Podcasts about designing

I‘m joined today by a legend of from the world of architecture, Abdel Wahed El Wakil. I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago in Doha, where he now lives, to document his incredible journey, his vision for architecture as an industry, and Islamic architecture in particular. Abdel Wahed has designed buildings around the world, including in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Paris and London. He also studied and worked under his mentor, Hassan Fathy, an architecture legend in his own right. We'll be continuing our conversation next week, where Abdel Wahed tells me about the evolution of architecture and materials, so stay tuned! This episode is brought to you by: ⁠EFG Hermes One⁠, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide⁠. Star Investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery⁠ Chapters: 0:00 Coming up 10:42 Architecture's Purpose 19:10 Materialism vs Spirituality 23:21 Cultural Revolution 26:34 Designing for the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies 37:58 Reviving Community Spaces 41:40 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late 2000s, two French mountain athletes set out to build a running shoe that captured the feeling of flying. Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas “Nico” Mermoud had spent decades inside the innovation engine at Salomon—where product was obsession. In 2007, as Nico recovered from a brutal ultramarathon around Mont Blanc, the founders fixed on a problem that Big Footwear didn't care about: downhill running was destroying bodies. Their solution: make the shoe bigger, softer, and shaped like a rocker.At first, their prototypes looked like clown shoes. Runners who preferred minimalist footwear laughed at them. Retailers said no. But the founders kept doing the one thing that they knew could reverse things: they made people try them.HOKA went from under $3M in sales in 2012 to more than $2B a year—and in this episode, you'll hear how it happened: the risky design, the early cash crunch, and the strategic partnership that helped them win the U.S. market.What you'll learn:How to think of a shoe as a machine, not just a piece of apparelThe go-to-market weapon that worked: relentless demo-ing Why outside money can't always solve a cash flow bottleneck (and what does)How HOKA used performance proof to avoid being dismissed as a gimmickWhy HOKA partnered with Deckers—and why it wasn't just about capitalHow to keep a “rebel” mindset as competitors start copying youTimestamps:(Timecodes are approximate and may shift depending on platform.)[07:12] George Salomon's leadership lesson: the CEO who sought advice from an intern[11:11] Nico's first day at Salomon: testing ski prototypes on a glacier[18:42] The ultramarathon race where Nico's legs crumbled (and why)[21:29] A breakthrough insight: performance changes with surface (leaves, lava, snow)[31:25] Designing a sneaker as if it were a car: engine, tires, seat[40:00] The “clown shoe” prototype—and the first successful run [47:22] Elite runners kickstart the brand [49:02] The hard part nobody glamorizes: factory minimums, bank demands, anemic cash flow[53:31] Deckers enters: the minority investment that unlocks the U.S. (without killing the brand)Hey—want to be a guest on HIBT?If you're building a business, why not get advice from some of the greatest entrepreneurs on Earth?Every Thursday on the HIBT Advice Line, a previous HIBT guest helps new entrepreneurs work through the challenges they're facing right now. Advice that's smart, actionable, and absolutely free.Just call 1-800-433-1298, leave a message, and you may soon get guidance from someone who started where you did, and went on to build something massive.So—give us a call. We can't wait to hear what you're working on.***This episode was produced and researched by Rommel Wood with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei.It was edited by Neva Grant. Our engineers were Patrick Murray and Kwesi Lee. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#766 What happens when a CRO expert ditches slides, skips keynotes, and bets big on human connection in a post-Zoom world? In this episode, host Brien Gearin welcomes back longtime friend and fellow Cincinnati native Sahil Patel, CEO of Spiralyze, for a conversation that goes beyond CRO and A/B testing. Sahil shares a behind-the-scenes look at why his team decided to launch their first-ever live event, Above the Fold, and what it really takes to plan an in-person experience that people are excited to travel for. From choosing the right location and audience to designing hands-on workshops, pricing tickets, and balancing sponsors without ruining the attendee experience, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs and marketers considering hosting their own live event — whether for 10 people or 1,000! What we discuss with Sahil: + Why live events matter now + Craving human connection post-Zoom + Choosing the right event location + Designing workshop-only experiences + No slides, no keynotes philosophy + Attracting the right attendees + Inviting speakers with real reps + Pricing tickets strategically + Sponsors without killing the vibe + Creating a standout guest experience Thank you, Sahil! Check out Spiralyze at Spiralyze.com. Follow Sahil on LinkedIn and YouTube. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interior designer Julia Miller is back in the hot seat—and this time, we're diving into Brunel, her brand-new custom furniture line built on intention, style, and quarter-inch precision. We unpack what it's really like to get featured in Architectural Digest, why peer compliments hit different, and how designing homes is more like writing love letters than anything else. Also: a friendly PSA to never flip your designer's marble coffee table upside down. (Sorry again, Julia.) Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Contractor Coalition Summit: Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ Where to find the Guest:  Website: https://www.yondinteriors.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yondinteriors Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Episode Overview There is a retail trend I'm seeing that is growing across independent retail shops worldwide and I'm sharing all about it in this episode. Let's talk about analog wellness. So what exactly is it? I'm diving into just that in this episode: what it is; how customers are craving slower, more human experiences and how brick-and-mortar retailers are uniquely positioned to meet that need. I'll explain why this shift has little to do with what you sell and everything to do with how customers feel when they're in your shop. I'll share why this matters now, especially as people step back from constant screens, noise, and digital overload. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how analog wellness shows up in retail, how it connects to hospitality and experience-driven sales, and why this approach strengthens loyalty, word of mouth, and long-term growth. Our Key Topics What analog wellness and analog wellbeing mean in a retail context Why customers are seeking slower, tactile, in-person experiences The role of brick-and-mortar shops as places to exhale and feel seen How experience and hospitality replace price-based competition Ways retailers are creating gathering spaces and community moments Why invitations and connection matter more than urgency or discounts Key Takeaways for Retailers on Analog Wellness Customers are craving calm, connection, and human interaction, not constant stimulation. Brick-and-mortar shops can serve as a third space beyond home and work. Experience and how customers feel now drive loyalty more than price. Small, intentional moments of hospitality can create lasting impact. Designing around customer feelings strengthens sales and relationships.   "Analog wellness is not anti-technology. It is pro-human." -Wendy Batten This week, I would love for you to listen in and reflect on how your shop can become a place where customers slow down, feel seen, and want to linger. Are there ways you are already doing it now? Jump into my DMs on Instagram and tell me about it!   Resources Mentioned and Related Episodes: Retail Sales & Marketing Accelerator (On-Demand)A practical course designed to help shop owners stop guessing and start making clearer, data-informed decisions around sales and marketing. Join my Love List!   Episode 252: Creating a Culture of Hospitality in Your Retail Business with Guest Expert Stephanie Miller Vincent   Episode 268: Awesome Isn't Accidental: Raising the Retail Standards in Your Shop About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose. For more support from Wendy Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

This week on the pod, Jeremiah McCall returns to talk about the publication of his book, Designing History Games for Class. We also chat about his current educational designs, and about how he assigns game design projects to his students so that they learn more about history. https://gamingthepast.net/about/Register for Kathleen Mercury's course, Deep Dive by Doing: https://cmichpress.com/product/course-registration-for-deep-dive-by-doing/Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/liberal-arts-social-sciences/centers-institutes/center-for-learning-through-games-and-simulationsCheck out CMU's game offerings here: https://cmichpress.com/shop/All episodes of my podcast are available here: https://beyondsolitaire.buzzsprout.comEnjoy my work? Consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondsolitaire or getting me a "coffee" on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/beyondsolitaireContact Me: Email: beyondsolitaire at gmail.comTwitter: @beyondsolitaireInstagram: @beyondsolitaireFacebook: www.facebook.com/beyondsolitaireWebsite: www.beyondsolitaire.net

Are there any downsides to taking part in upsides?In Episode #512 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: how the internet moved from corporate networks to open protocol networks to blockchain networks, Dixon's framing (read, write, own), why he thinks open protocols like RSS struggled against corporate platforms, where blockchains might change take rates, the real-world viability of tokenomics, if ownership will matter for in a future of AI, micro‑payments and abundant digital goods, games vs music business models and whether people will actually care about on-chain ownership if everything becomes cheap and effortless to access. No support for this week :'(Stan Link: https://stan.store/meremortalsTimeline: (00:00:00) Intro(00:00:25) Book pick: Read, Write, Own by Chris Dixon(00:04:16) Corporate vs protocol networks; email and the open web(00:07:23) Owning the network: why blockchains change incentives(00:13:25) Governance, take rates and platform lock-ins(00:17:56) Music vs gaming revenues: models and innovation(00:21:30) Protocol pessimism and the RSS debate in podcasting(00:25:04) Value for value: Podcasting 2.0 funding dilemmas(00:30:08) Could a blockchain fund open infrastructure?(00:34:27) Designing a micropayments-first podcast app(00:38:22) Do users care about digital ownership?(00:41:48) Abundance thesis: free content and data trade-offs(00:45:30) Will advertisers pay users directly?(00:49:45) Will ownership still matter in an abundant world?(00:53:01) Digital status, scarcity and beachfront reality(00:58:48) Extreme efficiency futures: cars, housing and cost curves(01:03:05) Human status, achievement and digital provenance(01:08:33) Voice-first generation and app-less experiences(01:14:47) Ownership vs access: memories, messages and guarantees(01:16:54) Wrap-up: book verdict and sign-off Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Jane Langof, feng shui master, consultant and educator, to explore a different kind of noise - not the mental noise or the pace of modern life, but the subtle and often unnoticed energy within our homes, workspaces and daily environments.For over fifteen years, Jane has helped people understand the powerful connection between their inner world and physical surroundings, blending ancient feng shui principles with modern living. We unpack how energy flow, design, clutter and intention can either support clarity and wellbeing or quietly drain our focus, relationships and rest.At its heart, this episode is an invitation to slow down and notice what your surroundings are communicating back to you. When your environment is aligned, it becomes easier to think clearly, rest deeply and live with intention instead of overwhelm.If you've ever felt scattered, unsettled or stuck without knowing why, this conversation may help you see your space and yourself - in a completely new way.Inside this podcast:- How your home environment quietly influences your inner world- Why clutter creates emotional and mental weight- What feng shui really is beyond myths and superstition- How small shifts in space can change how you feel daily- Why intentional living begins with awareness of your surroundingsConnect with Jane:Instagram  → https://bit.ly/3NEWWuP Website → https://www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au/ LinkedIn  →  https://bit.ly/3LLljGD Connect with Steve:Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR LinkedIn  → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj Episode Highlights00:00:00 - The silent noise within our homes and personal spaces00:01:30 - Chaos in life reflected through physical environments00:03:00 - What feng shui really is beyond superstition00:05:00 - Energy flow and its impact on wellbeing and success00:07:00 - From accounting to feng shui and finding alignment00:10:00 - The relationship between inner and outer worlds00:13:00 - Why changing your space requires personal responsibility00:15:00 - Morning routines, gratitude, and setting energy for the day00:17:00 - Clutter as one of the biggest drains on mental clarity00:19:00 - Letting go of excess and creating lighter environments00:21:30 - Designing homes with energy in mind from the start00:24:00 - Bedrooms as the foundation for sleep and relationships00:27:00 - Clearing energy after relationship breakdowns00:30:30 - Colour, water features, and energy amplification00:34:00 - Creating workspaces that support focus and creativity00:38:00 - Using the five senses to raise the energy of a space00:42:00 - Teenagers, clutter, and emotional development00:45:30 - Small, achievable steps to regain control of your space00:49:00 - Practical feng shui versus online misinformation00:52:00 - Human connection over AI generated advice00:54:00 - Final reflections on intentional living and awarenessABOUT THE PODCAST SHOWThe Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you feel you're giving everything to your agency and only getting exhaustion as a result? Agencies grow best when they're built around clarity, empathy, and self-awareness. Whether it's pricing, boundaries, team management, or AI, the common thread is intention. Today's featured guest understands that you don't need to hustle harder. You need to design smarter, around who you are, how you work best, and what kind of business you actually want to run. She'll share her perspective on agency growth, self-awareness, leadership, and how AI should actually be used inside a modern agency and provide a real look at what it takes to build an agency that's profitable, human, and sustainable without losing yourself in the process. Ingrid Schneider is the CEO and founder of Stay in Your Lane, a fractional CMO and franchise development agency, and Train in Your Lane, an AI education company helping teams build real AI intuition. What started as fractional work after being laid off during the pandemic has grown into a 16-person team running full marketing departments, launching brands, building LMS platforms, and training companies like Ben & Jerry's and Ace Hardware on how to actually use AI to solve problems. In this episode, we'll discuss: Going from survival mode to self-worth: pricing and confidence. How to set boundaries and protect your brain. Design an agency that energizes you, not drains you. Managing people, not just performance with a human-first approach. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Building an Agency on Trust and Integrity Ingrid doesn't come from a tidy, linear career path. After being laid off as a CMO during the pandemic, she made the decision to not work for anyone else again. She started doing fractional CMO work to replace her salary, focusing on trust, authenticity, and doing the work well. What began as a solo operation three and a half years ago is now a full team serving a wide range of clients. Some rely on Ingrid's team to run their entire marketing department. Others bring them in for focused, fractional engagements. The growth didn't come from aggressive sales tactics—it came from being reliable, human, and honest about what they were good at. Learning Your Worth and Unlearning Survival Mode When Ingrid landed her first client, she charged $3,000 a month for two brands. And that client still complained about pricing. Like many agency owners, she was focused on replacing her salary, not building a business. Survival mode has a way of shrinking your sense of value. Learning her worth didn't come from a pricing spreadsheet. It came from personal work deconstructing old beliefs, recognizing her own capabilities, and understanding the impact she could have on others. Ingrid talks openly about how her upbringing and past experiences shaped her tendency to underprice herself and overextend. As her confidence grew, so did her standards. She began collecting people with grit, sometimes hiring for attitude over experience, and building a team she trusted deeply. The biggest lesson for her was: if you don't believe in your value, your pricing, and your agency, will reflect that. Preventing Agency Burnout: How to Set Boundaries Running a business can be incredibly stressful, which is why many owners can relate to being in fight or fly mode all the time. However, this is the worst thing for both your health and your business because chronic stress will affect your brain and get you to a point known as "flipping your lid." According to Ingrid, this term, which she learned from Dr. Daniel Siegel, describes what happens when stress pushes you into fight, flight, or freeze. Logic goes offline. Creativity disappears and everything feels harder. For agency owners, this shows up as exhaustion, impatience, and bad decisions, and healing will mean confronting the reality that you can't run a business well if your body and brain are in survival mode. In her case, Ingrid found healing by emphasizing boundaries as a leadership responsibility. Knowing where your value is best served, trusting your team, and recognizing when their lids are flipped allows you to lead with empathy instead of pressure. The agency doesn't need a burned-out hero. It needs a regulated, self-aware leader. Designing an Agency That Energizes You, Not Drains You This is a lesson that agency owners that currently feel miserable with their business and wanting to give up should learn. Drawing your boundaries will look different to everyone, but you can start by asking yourself what you want to do every day and what you never want to do again. Just draw a circle on a piece of paper and start writing. Inside: the work that gives you energy. Outside: everything that drains you. You'll see that most likely what you need is to redesign your agency around this. You can't be all things to all people. Agency that try usually end up miserable and unprofitable. Wins and losses both matter, but only if you're paying attention to what they're teaching you. Topline revenue means nothing if you hate how you're earning it. Sustainable growth comes from aligning what's good for the business with what actually fills your cup. That alignment is what keeps agencies alive long-term. Managing People, Not Just Performance with a Human-First Approach As an empath, Ingrid leads with a people-first approach rooted in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). When something goes wrong, she looks at three things in order: herself, the system, and then the person. Are expectations clear? Do they have the resources they need? Is she showing up with patience? Perfectionism isn't the goal in her agency because perfection is stressful, unrealistic, and unnecessary. Instead, the focus is on doing really good work while protecting the team's mental energy. This is where AI comes in, not as a shortcut for thinking, but as a way to remove the minutia that burns people out. This has been the case for Ingrid, who enjoys managing people. If this is not your case, then focus on hiring people who can manage themselves. But remember you have to learn to let go if you want a self-managing team. There are countless ways to reach the same outcome and speed isn't always the metric that matters most. Sometimes the "slow" work produces the best results. Using AI to Empower Teams, Not Create More Noise Ingrid's approach focuses on education and the fact that everyone should be training their AI intuition to be able to understand how an AI tool works and how it could help them. She trained her own intuition by changing her social media algorithms to feed her AI micro-learnings. From there, it became about application: looking at every agency task and asking, Can AI help solve this better? Her team runs weekly "show and tell" sessions where they demo how they used AI to solve real problems. There's also an AI policy but it's framed as a permission slip, not a rulebook. Team members can experiment with tools on a company card, and if they prove value, the agency commits. The bigger point is this: if you're not empowering your team to use AI thoughtfully, you're holding them back. This isn't about pumping out more content—it's about freeing up human brains to do the work that actually matters. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Welcome to episode 316 of Grow Your Law Firm. In this episode, Ken is joined by Allison Williams, a longtime practicing attorney turned law firm growth coach and founder of Law Firm Mentor. Allison shares her personal journey from burnout and near disaster to building multiple seven-figure businesses by systematizing every part of her firm and eliminating what she calls "crushing chaos." The conversation explores why being a great lawyer has little to do with being great at running a business, how lack of systems keeps firms stuck in overwhelm, and why working harder is often the worst possible strategy. Allison and Ken dig into practical, realistic ways law firm owners can regain control of their time, improve profitability, and build firms that support both professional success and personal life. The discussion also tackles AI's growing role in law firms, where it adds leverage, where it creates risk, and how it can dramatically reduce training time and operational costs when used correctly. What you'll learn in this episode:   From Burnout to Breakthrough - Why hustle and long hours eventually fail law firm owners - How a single wake-up call led to building scalable systems Systematizing Without Overwhelm - A simple method to get processes out of your head and onto paper - Why improving systems by 10–15% beats starting from scratch Diagnosing the Real Source of Chaos - Identifying whether marketing, people, or operations cause the most pain - Focusing first on the problems that cost the most time and money Using AI to Create Leverage, Not Liability - Where AI boosts efficiency in training, workflows, and documentation - Why AI must be used carefully in legal work and decision-making Pricing, Profitability, and Long-Term Stability - How raising prices can improve client quality and firm performance - Designing solutions that reduce today's stress and prevent future burnout Resources: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisoncwilliams LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/law-firm-mentor-llc Facebook: facebook.com/LawFirmMentor Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo:   www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

What does it really take to design learning that works?In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by instructional designer, professor, and podcast host Jackie Pelegrin, who brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education and curriculum design.Jackie breaks down what instructional design actually is, why so many online courses fail to engage learners, and how education must be built with intention, empathy, and real-world outcomes in mind. The conversation also explores AI in education, adult learning challenges, podcasting as a teaching tool, and how Jackie turned one of her most popular podcast series into a book.Whether you're an educator, trainer, podcaster, or lifelong learner, this episode delivers practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom on designing learning experiences that truly stick.Send us a textVote for us hereSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email

Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with Richelle Davis, founder of Davis Real Estate Group, for a powerful conversation on building a referral-based real estate business rooted in trust, systems, and intentional leadership. Richelle shares her journey from serial entrepreneur to real estate CEO—and how she's built a highly profitable business without paid leads, without burnout, and without sacrificing her family, values, or quality of life. From creating systems that protect the client experience to leveraging community relationships as a growth engine, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable, long-term success. If you're tired of chasing leads, feeling trapped in production, or building a business that owns you instead of the other way around, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, leverage, and scale. What You'll Learn in This Episode From Entrepreneur to Real Estate CEO Richelle's path from entrepreneurship into real estate leadership Why business fundamentals matter more than real estate tactics How CEO thinking creates clarity, confidence, and consistency Building a 100% Referral-Based Business Why trust and reputation outperform paid lead sources How to become a real estate advisor for life—not a transaction chaser The standards required to earn consistent referrals at scale Systems That Create Freedom Why checklists and repeatable processes are non-negotiable How systems protect the client experience as you grow The difference between being busy and being effective Leadership, Team, and Culture Hiring for values, integrity, and long-term alignment Why Richelle intentionally limits team size How internal trust creates external credibility Community as a Growth Engine Why local involvement builds long-term brand authority Leveraging community relationships to fuel organic referrals Turning service, gratitude, and reciprocity into scalable growth Escaping Burnout and Reclaiming Time How Richelle stepped back to a 2.5-day workweek without losing momentum Why leverage starts with clarity—not delegation Designing a business that supports life instead of consuming it Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO Framework John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Davis Real Estate Group Community-based referral and relationship strategies Final Takeaway You don't need more leads—you need more clarity. Richelle Davis proves that when you lead with trust, build real systems, and serve your community with intention, you can scale a real estate business without chaos, burnout, or compromise. Freedom isn't built by doing more. It's built by leading better. "We don't see ourselves as transactional agents—we're advisors for life." – Richelle Davis Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

Follow optYOUmize Podcast with Brett Ingram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Summary Brett Ingram speaks with Katie Krimitsos, founder and CEO of the Women's Meditation Network. They discuss Katie's journey from a traditional career in healthcare to entrepreneurship, her passion for meditation, and how it has transformed her life and the lives of others. The conversation explores the benefits of meditation, common misconceptions, practical tips for beginners, and how to balance the demands of entrepreneurship and family life. Katie emphasizes the importance of intuition and self-awareness in both personal and professional realms. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Optimize Podcast and Guest Background 06:44 Katie's Journey into Entrepreneurship and Meditation 13:16 The Benefits of Meditation for Self-Awareness 18:38 Common Misconceptions About Meditation 26:25 Practical Tips for Beginners in Meditation 33:51 Balancing Life as an Entrepreneur and Parent 37:40 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways #meditation #mindfulness #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #optyoumize #brettingram #entrepreneurpodcast #podmatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Big investment firms are suddenly realizing that people are living longer, healthier lives—and treating it like a breakthrough. A new Morgan Stanley paper frames increased longevity as a transformational economic force, arguing that 21st-century finance will shift from accumulation to decades-long retirement drawdowns. But this isn't new information, and the proposed solutions miss the point. Designing income models around 40-year retirement periods ignores how real people live, work, adapt, and evolve over time. Life doesn't unfold in neat phases, and treating retirement as a prolonged financial drought forces unrealistic saving, delayed living, and joyless tradeoffs. Longevity demands a whole-life approach, not marketing-driven theories and rigid planning models. It's financial preparation—not financial planning—that actually works.

In this episode, Katerina sits down with Avideh Haghighi, architect and founder of Zero Houz, to explore what it truly means to commit to sustainable living through architecture. Avideh shares her unconventional path into the profession, rooted in a deep love for art, and how sustainability captured her interest long before it had a name.  The conversation dives into the financial realities of building sustainably and why understanding costs is essential to making meaningful change. Avideh discusses renovating her own decades old home as a living case study, transforming it into a net-zero energy residence and proving that high-performance, energy-efficient homes do not have to come with significant cost premiums. She also unpacks the sometimes contradictory nature of building codes, including solar requirements that may not always align with the most efficient design solutions. Throughout the episode, Avideh opens up about entrepreneurship in architecture as an ongoing process of learning, adaptation, and values-driven decision-making. Together, she and Katerina explore how Zero Houz is evolving into a broader model for sustainable development and how architects can lead by example in shaping a more resilient, intentional built environment.   Mentioned: Sign up for Zerohouz newsletter here! www.zerohouz.com https://www.instagram.com/zero.houz/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/zero.houz/   Grab your copy of The Mindful Blueprint for Launching Your Architecture Firm  Use code honeycomb20 for 20% off! Support the podcast on Patreon! Subscribe to the From the Honeycomb newsletter! Meditate with Katerina on Insight Timer   Follow From the Honeycomb on Instagram! Podcast Audio edit by LadyToluu Soile  https://www.fiverr.com/users/bamisesoile/seller_dashboard. Intro music provided by kabgig / Pond5   By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Katerina Burianova, or used by Katerina Burianova with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Katerina Burianova, which may be requested by contacting honeycombeeblog@gmail.com This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.  

Episode 87: Andrew Stiles - HIs experience and tips for designers working with publishers - Top 5 games we take everywhereGet to know Andrew Stiles and his incredible journey to being a published designer. We talk tips for meeting with publishers, pitches, and sell sheets. Then we talk about 5 games that we usually will have with us, just in case. Then end with celebrating meeting people, other board gamers, and the next generation of gamers.00:00:00 Introduction to Andrew Stiles00:01:53 Andrew's Journey into Game Design00:04:22 Inspiration Behind Wine Cellar00:06:49 The Process of Getting Published00:10:48 Balancing Hobbies and Game Design00:15:24 Networking and Pitching to Publishers00:21:59 The Art of the Sell Sheet00:25:36 Thoughts on Rejection and Persistence00:27:38 Crafting the Perfect Pitch00:30:59 Collaboration with Publishers to develop games00:32:03 Designing with Expansions or Promos in Mind00:34:04 Managing Multiple Prototypes00:34:20 Summary - 3 Key Tips for working with publishers00:35:00 5 Games we take everywhere00:36:46 Forest Shuffle00:38:35 Flip 700:40:51 Azul Travel Edition00:43:24 Duck and Cover00:45:52 Voyages00:49:02 Scout00:51:17 Marvel Remix00:53:11 Trinket Trove00:56:54 Wine Cellar and Lost Cities00:59:28 Rumble Nation01:03:10 Moment of Positivity01:10:32 Where to find Andrew and His GamesAndrew Stiles on FacebookTantrum Con, Gama, Origins, Gen Con, and maybe Pax UnpluggedTabletop Submarine & the Dice, Camera, Action PodcastsDigging for Dinos            Garden Club & Pedal            Wine Cellar3Tricky Pigs01:14:42 Outro(Please note that these time stamps might not be accurate due to the use of dynamic ads.)If you like cooperative games, check out Take Time from Libellud.https://www.libellud.com/en/our-games/take-time/  BGG Store: https://boardgamegeekstore.com/ Web: https://boardgamegeek.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boardgamegeekTwitter: https://twitter.com/BoardGameGeekEmail: podcast@boardgamegeek.com

We're talking with executive coach, entrepreneur, and all-around epic human Travis Ensley about how to design a life you actually want to be living.  And guess what? It all starts with 4 deceptively simple - but powerful - questions that Travis has been using with himself, his family, and now the high-level leaders he coaches. We dig into: What these 4 questions are Why they actually work (no fluff here) And how YOU can use them to make meaningful changes… whether you're running a team, building a business, or just ready to live with more focus and intention. Travis also opens up about the journey behind his new book, Field of Focus: A Field Guide for Navigating Time, Teams & Technology - a practical, BS-free guide for folks who want to make the most of their time without losing their minds in the process. Oh - and you'll hear about some of the 700+ cups of coffee Travis and I have had. (Seriously!) This one's packed with stories, laughs, and real-life wisdom you can use immediately. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/445/

You Don't Need to Try Harder. You Need to Understand the Patterns Running Your Mind.In this solo episode, Marc breaks down a pattern he's seen across 500+ conversations, boardrooms, and personal turning points: capable, intelligent people who know what to do, yet still feel overwhelmed, stuck, or out of alignment.This episode introduces a practical framework for designing a Mental Fitness Blueprint. A system that helps you understand your mental operating pattern, align your practices to what you're actually building, and recover faster when life gets messy.Think of this as a blueprint for your next 90 days, not just what you'll do, but how your mind will support you along the way.Show Partners:Get your MENTAL FITNESS BLUEPRINT here! A special thanks to our mental fitness + sweat partner Sip SaunasPersonal Socrates: Better Question, Better LifeConnect with Marc: https://konect.to/marcchampagneTimestamps:00:00 — Why this solo episode needed to be said01:40 — The pattern Marc kept seeing across 500+ interviews03:10 — Why insight alone never creates change04:40 — The hidden cost of running life without a mental system06:30 — Why most mental fitness advice doesn't work09:00 — The three things every mental fitness system must do10:50 — Mental operating patterns (and why none are “wrong”)13:40 — Designing your next 90 days from the inside out15:30 — Daily rituals that actually match how you work16:40 — The reset protocol: Pause, Reset, Re-enter18:10 — How this expands your operating range over time19:40 — Why self-knowledge is becoming the ultimate advantage21:00 — Building your own system vs. using the Blueprint23:00 — The real risk of doing nothing*Special props

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Michelle Allen, the artist and creative force behind the globally recognized brand Allen Designs, for a heartfelt conversation about building a creative life by design. From the unexpected way cat clocks changed her life and career, to her love of list-making, bike riding, and creative structure, Michelle shares how motivation evolves over time—and what it really looks like to let go when burnout creeps in. Together, Dionne and Michelle explore the tension between discipline and play, productivity and rest, and how honoring your own rhythms can lead to more meaningful, sustainable creativity. Michelle reflects on decades of creative entrepreneurship, teaching, and fine art, offering wisdom on staying curious, embracing imperfection, and continuing to grow—even when motivation feels distant. This episode is a reminder that creativity doesn't have to be forced; it can be shaped gently, intentionally, and with joy. If you're a creative navigating burnout, craving clarity, or reimagining what's next, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to keep going. In this episode, we talk about: Motivation through different seasons of life Burnout and the permission to let go Why lists bring freedom (not pressure) Building creative momentum without overworking Finding inspiration in everyday rituals Designing a creative life that actually fits you About the Guest: Michelle Allen is a Tucson-based artist and founder of Allen Designs, known for her joyful, expressive functional art and iconic designs that celebrate beauty in imperfection. Her work has been featured at juried art fairs, wholesale markets, and in homes around the world. In addition to her commercial success, Michelle is deeply committed to teaching, painting, and inspiring others to live more creatively. Connect with Michelle: Website: michelleallenart.com Instagram: @michelleallenart YouTube: Michelle Allen Art New episodes of The Motivatarian Exchange are released every couple of weeks, featuring honest conversations with creatives about motivation, creativity, and connected growth.

Regional casino resorts don't win anymore by adding square footage — they win by designing experiences that keep guests longer and spending more. That's the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I'm joined by Kelly Devine, Principal and Partner, and Emily Marshall, Principal and Interior Design Leader at HBG Design, and guest host Dr. Suzanne Bagnera to talk about the evolution of regional gaming resorts and what operators should be paying attention to right now. We use Gun Lake Casino Resort in Michigan as the case study, breaking down how design decisions directly affect length of stay, guest behavior, operational efficiency, and profitability. This isn't about pretty spaces for Instagram — it's about building resorts that actually perform. What stood out to me is how intentionally HBG starts with operations first. They design the engine before the body, which explains why these projects drive measurable business results instead of just visual impact. We cover:

London Writers' Salon co-founder Matt Trinetti and Head of Writer Experience Lindsey Trout Hughes share prompts from our Dreaming Big in 2026: Creative Goal Setting for Writers workshop – designed to help writers get clear on what they actually want from their writing life in 2026, and translate that desire into a plan that can survive reality in the first 1-3 months of the year.Through 8 steps – from identifying desire to committing to a 48-hour move – Matt and Lindsey step through over a dozen prompts, discuss why each is important for writers to think about, and share what's coming up for them personally for the year ahead.Download the free workbook: community.londonwriterssalon.com/dreamingbigTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:07) Step 0: Two Words (bringing in & leaving behind)(08:05) Step 1: Identifying what we truly desire(17:42) Step 2: Vision (translating desire into clear vision)(25:18) Step 3: Moving from wanting to deciding(34:35) Step 4: Building a project bank(42:02) Step 5: Finding a first season focus(47:32) Step 6: Designing your creative practice(59:00) Step 7: Your 30-day plan & 48-hour move(01:04:50) Step 8: Opening up to support(01:09:40) Conclusions and next steps You'll learn:A simple “two words” ritual to decide what you're bringing into 2026 (and what you're leaving behind).Prompts to identify what you truly desire, including what you might feel embarrassed to say out loud.How to reframe desire as a helpful signal instead of something “selfish” you should downplay.How to build a project bank so you can choose one focus without feeling like you're abandoning your other ideas.Ways to use simple lists to spark clearer project options.How to choose a first-season focus (a three-month container) so you're not trying to hold the entire year at once.The importance of defining what “done” looks like for the season and setting milestones that make progress visible.How to design a writing practice while planning for obstacles before they derail you.How to set a measurable 30-day goal, choose your first moves, and turn intention into proof.   About London Writers' Salon:London Writers' Salon is a community and membership that helps writers make meaningful progress on their work, stay committed to a writing practice, and find creative friends around the world. Members can build consistency through Writers' Hour, develop craft through interviews and workshops, and connect with a global community of writers.  Resources & Links: Download the free workbook at: community.londonwriterssalon.com/dreamingbigJoin Writers' Hour - daily silent writing sessions: writershour.comAttend live events and workshops – Become a Member: community.londonwriterssalon.com/membership For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!

Today, it is my pleasure to speak with Alicia Fritz, Founder and Principal Designer of A Day in May Events, an event production firm sought after for mastering the art of entertaining. With a mission to preserve the unique history and life experiences of her clients and their families, Alicia and her team have been entrusted as strategic partners for their private, legacy clients for close to two decades. Since 2007, Alicia has built a dedicated staff of event specialists and creative thinkers who operate with a methodical and intuitive system that prioritizes collaboration with their clients, respectful partnership with their creative teams and an unwavering commitment to a flawless event. Alicia has been recognized as one of the country's top event planners by VOGUE and Martha Stewart Weddings to name a few. From the serene, idyllic coastline of Northern Michigan to the exquisite landscape of the South of France, Alicia and her team rarely create in the same place twice and welcome the challenge of producing these exceptional moments for beloved clients in unchartered territory. Alicia describes the world of events for UHNH families and their family offices, and highlights the occasions, formats, and experiences for which families most commonly turn to a professional, experiential event production specialist. She walks us through some of the unique aspects of events in the family wealth space and talks about the unique challenges, opportunities, and needs that family offices must understand and manage when overseeing such events. Alicia offers her tips for engaging family members – especially the rising gen – during family events and gatherings organized by the family office or the family leadership. Producing elaborate, experiential events takes a village of service providers. Alicia provides practical suggestions for families and their family offices on how to work with the universe of specialized vendors to make their events special and memorable. Enjoy this illuminating conversation with one of the leading professionals in the UHNW events production space.

Sometimes the real magic behind building a standout brand isn't the product at all — but the women it brings together. For Charis Jones, founder + CEO of Sassy Jones, community has always been the secret ingredient. What started as a side hustle selling wholesale jewelry while working at GEICO has evolved into a bold, multi-million-dollar fashion brand — and an even bolder movement of women who gather, travel, celebrate, and grow together both online AND off.In this episode of REWARD: The Podcast of The Trust, our founder Ali Brown sits down with Charis for a vibrant, behind-the-scenes look at how Sassy Jones was built through intuition, proximity, and unapologetic connection. From driving cross-country in her minivan to meet customers face-to-face, to hosting unforgettable community experiences (including a trip to Egypt), Charis breaks down what it *really* takes to turn customers into a devoted community.This conversation is a powerful reminder that in an increasingly digital world, the brands that win are the ones brave enough to go deeper — and offline.On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you'll hear:How Charis transitioned from corporate life to founding Sassy Jones — without a master plan Why personal storytelling and meaningful details are essential to building a brand that lasts The underestimated power of offline connection in creating trust and loyalty (trade shows, road trips, real conversations)How a single challenging customer moment unlocked Charis's creative direction and design instinct (this was our favorite!)Ali's insight on why human connection is the ultimate differentiator in today's digital-first marketplaceIf you're building a brand and wondering how to create deeper loyalty, richer relationships, and real resonance — this episode is your invitation to think beyond the product and back into community.And, learn more about The Trust and Charis! Learn more about The Trust – our tight-knit community for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs Learn more about Charis' company Sassy JonesFollow Charis on Instagram + YouTubeConnect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

This week, we're revisiting one of our most impactful and requested episodes: a heartfelt conversation between CPA MOMS founder Mayumi Young and Brand Ambassador Nicole Kale about designing a career that truly supports your life. If you've ever felt like your job is running your life, this episode is your reminder that it doesn't have to be that way. We're bringing this episode back because its message is timeless — and especially needed right now. You'll learn why knowing your values is essential, how to pause when you're overwhelmed, and how to reclaim the driver's seat in your life and career. Enjoyed this episode? Join a network of like-minded women at http://cpamoms.com/start and get the support you need to build the practice you want.

In this special Power House episode, host Zeb Lowe previews the conversations coming to the show and unpacks a core challenge facing the industry today.As automation and AI continue to accelerate productivity, the industry's cost problem isn't a technology issue, but an economic one. He explains why human judgment, trust, and accountability have become the most valuable (and expensive) parts of the mortgage process, and what that shift means for leaders heading into 2026. The episode also offers a look ahead at upcoming Power House guests, setting the stage for conversations focused on building with intention, not reaction. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

In a world overflowing with business content and quick-fix success formulas, authentic dialogue about what gives life meaning can feel rare. On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we have a conversation with Daniel Coyle, bestselling author of “The Culture Code” and the new book “Flourish.” We unpack why thriving individually and collectively goes far beyond achievements. Their dialogue serves as a blueprint for building a life and community that feels connected, alive, and meaningful. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go.   Beyond the Mountain: What Happens After Success? For many, life is a climb toward results: career milestones, fame, or financial rewards. Both Lochhead and Coyle share how, after reaching some form of the summit, people often ask “What's this all for?” The answer, according to years of research on happiness and human development, isn't another achievement. Instead, life satisfaction comes from meaningful relationships. Despite this, Western culture pushes us to optimize, perform, and automate, treating life and business as machines instead of thriving ecosystems. To flourish means to recognize life as something to be tended like a garden, not a hill to conquer.   The Paradox of Results and Meaning High performers often value discipline, drive, and outcome; the thrill of legendary results. Coyle acknowledges the paradox: results are important, but without serving something higher, they feel empty. Achieving big goals can even hollow out life if not connected to deeper values or service beyond oneself. True flourishing involves aligning your pursuits with something greater and knowing what you want to exist in the world even if you're not there. As Coyle puts it, life's best moments often come when “you kind of vanish” into connection, contribution, or flow: whether with people, ideas, or experiences.   Cultivating Flourishing in Daily Life If flourishing is rooted in shared, joyful, and meaningful growth, how can we cultivate it amid daily pressures? Coyle's advice is to start small and intentionally reflect on where you already feel most resonant, moments when you lose yourself in work, play, or connection. Track these periods and aim to create more of them. Meaningful relationships come from deep questioning and mutual investment, not from perfect routines or solitary habits. Prioritize the “animate” parts of your life: the conversations, surprises, and even the messiness of real relationships, which are hallmarks of flourishing communities and partnerships. Ultimately, flourishing is mutual: you cannot thrive alone, and your aliveness helps those around you come alive too. The message is clear. Achievements matter, but without connection and mutual flourishing, they become hollow victories. Designing a flourishing life is not only possible but necessary for real fulfillment, and it starts with tuning into what gives your days meaning and builds authentic relationships along the way. To hear more from Daniel Coyle and how to flourish in business and daily life, download and listen to this episode.   Bio Daniel Coyle is a bestselling author and leading voice on peak performance, talent development, and organizational culture. He is best known for The Talent Code, The Culture Code, and The Little Book of Talent, which explore how individuals and teams achieve extraordinary results. Through immersive research with elite sports teams, businesses, and creative organizations, Coyle uncovers the habits and environments that spark learning, trust, and sustained excellence. His work translates complex science into practical, actionable insights. Coyle's writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. As a sought-after speaker, he helps leaders build cultures that drive growth, resilience, and long-term success.   Links Follow Daniel Coyle!  Daniel’s Blog | LinkedIn | Facebook   We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!    

Rebuilding After the Fire: How Designers, Architects & Community Leaders Are Reimagining Livability in Southern California A panel of architects, designers, sustainability experts, and community advocates explore what the 2025 Palisades and Altadena fires taught us about resilience, materiality, community loss, rebuilding timelines, economic displacement, and the future of Southern California living. Moderated by Adam Hunter. The 2025 Palisades and Altadena fires delivered a historic and deeply personal shock to Southern California communities, reshaping not only homes but expectations for safety, materiality, and resilience. In this WestEdge Wednesday conversation moderated by Adam Hunter, the panel digs into both the physical and emotional layers of rebuilding. Architect Richard Manion contextualizes the fires as a “perfect storm”—a wind-driven event functioning like a flamethrower—requiring a more holistic approach to resilient construction. Sarah Malek Barney highlights the risks of long-standing industry shortcuts in material selection and emphasizes the renewed value of fire-resistant, performance-proven products. Marcella Oliver outlines actionable guidance from USGBC California and the Net Zero Accelerator, underscoring vetted building strategies and digital-twin modeling as essential tools for community education. Stacy Munich brings forward the human consequences: underinsurance, temporary housing, and the emotional weight of rebuilding while navigating uncertainty. She explores prefab/precision-built housing as a potential solution for families priced out of traditional custom rebuilding. Todd Paolillo expands on the challenge of unifying a large number of well-intentioned contributors across agencies, nonprofits, and design sectors—and why true leadership must emerge to align them. Throughout the discussion, key themes emerge: Holistic resilience (materials, landscape, climate risk, embers, structural vulnerabilities) Community cohesion vs. community erosion Education gaps for homeowners suddenly forced into complex architectural decisions Economic realities shaping who can return and who is pushed out Long rebuilding timelines and the risk of “enthusiasm fatigue,” as Adam Hunter notes Avoiding both prefab monotony and hyper-luxury displacement in the Alphabet Streets The panel collectively reinforces a core message: rebuilding isn't simply architecture—it's long-term community-making. And it requires every discipline to show up. PARTICIPANTS & WEB LINKS (Links provided to official homepages or primary professional sites) Adam Hunter — Moderator https://adamhunterinc.com Richard Manion, Architect https://richardmanion.com Sarah Malek Barney – Band Design https://www.bandd.com Stacy Munich – Stacy Munich Interiors https://www.stacymunichinteriors.com Todd Paolillo – CCA Design Group https://www.ccadesigngroup.com Marcella Oliver – USGBC California https://www.usgbc.org (Net Zero Accelerator) https://netzeroaccelerator.org I. Opening Context Adam Hunter describes his own displacement in the Palisades fires Acknowledgment of community members who lost homes and businesses II. Materiality & Rebuilding After Fire Shortcut culture in residential construction (Sarah) Fire-resistant materials, embers, and construction techniques (Richard) The “flamethrower” dynamic of the 2025 event III. Community-Scale Impacts Rebuilding as a multi-block, multi-stakeholder challenge (Marcella) Community cohesion among displaced residents (Stacy) Education gaps for homeowners suddenly navigating design/architectural choices IV. Leadership & Coordination Who should be leading discussions? The role of USGBC California and the Net Zero Accelerator (Marcella) Design community mobilization & town halls (Todd) V. Economics, Insurance & Rebuilding Pathways Underinsurance and cost prohibitions (Stacy) Prefab/precision-built options Avoiding both tract-home rebuilding and ultra-luxury exclusivity (Richard, Adam) VI. Visualization & Future Planning Digital twins for community workshops Landscape resilience Neighborhood-scale guidelines VII. Psychological & Long-Term Impacts Rebuilding fatigue Multi-year rebuilding timeline (10+ years) Keeping optimism and community support alive (Adam)

In this episode, Dr. Willie Jolley talks with world-renowned men's clothing designer, master tailor, and entrepreneur Everett Hall. Everett shares proven success strategies to inspire personal growth, wealth building, and the pursuit of your biggest goals with confidence and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Season 6 opener of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, Kenny sits down with Geordan Logan of Claggett & Sykes to explore why the most effective trial lawyers don't just tell stories, they show them.Drawing on his background as an Air Force instructor, corporate educator, public defender, and plaintiff trial lawyer, Geordan explains how adults learn, remember, and make decisions in the courtroom. His guiding principle, “edutainment,” focuses on using visuals and storytelling to capture attention, build credibility, and give jurors memory “hooks” they can carry into deliberations.In this episode, you'll hear practical strategies for:Designing openings that act as a clear roadmap for the entire trialUsing demonstratives and visuals to reinforce credibility and focus juror attentionPreempting defense arguments by framing and dismantling them earlyHumanizing damages so jurors understand what was truly taken, not just the numbersKenny and Geordan also discuss the mission behind Outer Realm, a national community of plaintiff lawyers committed to sharing knowledge, strengthening trial advocacy, and protecting the Seventh Amendment.If you want jurors to remember your case and trust the story you're telling, this episode sets the framework.

In this episode, Jess Webber reflects on a conversation between Tony Robbins and Alex Hormozi, emphasizing the importance of chasing significance over mere success. She discusses the emotional struggles faced by successful individuals and introduces the Real Coach Method, which outlines four phases of growth for coaches. Jess encourages listeners to identify their identity traps and design experiments to connect with their ideal clients, ultimately aiming for authentic impact in their coaching practices.TakeawaysA lot of people chase success. Very few chase significance.Success without significance feels empty.Tony Robbins emphasizes growth and contribution over economic return.Push motivation leads to burnout; pull motivation inspires.The Real Coach Method consists of four phases: identity, connection, framework, and thought leadership.Identifying your identity trap is crucial for personal growth.Recognizing the emotional pull helps define your calling.Designing an experiment can help connect with ideal clients.Authentic impact is more important than financial gain.The goal is to change and serve 100 million lives through coaching.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Significance Over Success02:44 The Apathy of Success05:53 The Real Coach Method: Phases of Growth08:29 Identifying Your Identity Trap11:11 Designing Your Experiment for Significance13:54 Building Authentic Impact

In this episode, we take a hard look at what real peer connection actually requires and why it's so difficult to sustain. We're joined by Jackson Boyar, co-founder and CEO of RallyBoard, to explore a model that prioritizes intentional peer groups, shared responsibility, and human interaction over algorithm-driven noise. Together, we unpack what meaningful connection really looks like, how technology can help scale our efforts, and how leaders and participants should rethink engagement, value, and return on time. Hosted by Michelle Apuzzio.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Degrees of Impact, where we explore innovative ideas and the people behind them in higher education. To learn more about NACU and our programs, visit nacu.edu. Connect with us on LinkedIn: NACU If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with your network.

In this episode of InnoStation, our guest is Professor Mika Järvinen from Aalto University, Head of the Energy Conversion System Group and Director of the Aalto Hydrogen Innovation Centre. Mika is also the co-author of the open access book Renewable Energy Engineering within Planetary Boundaries. Meryem (our host) and Mika explore what it really means to design renewable energy systems in a world with ecological limits. Moving beyond buzzwords, Mika explains how planetary boundaries change engineering priorities, from land use and material constraints to efficiency and long-term system impacts. He also shares how a multidisciplinary career across industries shaped his systems mindset, and why strong fundamentals still matter for solving complex energy challenges. The conversation closes with a grounded view on hydrogen and carbon capture, where they truly add value, where they are oversold, and what responsible innovation should look like for the next generation of engineers. Tune in to rethink what “sustainable” really means, and what it demands from energy engineering. InnoStation Podcast: Instagram LinkedIn

I've always believed that behind every meaningful brand is a deeply personal story, and my conversation with Marianna Sachse, founder of Jackalo, is a perfect example of that.  What stood out immediately was how her journey is rooted in gratitude, craft, and family—particularly the skills passed down from her mother and grandmother. That foundation shaped not only how Marianna sees clothing, but how she sees responsibility, longevity, and care across generations. As we talked, it became clear that Jackalo isn't just about kids' clothing—it's about rethinking the entire system. From durability and timeless design to circularity and ease for parents, Marianna has intentionally built a brand that removes compromise.  She shared how her background in nonprofit communications, combined with her experience as a mother and maker, pushed her to solve a problem she saw firsthand: kids' clothes that don't last, don't get handed down, and too often end up in landfills. In this episode, we discuss: * How learning to sew, mend, and value craft across generations became the foundation of Jackalo * Why kids' clothing is uniquely positioned for circular design and reuse * The trade-up model that allows parents to return outgrown clothes for store credit or recycling * How natural fibers, durability, and thoughtful design reduce waste and support kids' comfort * Why making the sustainable choice easy is essential for busy families Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode to hear how Marianna is building a product worth buying and a brand worth supporting—and how reimagining kids' clothing can make life easier for families while keeping clothes out of landfills. For more on Jackalo, visit: https://hellojackalo.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Saral - The Influencer OS: https://www.getsaral.com/demo SARAL is the all-in-one influencer platform that finds brand-aligned creators, automates outreach, and manages everything in one place. Request a live demo today. Let the SARAL team know you're a The Story of a Brand Show podcast listener to get an extended free trial! Visit the link above. 

What if creating championship-level performance has far less to do with the team you inherit and everything to do with your own mindset and how you lead, design systems, and set standards from day one? That question came up again and again in my conversation with Donzel Leggett, a leadership strategist, executive coach, and the award-winning author of Make Your Destiny Happen. We dive into what leaders can learn from one of the most talked-about leadership turnarounds in sports this season: Curt Cignetti and the remarkable transformation of Indiana Hoosiers football. We unpack why turnaround success isn't about inheriting the “right” team, it's about setting expectations, creating belief, and installing systems that allow people to perform at their best. With more than three decades of leadership experience at Fortune 200 companies, Donzel helps leaders and organizations build clarity, capacity, and intentional leadership. He's also a former Academic All-America football player, which makes his perspective on leadership, discipline, and performance especially powerful.To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.Listen in for…What leaders need now to stay grounded, adaptable, and effective amid rapid change and disruption.How to translate big ideas into repeatable behaviors that actually create change over time.Helping individuals take control of their lives and make their destiny happen through life planning and consistent action. "In most cases, the majority of people have the talent and have the capability. They just need to believe, and they need some tools and some processes to go along with that to allow them to win." — Donzel LeggettAbout Donzel Leggett, Founder, Destiny Development Delta, LLC, and Author, Make Your Destiny Happen:With more than three decades of leadership experience at Fortune 200 companies, Donzel is the Principal of Destiny Development Delta, LLC, where he focuses on executive leadership development. He is also the award-winning author of Make Your Destiny Happen: Take Control of Your Life with the Destiny Development Delta Model for Transformational Success.Recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to mentorship, Donzel is passionate about coaching and developing leaders worldwide. His purpose is clear: to help people unlock their full potential and become the best leaders they can be. A proud Purdue graduate and former Academic All-America football player, Donzel now splits his time between Florida and Chicagoland with his wife, Tracy.From Our Sponsor:Keynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game-changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossConnect with Donzel:Destiny Development Delta: destinydevdelta.comBook: Make Your Destiny HappenLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donzelleggettFacebook: facebook.com/destinydevdeltaInstagram: instagram.com/donzel_leggettYouTube: youtube.com/@DonzelLeggett Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/booksHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a LeaderLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceSign up for Optionality now! Go to optKeynote Speakers and Conference Trainers: Get your free Talkadot trial and enjoy this game changer for your speaking business! www.share.talkadot.com/mariarossGet your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com

Send us a textHealthcare is entering its most consequential design moment in decades.As AI moves from the background into the core of clinical decision-making, diagnostics, and patient experience, the real question isn't what AI can do—it's whether people can trust it.This week on FUTUREPROOF., I'm joined by Peter Skillman, Global Head of Design at Philips, and one of the few leaders shaping what responsible, human-centered AI looks like in healthcare at scale.Peter has spent three decades designing products and systems at the intersection of hardware, software, and services—across Palm, Nokia, Microsoft, AWS, and now Philips. Today, he's helping reimagine healthcare not as a hierarchy of authority, but as an experience built around patients, clinicians, and trust.We talk about:Why AI in healthcare must be designed with people, not just for themWhat happens when teenagers—future patients and clinicians—help design care systemsHow healthcare design is shifting from “what looks impressive” to “what feels humane”Why speed, clarity, and emotional context now matter as much as clinical accuracyThe long timelines of healthcare innovation—and why today's design choices shape the next decadeWhat it really means to make AI visible, explainable, and trustworthy in life-and-death environmentsThis conversation isn't about futuristic demos or abstract ethics. It's about how design decisions today will determine whether AI improves healthcare—or quietly erodes trust in it.

This program explores the collision of tariffs, sustainability, design business acumen and shifting client expectations, offering a roadmap for navigating the volatility of the 2026 design landscape. Recorded live at Design Hardware in Los Angeles, I gathered a panel of industry leaders to dissect the economic and social forces shaping interior design as we head into 2026. Featuring Eva Hughes (Black House Beige), Shelly Sandoval (The Lauzon Collective), Rachel Grachowski (RHG Architecture), and Priya Vij (Hapny Home), the conversation confronts the “chaos” of the current market—from tariff-induced supply chain disruptions to the critical shortage of skilled labor. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep The discussion pivots from the technical challenges of “designing for disaster” and uninsurability to the creative opportunities found in circular economies and intentional sourcing. The panelists argue for a shift away from “fast fashion” interiors toward a “friendliness” of durability, prioritizing materials that pass the “grandparent test” of longevity. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that in a volatile market, the most valuable currencies are transparency, deep vendor relationships, and educating clients on the true cost of craftsmanship. The “Friendliness” of Durability: A move toward “legacy” materials—like solid brass hardware and high-quality hardwood—that age gracefully and avoid the landfill, countering the disposable nature of current trends. Supply Chain as Design Driver: How tariffs and stock volatility are forcing firms to adopt “high-low” budgeting and pre-purchase models (buying and storing materials early) to protect projects from price surges. Designing for Disaster: The reality of rebuilding in fire-prone zones (like Altadena and the Palisades) is driving a demand for non-toxic, fire-resistant materials and a “circular economy” approach where building products can return to the earth safely. The Labor Crisis: A candid look at the “graying” of the trades; as master craftsmen retire without a new generation to replace them, the industry faces a loss of institutional knowledge and execution capability. Intentionality Over “Modern”: The panel discusses abandoning vague buzzwords like “wellness” and “modern” in favor of deep-dive mood boarding and psychological profiling to align client expectations with reality. Resources Design Hardware: designhardware.com Black House Beige (Eva Hughes): blackhousebeige.com RHG Architecture + Design (Rachel Grachowski): rgarchitecture.com Happy Home (Priya Via): hapnyhome.com The Lauzon Collective (Shelly Sandoval): lawsoncollective.com Convo By Design: convobydesign.com Thank you, Eva, Rachel, Shelly and Priya for taking the time to share your thoughts. Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors; Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, TimberTech and Best Buy. Their sponsorship of Convo By Design allows me to seek out sublime design, stories from beyond the work itself and showcase unique personalities chasing new ideas and changing the way we think about design and architecture.. And present it to you so please give them an opportunity on your next project. Thank you for listening and sharing this journey of ours. 2026 marks thirteen years of constant publication of the podcast with over 700 interviews and three million downloads, streams, and listens.  Please keep those guest suggestions coming as well as thoughts about where you would like the show to record live. Convo By Design at Outlook and on Instagram, Convo X Design, with an “X”. Thanks again for listening, until next time, be well, focused and driven so you can rise above the chaos. -CXD

Want to learn how to use AI to build with other content designers? Join the Content Design AI Accelerator. Applications open until January 30. Why wearable tech will change content design Smart glasses and wearable devices have been "just around the corner" for years. But quietly, that's starting to change. In this episode, I speak with Carly Gray, a content designer who's spent years working on AR and wearable products, including smart glasses at North and Meta. While much of the industry debates AI and screens, Carly has been designing content for products where there's little or no screen at all. We talk about what changes when content moves off phones and into the physical world, why wearables raise entirely new design and ethical challenges, and what content designers need to start learning now if they want to stay relevant as new platforms emerge. What we talked about: ✅ How Carly moved from technical writing into content design for AR and smart glasses ✅ Why smart glasses are different from VR, and why wearability matters more than novelty ✅ Designing content with extreme space constraints (or no screen at all) ✅ Using sound, voice, and companion apps to communicate when text isn't an option ✅ Why "designing for the bystander" is as important as designing for the user ✅ What wearable tech reveals about the future skill set of content designers ✅ Why conversation design and systems thinking matter more in emerging platforms Where to find Carly: Website: carlygray.ca LinkedIn: Carly Gray Twitter: @carlygray 

What do puzzles teach us about being human. In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling matters far beyond entertainment. From Hidden Pictures and Wordle to classroom design and family learning, this conversation explores how puzzles build confidence, perseverance, and joyful learning across ages. Learn more: https://parents.highlights.com/printable-puzzles-and-mazes-puzzle-day-challenge   Allison shares her origin story as a lifelong puzzler, explains the idea of the satisfaction of the solve, and offers practical advice for educators and families who want to integrate puzzles into learning spaces. The conversation also looks at puzzle design, community building, and what adults model for young people when they choose curiosity over avoidance. Topics covered Allison Kane's path from Highlights intern to Head of Puzzle Innovation Why puzzles support perseverance, confidence, and joyful learning The satisfaction of the solve and why payoff matters Puzzles as community builders in classrooms and families Designing puzzles that challenge without frustrating How educators can bring puzzles into classrooms easily What adults model for kids through playful intellectual challenge National Puzzle Day and the rise of puzzle communities Puzzles are not just activities. They are invitations to practice thinking, persistence, and joy. When adults model engagement with challenge, they show young people that learning can feel good.

Send us feedback or episode suggestions.In the first episode of Patterns, Chris Strahl sits down with Dave Brown, design leader at Qualtrics, to explore what modern systems thinking looks like in an AI-driven product landscape. Moving beyond traditional notions of software design, the conversation reframes product creation as a shift from a single golden path toward a world where every experience is effectively an edge case. Together, they unpack why context, not features, is becoming the primary design material and how AI is forcing teams to rethink how systems are structured, constrained, and evolved.Drawing on his experience leading AI and ML initiatives at AWS and now at Qualtrics, Dave explores how designers and builders can shape better outcomes by designing for context, learning loops, and adaptability. The discussion spans designing for AI versus designing with AI, the rise of compound engineering, and the collapse of rigid boundaries between design, product, and engineering. Rather than shipping static features, the future points toward systems that learn continuously, respond in real time, and improve through every interaction.Key takeawaysContext is the core design challenge of 2026, shaping how AI systems behave, adapt, and deliver value.Product systems are moving from golden paths to infinite edge cases, driven by personalization and real-time decision making.Designing for AI means creating learning loops, where systems improve through continuous feedback rather than static rules.Compound engineering reframes software creation around systems that get smarter over time, collapsing traditional role boundaries.View the transcript of this episode.Check out our upcoming events.If you want to get in touch with the show, ask some questions, or tell us what you think, send us a message over on LinkedIn.GuestDave Brown is a design leader at Qualtrics, where he focuses on AI initiatives and the evolution of the company's design system. Previously, he spent nearly a decade at Amazon, including six years leading design for AI and machine learning services at AWS. His work centers on building adaptive, scalable product systems, with a particular interest in context, learning loops, and how teams can design systems that get smarter over time.HostChris Stroll is the host of the Patterns podcast and a pioneer in modern digital product design and development. As the co-founder and CEO of Knapsack, he is a leading voice on how AI can fundamentally reshape the way teams design, build, and deliver digital products with a human-centered approach

How do you transform a collection of individual tools into a cohesive, AI-powered symphony? Vineeta Puranik (CPTO @ SmartBear) dissects the strategy behind evolving a product vision from point solutions to a unified multi-product ecosystem. We explore the critical architectural distinction between "AI bolt-on" and "AI native" strategies, frameworks for seamless M&A integration, and how to design for varying levels of customer AI readiness. Vineeta also discusses the shift to test “does it match intent”, using “jobs to be done” to drive solving entire workflows not just tool capabilities, and designing user experiences for both human personas and AI agents. ABOUT VINEETA PURANIKVineeta Puranik serves as Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) at SmartBear, where she leads the company's global technology and product strategy to empower developers and enterprises worldwide. A seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience, she combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence.At SmartBear, Vineeta oversees development, cloud engineers, AI, and architecture, and has been instrumental in scaling centers of excellence in India and Poland, launching the Developer Academy, and advancing the company's hub-based product strategy – Swagger suite for API capabilities, Test Hub, and Insight Hub. Recognized for her collaborative, people first leadership and commitment to inclusion, she was named a 2024 Women Worth Watching in STEM by Profiles in Diversity Journal. This episode is brought to you by Retool!What happens when your team can't keep up with internal tool requests? Teams start building their own, Shadow IT spreads across the org, and six months later you're untangling the mess…Retool gives teams a better way: governed, secure, and no cleanup required.Retool is the leading enterprise AppGen platform, powering how the world's most innovative companies build the tools that run their business. Over 10,000 organizations including Amazon, Stripe, Adobe, Brex, and Orangetheory Fitness use the platform to safely harness AI and their enterprise data to create governed, production-ready apps.Learn more at Retool.com/elc SHOW NOTES:SmartBear's evolution from individual tools to a connected ecosystem (3:34)The cultural shift toward vendor consolidation and avoiding context switching (5:39)Why "Jobs-to-be-Done" must drive the workflow, not just the tool capabilities (9:35)The shift in testing: Moving from "does it crash?" to "does it match intent?" in an AI world (14:26)The architectural difference between "AI Bolt-On" and "AI Native" products (20:44)The levels of autonomy: A framework for moving from manual control to autonomous testing (24:10)Designing for different customer personas: Addressing security, policy, and AI readiness (30:01)Rapid Fire Questions (32:50) LINKS AND RESOURCES Books MentionedOwn the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins.The Leader You Want to Be: Five Essential Principles for Bringing Out Your Best Self--Every Day by Amy Jen Su.SmartBear Tools & ProductsSmartBear[**Reflect**](https://reflect.run/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=smartbear.com&utm_campaign=prodnav&_gl=1*4gpwr4*_gcl_au*MTAzOTk0MjM2LjE3Njk0NjU4NTA.) – Mentioned as their "AI Native" product for autonomous testing.Zephyr Scale – Mentioned regarding the Atlassian ecosystem integration.[**QMetry**](https://www.qmetry.com/?_gl=1*1d5sv56*_gcl_au*MTAzOTk0MjM2LjE3Njk0NjU4NTA.) – Recently acquired test management product.[**Swagger**](https://swagger.io/product/?_gl=1*gtu348*_gcl_au*MTAzOTk0MjM2LjE3Njk0NjU4NTA.) – Mentioned as the suite for API design and compliance. This episode wouldn't have been possible without the help of our incredible production team:Patrick Gallagher - Producer & Co-HostJerry Li - Co-HostNoah Olberding - Associate Producer, Audio & Video Editor https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-olberding/Dan Overheim - Audio Engineer, Dan's also an avid 3D printer - https://www.bnd3d.com/Ellie Coggins Angus - Copywriter, Check out her other work at https://elliecoggins.com/about/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I'm joined by Tim Spaninks, level designer on Arc Raiders, for a deep dive into his journey through the game industry and the craft of designing immersive worlds. We talk about how Tim broke into game development, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how creating content on his YouTube channel has shaped his approach to both learning and teaching game design. The heart of the conversation focuses on level design in Arc Raiders how levels are planned, iterated on, and balanced to support exploration, combat, and player choice. Tim shares his design mindset, practical workflows, and what it really takes to build spaces that feel fun, readable, and alive in a large-scale multiplayer experience. Whether you're an aspiring game developer, a level design nerd, or just excited about Arc Raiders, this episode offers a thoughtful behind-the-scenes look at how great game worlds come together. Sign Up to News Letter: https://bit.ly/4eNPm8X -------- Contact Tim -------- Website: https://www.timspaninks.com/ X: https://x.com/TimLevelDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timdoesleveldesign/ ------------------  Level Design Kit   ----------------- Buy Here: https://bit.ly/4gYaJ9d -------------  Let's Design Books --------------- Ebook - https://bit.ly/39BakJD Physical Books - https://bit.ly/3mfOsbS - ---------------------- Contact Me   -----------------------   Website: https://www.maxpears.com/​ Email: leveldesignlobby@gmail.com

In this episode of What's Next, Kelli McVay is joined once again by John Register for an inspiring conversation about setting meaningful goals, overcoming obstacles, and intentionally designing 2026 to be everything you want it to be. With powerful insights and practical motivation, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, push past limitations, and step confidently into what's next.Find us at hughandgrace.com  On Instagram @hughandgrace       On Facebook @HughandGrace   Email us at customercare@hughandgrace.com Music: Realize your dreams by Sergio ProsviriniFind us at hughandgrace.com  On Instagram @hughandgrace       On Facebook @HughandGrace   Email us at customercare@hughandgrace.com Music: Realize your dreams by Sergio Prosvirini

Episode Overview In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with Jay Kinder to break down the $300 ad strategy that consistently produces 2–3 real estate deals every single month—without chasing referrals, overpaying portals, or riding the income rollercoaster. This isn't a hype-filled conversation about "running ads." It's a behind-the-scenes look at how predictable deal flow actually works when you understand conversations, constraints, and customer acquisition cost. John and Jay walk through why most agents fail with ads, how a small, disciplined budget can outperform massive spend, and why the real goal isn't leads—it's controlled, repeatable conversations. If you're tired of inconsistent closings, referral fees eating your margins, or guessing where your next deal is coming from, this episode gives you a simple framework to take control. Key Topics Covered The $300 Ad Strategy Explained Why small, consistent ad spend beats large, inconsistent budgets How $300/month can outperform thousands in referral fees The real objective of ads: conversations, not clicks or leads Why predictability matters more than scale early on Why Most Agents Fail With Ads The mistake agents make after 7–10 days of "no results" Why agents blame platforms instead of fixing the constraint The danger of not understanding message-to-market match Why most agents quit before ads have time to compound Conversations Per Day = Deals Per Month Why conversations are the only KPI that matters How many conversations it actually takes to close 2–3 deals Increasing conversations per hour through automation and AI Why lead count is a vanity metric Customer Acquisition Cost (The Math Nobody Teaches) Breaking down referral fees vs. paid ads Why paying $3–5K per deal kills long-term growth Understanding real cost per closing Why controlling CAC gives you leverage and freedom The Theory of Constraints Applied to Lead Gen Identifying your biggest bottleneck ("Herbie") Why fixing the wrong problem keeps you stuck How to build throughput instead of chaos Why lead gen, conversion, and fulfillment must stay balanced Why Consistency Beats Hustle How inconsistent closings destroy cash flow Why fulfillment kills lead gen without systems Designing a business that runs even when you're busy The shift from "agent" to CEO thinking Resources & Mentions The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt – Theory of Constraints Dan Kennedy – Direct response marketing fundamentals Gary Halbert – Message-to-market match Alex Hormozi – Constraint-based growth principles CoachKitchens.ai – AI-powered real estate business assistant John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway If you can't predict your next 2–3 deals, your business isn't a business—it's a gamble. This episode proves you don't need massive budgets, portals, or referral fees to win. You need clarity, discipline, and control over your conversations. Stop guessing. Stop overpaying. Build a simple system that works every month. "The goal isn't more leads—it's predictable conversations that turn into predictable closings." – John Kitchens ess to answer it honestly—determines your next level. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!

Life doesn't magically change. Perspective does.In this episode of the Grow Yourself Podcast, Kevin McNulty sits down with travel writer, speaker, and author Jen Ruiz to explore how travel becomes a powerful doorway to personal growth, presence, and life redesign.Jen shares how solo travel pulled her out of autopilot, helped her confront fear and uncertainty, and ultimately reshaped her career, identity, and sense of purpose. This conversation goes far beyond packing tips or destinations. It's about using travel as a mirror for who you are, who you're becoming, and what kind of life actually fits you.Expanded Show NotesAs a lifelong traveler, Kevin McNulty has seen how stepping outside familiar routines can strip away comfort and reveal clarity. In this episode, he explores that idea with Jen Ruiz, a former attorney who challenged herself to take 12 trips in 12 months and ended up redesigning her entire life.Jen explains why travel is one of the most effective “hacks” for presence in a distracted world. New places, unfamiliar cultures, and solo experiences force us into the moment, quieting anxiety about the future and stories from the past. Together, Kevin and Jen unpack fear, growth, solitude, identity, and why the world feels far less dangerous once you actually experience it.This conversation is for anyone who feels restless, stuck, or quietly questioning whether the life they built still fits.Topics include• Why travel is a shortcut to presence and clarity• The difference between fear and danger• How solo travel builds confidence and self-trust• Why growth never stops feeling uncomfortable• How travel challenges prejudice and expands perspective• Designing your own adventure instead of following the default pathAbout JenJen Ruiz is the author of 12 Trips in 12 Months and the upcoming memoir All You Need Is Flights releasing in 2026. She has traveled to over 50 countries, written for outlets like National Geographic and TIME, and helps others design lives that prioritize curiosity, courage, and freedom.Connect with JenWebsite: jenonajetplane.com/startBooks: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are soldSocial: @jenonajetplaneConnect with KevinX: @kevinspeaks2uLinkedIn: @kevinmcnultyspeaksFacebook: @kevinrichardmcnultyInstagram: @kevinmcnultyspeaksLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/kevinmcnultySubscribe to the Grow Yourself Podcast for thoughtful conversations on personal growth, perspective, and human dynamics.#travel #personalgrowth #growyourselfpodcast #solotravelindia

AJ and Johnny sit down with Daniel Coyle, bestselling author and culture researcher, to explore what it actually means to flourish — and why flourishing is never a solo pursuit. Drawing from his research into thriving communities around the world, Daniel explains why growth, meaning, and fulfillment emerge from connection, friction, and shared purpose rather than individual achievement. They unpack how modern life fragments attention, why efficiency and isolation undermine belonging, and how small, human-scale practices — from rituals to shared meals to “yellow door” moments — can reawaken connection. This conversation reframes success away from optimization and toward aliveness, showing how community, presence, and intentional messiness create lives and workplaces that truly thrive. Chapters: 00:00 – Why flourishing is mutual, not individual05:00 – The problem with modern efficiency and isolation10:00 – Task attention vs. relational attention15:00 – Friction, annoyance, and the price of community20:00 – Rituals, stillness, and grounding practices25:00 – Why collision creates creativity and growth30:00 – Building communities that flourish at work35:00 – Designing productive mess instead of control40:00 – Yellow doors, fear, and unexpected connection45:00 – Creating community instead of waiting for it 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. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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: DanielCoyle.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 flourishing, human connection, community, belonging, meaning, fulfillment, thriving, shared purpose, modern life, isolation, presence, attention, rituals, shared experience, relationships, creativity, growth, aliveness, togetherness, intentional living, community building Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Wilken is an award-winning brand strategist, celebrated author, and the creator of The Lighthouse Brand Strategy Academy. With over three decades of experience, Peter has run agencies for three of the world's top creative networks, including Ogilvy and Leo Burnett, and served as Head of BBDO Asia Pacific. He has worked with some of the world's top creative and strategic minds on brands including Coca-Cola, Shell, McDonald's, PepsiCo, Unilever, BMW, Shangri-La, and many more. As the co-founder of The Brand Company, one of the world's first specialist brand consulting firms, Peter pioneered innovative approaches to brand strategy, including the widely recognized Brand Centred Management™ 4Ds process.A winner of the prestigious Cannes Gold Lion - considered the Oscars of the Advertising world - Peter is renowned for his creative excellence and strategic insight. His book Dim Sum Strategy is hailed as a must-read for serious brand professionals. Known as a constructive disruptor and ‘Father of Brand DNA,' Peter's work has impacted thousands of professionals globally, redefining how brand-builders connect with their audiences and how organisations centre their business around their brand. Today, he consults with a small cadre of clients through his private consulting firm, Dolphin Brand Strategy, and speaks on Creative Strategic Thinking and Brand-Building. His CBO Masterclass represents the culmination of a storied career, offering invaluable insights drawn from his depth of experience at the forefront of advertising and brand-building, with a focus on practical implementation in the real world. Originally hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, he has lived in nine countries, including the UK, USA, the Solomon Islands, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, and now calls Vancouver, B.C., home. He is married to Regina, and they have three adult boys.Master Brand Strategy, build a thriving brand-centered business, and earn CBO certification. Click this link: https://www.peterwilken.com/brand-strategy-masterclass Click here to access the Complete Dim Sum Strategy Audio Book for FREE: https://www.peterwilken.com/dimsum-strategy-free-audibook Connect with Peter Wilken:Website: https://www.peterwilken.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/63psdkyx5wVlsK0H7GO0WE TurnKey Podcast Productions Important Links:Guest to Gold Video Series: www.TurnkeyPodcast.com/gold The Ultimate Podcast Launch Formula- www.TurnkeyPodcast.com/UPLFplusFREE workshop on how to "Be A Great Guest."Free E-Book 5 Ways to Make Money Podcasting at www.Turnkeypodcast.com/gift Ready to earn 6-figures with your podcast? See if you've got what it takes at TurnkeyPodcast.com/quizSales Training for Podcasters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-training-for-podcasters/id1540644376Nice Guys on Business: http://www.niceguysonbusiness.com/subscribe/The Turnkey Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turnkey-podcast/id1485077152

Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we're unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.Shift 7 / Volunteers as Core CapacityIn today's episode, Jon and Becky welcome back Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO of Points of Light — the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries.Together, they explore why many nonprofit leaders are leaving capacity on the table — and how shifting from “volunteers as a nice-to-have” to “volunteers as core infrastructure” can accelerate strategy, deepen belonging, and drive sustainable growth. Jennifer shares practical examples (including a “board recruitment sprint”), how to spot the gaps volunteers can fill beyond program delivery, and why the volunteer experience must be digitally enabled to fit real life. You'll also hear why the simplest lever still matters: people volunteer because they're asked — and that invitation is fully in your control.If you're ready to treat participation like a strategy (not an afterthought) and build a volunteer engine for 2026, this one's for you.Episode Highlights:Volunteers as Strategic Plan Accelerators (3:10)The “Board Recruitment Sprint” + Activating Volunteer Leaders (9:20)What's Driving a Rise in Volunteer Interest + How to Respond (15:40)Building Volunteer Infrastructure on a Lean Team (22:30)Designing a Digitally-Enabled Volunteer Experience (30:10)One Good Thing: Craft the Invitation That Gets People to Say Yes (37:45)Dive Deeper: pointsoflight.org - Sign up for Points of Light's monthly newsletter, packed with resources, trainings, and webinars.Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/677Save your free seat at the We Are For Good Summit

Monica Rich Kosann is an internationally recognized fine jewelry brand based in New York. Rooted in the idea that every woman has a story to tell, the collection encompasses lockets, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that inspire and empower the wearer. The eponymous label was founded in 2004 by Designer and Chief Creative Officer Monica Rich Kosann–member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America–as an extension of her passion for fine art photography and storytelling. She runs the company with her husband Rod, who serves as CEO.A Certified B Corporation working to meet the highest standards of quality and excellence, Monica Rich Kosann crafts sustainable heritage pieces that are made ethically and responsibly. The brand is sold in over 120 retailers across the country, has three free standing stores - two in New York and one at Somerset Collection in Troy, a shop at Bergdorf Goodman and a robust direct-to-consumer business. Designed using 18K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver, Monica Rich Kosann designs precious gemstones and diamonds to ensure quality that lasts from generation-to-generation as modern heirlooms. A favorite with celebrities, Monica Rich Kosann pieces have been worn by incredible women throughout the years including Kelly Clarkson, Allison Williams, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gisele Bundchen.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro[00:37] Sponsor: Taboola[01:54] Inspiring growth through authentic vision[06:58] Persisting through early business rejection[10:11] Building momentum through supportive communities[11:10] Sponsor: Next Insurance[12:41] Diversifying channels to reach more customers[16:32] Callouts[16:42]  Enhancing products through storytelling[21:00] Strengthening brands through right partnerships [24:02] Sponsor: Electric Eye[25:10] Building dedicated teams that enjoy their craft[26:19] Focusing business principles around your “Why”[28:02] Finding your unique approach and sticking with itResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1Lockets, fine jewelry, and luxury gifts monicarichkosann.comFollow Monica Rich Kosann linkedin.com/company/monica-rich-kosannFollow Rod Kosann linkedin.com/in/rodkosannReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest  Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business www.nextinsurance.com/honest  Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect  If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

At Masters of Scale Summit in October of 2025, Reid Hoffman and Dr. Sean White, CEO of Inflection AI, discuss how to design responsible AI systems, build smarter AI-fueled businesses, and the potential for transforming everything from healthcare to education. This conversation is brought to you by Inflection AI.Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Relentless drive isn't the problem for most high performers. The real breakdown happens when self-belief collapses after early success and hustle turns into motion without direction. This episode is part of The Best of Habits & Hustle, a series where we revisit some of the most impactful conversations we've shared. In this one, I'm joined by Rob Dyrdek to challenge the idea that working harder fixes everything and explore why success stalls when it isn't intentionally designed.  We also talk about rebuilding belief after hitting bottom, mastering time as a strategic advantage, and designing systems that create real wealth without burning your life down. Rob Dyrdek is a serial entrepreneur, producer, and former professional skateboarder. He is the creator of Ridiculousness and the founder of Dyrdek Machine, a venture studio that has built 18 brands with six exits totaling over $550M. Rob is also the CEO of Existence and the mind behind Time Creationism, a framework focused on engineering time at scale. What We Discuss: (00:02) Losing self-belief after early success and why hustle stops working (11:38) How subconscious belief shapes trajectory more than effort (13:27) Hitting rock bottom and the decision to reprogram belief (19:18) Why self-belief isn't motivation, it's data and mastery (46:41) Designing time as a strategic asset instead of reacting to life (52:03) Why balance must come before scale, not after (56:47) Building systems that create wealth without burning your life down Thank you to our sponsors: Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen  Find more from Jen: Website: https://jennifercohen.com Instagram: @therealjencohen  Books: https://jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Rob Dyrdek: Instagram: @robdyrdek Facebook: @robdyrdek Youtube: @robdyrdek