. They set goals. They make declarations. They swear this time will be different. And yet by February, most resolutions are quietly abandoned, not because people are lazy, broken, or lacking discipline but because they've been taught the wrong model of change. In this powerful episode of SoulTalk, I invite you to look deeper, beyond willpower, hype, and the "New Year, New You" myth and into the real mechanics of lasting transformation. If you're tired of starting over… If you're done beating yourself up for "failing"… If you sense that something deeper is calling you forward… This episode is a compassionate wake-up call and a grounded roadmap for real, embodied change. We explore why behavior change alone never lasts, how identity shapes your results, why consistency always beats intensity, and how your environment may be quietly deciding your future. This isn't about forcing yourself to become someone else. It's about remembering who you already are and living from that truth. Timestamps (00:01:10) – Why most New Year's resolutions fail (and it's not your fault) (00:02:09) – Challenging the "New Year, New You" myth (00:03:12) – Invitation to the Purpose Summit 2026 (free global event) (00:05:27) – Why changing behavior alone never creates lasting change (00:07:20) – The real foundation of transformation: identity (00:08:31) – You can't outgrow your self-image (00:10:38) – Shift #2: The power of small, consistent actions (00:12:41) – How tiny habits compound into massive change (00:13:29) – Self-trust: the hidden key to confidence and momentum (00:14:32) – Shift #3: Your environment is shaping your future (00:16:28) – Designing a life that supports your highest self (00:17:59) – Who are you becoming in 2026? (00:19:06) – Let this be a year of purpose, boldness, and alignment In this Episode, you will learn: Why willpower alone is never enough to create lasting change The real reason New Year's resolutions don't stick How your identity silently controls your results Why consistency beats intensity every single time How small daily actions rewire your brain and build self-trust The role your environment plays in success, habits, and self-sabotage How to stop chasing goals — and start magnetizing them What it truly means to live from alignment instead of force Some Questions I Ask: Who do I need to become to live the life I desire?  What version of me already lives this reality naturally? Where am I trying to fix myself instead of trusting myself? What small commitment can I keep daily, no matter my mood? Does my environment support who I'm becoming… or who I used to be? What is my soul inviting me to master in 2026? Get in Touch: Email me at kuteblackson@kuteblackson.com Visit my website: www.kuteblackson.com   Resources with Kute Blackson: Purpose Summit: www.purposesummit2026.com Register now! Kute's Life changing Path to Abundance & Miracles : https://www.8levelsofgratitude.com Free masterclass: Learn The Manifestation secret to Remove Mental Blocks & Invisible Barriers to Attract The Life of Abundance You Desire. REGISTER NOW : https://www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com    

In episode 554 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers celebrate the launch of the How Many Dudes demo and the surprise explosion past 50,000 wishlists. They break down what worked, from shipping the demo during the Steam winter sale to leaning hard into YouTube Shorts, influencers, and community momentum. he episode wraps with reflections on resilience, creative momentum, and why 2026 just might be the Year of the Dude.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:33 Introduction and Welcome01:52 The Launch Strategy for 'How Many Dudes'05:44 Initial Reception and Growth of the Demo11:38 Influencer Impact and Community Engagement17:34 Viral Success and Peak Player Engagement23:50 The Power of Community Influence26:49 Tracking Player Engagement and Growth30:32 Comparing Demo Performance and Market Trends31:50 Understanding Wishlist Dynamics35:37 Designing an Engaging Demo Experience40:05 Exploring Game Mechanics and Combinatorial Play45:38 Seasonal Models and Game Dynamics47:00 Naming the Year: 202647:43 Creative Year Themes and Predictions54:18 Reflections on Resilience and Moving ForwardTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

What if the goal of life wasn't comfort, success, or even happiness – but meaning?In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with Sann McCandless, a life and career coach who helps people design lives rooted in courage, intention, and self-trust. We explore why fear isn't something to overcome but something to walk alongside, how imposter syndrome is actually a sign of growth, and why the most meaningful lives are built in chapters – not linear paths.Sanni shares how intentional living starts with honest self-check-ins, why confidence isn't about ability but self-acceptance, and how nature plays a powerful role in regulating our nervous system and reconnecting us to presence. We also dive into relationships with high performers, parenting, and what it really means to live with perspective when life feels short and precious.This conversation is for anyone feeling stuck, burned out, or quietly craving a life that feels richer, braver, and more alive.In this episode you'll learn:- Why fear doesn't go away, and why that's okay- The real antidote to imposter syndrome- Why confidence is about self-acceptance, not competence- How nature restores presence and regulates the nervous system- The difference between comfort, meaning, and peak experiences- What courageous, intentional people truly have in common- How to live intentionally without being reckless or selfishIf you're questioning your path, your priorities, or what you actually want out of life — this episode will meet you right where you are.Like this episode? Leave a review here:https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominatorTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction & The Power of the Mind and Reality02:15 – Intentional Living: Crafting Meaningful Lives06:10 – Courage and Overcoming Fear10:12 – Navigating Imposter Syndrome13:04 – The Dynamics of High-Performance Relationships25:29 – Creating Community with OutWild28:37 – The Importance of Nature in Our Lives32:18 – Living with Courage and IntentionFollow Sanni: Instagram: @sannimccandlessLearn more about her work: linktr.ee/sannihonnold

Cities are often built as uncomfortable concrete jungles completely disconnected from nature, and most of them rapidly deplete in just a few years. Our urban areas do not have to be designed this way, and they can be completely transformed through regenerative architecture. Corinna Bellizzi sits down with Kevin Kennon, CEO of Beyond Zero, who shares how his zero-carbon luxury eco-resorts help heal humanity's relationship with nature while providing sustainable living systems for everyone. He explains how reconciling high-end development with ecological stewardship can give birth to sustainable cities with a circular economy and cultural continuity. Kevin also explores the role of architects in shaping forth a new era of sustainable design and the right way to use AI tools in making this dream a reality. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/designing-for-humanity-regenerative-architecture-in-the-age-of-ai-with-kevin-kennon/ About Guest: Kevin Kennon is an internationally acclaimed architect with over 40 years of experience driving innovation in sustainable and human-centered design. As founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., he pioneers zero-carbon luxury eco-resorts that blend architectural excellence with environmental responsibility. His journey includes leading landmark projects such as Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale's stores. A finalist in the World Trade Center design competition, Kevin has consistently pushed boundaries in adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale development. With over 40 international design awards and works featured in MoMA's permanent collection, he continues to shape the future of architecture through thought leadership, expert consultation, and lectures at Yale and Columbia. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/ Guest Website: https://www.kdcaia.com/and https://bz-ddc.com Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/pkk2418 Show Notes:  02:12 - Working At The Intersection Of Innovation, Sustainability, And Human Experience 05:32 - How Beyond Zero Is Going Beyond Net Zero 12:05 - How AI Can Help Elevate Regenerative Architecture 24:52 - Reconciling High-End Development With Ecological Stewardship 29:40 - Metrics To Monitor To Ensure Regenerative Architecture Works 32:26 - Insights About Adaptive Reuse And Cultural Continuity 49:07 - How Architects Can Leverage Climate Paradox In Urban Designing 53:48 - How Climate Change Is Affecting Architectural Design 58:49 - How Architects Can Succeed In The New Era Of Sustainable Design 01:05:52 - How Kevin Designed Ground Zero's Temporary Viewing Platform 01:13:13 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Designing 2026: Goals That Matter Feeling overwhelmed by goal-setting? In this episode, we share a simple, biblical framework for setting meaningful goals for 2026—starting with you and then your marriage. Using Mark 12:30, we break goals into four areas: heart, soul, mind, and strength, and talk about how small, realistic steps can lead to real growth over time. We also dive into: How to set personal goals without burnout Why the soul is often overlooked—and why it matters Protecting your mind in a world full of noise Designing your marriage instead of letting it drift How to set marriage goals without creating conflict Progress matters more than perfection.

For home builders, the first impression often occurs long before a prospect steps into a model home—it happens online. Yet new data shows that many digital inquiries are still met with slow responses, inconsistent follow-up or silence altogether. Leah Fellows, president of Blue Gypsy, Inc., and Ben Marks, president of Melinda Brody & Co., join Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss what the 2026 Online Home Buyer Mystery Shop reveals about follow-up speed and missed opportunities in today's buying environment. Now in its sixth year, the study continues to reveal a critical disconnect between internal expectations and actual homebuyer experiences. Why Mystery Shopping Reveals What CRM Data Cannot Many builders rely heavily on customer relationship management (CRM) reports to evaluate performance, but those systems only tell part of the story. “CRM reports tell you what should have happened,” Marks said. “Industry shopping shows what actually happened from the customer's perspective.” That perspective matters more than ever in a market where response time, tone and consistency often determine whether a prospect converts or moves on. Mystery shopping serves as an independent check, confirming not only whether contact was attempted, but also whether questions were answered, conversations were personalized and next steps were clearly communicated. Designing a Study That Mirrors the Homebuyer Journey To capture realistic behavior, the Online Home Buyer Mystery Shop is designed to reflect how today's buyers engage with home builders. Shoppers submit inquiries through website contact forms during business hours, asking questions commonly related to current market conditions, including incentives and availability. Unlike shorter studies that focus solely on initial responses, this mystery shop tracks follow-up over 30 days. The extended window often reveals whether builders nurture demand over time or abandon leads after the first attempt. Six Years of Industry Insights and Lingering Gaps The mystery shop began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when builders were forced to pivot quickly to online sales. Despite greater awareness, results show progress has been inconsistent. Builders with online sales counselors (OSCs) continue to outperform those without, a trend largely unchanged over time. The Missing Human Element in Digital Home Sales One concerning trend in the latest report is a decline in the number of builders employing OSCs. Without a dedicated role managing online leads, inquiries are often routed to marketing teams or on-site sales agents focused on walk-in traffic, resulting in slower responses and inconsistent follow-up. Even among builders with OSCs, many fail to make the human presence visible online. About half clearly feature their OSCs on their websites. Fellows said, “Having a personalized feel to your website—that there's a real person there to help—can improve calls to action, lead engagement and more. People think they can cover the buyer journey with a chatbot or AI,” she said. “I still don't think we're there yet.” In an industry built on relationships, the absence of a clear human connection can mean missed opportunities to build confidence early. The study also highlights ongoing challenges with follow-up. Phone outreach declined again in 2025, particularly among builders without OSCs. Leads are often deprioritized when a prospect does not respond immediately. Some builders also lean too heavily on automation. Marks cited an example of a builder that sent 74 marketing emails in 30 days without any direct OSC follow-up. Without the personalized connection of an OSC, the emails likely had a high opt-out rate. Why Anonymous Mystery Shopping Drives Real Improvement Since the study is conducted anonymously, it reflects everyday behavior rather than best-case scenarios. “Advance notice changes behavior,” Marks said. “Response times improve, follow-up becomes more polished and the results no longer reflect everyday action.” Beyond evaluation, mystery shopping provides immediate, actionable insight. It highlights strengths, exposes breakdowns and establishes a baseline to measure progress over time. For builders navigating an increasingly competitive digital landscape, the takeaway is clear: consistent systems, timely follow-up and authentic human connection remain essential to converting online leads into homebuyers. Tune in to the full episode to hear expert insights on the Online Home Buyer Mystery Shop, digital lead response strategies and why speed, systems and human connection remain critical in today's home-buying journey. Learn more about Blue Gypsy, Inc., at www.BlueGypsyInc.com. For more information about Melinda Brody & Co., visit www.MelindaBrody.com. About Blue Gypsy, Inc. Blue Gypsy, Inc. is a boutique consulting and training firm that helps home builders, developers and real estate professionals strengthen their online sales performance by improving how leads are captured, managed and converted. Blue Gypsy offers customized services, all tailored to each client's specific goals and challenges. Known for its direct, results-driven approach, the firm focuses on building authentic, high-performing online sales programs that deliver measurable outcomes. About Melinda Brody & Co. Melinda Brody & Company is a specialist consulting firm that has provided video mystery shopping and sales performance evaluation services exclusively to new home builders nationwide for over 35 years. The company partners with production and custom builders to objectively assess how sales associates perform in real-world sales interactions through video-recorded visits, phone and online shops, and then uses those insights to tailor sales training and one-on-one coaching programs that strengthen team performance. Its deep industry focus and continuity of service make it a longstanding resource for builders seeking to optimize their salesforce skills and results. About Denim Marketing Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week's show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot's Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 16th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts. The post Online Home Buyer Mystery Shop: What Builders Are Getting Right—and Wrong appeared first on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

On this episode of Possible, Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger sit down with Amjad Masad, founder and CEO of Replit, to explore how AI is fundamentally changing who gets to build software and what that means for work, creativity, and human agency. Masad traces his journey from growing up in Jordan teaching himself to code and connects it to his love of video games which helped inspire him to build a platform that turns natural language into working software. The conversation spans everything from why gaming mindsets make better builders, to how CEOs are rediscovering hands-on creation, to why “vibe coding” is the next form of literacy and why computational thinking is more important than syntax mastery. The conversation also digs into the future of AI agents, long-running autonomous workflows, and what it means to design environments for machines rather than humans. They also confront harder questions about jobs, fear, regulation, and society's responsibility during a cognitive industrial revolution. The episode ultimately reframes AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a force that can return people to a more entrepreneurial, expressive, and meaningful way of life.  For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ 01:45 – Introductions and Amjad's background 02:07 – Growing up in Jordan, video games, and learning to build 06:19 – How gaming culture shaped Replit's product philosophy 09:55 – Designing Replit around safety, reversibility, and exploration 13:24 – Defining vibe coding and where the term came from 15:55 – The new literacy: computational thinking and soft skills 22:09 – Getting past the blank page and learning by making 25:06 – Entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and who Replit empowers 30:48 – Designing environments for AI agents and durable businesses 35:55 – Open source, abstraction, and “cathedrals built from bazaars” 38:25 – The future of corporate work and creative ownership 48:29 – Fear, skepticism, and cultural responsibility around AI 54:13 – Jobs, disruption, and becoming AI-native in a changing economy 01:11:12 – Rapid Fire Questions

Send us a textNick Hart is the Principal at Horizon English School in Dubai, part of the Cognita global network of schools.  Nick holds an MBA in International Educational Leadership and has authored two books on educational leadership, focusing on its cultural and impact domains.A  Few Quotes From This Episode"Schools are complex adaptive systems, not complicated machines“There is no such thing as a follower; everyone nudges the organization toward purpose.”“Feedback loops in schools might not show up for weeks, months, or even years.”“Leadership isn't a hero up on the balcony, it's about helping others hold ambiguity.”“Designing decision clarity early is one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader.”Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: Creating a Strong Culture and Positive Climate in Schools by HartBook: Impact: A five-part framework for making a difference in schools by HartArticle: DAC Model Article: DARE Model by McKinseyArticle: Elliott Jaques' Levels of WorkLinkedIn: Richard ClaytonLinkedIn: Stefan NorrvallAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

We're excited to welcome Seattle-based interior designer Lisa Staton to the show. With more than 20 years of experience, her firm is known for seamlessly blending current trends with timeless appeal to create spaces that feel both fresh and rooted in history. Lisa joins Taryn and Caroline to discuss her East Coast upbringing, how she navigates the "algorithm era" of design, and why she believes every room needs a mix of old and new. She shares her philosophy on "Soup and Symphony" design, how to choose the right white paint for your region, and why the house itself is always the first client. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Use the House as Your Guide: Let the home's original architecture be your "guiding life force" when renovating. Matching details like millwork to the original style creates a cohesive foundation, allowing for trendy updates without losing character.  Practice "Soup and Symphony": Focus on how all design elements work together rather than critiquing individual pieces. Like a soup or symphony, the magic lies in the harmonious blend of textures, colors, and furniture, not just the single ingredients.  Respect Your Region's Light: Choose paint colors based on your specific location's light, not just what looks good in photos. For example, the blue-toned light of the Pacific Northwest calls for warmer whites to avoid sterility, unlike a sun-drenched desert home.  What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 01:45 Lisa's background: From Boston history to Sotheby's art auctions 04:00 The "Algorithm Effect": How social media homogenizes design 06:00 Balancing high-end design with accessible updates 09:00 How to respect architecture without creating a "period piece" 11:00 Designing for location: Why a Cape Cod style doesn't always work in Arizona 13:00 The collaborative process and avoiding "reverse Google search" design 15:00 The "Soup and Symphony" analogy for cohesive interiors 19:00 Mixing traditional cabinetry with sleek, modern furniture 25:00 Designing for the Pacific Northwest: Coziness and light management 28:00 Lisa's go-to white paints for different lights 31:00 Tips for choosing exterior paint colors 36:00 Decorating Dilemma: Updating a beige-on-beige rental apartment 44:00 Why you should embrace "weird" art and vintage finds 52:00 Closing notes & where to find Lisa Also Mentioned: Lisa Staton Design | Website Follow Lisa on Instagram: @lisastatondesign Paint Colors Mentioned: Sherwin Williams Alabaster, Benjamin Moore Simply White, Lancaster White, Swiss Coffee Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it'll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can understanding neuroscience transform your decision-making and productivity? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Cherian Koshy, author of Neuro Giving: The Science of Donor Decision Making, for a thought-provoking conversation that explores how neuroscience, decision science, and generosity shape productivity, leadership, and burnout prevention. Cherian shares how decades of work in nonprofit leadership led him to uncover the hidden neurological drivers behind trust, motivation, and decision-making. Together, Gerald and Cherian unpack why humans are not rational beings but rationalizing ones, and how understanding the brain's shortcuts can immediately improve focus, energy management, and meaningful work. The conversation dives into reframing productivity, aligning work with purpose, avoiding burnout through intentional structure, and designing environments where creativity and collaboration thrive. Cherian explains how urgency and constant stress drain the brain, why rest and downtime are essential for creativity, and how leaders can build trust-based cultures that unlock collective intelligence. This episode is a powerful reminder that productivity isn't about doing more. It's about working in harmony with how the brain actually functions.  If you're interested in learning more about how to influence and persuade or work with people based on how their brains work and not against it, this episode is a must listen. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Cherian Koshy [04:32] Origins of Neurogiving and its research-driven approach [05:17] Book success as a USA Today bestseller [06:55] Emotions in decision-making and rationalizing afterward [08:42] Applying neurogiving concepts to employee time and commitment [10:17] How decision science improves productivity [10:33] The brain as a low-battery phone: heuristics and energy management [12:14] Heuristics and reframing habits [14:43] Reframing identity and limiting beliefs [15:48] Avoiding burnout through meaning and relief valves [19:26] Prioritizing needle-moving tasks with a "vacation tomorrow" hack [21:44] Neuroscience of creativity: space, rest, and eliminating distractions [26:40] Designing trust-based work environments for focus and collaboration [31:11] Donor identity, trust, and parallels to employee engagement [33:54] Tools for building team trust and ownership [36:41] Value of handwriting and planners for offloading the brain [37:20] One key idea: Mindfulness of subconscious shortcuts [39:00] Closing remarks   Notable Quotes [07:19] "We're not rational beings, we're rationalizing beings." – Cherian Koshy [10:38] "The brain is like a cell phone that's always working under 1% battery life." – Cherian Koshy [13:10] "Reframing the things that we don't want to do as key concepts." – Cherian Koshy (referencing Owen Fitzpatrick) [18:53] "Burnout requires your brain to be able to see the place where it has urgency sees hope or a relief valve." – Cherian Koshy [22:53] "Our brains actually need rest and downtime in order to create." – Cherian Koshy [27:34] "Create an environment where they create curiosity amongst team members." – Cherian Koshy [37:29] "We're less in control of how our brains work than we think we are." – Cherian Koshy Resources Cherian Koshy Website: https://www.cheriankoshy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/ Book – Neuro Giving: The Science of Donor Decision Making Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned in the episode: Daniel Kahneman (System 1 & System 2 thinking) Atomic Habits by James Clear Owen Fitzpatrick (Behavioral Scientist) Exactly What to Say by Phil Jones Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Hi mama, Get my free guide: ✨ ChatGPT Prompts Made Simple for Moms ✨today! And Happy New Year… welcome to 2026. Before the goals, resolutions, planners, and pressure of a brand-new year take over, this episode is a moment to pause together. If you're ending one year exhausted and quietly hoping the next one will feel different… you're not alone. So many working moms start the year with good intentions, only to find themselves right back in survival mode… reacting instead of choosing, feeling behind instead of grounded, and wondering where the time went. In this short episode, I'm speaking to you not just as a coach… but as another working mom who's been there. Inside this episode, we talk about: ✨ Why motivation fades… and why that's not your fault ✨ Why planning tasks without priorities keeps us stuck ✨ How to stop letting another year just “happen” to you ✨ What it really means to design a year around your life… not the other way around This is not about doing more. It's not about hustle, perfection, or a brand-new you. It's about stepping into 2026 with intention.

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:30) - Who are your heroes? (00:09:26) - The infancy and evolution of Athena (00:15:12) - Inflection points (00:18:14) - Jonathan's reasoning for going public with interviews (00:20:08) - How do you pick countries to work in? (00:22:41) - Who is the core Athena customer? (00:28:09) - Jonathan's 6 EAs (00:32:13) - Surprising things Jonathan's delegated (00:35:42) - Broadening your scope of what's possible with assistants (00:42:05) - A day in the life with multiple EAs (00:45:41) - Delegation within EAs (00:50:31) - Family dynamics with EAs (00:54:07) - The 2050 version of Athena Links: Athena - https://www.athena.com/ Rolling Fun — https://www.rolling.fun To support the costs of producing this podcast:  >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanack: www.navalmanack.com/  >> Buy a copy of The Anthology of Balaji: https://balajianthology.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage  >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun >> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter >> Text the podcast to a friend >> Or at least give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners! We discuss: How Jonathan developed calm under extreme startup pressure Athena's evolution from side hustle to billion-dollar vision Why great delegation is a skill, not magic Surprising personal and family delegation use cases Combining humans and AI for exponential leverage Quotes from Jonathan: “My mind is an inner citadel. I've got a good mind, a wife that loves me, and everything else is gravy.” “I started Athena with the sole goal of generating income for my wife and I to live off of.” “The vision of ​Athena​ is the best human assistants powered by the best AI.” “Humans are good UX. We've evolved to like humans.” “You don't build the first Tesla without a steering wheel.” “We're building something that watches assistants work, not to replace them, but to augment them.” “Delegation is a J-curve. It's slower at first, but compounds.” “The cardinal sin of delegation is thinking, ‘It's faster to do it myself.'” “You can think of an assistant as a cognitive prosthesis.” “Belief is the first limiter. Most people don't believe time freedom is possible.” “Ask yourself: If I had a hundred more hours a week, what would I do?” Important Quotes from the podcast on Business and Entrepreneurship   There is no skill called “business.” Avoid business magazines and business classes. - Naval Ravikant   You have to work up to the point where you can own equity in a business. You could own equity as a small shareholder where you bought stock. You could also own it as an owner where you started the company. Ownership is really important.     Everybody who really makes money at some point owns a piece of a product, a business, or some IP. That can be through stock options if you work at a tech company. That's a fine way to start. 

Today, a conversation about what happens when a clever design school project turns into something much bigger. From a 20‑pound prototype stitched in a grandparents' bedroom to a 21,000‑square‑foot facility on Detroit's east side… and 100,000 coats later... Empowerment Plan has become a made‑in‑Detroit way of literally keeping the world warm. These are coats that turn into sleeping bags, sewn by Detroiters who have themselves experienced homelessness and are using this job as a stepping stone to what is next.  Founder and CEO Veronika Scott is my guest, and talks about building an uplifting ecosystem around that coat. You will also hear how feedback from people actually using the coat reshaped its design and how a product made from seconds and dead‑stock fabric ends up serving people from Detroit to more than 20 countries. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

For over four decades, Ravi Sawhney has shaped the world through human-centered innovation—from the first touchscreen experiences at Xerox PARC to iconic products and services that have improved millions of lives. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, Ravi shares the timeless principles behind his psychoesthetic methodology: a design philosophy rooted in emotion, memory, and how an experience makes us feel about ourselves. We explore why modern technology often feels synthetic, how great design creates meaning rather than aesthetics, and why the most successful products, services, and even political messages connect to our deepest human needs. Ravi reveals the emotional tests every person unconsciously runs—Is it like me? Does it like me? Can it make me more?—and demonstrates how companies can use these insights to create solutions that resonate, inspire, and elevate. This is an insightful journey through innovation, anthropology, storytelling, and the universal longing for affirmation. On This Episode 00:25 — Ravi's Origin Story: From Xerox PARC to Founding RKS Design Ravi recounts his early work on the first touchscreen graphical interfaces and the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship. 01:50 — The Core Principle: Human-Centered Innovation "It's not how you feel about the design—it's how the design makes you feel about yourself." 02:36 — The Problem with AI-Driven, Algorithm-Centered Design Why modern technology often feels synthetic and emotionally flat. 04:57 — The Human Emotional Litmus Test "Is it like me? Does it like me? Can it make me more?" Ravi explains the universal psychological process humans use to evaluate meaning. 06:20 — Maya Angelou Meets Design Why emotion—not logic—is the heart of unforgettable experiences. 07:12 — Why Organizations Seek Human-Centered Innovation The two sides of motivation: fear avoidance and aspiration. 10:14 — How the Hero's Journey Is Actually a Design Process Ravi breaks down attract → engage → adopt → affirm. 12:15 — What Makes Psychoesthetics Unique Discovering deeper meaning and triggering positive memories through design. 17:01 — The Teddy Ruxpin Story: Bringing a Toy to Life How Ravi turned an ugly, mechanical bear into a cultural phenomenon. 19:19 — Designing Guitars Played by the Rolling Stones How sustainable materials and emotional resonance changed music hardware forever. 24:27 — Human-Centered Design for Social Impact How Ravi redesigned access to home-buying programs for first-time buyers. 26:14 — Where to Learn More Ravi shares resources, books, the methodology, and where to find more of his work.

In this episode of KeyLIME+, Adam speaks with Dr. Sanjay Desai to explore the concept of precision education in medical training. They discuss how data and technology can personalize medical education, making it more efficient and tailored to individual learner needs. Sanjay emphasizes the importance of using data to assess learner performance and the need for a shift in power towards learners, allowing them greater agency in their education. The conversation also touches on the foundational principles of precision education, the challenges of implementing these innovations, and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring trust in medical education.   Length of episode:  35:28  Contact    Contact us: keylime@royalcollege.ca      Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski       

Production Designer Alexandra Schaller joins me to talk about crafting the haunting world of TRAIN DREAMS, the Netflix adaptation of Denis Johnson's novella.We unpack how the cabin became a full character, why the fire tower and logging camp were such ambitious builds, and how shooting almost entirely with natural light and candles shaped every design choice. Alexandra shares how she worked with the director, DP, set decorator, props, greens, and scenic teams to make Washington's landscape feel intimate, mythic, and deeply emotional. Topics include:Turning landscape into storyBuilding and rebuilding the cabin across timeDesigning the fire tower and logging environmentsColor as emotion, especially Gladys's yellowPlanes, trains, and giant trees on an indie budgetThe reality of remote locations, weather, and limited resourcesListen if you love production design, set decoration, indie films, Netflix originals, and craft-forward conversationswith the people who build the worlds on screen.

Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then. Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then. At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, leading architects, designers, and industry specialists gathered to examine how pandemic-era shifts, rising client expectations, and rapid product innovation are reshaping the future of kitchens and baths. Their insights reveal an industry moving beyond trend talk toward highly personalized, wellness-driven, and performance-first design. The kitchen is no longer just a workspace, and the primary bath is no longer just a retreat. Over the past five years, these rooms have become emotional anchors, wellness centers, hospitality zones, tech platforms, and reflections of how people believe they should live. At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, a cross-section of the industry's leading voices came together to discuss how the profession is adapting—and what clients now expect designers to deliver. For Sayler Design Studio founder Beth Sayler (https://saylorstudio.com), the shift is rooted in emotion. After years of pandemic-related uncertainty, material shortages, and insurance-driven rebuilds, clients want spaces that feel personal, restorative, and meaningful. Her projects now lean into “experience design,” where primary suites might include refrigeration drawers, espresso stations, integrated audio, and hospitality-level details. Her biggest tool is expectation-setting—helping clients redefine what's realistic, what's essential, and what will ultimately make them feel at home again. Architect Luis Escalera of LMD Architecture Studio (https://www.lmdarchitecturestudio.com) experiences the evolution through the lens of constraints. Small lots, stricter codes, and the ongoing battle between mandated electrification and client cooking preferences require tight onboarding, detailed questionnaires, and careful translation of desires to built form. The modern kitchen triangle now includes the deck, yard, and pool—one interconnected lifestyle zone that must function as a unified system. For Jessica Nicastro Design (https://www.jessicanicastrodesign.com), the challenge is volatility. Pricing, tariffs, and supply chains remain inconsistent, making early builder involvement essential. Her firm works to recalibrate what clients think they want—often shaped by social media—into spaces appropriate to the home, lifestyle, and budget. Transparency and trust have become the designer's most valuable currency. At Laney LA (https://www.laney.la), designer Michelle Her sees a growing demand for wellness integration: whole-home RO systems, chromotherapy, therapeutic water pressure, and recovery spaces designed with the same rigor once reserved for kitchens. Their philosophy—“the best idea wins”—creates an environment where architecture, interiors, and engineering collaborate fluidly to support elevated living. Representing the host venue, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (https://www.pacificsales.com) showcased the power of specialized knowledge. Trade leaders Verzine Hovasapyan and Juan Pantoja describe a client landscape with no single standard—making customization and education critical. Manufacturer immersion programs ensure staff can guide clients through increasingly complex appliances and smarter home ecosystems, offering a level of service no online retailer can match. Designer Shanna Shryne of Shanna Shryne Design (https://www.shannashryne.com) emphasized lifestyle-first programming. Outdoor kitchens, in particular, require multi-disciplinary collaboration—interiors, landscape architecture, and systems integration—to achieve unified performance. Complexity, she argues, demands partnership rather than lone-wolf generalists. Finally, RHG Architecture + Design founder Rachel Grachowski (https://www.rhgdesign.com) and Hudson Home Interior Design principal Shelly Hudson (https://www.hudsonhomeinteriors.com) highlighted biophilia, natural light, and personalized ergonomics as the next frontiers. From adjustable counter heights to dedicated recovery rooms, the home is becoming a hybrid of spa, laboratory, and living space. Taken together, their perspectives reveal a profession not following trends but redefining standards—one kitchen, one bath, one wellness ecosystem at a time. Design After Disruption: How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever The pandemic didn't just change where we work—it redefined how we live, gather, and experience our homes. In this episode, designers and industry experts explore how COVID accelerated shifts in lifestyle, technology, and client expectations, forcing a fundamental rethink of residential design. From wellness and personalization to process and trust, this conversation reveals why great design today begins long before materials are selected. A wide-ranging conversation about how post-pandemic living reshaped residential design, why understanding behavior matters more than trends, and how slowing the process leads to better, more meaningful homes. Today, we examine the profound shift in how people relate to their homes—and how designers have had to evolve in response. What began as a temporary adjustment during the pandemic became a lasting transformation: homes turned into offices, classrooms, social hubs, and sanctuaries, often all at once. As a result, clients now arrive more informed, more opinionated, and more influenced by social media than ever before. But with that access comes confusion. The conversation explores how designers increasingly serve as educators and translators—helping clients filter inspiration, understand trade-offs, and make decisions rooted in how they actually live rather than how a space looks online. The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into behavior: how families gather, how kitchens function, how storage works, and how subtle design decisions impact daily life. From kitchen planning and furniture layout to the psychology of comfort and the importance of workflow, the episode highlights why the smallest details often matter most. A central theme emerges around process. Thoughtful design requires slowing down, asking better questions, and resisting the pressure for instant gratification. Whether it's understanding how a family entertains, how they cook, or how they want to feel in their home, the best outcomes come from listening first—and designing second. 1. Life After COVID: A Permanent Shift How the pandemic changed expectations around home design The rise of multifunctional spaces Why the home is now both personal and professional 2. Social Media's Influence on Design Culture The upside and downside of endless inspiration Why clients arrive more informed—but often overwhelmed Separating aspiration from practicality 3. Designing for Real Life Understanding how people actually use their homes Why square footage means nothing without function Designing for habits, not hypotheticals 4. The Role of the Designer Has Changed From decorator to strategist Educating clients through experience and data Acting as a guide through complex decisions 5. The Importance of the Kickoff Process Why the first conversations matter most Learning how clients live before proposing solutions Creating clarity through dialogue, not questionnaires 6. Kitchens as Behavioral Maps Storage, workflow, and daily rituals Why drawers often matter more than appliances Designing around how people actually cook and gather 7. Slowing the Process to Improve Outcomes Resisting the urge for instant answers Why design is both art and structured process Helping clients avoid regret through thoughtful planning 8. Trust, Education & Long-Term Value Helping clients understand what they don't yet know Using experience and precedent to guide decisions Designing homes that evolve with the people in them Great design isn't about trends, finishes, or fast decisions—it's about understanding people and tailoring functional design to their lifestyle. This episode reinforces a simple truth: when designers take the time to listen, observe, and educate, the result is not just a better-looking home, but one that truly supports the lives lived inside it.

In this conversation, I chat with Peter Liljedahl to unpack the research behind Building Thinking Classrooms and what it really means to design classrooms where students think deeply. We explore the conditions that support thinking, from how tasks are introduced and timed to the surprisingly powerful role furniture and physical space play in student engagement. Peter clarifies what productive struggle looks like in action and how to normalize getting stuck. We dig into questioning, including the types of questions students ask and which ones teachers should actually answer, and we reframe homework as a tool for students to check their understanding. This episode is packed with research-backed insights that invite educators to rethink how they design for thinking every day. Click here to check out SchoolAI!   Episode Resources Check out Peter's books Instagram: @‌buildingthinkingclassrooms X: @‌pgliljedahl or @‌BTCthinks

Every building comes with a set of expectations. Students are quiet in a library, but loud on a playground. Adults are focused in their deckchairs yet chatty on bar stools. Witnessing the limitations of conventional building design, Jan Golembiewski began to leverage design psychology to improve the lives of different groups, from inmates to the elderly. As one of the world's leading researchers in architectural design psychology, Dr. Golembiewski works to create spaces that prioritize health and overall flourishing.In this revisited episode, Dart and Jan discuss how salutogenic design works, how the spaces around us shape the way we think and feel, and what it means to create workplaces and buildings where people can truly thrive.Dr. Jan Golembiewski is an architect and researcher focused on the psychology of the built environment. He studies how design can support health, dignity, and human flourishing.In this episode, Dart and Jan discuss:- A unique design approach called salutogenesis- Designing a workplace where employees can thrive- Salutogenic architecture- Balancing affordances and choices in design- The narrative context embedded in architecture- How money-driven architecture affects livability- The key traits of salutogenic architects- And other topics…Dr. Jan Golembiewski is an architect and researcher who specializes in the psychology of the built environment. He is the director and nominated architect of Psychological Design and the co-founder and CEO of Earthbuilt Technology. His work explores how architectural settings affect health, behavior, and well-being, with a particular focus on salutogenic design. Golembiewski received his Ph.D. in architecture from the University of Sydney and has served as an adjunct professor and a judge for international design and health awards.Resources mentioned:Claus Raasted and Paul Bulencea on Work for Humans: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-transformation-experience-design/id1612743401?i=1000623034271 The Battle for the Life and Beauty of the Earth, by Christopher Alexander: https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Life-Beauty-Earth-World-Systems/dp/0199898073Magic, by Jan Golembiewski: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Jan-Golembiewski-ebook/dp/B07J5RNFWVConnect with Jan:Website: www.psychological.designLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-golembiewski-a4802a15/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vwuUGOkAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=aoWork with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.

A new year doesn't need a louder pep talk; it needs a clearer compass. We start 2026 by trading resolutions for direction and building a plan around identity, not intensity. Through honest reflection on 2025—what made us proud and what quietly drained us—we sketch a practical framework to design a year you'll be proud to live, not just survive.We walk through four anchors that hold everything in place: health and energy, leadership and impact, craft and learning, and family and life. For health, we focus on consistency and recovery so progress compounds without burnout. For leadership, we commit to showing up authentically—coaching more than controlling, preparing for meetings with intention, and closing each day with a five-question reflection that checks whether we acted in line with our values. For craft, we go for depth over volume: fewer projects, fully finished, and psychology learning translated into actionable tools. For family, we protect presence with simple rituals and honest capacity, so the people closest to us experience our attention, not our leftovers.Two levers make the whole system work: time and autonomy. Guard them and your habits stick; lose them and everything drifts. We close with a challenge: define your anchors, choose habits that survive low‑motivation days, and decide what you'll say no to so your yes actually counts. Along the way, we preview upcoming conversations on emotional leadership, behavior change, and clear communication, plus a new Lead Better video series turning practical psychology into tools you can use.If this resonated, subscribe, share it with someone who needs a reset, and tell us your 2026 anchors. What will you build by design this year?Send us a textSupport the show✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

Katrina Hazell is a dynamic motivational speaker, life coach, and author, known for her inspiring book "Special Education to College the Katrina Story, Breaking Those Glass Ceilings". As the founder and Executive Director of Disability Champion Mentoring Network Incorporated, Katrina is dedicated to empowerment, self-direction, and disability advocacy. She holds the position of Vice Chair of the Council on Developmental Disabilities and serves as an advocate lead for the Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation. Katrina is also a graduate of Kingsborough Community College, where she earned her Associate's degree.Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Katrina Hazell, a prominent motivational speaker and life coach, to discuss self-direction for people with disabilities. As individuals set new goals for the year, Katrina delves into the significance of self-directing one's life, focusing on using one's unique gifts and strengths rather than conforming to external expectations. Katrina shares how she navigates the systems designed for individuals with disabilities and underlines the importance of supportive relationships with Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to foster true independence.Throughout the episode, Asheley and Katrina explore how being in control of one's own goals translates into daily life, highlighting the need for a balance between independence and support. Katrina shares her experiences advocating for herself, such as her journey with supported decision-making, and the impact it has had on bolstering her confidence. By underscoring the importance of emotional support and positive reinforcement, Katrina emphasizes building empowering partnerships rooted in trust and accountability. As Katrina shares her vision for a life that transcends societal limitations, Asheley encourages listeners to focus on the bigger picture, creating a life guided by one's own aspirations.Key Takeaways:Self-Direction Empowerment: Katrina emphasizes that effective self-direction begins internally and is strengthened by supportive networks that truly recognize and believe in one's goals.Daily Goal Control: Effective DSP relationships enable individuals to retain control over their goals by offering accountability and positive support, ensuring alignment within provided systems.Partnership Dynamics: Empowering DSP partnerships involve sharing goals, fostering trust, and providing accountability support, ensuring that individuals can achieve their aspirations.Bigger Picture Perspective: Katrina advises that both individuals and DSPs should focus on creating and pursuing a holistic vision for life, transcending system-imposed limitations.Notable Quotes:"I do not allow myself to feel limited or dwell on my disability. Instead, I focus within my gifts, abilities, and superpowers." - Katrina Hazell"I knew I didn't want guardianship, but a village to support me along the way." - Katrina Hazell"A truly empowering partnership with a DSP is having accountability support where you can see yourself thrive." - Katrina Hazell"Create the bigger picture of the life that you want to see within yourself, not what the system sees for you." - Katrina HazellResources:Episode TranscriptSpecial Education to College The Ketrina Story: Breaking Those Glass CeilingsDisability Champion Mentoring NetworkThe Regional Centers for Workforce TransformationFor more inspiring discussions and insights into disability advocacy and self-direction, tune into the full episode and stay engaged with DSP Talk for future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sharona and Boz discuss the recent grading controversy at the University of Oklahoma and use it as a launching point to focus on why rubrics matter so much to grading integrity, consistency and student learning. They reflect on how loosely defined criteria invite subjectivity, create wildly different grading outcomes for the same work, and leave students guessing about what “counts” as quality.Rather than debating the specific incident, they dissect the difference between scoring guides and true rubrics, the importance of clearly defined performance levels, and how rubric design shapes whether grades function as feedback or as punishment. The conversation emphasizes rubrics as communication tools—meant to make expectations visible, learning improvable, and grading decisions defensible.Ultimately, strong rubrics are not about compliance or point allocation, but about aligning assessment with learning goals, supporting revision and growth, and reducing the hidden curriculum that traditional grading too often creates.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!University of Oklahoma student claims religious discrimination over failed essay: What we knowOU Essay Controversy: What Happened in the Samantha Fulnecky CaseHow to Design Effective RubricsRubrics in higher education: an exploration of undergraduate students' understanding and perspectivesSteps to Designing a Rubric (Video)Rubric for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Concert (A. Ransom)ResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building.The Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:The Grading for Growth...

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter Abbie Smith-Ryan is a leading researcher in exercise physiology whose work focuses on how training and nutrition influence body composition, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and women's health across the lifespan, with particular attention on perimenopause and post-menopause. In this episode, Abbie explains how early exercise and play help build the foundation for bone health, muscle development, and cardiorespiratory fitness in girls, as well as how puberty and menstruation shape athletic performance, motivation, and recovery. She also explores how women can tailor training and nutrition across the menstrual cycle through smart fueling, hydration, and inflammation management; examines the evidence behind supplements such as creatine, omega-3s, and magnesium; and unpacks the metabolic and body composition changes that accompany the transition into perimenopause and menopause. Finally, she covers practical exercise programming for busy women, training and nutrition considerations during pregnancy and postpartum, and the evolving role of hormone therapy alongside lifestyle-based, evidence-driven approaches that help women better advocate for their health. We discuss: Abbie's background in distance running and her interest in studying women's health around exercise [3:00]; The role of early-life exercise in building lifelong bone, muscle, and cardiovascular health in girls [4:00]; Training principles for premenstrual girls, the risks of early specialization and delayed puberty from intense training, and how youth sport participation can shape bone and spinal health [7:15]; Nutrition as fuel in young female athletes: supporting training, growth, and performance [11:00]; Training and recovery across the menstrual cycle: recovery, nutrition, supplements, and practical strategies for performance support [16:00]; The benefits of creatine supplementation and importance of protein intake across the menstrual cycle [27:15]; How women should approach training intensity and volume across the menstrual cycle [33:00]; How to identify and monitor the perimenopausal transition and why this phase represents a critical window for exercise and nutrition interventions [37:15]; Case study: time-efficient exercise program for a busy, perimenopausal woman [42:00]; Why improving body composition is a better goal than weight loss, and how to set realistic fat-loss targets in midlife women [53:30]; How to preserve muscle and bone while using GLP-1 medications: resistance training, protein intake, and more [58:15]; Designing a three-hour-per-week training plan for sustainable body recomposition [1:03:30]; Abbie's insights from her 20+ years of self-tracking: nutrient timing, injury prevention, excessive training, bone health, and more [1:07:15]; How pregnancy and the postpartum period affect body composition, and how consistent exercise and intentional nutrition can prevent a permanent shift in body fat or muscle mass [1:13:30]; Changes in muscle quality and metabolic flexibility during perimenopause and menopause, and how exercise may counteract hormonally driven sarcopenia [1:21:45]; The biggest open questions about women's health: combining menopause hormone therapy with exercise, GLP-1 drugs, minimizing injury risk, and more [1:32:00]; How the training response differs between men and women, and the importance of type IIa muscle fibers [1:39:15]; Training advice for the hypothetical 70-year-old woman who has never exercised deliberately [1:47:00]; Misinformation about exercise and nutrition for women, injury risk, supplement hype, and the need for more nuanced messaging around hormones, recovery, and midlife training [1:53:30]; Benefits of hormone therapy in midlife women and its interaction with exercise and lifestyle interventions [2:00:15]; Peter's overall take on how women should approach exercise volume and intensity at various life phases and time constraints [2:03:00]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

David Conover is the Owner of StudioConover.   In this episode of Specified Growth Podcast, David talks about his background in design and how he found his way into the building materials industry. He also discusses the evolving technologies in graphic design and how they impact the industry, the importance of staying adaptable, and more. Don't miss this episode of Specified Growth Podcast!     Please reach out if you have any feedback or questions. Enjoy!    Twitter: @TatsuyaNakagawa Instagram: @tats_talks LinkedIn: Tatsuya Nakagawa  YouTube: Tats Talks www.tatstalk.com www.castagra.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a repost of episode 75 of What We Do in the Winter, an oral history podcast about the people of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Gometra and Little Colonsay. It features a conversation with Banjo and Ro Beale to coincide with the release of Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel on BBC iplayer. Originally released for Christmas 2023 it features some seasonal greetings and a wee bit of context about the podcast. Wishing the boys all the very best with their adventure on Ulva, it's a properly dramatic watch, I've only seen one episode and have no idea how it's all going to pan out. Compulsive viewing! Ro is one of the masterminds behind the distillery at Isle of Mull Cheese, and Banjo is a celebrated interior designer, whose work you may have seen in Interior Design Masters, his own series Designing the Hebrides and whose book Wild Isle Style is available from all good bookshops. We cover so many topics in this episode as Banjo and Ro talk about their lives and adventures. To donate to Banjo and Ro's work in Nepal, please drop a line to: ahoy@banjobeale.co.uk Photo of Banjo & Ro by Lisa McKenna For more information please see the episode links on whatwedointhewinter.com Thanks for listening!

Kelly Pretzer, Managing Director and Head of Development and Affordable Housing at BMC Investments, shares how flexible, people-centered development and thoughtful placemaking create resilient, long-term value in urban environments. For show notes and more: https://ninedotarts.com/podcast-designing-for-people/

Socratic seminars are a democratic, student-centered, approach to class discussions. They can be used at any grade level with any subject area. In a Socratic Seminar, members meet in a circle (or more likely an oval, because, let's be real, circles are really hard to... The post Designing Socratic Seminars to Ensure That All Students Can Participate appeared first on Spencer Education.

Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, we are moving beyond just being "aware" of our routines and into aligned action. In this episode, Camellia discusses how to become the conscious architect of your year by leveraging the profound connection between your words and your reality. If your life follows your words, what are you telling your future today? We dive into three core declarations for January, designed to help you pivot away from autopilot and toward a year of intentional growth and vitality. Key Takeaways & Declarations 1. The "Identity" Affirmation The Focus: Moving from who you were to who you are becoming. The Word: "I am no longer operating on autopilot. In January, I am the intentional architect of my day, and my words create a path of clarity and purpose." 2. The "Bell Pepper" Affirmation The Focus: Patience and trusting the process when the "fruit" isn't visible yet. The Word: "I trust the seeds I am planting today. Even when I cannot see the fruit, I speak life into my goals and remain consistent in my pivots, knowing my harvest is certain." 3. The "Vitality" Affirmation The Focus: Reclaiming energy and presence (inspired by our 2025 Menopause & Health series). The Word: "I honor my body's transition and strength. I possess the mental clarity to make high-level decisions, and I fuel my 'second spring' with movement, rest, and positive declaration." This Month's "Action Pivot" Don't just listen—participate! Try these two methods to lock in your new narrative: The Voice Memo Method: Record yourself speaking these three affirmations. Play them back during your morning commute or while getting ready. Hearing your own voice declare these truths is a powerful form of self-programming. The Mirror Pivot: Choose the affirmation that challenges you most. Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eye, and say it out loud. Break the autopilot cycle by witnessing your own resolve. Resources Mentioned Episode Recap: Your Life Follows Your Words (June 2025) The Health Series: All Things Perimenopause with Dr. Mariah Prince-Allen Community Milestone: We just hit 91,000 downloads! Thank you for being part of this journey toward 100k. Connect with Camellia: Website: That's Camellia! Instagram: @ThatsCamelliaPodcast Email: thatscamellia@gmail.com or hello@thatscamellia.com

Sue Ann Highland - Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation. This is episode 807 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Sue Ann Highland is the National Education Strategist at School Specialty and author of Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation. With over 30 years of experience in schools and districts across the country, she has served as a teacher, consultant, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, Federal Programs Director, and CTE Director.  A specialist in school improvement and turnaround efforts, she is also an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, passionate about aligning people, processes and learning environments for student success. Our focus today is her book - Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation. Excellent topic! Wonderful conversation! So much to learn and think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://www.drsueannhighland.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueannhighland/ https://www.corwin.com/books/reimagining-learning-spaces-293272 https://www.schoolspecialty.com/ Length - 47:25

Nik reflects on an incredible 2025—family, flying, and the continued growth of the Ready 4 Pushback community—and turns the focus toward meaningful New Year's resolutions. But this isn't about willpower. It's about identity, systems, and direction. In true pilot-mindset fashion, Nik frames 10 powerful resolutions designed specifically for aviators who want to level up in 2026—professionally, personally, and relationally. Whether you're sharpening your skills, building your career, or working on becoming the type of person your mom thinks you are, this episode will challenge you to be intentional, consistent, and deliberate in how you show up this year.  CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code "R4P2025" and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US. Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order. #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot

“The spaces we work in shape our nervous systems, our relationships, and our ability to do meaningful work.”In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Kennedy Gallagher, Community and Marketing Manager at Carmel Gateway, to explore how physical space, nature, and intentional design can radically improve the human experience at work.Kennedy shares how Carmel Gateway is reimagining the traditional office park into a true campus. One built around green space, nervous system regulation, community, and connection. From converting parking lots into lawns and amphitheaters to hosting coffee chats, speaker series, and unexpected moments of human connection, this conversation shows what becomes possible when we stop designing work around efficiency alone and start designing it around people.In this episode, you'll learn:Why green space and nature are essential for nervous system regulationHow intentional environments reduce stress, decision fatigue, and burnoutWhy community programming at work creates belonging, not distractionThings to listen for:(00:00) Introduction(01:25) Why environment belongs in the conversation about work(03:45) From office park to campus and what community changes(06:30) Amenities that reduce stress and decision fatigue(10:20) How nature supports regulation and presence(15:40) Green space over parking lots and environmental impact(20:10) Designing outdoor spaces that invite rest and connection(25:30) Building community through shared experiences at work(28:50) Helping young professionals find belonging(32:20) What human centered workplaces make possible nextConnect with Kennedy:Website: https://www.carmelgateway.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-gallagher/ Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

What if there was a third option between grinding it out in corporate life and chasing extreme early retirement? What if you could work less, be more present with your family, and still feel confident about your financial future? In today's episode, I join Paula Pant on her top-ranked podcast, Afford Anything, to talk about the middle ground between traditional employment and full FIRE. We dive into Coast FIRE, part-time work, and what it really takes to own your time while raising kids. I share how my wife and I structured our lives to both work part time, stay involved with our kids, and still build long term wealth without burning out. This conversation is part of our Best of MKM series and was originally recorded live at FinCon in Portland. Paula and I walk through my 10-step framework for owning your time, including how to reduce financial anxiety, eliminate debt, invest with intention, and design a three-day work week that supports your family and your health. We also talk candidly about parenting, identity, lifestyle tradeoffs, and how to model a life of freedom and generosity for your kids. If you are tired of living for the weekend and want a realistic path to more time freedom, this conversation will open your eyes to what is possible. CHAPTERS

About fifteen years ago, I gave up the conversation around balance entirely. The word I use instead is integration, and in this holiday episode I share why that shift transforms how entrepreneurs experience everything from year-end deal closings to family obligations. In this holiday episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I share reflections on 2025, point to must-listen episodes, preview what's coming in 2026, and break down the integration mindset that has shaped my approach to business and life. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: In this episode, you'll discover why the balance conversation creates unnecessary stress, the four episodes from 2025 worth revisiting, what's coming in January with my partner Brian Meegan, how designing where you live and which clients you take on become integration decisions, why great mergers have integration at their core while failed ones have integration problems, and how clarity creates filters for better decisions. MY INTEGRATION JOURNEY: Balance frames everything as separate competing demands pulling in different directions. Integration creates a lens where choices support multiple priorities simultaneously. Living in Marina del Rey serves integration. Fifteen minutes from LAX. Secure building. Walking my dog along the promenade during breaks. Cold brew moments on the patio before M&A negotiations. Every choice reduces friction. EPISODES WORTH REVISITING: Dave Hersh on Episode 381 delivered one of my favorite interviews ever, sharing hard truths about post-exit challenges through his inner board meeting framework. Bob Bush on Episode 377 told his remarkable journey from East St. Louis to founding Mutombo Coffee with the late Dikembe Mutombo. Jodi Hume on Episode 366 helps founders avoid the regrets that plague up to 85% of entrepreneurs after exits. Hikari Senju on Episode 354 offered a different lens on building AI companies through strategic bootstrapping. WHAT'S COMING IN 2026: January kicks off with my partner Brian Meegan joining to discuss what we're seeing in the deal landscape. Special series are planned diving deep into specific industries similar to our RIA aggregator coverage. KEY INSIGHTS: The great mergers and acquisitions have integration at their core. The ones that fail typically have integration problems. Choosing podcasting over a weekly column reflects integration thinking. This format feels like an extension of who I am rather than an obligation. When you have clarity about what integrates in your life, it creates a filter for decisions, just like whiteboarding sessions create filters for M&A clients. Perfect for entrepreneurs feeling pulled in too many directions, business owners heading into year-end closings, and dealmakers who want to understand how integration principles apply to M&A success. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/holiday2025 FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction: Holiday wishes to the DealQuest community [02:00] - Episode recommendations: Four must-listen conversations from 2025 [04:00] - Dave Hersh Episode 381: Psychology behind successful exits "[05:00] - Bob Bush Episode 377: Global dealmaking and Mutombo Coffee [06:00] - Jodi Hume Episode 366: Avoiding post-exit regret [06:30] - Hikari Senju Episode 354: Strategic bootstrapping for AI companies [07:00] - What's coming in 2026 with Brian Meegan [09:00] - The integration versus balance conversation [11:00] - Designing life for integration: Marina del Rey example [14:00] - Integration in deals: Why great M&A has integration at its core [15:00] - Clarity as a filter for decisions [15:30] - Closing thoughts and gratitude Host Bio:Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast and managing partner of Kupfer PLLC. Show Description: Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast reveals how successful entrepreneurs use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, and strategic alliances, this show covers the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Related Episodes: Episode 381 - Dave Hersh: The Psychology Behind Successful Exits Episode 377 - Bob Bush: From East St. Louis to Global Dealmaking and Mutombo Coffee Episode 366 - Jodi Hume: Founder Regret, Exit Clarity and What Money Can't Buy Episode 354 - Hikari Senju: Building AI-Powered Companies Through Strategic Bootstrapping Episode 328 - Richard Manders: Scale Business Growth and Personal Freedom Episode 323 - Holiday Solocast: Taking Stock and Completing the Year Social Media Follow DealQuest Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ Website: https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Keywords/Tags: holiday solocast, integration versus balance, work life integration, best podcast episodes 2025, dealquest podcast, Corey Kupfer, M&A insights, post-exit challenges, deal-driven growth, Brian Meegan, 2026 preview

Amanda Watts helps service professionals stop doing the work and start advising around it. Through her company, The Business Advisor Academy, she helps advisors, consultants, accountants, and CFOs escape the time-for-money trap and build lean, profitable, and scalable businesses. Her approach turns expertise into structured, high-value offers that attract premium clients, command premium prices, and create the freedom to focus on strategy and growth. With her Scalable Six™ framework, Amanda teaches clients to design businesses built for freedom, not just revenue. Her 500:200:10 model — £500K in revenue, £200K take-home, and 10 hours per week of client delivery — proves that success comes from systems, not stress. Every element — from positioning and pricing to promotion — works together like a finely tuned engine to maximize profit and independence. Amanda is also the host of The Business Advisor Podcast and author of the forthcoming book Built for Freedom, sharing stories and strategies from entrepreneurs who've designed businesses that serve their lives — not the other way around. During the show we discuss: The inspiration behind helping service professionals shift from doing the work to advising on it. The philosophy behind building a business that's truly Built for Freedom. Turning expertise into structured, high-value, scalable offers. How the Scalable Six™ framework creates freedom-first businesses. Defining ideal positioning that connects emotionally and commands premium pricing. Why positioning and pricing are critical in crowded markets—and where most get it wrong. Productizing and packaging expertise for repeatable, scalable success. Leveraging intellectual property to create long-term impact and authority. Designing a business that serves your life—not the other way around. Resources: https://amandacwatts.com/  businessadvisoracademy.com

This closing episode of 2025 marks a powerful transition as the podcast officially shifts from Sustainable Coaching to Confidently Unstoppable. I'm reflecting on a year of deep growth, retiring early, relocating to Florida, stepping into financial freedom, and realigning my purpose around helping you grow both personally and professionally. You'll hear my honest reflections on success, taking intentional pauses, navigating change, and why this name shift represents a bold commitment to helping women believe in themselves at the highest level. I'm also sharing what's ahead for 2026: going deeper into mindset, performance, leadership, discipline, and financial clarity because it's rarely a lack of information that holds people back. It's self-doubt, past conditioning, and fear of being seen. My mission moving forward is to help you become confidently unstoppable so you can build wealth, design your own version of freedom, and live a life that truly reflects your purpose. In this episode, you'll reflect on questions like: What would change in your life if you fully believed you were capable and acted like it daily? How would your money, mindset, and identity shift if you no longer shrank yourself? What version of “freedom” are you truly working toward and what's been holding you back? Join the Community | | LinkedIn 

Coach JK McLeod closes out the year with Melissa's annual return to the podcast, using her one-word theme and “__ for __” (ie "25 in 2025") list as a way to reflect, reset, and move forward without the usual New Year pressure. Melissa's perspective on 2025 pushes back on the idea that a new year requires a clean slate, and instead explores the value of revisiting what was left unfinished with intention rather than guilt.Listen in as JK and Melissa break down an approach built on intentional flexibility: using a theme to guide decisions, leaving blank space for what you can't plan, and balancing responsibilities with things that bring energy and connection.The episode also includes a discussion on attention, screen time, movement, and simple daily anchors that quietly shape a year. If you're open to a different take on planning your year, this episode is for you.Previous yearly theme episodes with Melissa:Ep 118: Words of intentionEp 194: Designing your year & the lessons learned along the wayLink to planning tools mentioned in episode:https://gretchenrubin.com/design-your-year/-----Instagram: @coachJKmcleodEmail: JK@jkmcleod.com

In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses various strategies for managing hunting properties, including the sale of chestnut trees, property design, and the importance of minimizing human intrusion. Guest Perry Battin is now supporting Whitetail Landscapes as a consultant and shares insights from his experience in the Midwest and Drury Outdoors, emphasizing the significance of understanding deer behavior and the role of data collection through trail cameras. The conversation also covers scent management and preparation for hunting, highlighting the need for careful planning and execution to maximize success in the field. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of deer hunting, focusing on the relationship between deer behavior and human interaction, effective property design for hunting, food plot strategies, and the complexities of making hunting decisions under pressure. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in enhancing hunting success and land management practices.   takeaways Chestnut trees for habitat improvement. Designing hunting properties involves strategic tree planting. Minimizing overstory trees enhances habitat for deer. Understanding companion planting can improve tree growth. Intrusion management is crucial for successful hunting. Utilizing trail cameras effectively aids in deer tracking. Scent management is essential for hunting success. Planning hunting strategies based on weather and deer behavior. Learning from experienced hunters can enhance property management. Regularly reviewing trail camera data informs hunting decisions. The scent of farm equipment can be less alarming to deer than human scent. Using natural features like creeks can help conceal hunters from deer. Human activity on farms can sometimes have a minimal impact on deer behavior. Understanding deer dynamics is crucial for effective hunting strategies. Quality habitat is essential for attracting and holding deer. Designing hunting properties requires careful consideration of access and wind direction. Food plots should be strategically placed to maximize deer attraction at different times of the year. Collaboration with experienced hunters can lead to better land management decisions. Hunting decisions can be complicated by multiple deer and external pressures. Sharing knowledge and experiences can help others improve their hunting success.   Social Links https://www.facebook.com/perry.battin/ https://www.instagram.com/perry_battin/ https://whitetaillandscapes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/ https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're excited to welcome husband-and-wife design duo Heather and Matt French to the show. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, their firm, French & French Interiors, is known for creating luxurious yet livable spaces that are rich in color, pattern, and storytelling. Heather and Matt join Caroline and Liz to discuss their unique journey from careers in natural medicine and building to becoming interior designers. They share how they blend their Southern roots with the distinct architecture of the American Southwest, why they believe in "softening" a harsh landscape with cozy florals, and how they turned their own home into a "designer lab." Quick Decorating Takeaways: Find Your "Keystone" Fabric: Heather anchors her elaborate color palettes with a single multi-colored "keystone" fabric that serves as a roadmap for the entire design scheme. Create a Respite from the Environment: Rather than mimicking harsh outdoor landscapes, Heather and Matt recommend using soft florals and wallpapers to create a cozy indoor respite. Study the Masters: Matt emphasizes that studying design history and legends like Sister Parish can be just as valuable as a formal degree for developing a great eye. What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 02:00 From Alabama to Santa Fe: Heather & Matt's pivot into design 06:00 The "Shelter Magazine Budget": Prioritizing beauty in their first renovation 09:00 The historic Applegate Estate project and respecting Santa Fe style 15:00 Blending Southern traditionalism with Southwest architecture 18:00 Why florals are essential for softening "harsh" environments 26:00 How to build a color palette using a "Keystone Fabric" 30:00 The importance of design books and knowing the industry's history 40:00 Designing their own home as a creative laboratory 46:00 Collaborating with their teenage daughter on a "sunset-themed" room 52:00 Closing notes & where to find French & French Also Mentioned: French & French Interiors | Website Follow them on Instagram: @frenchandfrenchinteriors Designers/Books Mentioned: Sister Parish, Mario Buatta, Kathryn Ireland, Bunny Williams, Furlow Gatewood Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it'll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws welcomes back Jacob Morgan to explore ideas from his upcoming book, The Eight Laws of Employee Experience: How to Build a Future-Ready Organization, releasing in February 2026. Drawing from more than 100 interviews with CHROs, Jacob shares why many organizations have lost direction since the pandemic and how well-intended employee experience efforts have sometimes drifted into entitlement, reactivity, and trend-chasing. The conversation unpacks why leaders often operate in "defense mode," how AI is being misunderstood and misused at work, and why employee experience is not an HR initiative but a shared responsibility across the organization. Listeners will also hear practical frameworks for separating trends from truths, rethinking learning and development, understanding employees beyond survey data, and designing flexibility and culture in more intentional ways. This episode offers clear perspectives for leaders who want to stop reacting and start building the future of work they actually want. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview 02:00 – Why organizations have lost their way post-pandemic 05:30 – Employee experience, entitlement culture, and unintended consequences 08:00 – Why leaders are stuck playing defense instead of offense 11:00 – Trends vs truths and the risks of chasing competitors 13:00 – AI at work and the rise of "work slop" 15:00 – A framework to adapt, pause, or push back on trends 17:00 – Overview of The Eight Laws of Employee Experience 19:00 – Decoding the human signal and knowing employees beyond data 24:30 – Surveys vs real conversations and the importance of human connection 27:00 – Rethinking learning, skill-building, and application on the job 31:00 – The limits of AI and why managers still matter 34:00 – The growth framework for development, readiness, and decision-making 37:00 – Designing flexibility and the idea of a career "command center" 40:00 – Using technology to amplify humanity, not replace it 43:00 – Choosing the future you want to build as an organization 45:00 – Final reflections and where to learn more   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws In Brandon's own words: "The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought leaders." About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Learn more: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ Connect with Brandon Laws LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawsbrandon About: https://xeniumhr.com/about-xenium/meet-the-team/brandon-laws Connect with Xenium HR Website: https://www.xeniumhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenium-hr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XeniumHR Twitter: https://twitter.com/XeniumHR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xeniumhr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XeniumHR

AJ and Johnny sit down with Rebecca Hinds, author of Your Best Meeting Ever, to uncover why meetings aren't broken — they're just poorly designed. Rebecca shares how better meeting design can accelerate your career, increase visibility, and help you stand out as a leader in the AI era. They dive into how collaboration has quietly become a visibility trap, how to gain recognition without more airtime, and why treating meetings like a product can transform your influence, culture, and career. From managing “meeting suck reflex” to using AI responsibly, this episode offers a playbook for making every meeting meaningful — and finally reclaiming your time. Chapters:00:00 – Why meetings feel broken (and why they're not)05:00 – Collaboration overload and the visibility trap10:00 – Presence ≠ productivity: the illusion of busyness15:00 – How AI is reshaping collaboration and meaning at work20:00 – Designing your best meeting ever: rhythm, purpose, and focus25:00 – Declining pointless meetings without fallout30:00 – Using AI to build better meetings, not replace them 35:00 – The four D test: when a meeting actually deserves to exist40:00 – The visibility tax and remote work trade-offs45:00 – Building career leverage through better meeting design A Word From Our Sponsors Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unlockyourxfactor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially.  Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠artofcharm.com/intel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. If you've put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monarch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your browser for half off your first year.  Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠makeheadway.com/CHARM ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use my code CHARM for 25% off. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Indeed.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TODAY to get started  Curious about your influence level?  Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theartofcharm.com/influence⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Episode resources: Your Best Meeting Ever: 7 Principles for Designing Meetings That Get Things Done RebeccaHinds.com Check in with AJ and Johnny! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Charm on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Charm on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Charm on TikTok⁠ meetings, collaboration, leadership, communication, productivity, visibility, AI at work, remote work, workplace culture, career growth, The Art of Charm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#675: Welcome to Greatest Hits Week – five days, five episodes from our vault, spelling out F-I-I-R-E. Today's letter E stands for Entrepreneurship. This episode originally aired in September 2018, at a moment when startup culture was loud, venture capital was abundant, and entrepreneurship was often framed as something that involves outside investors and rapid growth. ____ In this episode, we rewind the clock to 2018. Remember what entrepreneurship was supposed to look like back then? Build a startup. Raise capital. Scale fast. Get rich. That was the dominant story. But our guest, Rand Fishkin, told a different story – a story about founder burnout, debt, and the downside of startup culture. Rand, the founder of Moz, shares how he and his mother accumulated nearly half a million dollars in debt while running an early services business. He talks about what it felt like to face creditors, negotiate settlements, and keep going under intense financial pressure. From there, we move into one of the most misunderstood ideas in entrepreneurship: the difference between service businesses and product businesses. Rand breaks down the trade-offs. Services generate income faster. Product businesses rely on outside capital. And founders often earn far less than people expect. That leads to a deeper conversation about incentives. Once venture capital enters the picture, priorities shift. Profits matter less. Growth matters more — and it affects both the business and your personal finances. High revenue does not automatically translate into personal wealth. We also talk about the side of entrepreneurship that rarely makes the highlight reels: Loneliness. Anxiety. Depression. And the relief that comes from realizing that even the most successful founders often feel lost while they're building. This conversation feels less like startup advice and more like a long-term framework for thinking clearly about risk, money, and meaning. If you've ever questioned whether entrepreneurship automatically leads to financial freedom, this episode offers a grounded and very honest answer. Timestamps Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) Facing creditors and repayment negotiations (08:50) How a services business really works (11:40) From consulting to software (15:00) Services vs. product businesses (12:20) Why high revenue doesn't mean personal wealth (25:05) Venture capital incentives (27:50) Founder salaries and financial reality (30:40) Startup mythology vs. lived experience (33:20) Loneliness and mental health (36:15) Founder strengths and weaknesses (39:50) Feedback and self-awareness (42:30) Designing a business that fits your life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices