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How can architects protect and monetize their creative work with the help of intellectual property (IP) laws?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we're joined by Ana Juneja, an award-winning intellectual property (IP) attorney and founder of Ana Law® – the first law firm offering flat-fee, 100% guaranteed services for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In our conversation, Ana explores the essential role of IP in the architecture field.First, Ana breaks down the four main types of intellectual property: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. She explains how each type applies to architecture and protecting creative works within client relationships and employee contracts.Then, we dive into the intersection of AI and IP rights. Ana shares advice on protecting your designs, tools, and software created with AI and outlines the steps to securing patents and trademarks for your work.You're investing in your trademark in order to protect your name, your marketing, and your branding. If you're building up this brand, you're putting in so much time, money, energy, and effort into doing so – you wouldn't really want to lose it…Whereas copyrights and patents are things that, for architects in particular, are incredibly valuable avenues to monetize your brand. It is really protection for your own investments that you're making into your business. - Ana JunejaTo wrap up the conversation, Ana highlights common IP mistakes architects make and offers practical tips to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding IP laws, using strong contracts and NDAs, and taking proactive steps to safeguard your work.Tune in next week for an episode aboutGuests:Ana JunejaAs an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja helps celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations secure + monetize their brands and ideas in the US and abroad. Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media.Additionally, Ana has extensive experience with social media intellectual property infringement issues. Ana's insider connections with premier media agencies allow her to have direct access to key social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Twitter. These essential services are an important component of brand protection strategy for Ana's celebrity, athlete, & influencer clients.

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the seventh session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.In this empowering and practical conversation, career advancement coach Leanne Cooper explores why so many women feel overlooked, undervalued and underpaid, and what it really takes to own your value with confidence.Drawing on her own experiences and the lessons she's learned supporting thousands of women, Leanne shares practical strategies to help women stop shrinking their ambitions, advocate for themselves more effectively and step forward with greater confidence in their careers.What We Cover:Why confidence often takes a hit after career breaks and major life changesThe hidden ways women shrink their ambitions and hold themselves backHow to rebuild self-belief and reconnect with your strengthsWhy confidence comes from action, not waiting until you feel readyThe importance of recognising your achievements and impactHow to stop relying on external validationReframing career breaks, flexibility and life experiences as strengthsOwning your story and communicating your value with confidencePractical strategies for flexible working conversations and career progressionHow to advocate for yourself without apologyKey Takeaways:Confidence is built through action and repetitionCareer breaks do not diminish your value or capabilityYour relationship with yourself influences every career decision you makeAchievements, strengths and impact should be actively recognised and celebratedFlexible working is a professional conversation, not a favourWomen often underestimate the value they bring to organisationsThe stories we tell ourselves shape the opportunities we pursuePractising how you communicate your value builds confidence and credibilitySelf-belief grows when you stop waiting for permission and start taking actionOwning your value is essential for career growth and fulfilmentWhy Listen:If you've ever questioned your worth, held yourself back from opportunities, struggled with confidence after a career break or found it difficult to advocate for yourself at work, this episode offers practical tools and empowering advice to help you step forward with confidence and own your value.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Leanne on LinkedIn hereVisit Leanne's website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey hereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the sixth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.In this inspiring and honest panel discussion, female founders and business leaders explore why more women are choosing entrepreneurship, what it really takes to build a sustainable business, and how creating work on your own terms can unlock greater flexibility, confidence and fulfilment.Featuring founders from HR, finance, technology and community-building businesses, this conversation dives into the realities of self-employment, the challenges women face in traditional workplaces, and the opportunities that come from building businesses designed around real life.What We Cover:Why more women are walking away from traditional employmentThe real reasons women start businessesFlexibility, freedom and the realities behind entrepreneurshipThe biggest risks founders face (and how to manage them)Building a business around your life, not the other way aroundFinancial confidence, pricing and knowing your worthThe challenges of isolation, resilience and self-beliefCreating a sustainable business that can grow with youHow AI and changing workplaces are reshaping opportunitiesPractical advice for women considering self-employmentKey Takeaways:Entrepreneurship is often about freedom, not escaping ambitionFlexibility should support your life, not create new pressuresConfidence grows through doing, not waiting until you're readyFinancial planning is essential before making the leapCharging your worth is critical for long-term successStrong networks can help combat isolation and accelerate growthValues-led businesses can be both profitable and fulfillingWomen are creating businesses that reflect real-life needsThe future of work will demand adaptability, visibility and human connectionSuccess isn't one-size-fits-all — define it on your own termsWhy Listen:If you've ever wondered whether traditional employment is still right for you, dreamed about starting your own business, or wanted more flexibility and control over your working life, this conversation offers practical advice, honest experiences and inspiring insights from women who have successfully built businesses around their lives.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereVisit Thread HR's website here Visit Flockhere's website here Visit Wainwright Consulting's website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the fifth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.In this insightful and thought-provoking panel discussion, experts across AI, technology, economics and business explore how AI is already reshaping the workplace and what that means for women, careers and the future of work.This session dives into AI adoption, workplace bias, leadership, career opportunities, inclusion and how women can confidently engage with AI without needing to be technical experts.What We Cover:How AI is already reshaping women's careersWhere bias shows up in AI tools and hiringPractical ways women can start using AI nowHow AI can support productivity and flexibilityWhy human skills still matter in an AI-driven worldThe risks of AI without inclusion and oversightHow organisations can adopt AI more responsiblyNew career opportunities emerging through AIKey Takeaways:AI is already changing the workplaceBias in AI often reflects existing inequalitiesAI literacy is becoming a career advantageWomen don't need technical backgrounds to use AIHuman skills remain critical in the future of workDiverse teams create better AI systemsAI can unlock flexibility and productivityThoughtful AI adoption benefits both people and businessesWhy Listen: If you're feeling unsure about AI or worried about being left behind, this conversation offers practical insights and empowering advice for the future of work.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereVisit Supermums website here Visit Rathbone Results website here Visit We Are Agentic's website here Visit Oxera's website hereExplore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the fourth session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.In this empowering and practical conversation, career change specialist Kim Holland explores how women can design careers that give them more,  without leading to burnout.This session dives into career clarity, flexibility, ambition, burnout, career pivots and the realities of balancing work and life during different seasons of life and motherhood.What We Cover:Why the idea of “having it all” can lead to burnoutHow careers should flex during different life stagesWhat “professional DNA” means and why it mattersUnderstanding your values, motivators and strengthsWhat flexibility at work really looks likeHow to confidently negotiate flexible workingThe importance of understanding your career capacityPractical strategies for career pivots and career redesignHow to identify what is pushing or stopping you in your careerKey Takeaways:Careers are not a straight ladder — they shift throughout lifeFlexibility looks different for everyoneBurnout often comes from trying to do everything at full capacityUnderstanding your professional DNA helps create more aligned career decisionsWomen need permission to redefine success during different seasons of lifeNegotiating flexibility should feel collaborative, not confrontationalSmall shifts can create meaningful change over timeClarity often comes from action, not overthinkingWhy Listen:If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unsure what you want next or struggling to balance ambition with life outside of work, this conversation will leave you feeling reassured, empowered and full of practical ideas to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Kim on LinkedIn here Visit Kim's website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey hereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

Can the rigorous, systematic process of architectural design be the secret ingredient to disrupting the fashion industry?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Aidan Turner, the founder of The Garment Architect. Aidan, who graduated from the Syracuse School of Architecture just one year ago, is challenging the standard "fast fashion" model by treating apparel design with the same technical precision and systemic discipline typically reserved for buildings.Aidan's journey began well before his first day of architecture school; he was running a clothing brand as an undergraduate, balancing studio critiques with supply chain management. He explains how he bridges these two worlds by viewing a "tech pack" (the documentation for a garment) as an architectural blueprint. By applying principles like site analysis (market research), structural integrity (fabric testing), and construction sequencing (production), Aidan has created a studio that prioritizes quality and longevity over the rapid-fire releases common in the apparel world.The conversation explores the "architectural mindset" as a transferable skill. Aidan argues that the value architects bring to any industry, whether it's real estate, manufacturing, or fashion, is the ability to see a project through a full, multi-phase lifecycle. They discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur in a field that often demands 100% of your time, and why Aidan believes the "veil of mystery" surrounding the design process needs to be lifted to better communicate the true value of professional expertise to clients."We communicate through drawings, but our process is definitely not communicated through our deliverables. It's everything that goes on in our brains. I think if architecture can evolve in a way where our skills are valued as highly as they should be, then we would be able to be more entrepreneurial and more business-minded." - Aidan TurnerThis episode is a compelling case study on the versatility of an architectural education. Aidan highlights that when you understand how to design systems and manage complex production, the scale of the object, whether it's a skyscraper or a jacket, is secondary to the process itself.Guest:Aidan Turner is the founder of The Garment Architect, a Syracuse School of Architecture alumnus, and an entrepreneur who successfully merged his love for fashion and architecture. He is redefining apparel design by implementing professional architectural workflows, including rigorous blueprinting, sourcing, and project management, to create more sustainable and high-quality clothing.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are curious about how architectural skills and workflows can be applied to fields entirely outside of the built environment.✅ You want to learn how to bridge the gap between "design-focused" creative work and "business-focused" operational work.✅ You are a student or recent graduate wondering how to leverage your education to start a business early in your career.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to remove the "veil of mystery" and communicate our value more clearly to non-architect clients.✅ You are interested in the parallels between construction documents and technical apparel packs for streamlined production.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the third session from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day. This honest and thought-provoking panel discussion explores the hidden emotional, professional and financial cost many women pay simply to stay in the workplace.Hosted by Women's Wellbeing Coach and author Gifty Enright, alongside four incredible women sharing honest lived experiences.  This powerful conversation explores flexibility, burnout, visibility, career progression, caregiving, menopause, remote working and the hidden realities many women are still navigating behind the scenes.What We Cover:The invisible mental load women carry at work and at homeWhy flexibility can still come at a professional costThe hidden pressures women absorb to remain “high performing”How caregiving responsibilities reshape career decisionsWhy visibility and presenteeism still impact progressionThe emotional and financial cost of remote and flexible workWhy women over 50 are still being overlooked in the workplaceThe importance of allies, sponsorship and supportive leadershipKey Takeaways:Women are still quietly carrying enormous unseen pressureFlexibility should not reduce career opportunities or progressionOutput should matter more than presenteeismSupportive leadership and workplace culture make a huge differenceWomen often lower their “ask” — not their ambitionMany women stay in workplaces at a personal cost because they feel they have no alternativeOrganisations need to better recognise the realities women face across different life stagesWhy Listen: If you've ever struggled to balance work and life, worried flexibility could impact your progression, or questioned how well workplaces truly support women, this conversation will resonate deeply. Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Gifty on LinkedIn here Visit Gifty's website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

How can architects transition from being passive users of technology to the master builders leading the next wave of industry innovation?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with German Aparicio, a licensed architect who operates at the intersection of architecture, software development, and venture capital. As the lead for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures, German shares his journey from a fifth-grade dream of becoming an architect to building the frameworks that are now reshaping the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry.German discusses his early career at Arup, where he first encountered the friction of broken industry systems and "redundant rework," which sparked a lifelong pursuit of better technological frameworks. He recounts his time at MIT and Gehry Technologies, his experience through the Trimble acquisition, and the evolution of G-Team into what is now Trimble Connect. The conversation explores how these experiences led him to co-found 0 to 60, an equity-free accelerator that integrates startups like TestFit, Monograph, and ScaffPlan into the broader technology stack to drive industry-wide change.Beyond corporate innovation, German remains deeply rooted in academia, teaching advanced digital design and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly Pomona. He challenges the traditional "service-for-time" business model and presents a vision for an AI-native design practice, one that leverages natural language and automation to do more with less, allowing architects to reclaim their roles as master builders."I encourage all my students to do the same. Imagine the future you want to see and then go build it. Nobody's going to come and save you." - German AparicioThis episode is a call to action for architects to take ownership of their professional evolution. Whether through building software, designing ecosystems, or rethinking the value of architectural output, German emphasizes that the future of the profession depends on architects leading technology rather than being led by it.Guest:German Aparicio is a licensed architect in California and the project manager for early innovation and partner development at Trimble Ventures. He is the co-founder of the 0 to 60 accelerator and a faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. With a background from Cal Poly Pomona and a master's in design and computation from MIT, German has spent his career building systems, software, and ecosystems that bridge the gap between design and construction.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are interested in how accelerators and venture capital are influencing the development of new tools for architects.✅ You want to understand the potential of an AI-native design practice to shift the industry from a time-based to an output-based business model.✅ You are a student or early-career professional looking for ways to take ownership of your career path outside of traditional firm structures.✅ You want to learn about the history and future of Trimble Connect and how it facilitates better data flow across complex projects.✅ You believe the architecture profession needs to adopt systems thinking to solve long-standing productivity and collaboration challenges.

In this special episode of Work It Like a Mum, we're sharing the opening panel from our Give to Gain Summit, hosted in support of International Women's Day.This powerful session dives into the findings from our Women at Work Survey, alongside expert insights from Oxera and Working Families leaders across research, economics and people strategy.Together, we explore the gap between what workplaces say they offer… and what women actually experience. What We Cover:What the latest data is really telling us about women at workWhy flexibility still exists in theory, not always in practiceThe real barriers to career progression for womenHow workload, stress and lack of progression are impacting womenThe role of culture, leadership and line managers in shaping experienceWhy informal networks still influence who gets aheadThe reality of balancing work, family life and ambitionThe growing gap between workplace policy and lived experienceKey Takeaways:Women aren't lacking ambition; they're navigating systems that don't fully support themFlexibility is no longer a “perk”, it's essentialHybrid working improves outcomes, but needs structure to work wellCareer progression is still impacted by visibility, networks and outdated assumptionsMany women feel valued… but not developedWorkload and culture remain key drivers of stressOrganisations risk losing talent by not designing work around real livesReal change comes from leadership behaviour, not just policyWhy Listen:If you've ever felt like work should work better than it does, that flexibility exists but often comes with trade-offs, or that you're doing a full-time job in part-time hours, this conversation will resonate. It's honest, data-backed and focused on what actually needs to change to make work work for women.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereVisit Oxera's website here Visit the Working Families website here Explore and download the full Women At Work Survey here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Natasha Doran, a former corporate professional turned franchise business owner with Get Ahead.After 20 years in insurance and a successful corporate career, Natasha shares what led her to step away, explore new paths, and ultimately build a flexible, part-time business that works around her family life.What We Cover: Leaving a “perfect on paper” corporate career  Navigating the uncertainty of a career change  Trying different paths (coaching, freelance) before finding the right fit  Why franchising offers the balance of flexibility + support  How Get Ahead supports businesses through outsourcing  The reality of starting something new (fear, planning, mindset)  Building a business around school hours and family life  What roles and skills are currently in demand (VA, marketing, business support)  The power of networking when starting from scratch  Why ambition can look different after children Key Takeaways: You don't have to have it all figured out — trying different paths is part of the process  Flexibility and ambition can co-exist (it just might look different)  Franchising can be a powerful way to start a business with built-in support  Networking is key when building something new  Outsourcing is growing as businesses look for flexible, lower-risk support  Investing in yourself (coaching, learning, mindset) pays off  Career decisions don't have to follow a traditional “ladder” Why Listen:If you've ever felt stuck in a role that looks great on paper but doesn't feel quite right… this episode will resonate.It's an honest conversation about stepping away from corporate, building something new, and creating a career that actually fits around your life.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Natasha on LinkedIn hereVisit the Get Ahead website here Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Miss PattyCake (Jean Thomason), a beloved leader in children's ministry, to talk about helping kids connect with God through music, movement, and Scripture. From her early background in vocal performance to her calling in kids ministry, Jean shares how God has used her gifts to lead children into authentic worship.This conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight for both ministry leaders and parents who want to instill a love for worship early. Jean highlights the importance of engaging kids during their formative years and offers simple, meaningful ways to make worship both fun and foundational. You'll also hear about her new resource, Storytime with Miss PattyCake, and how tools like this can support families in nurturing faith at home. Because when kids learn to worship, they're not just singing songs—they're learning to know, love, and follow Jesus.If you want to lead kids with joy, purpose, and a deeper focus on Jesus, this episode will inspire you to make worship a central—and fun—part of your ministry.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Miss PattyCakeConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, Elizabeth Willetts is joined by Gemma Jackson, Head of DE&I at Intact Insurance.They explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion, alongside a candid conversation about career progression, flexibility, and the reality of balancing work and family life.What We Cover:How DE&I is evolving — and why some organisations are rethinking how they approach itWhy inclusive businesses often perform better and make stronger decisionsThe real barriers women face in progressing their careersThe role of informal networking — and who it leaves outWhat flexibility actually looks like beyond part-time rolesBalancing a senior career, family life, and further studyKey Takeaways:Women are not lacking ambition — they're balancing ambition with boundaries Diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes and more innovationCareer progression is still influenced by informal networksFlexibility needs to be more creative and inclusiveYou don't need to be “always on” to succeedPriorities shift over time — and that's completely normalWhy Listen:If you're navigating your career alongside family life, or questioning how work is really structured, this episode offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what needs to change, and how to make work work for you.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Gemma on LinkedIn hereVisit Intact Insurance's website here  Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, we explore practical ways to make midweek kids ministry both fun and meaningful. From creating a relaxed, engaging environment to balancing teaching with relationship-building, this conversation is packed with ideas to help kids feel like they truly belong—not just attend.We unpack the FLIP model—a simple framework for building connections between kids, leaders, influencers, and pastors—and why those relationships are key to lasting discipleship. You'll also hear how to use tools like Hi-Fi curriculum and TeamKid to equip volunteers, engage kids, and reinforce identity in Christ in ways that stick. Because at the end of the day, participation isn't the goal—belonging is.Whether you're rethinking your midweek strategy or looking for fresh ideas to energize your team, this episode will help you create a space where kids are known, valued, and excited to come back.Listen in and start building a midweek ministry kids don't just show up to—they belong to.SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, the tables are turned as host Elizabeth Willetts is interviewed for the very first time.Joining her is her Utility Warehouse mentor, Sam Earnshaw, who dives into Elizabeth's journey of becoming a partner with Utility Warehouse and how it's impacted her career, finances, and family life.This honest conversation explores the reality behind building multiple income streams, navigating money mindset, and creating flexible work that truly fits around life after kids. What We Cover:Why Elizabeth initially said “no” — and what changedThe financial pressure that led to exploring a second incomeBalancing a growing business with family lifeThe reality of flexible work (and why it's still so hard to find)Building a team, community, and sense of belongingHow network marketing compares to traditional business modelsThe shift from “extra income” to long-term wealth and legacyKey Takeaways:There's often “more month than money” — even for successful foundersFlexible jobs are in huge demand, but limited in supplyA second income doesn't have to mean sacrificing your main businessMoney mindset (especially guilt around earning) can hold women backCommunity and team culture can be just as valuable as incomeScalable income streams can reduce risk compared to hiring in a businessSmall income wins can quickly grow into something much biggerWhy Listen:If you want more flexibility, extra income, and work that fits around your life — this episode shows what's possible, honestly and practically.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Sam on LinkedIn hereFind out more about becoming a UW partner here  Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

Fun in kids ministry doesn't happen by accident—it's designed.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Joey Kiker, Lifeway's Creative Director, to talk about how intentional design can transform the way kids experience ministry. From room layout to lighting to technology, Joey shares how the physical environment can help create spaces where kids feel excited, welcomed, and ready to engage.Joey unpacks the principles behind world building—the idea that every detail in your environment helps tell a story and invite kids into the experience. He also offers practical advice for churches looking to remodel or refresh their kids spaces, no matter the size of their budget.Whether you're planning a major renovation or simply trying to make your classroom more inviting, this conversation will help you think creatively and strategically about the spaces where discipleship happens. Because when kids walk into a space designed with them in mind, they don't just notice—it communicates that they matter.Listen in for practical ideas and fresh inspiration to create environments kids can't wait to come back to.SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we're joined by returning guest Daniela Wainwright, Founder of Wainwright Consulting.Daniela has built a successful business as a bootstrapped founder and now leads a growing team of fractional finance directors. In this honest and practical conversation, she shares what it really takes to step away from corporate, build confidence, and create a business on your own terms. What We Cover:Daniela's journey from corporate to founderThe reality of starting and growing a businessWhy confidence holds so many people backOvercoming fear, imposter syndrome and mindset blocksBuilding a personal brand and showing up (even when it feels uncomfortable)The rise of fractional working and flexible careersTools and strategies to strengthen mindset and resilienceKey Takeaways:Confidence grows through action, not before itFear is normal, but it shouldn't stop you taking the next step You don't need to follow the “traditional” path to build a successful businessMindset is a skill you can actively work on and improveSmall steps forward build momentum and beliefYou can design a career that fits your life, not the other way aroundWhy Listen:If you're thinking about starting something new, taking the next step in your career, or simply feeling stuck, this episode is a powerful reminder that confidence doesn't come first; action does.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Daniella on LinkedIn hereVisit Daniella's website here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this Kitchen Side episode, Alex Birkett, Allie Decker, and David Khim unpack the increasingly noisy world of AI search (GEO/AEO), including spam tactics, flawed attribution models, and widespread confusion around what actually drives results. They explore why visibility without revenue is a trap, how brand sentiment and off-page signals shape AI outputs, and why trust, positioning, and human validation are becoming more important than ever in B2B buying decisions. Key Takeaways The SEO vs AEO debate is largely unproductive and distracts from creating real business value. Spammy, short-term tactics are resurging in AI search due to a “gold rush” mindset. Many teams optimize for visibility and citations without tying efforts back to revenue or pipeline. Attribution in AI search is messy, and many current tracking methods are fundamentally flawed. Large datasets in AEO research can be used to justify almost any strategy or narrative. Talking directly to customers is still more valuable than inferred data or prompt tracking. There is a growing tension between experience-based judgment and rapid experimentation with AI. AI search compresses information, making brand narrative and sentiment more influential than ever. Visibility is only the first step; positioning and how a brand is described matter more. AI search is increasingly overlapping with online reputation management (ORM). Larger brands face greater risk from sentiment manipulation and lack of narrative control. Off-page signals like reviews, PR, and community discussions heavily influence AI outputs. Review sites and categorization accuracy can significantly impact visibility and positioning. Reddit is becoming influential but requires authentic engagement rather than manipulation. AI-driven discovery is often validated through peer recommendations before purchase decisions. Show Links Connect with David Khim on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and Twitter Connect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or Twitter What is Kitchen Side? One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture. You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside. You understand how the sausage is made.  As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business. We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship. Past guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more. Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO) Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo) How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard) Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social) Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath) Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency: Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEO Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts? How Do Growth and Content Overlap? Connect with Omniscient Digital on social: Twitter: @beomniscient Linkedin: Be Omniscient Listen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here:   https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

What happens when an architect's greatest professional success is making themselves completely irrelevant to their own firm?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by William H Dodge, founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k, whose career trajectory defies every standard industry norm. From moving to the island nation of Malta at 19 to escape the perceived threat of Y2K to starting as a janitor at NC State Libraries, William's path to leadership was anything but linear. He shares the remarkable story of how he helped transform Hanbury's North Carolina office from a two-person operation into a powerhouse of 49 employees managing $2.5 billion in projects, only to walk away once he realized the systems he built had made his daily presence unnecessary.The conversation explores William's unique philosophy on growth, talent acquisition, and firm culture. He reflects on the "49 hires in 49 months" period, explaining why he prioritized hiring for potential and culture over specific architectural credentials. William discusses the audacity of taking on high-stakes wayfinding projects for university chancellors while working as a janitor and how that "outsider" perspective allowed him to see opportunities where traditional practitioners saw barriers. He challenges the rigid structures of the profession, advocating for a model of leadership that focuses on empowering others to take over the reins."I don't hire for the portfolio. I hire for the person. You can teach someone how to use the software, but you can't teach them how to care about the work." - William DodgeThis episode is a masterclass in building a practice that thrives on adaptability and intentionality. William breaks down why he chose to leave a major firm at the height of its success to start p-u-b-l-i-k, a design studio focused on high-impact community projects. Whether you are an aspiring architect looking for an alternative career path or a firm leader struggling with succession planning and scale, William's journey offers a provocative roadmap for reclaiming the "creative" in the business of architecture.Guest:William H Dodge is the founder and design principal at p-u-b-l-i-k. A self-described "non-architect" who has led some of the most successful design teams in the country, William specializes in large-scale institutional projects and urban wayfinding. His career includes a tenure as a principal at Hanbury, where he spearheaded massive regional growth before pivoting to found his own mission-driven studio.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You feel stuck in a traditional career path and want to hear how an unconventional background can lead to the top of the profession.✅ You are interested in the logistics and mindset required to scale a firm office from 2 to 49 people in just four years.✅ You want to understand the philosophy of "leadership through redundancy" and how to build a firm that doesn't rely on your constant oversight.✅ You are a student or recent graduate seeking advice on how to prioritize learning and happiness over "checking the right boxes."✅ You are curious about how a background in wayfinding and system design can be applied to large-scale architectural projects.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

In this week's episode of the Work It Like a Mum podcast, we're joined by returning guest Amanda Henderson, Founder and Managing Director of Thread HR.Amanda first joined the podcast as a freelancer, then again as she made her first hire. Now, three years into building Thread HR, she shares what it really takes to scale a successful part-time team, build a strong flexible culture, and lead a business that works for both clients and employees.This episode is packed with honest insight for anyone considering self-employment, growing a business, or hiring part-time talent.What We Cover:Amanda's journey from freelancer to founder of Thread HR Building and managing a successful part-time teamHow to create culture, clarity and trust in a flexible businessThe benefits of hiring part-time talent and thinking differently about workWhy some employers still resist flexibility, especially in hospitalityGrowing a business while navigating confidence, leadership and wellbeingKey Takeaways:⭐ Part-time hiring unlocks incredible talent most businesses overlook⭐ Strong culture isn't about hours, it's built on clarity, trust and values⭐ Hiring differently can give you a real competitive edge⭐ Your business can grow faster than your confidence, and that's normal⭐ Boundaries and wellbeing are just as important as performance⭐ Hospitality has huge potential, but needs a mindset shift to attract talentWhy Listen:If you're thinking about starting a business, hiring part-time talent, or building a more flexible team, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest lessons on what really works.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Amanda on LinkedIn hereVisit the Thread HR website here  Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this special church highlight episode, we take a closer look at First Orlando Kids Ministry and the heart behind what makes it so impactful. Conversations from Metro reveal that kids ministry is both deeply intentional and joyfully engaging—where fun isn't just noise, but a meaningful tool for connection and discipleship.It's a reminder that what may look like organized chaos is actually Kingdom work with eternal impact! SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

In this episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, we're sharing the seventh session from Smash 26, our two-day virtual event designed to help women start the year with confidence, clarity and momentum in their careers.Hosted by leadership coach Gifty Enright, this honest and energising conversation brings together a group of incredible women navigating careers, motherhood, identity shifts, and everything in between. From redundancy to reinvention, burnout to boundaries, this is the real, unfiltered conversation so many women need to hear.Expect relatable stories, practical insights, and those “me too” moments that remind you you're not alone.What We Cover:The reality of “having it all” (and why it's not perfect)Boundaries, burnout & redefining successCareer pivots, confidence & starting before you're readyBalancing work, motherhood & real lifeKey Takeaways:You don't have to do everything to have everythingSuccess looks different for everyoneStart before you feel readyBoundaries are essential (and ongoing)You matter tooMessy seasons are normalWhy Listen:If you've ever felt stretched, overwhelmed, or like you're “failing” at balance — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.It's honest, relatable, and packed with real-life strategies from women who are living it — not pretending it's perfect.Show Links:Connect with  Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn hereConnect with Gifty on LinkedIn hereFind out more about Gifty's work here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram.Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

Can a 60-Second video change who enters the architecture profession?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Gabriella Bermea, a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and the voice behind the growing social media platform "Architect Big Sis." Together, they explore the power of storytelling outside traditional portfolios, discussing how short-form video and personal narrative can demystify the profession for the next generation.Gabriella shares her journey as a "border kid" from Eagle Pass, Texas, where careers were often inherited rather than discovered. She opens up about the resilience required to navigate architecture school and licensure, revealing she took 16 ARE exams (failing 10) before becoming the first in her class to get licensed. Now, she uses those experiences to create content that answers the questions she had as a student, offering a transparent look at salaries, career progression, and the reality of studio culture."If your best people are afraid to speak, you're not protecting that professionalism, you're just protecting your control over them." - Gabriella BermeaThe conversation also addresses the business side of content creation. Gabriella explains why metrics like "saves" and "shares" are more valuable than views, and why firms should view employee advocacy as an asset rather than a liability. Whether you are a student looking for guidance or a firm leader navigating the creator economy, this episode challenges the industry to stop hiding behind polished images and start sharing the unfiltered truth.Guest:Gabriella Bermea is a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman and a 2024 AIA Young Architects Award recipient. Growing up on the Texas-Mexico border, she didn't know what an architect was until high school. Today, she is a recognized "trend disruptor" and advocate for equity in the profession, using her social media presence to mentor students and emerging professionals globally.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You are an emerging professional or student looking for honest advice on exams, salaries, and career growth.✅ You are interested in starting a social media channel but struggle with perfectionism or fear of criticism. ✅ You are a firm leader trying to understand how to support employees who want to build personal brands. ✅ You want to learn how to use digital storytelling to reach a broader, more diverse audience. ✅ You are curious about the metrics that actually matter when building a community online.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How Can Architects Ditch the 'Starving Artist' Mentality and Design a More Profitable Future?To kick off Season 12 of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee returns from her term as AIA President with a special episode, turning the tables to be interviewed by Tyler Suomala, founder of Growthitect. In this candid conversation, they reflect on Evelyn's year of travel and leadership, discussing the often unseen advocacy work of the AIA and the disconnect between national efforts and local members' perceptions.Evelyn and Tyler examine the core challenges facing the architecture profession, particularly the limitations of the traditional fee-for-service business model. They argue that the industry's "starving artist" mentality and reliance on slim margins are hindering innovation and the ability to offer competitive benefits such as parental leave. The discussion explores practical ways architects can capture more value, from rethinking "pre-design" and "post-occupancy" services to exploring subscription models for long-term building maintenance."You don't build your business first and then your life second. You have to build a business around the life that you want." - Tyler SuomalaBoth leaders emphasize that transformation starts at the individual level. They challenge listeners to stop waiting for permission or industry-wide change and instead take ownership of their careers by raising fees, embracing new skills like sales and marketing, and carving out dedicated time for strategic thinking. Whether you are a firm owner or an emerging professional, this episode offers a roadmap for building a more sustainable, profitable, and human-centric practice.Guest:Tyler Suomala is the founder of Growthitect, where he helps architects and designers master sales, marketing, and business development. After starting his own design studio early in his career and realizing the gaps in his business knowledge, Tyler pivoted to learn these essential skills in other industries. He is now dedicated to bringing those lessons back to the architecture profession, helping firm owners escape the "feast or famine" cycle and build thriving businesses.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are frustrated by the "starving artist" narrative in architecture and want to build a more profitable business. ✅ You are curious about alternative business models, such as subscription services or productizing your expertise. ✅ You want to understand the value of national advocacy and professional organizations like the AIA.✅ You are looking for strategies to balance design excellence with business operations and personal well-being. ✅ You are ready to stop waiting for the industry to change and start making moves in your own career today.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Remember when kids ministry felt… fun? Not polished. Not perfect. But full of laughter, big questions, messy moments, and holy wonder. Between preparing curriculum, scheduling volunteers, and Sunday morning chaos, it can be easy to forget that kids ministry is one of the most joy-filled callings in the Church. Well, this season on Kids Ministry Calling we're reclaiming the fun.  So grab your coffee, maybe even a notepad for jotting down new inspiration, and join us next week for the start of a brand new season of Kids Ministry Calling with  Jana Magruder.  SHOW LINKS: Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

How can technology, innovation, and sustainable practices transform the architecture, engineering, and construction industry?On this episode of Practice Disrupted, I chat with Dave Lemont, the past CEO of Revit and the Executive Chairman of Acelab with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. In our conversation, Dave shares his invaluable insights on scaling software companies, revolutionizing the architecture industry, and the massive potential in the future of digital tools.First, Dave discusses how his passion for photography and architecture influenced his career path. He also highlights how his entrepreneurial mindset and desire to innovate the industry immensely helped him grow and lead his companies. Dave's expertise lies in identifying product-market fit and creating solutions that address broader market needs rather than niche segments.As the executive chairman of Acelab, Dave is dedicated to revolutionizing material management in the AEC space, allowing architects to access sustainable building materials efficiently. He touches on the potential of these digital tools in architecture and explains why architects need to be engaged in the evolution of AI.Architecture is an opportunity to do something for people in the world. Not all the software that I've managed or sold in my life had that potential impact. How this room feels affects me all day. Where you go to school, the efficiency of that building, and how our museums look or how we feel when we walk in – all of those things affect our lives. It's a privilege to be involved in technology that can make that more efficient. - Dave LemontTo wrap up the episode, Dave shares his recommendations on building your pipeline and adjusting workflow to keep your business afloat amidst the ever-changing and often confusing landscape architects operate within. Dave also shares his perspective on bridging the gap between traditional architectural practices and digital innovation while advising young architects to use a grassroots approach to incorporate new technology into their companies.Tune in next week for an episode about using people analytics to improve employee engagement.Guest:David LemontDavid Lemont is an accomplished business leader, go-to-market strategist, and advisor with over 30 years of experience in high-tech startup companies. David has extensive experience in SaaS business applications with keen expertise in construction tech. Helped five companies to successful exits to high-tech leaders such as Autodesk, Trimble, HP, Oracle, etc.He is best known for his role as CEO of Revit; the predominant way buildings are designed in 3D today. Dave is currently the Executive Chairman of Acelab.

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of The Starter Girlz Podcast, host Jennifer Loehding sits down with Dr. Nicole Garritano, a fractional leadership advisor, former nurse practitioner, and academic leader, to unpack her deeply personal journey from burnout to alignment and how self-leadership became the turning point.After years of high achievement, overcommitment, and redefining success through external validation, Nicole faced a wake-up call that changed how she approached leadership, health, and identity. In this conversation, she shares how burnout revealed the gaps in traditional leadership models and why learning to lead yourself first is the foundation for sustainable success, emotional intelligence, and long-term well-being.This episode blends evidence-based leadership, nervous system regulation, and real-life transformation, offering practical tools for entrepreneurs, women leaders, founders, and professionals who want to succeed without sacrificing themselves in the process.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ What burnout teaches us about leadership and why it's not a failure✅ Why self-leadership must come before leading teams or businesses✅ How identity shifts can support healing, growth, and clarity✅ The role of the nervous system in emotional intelligence and decision-making✅ Simple, practical tools to regulate stress, manage energy, and prevent burnout✅ How to move from hustle-driven achievement to purpose-driven alignment✅ Why redefining success is essential for modern leadershipWhether you're navigating burnout, building a business, leading a team, or redefining your next chapter, this conversation will help you reconnect with what truly matters and lead from a place of alignment instead of exhaustion.Why You Should Watch:If you've ever felt successful on the outside but depleted on the inside, this episode is for you. Dr. Nicole's story and insights will help you recognize burnout signals early, develop stronger self-awareness, and adopt a leadership style that supports both performance and well-being. If conversations about self-leadership, personal transformation, women empowerment, burnout recovery, and aligned success resonate with you, make sure to subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who needs it.Your support helps us continue sharing meaningful, transformative conversations like this one.

How can the next generation of architects lead us toward a more human profession?In a special episode marking the end of her term as AIA President, Evelyn Lee hosts a candid conversation about the future of architectural leadership with two emerging voices: Gilberto Lozada Baez, the 69th president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and Jordan Luther, the immediate past president of AIAS and the student director on the AIA board.Together, they explore leadership not as a title, but as an evolving journey shaped by mentorship, empathy, and the courage to step into uncomfortable spaces. Gilberto and Jordan share their personal paths from introverted students to national leaders, emphasizing how community support and "shoulder tapping" empowered them to find their voices. The discussion tackles the realities of entering the profession today, from navigating post-pandemic work cultures to advocating for mental health and livable wages, and debunks common misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace.Evelyn, Gilberto, and Jordan also dive into the necessity of difficult conversations for growth, the power of authenticity in leadership, and why the profession must burst its "bubble" to become more interdisciplinary and human-centric. They envision a future where architects are seen as systems thinkers and problem solvers, leveraging technology like AI not to replace their work, but to enhance their ability to focus on high-impact, creative solutions."There's already so many exciting initiatives out there on community design, on how we're collaborating with others and bringing them into the profession. I just think it needs to settle. And I really hope to see that. I think the future of architecture is a little more human." - Gilberto Lozada BaezThis episode concludes with a shared hope for a profession that values its people as much as its projects, a profession where equity, diverse representation, and sustainable business models allow architects to thrive both in their work and their lives. It is a powerful reminder that the next generation isn't just inheriting the future of architecture; they are actively rewriting it with creativity, resilience, and heart.GuestsGilberto Lozada Baez is a Mexican architect and the 69th President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). His work explores architecture as a process honoring ecological and cultural dynamics. His leadership spans roles in AIAS, ACSA, and the AIA Strategic Council, with a commitment to collaboration across borders.Jordan Luther is an aspiring architect and medical planner at GBBN. She is the immediate past president of AIAS and serves as the student director on the AIA board. Her work bridges design, psychology, and neuroscience, focusing on wellbeing, research, and trauma-informed design.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are an emerging professional or student navigating the transition from school to practice. ✅ You are a firm leader wanting to understand the values and expectations of the next generation. ✅ You are interested in leadership development and how introverts can thrive in public roles. ✅ You believe in a more human-centric, interdisciplinary, and equitable future for architecture. ✅ You want to learn how to have difficult conversations that lead to positive change in your firm or organization.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Are you treating workplace safety as a checklist—or a growth strategy? What would happen if your business had to prove its safety program tomorrow?In this episode of The Business Ownership Podcast, I interviewed Elizabeth Lecerf. Elizabeth, the founder of SafetyComply. With a background in working for large single trade companies and years of experience at a general contractor overseeing in-house health and safety and multiple subcontractors, Elizabeth developed a unique perspective. Building strong relationships with colleagues and partners, she witnessed firsthand the stress and resistance often associated with health and safety management. Driven by her genuine care for their safety and unwavering belief in their potential for growth and success, Elizabeth embarked on a mission to simplify and integrate health and safety seamlessly into businesses. Her passion for shifting the perception of safety from a burden to a shared responsibility led to the creation of SafetyComply, where safety isn't just a compliance requirement; it's a catalyst for growth and empowerment. Starting SafetyComply came from her own journey of working through overwhelm, stress and burnout. Managing an unrealistic number of responsibilities Elizabeth has set out to help others manage their own work load and stress by dialling in on her area of expertise. It is through this lens that Elizabeth is extremely passionate about her work.Tune in now to learn how safety can drive your business forward.Check this out!Show Links:Connect with SafetyComply: https://www.safetycomply.ca/connectSafetyComply on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safetycomply/SafetyComply on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetycomply/Book a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/

How do you build a tech company that champions, rather than replaces, the analog craft of drawing? This week, we explore the intersection of design and digital innovation with Mark Collins, architect, educator, and co-founder of Morfolio. Mark's journey has taken him from the early days of paperless studios at Columbia's Cloud Lab to co-founding a bootstrapped company that now serves over a million designers worldwide.Mark shares the origin story of Morfolio, born from a group of architects at Columbia who saw the revolutionary potential of the iPad as a creative tool. While major software companies initially missed the opportunity, Mark and his co-founders began a 10-year experiment to redefine drawing for the digital age. By intentionally staying small (under 10 people) and bootstrapped, they've avoided the pressures of venture capital and remained deeply connected to their users, creating what Mark calls an "explosion in slow motion"."When we think about the word technology, our minds instantly go to screens and iPads, but everything is a technology. I think trace paper is a technology. We think of the design crit as a kind of technology. Anytime we're bringing to bear materials and processes and knowledge to get an outcome, we call that a technology." - Mark CollinsThis episode concludes with a look at the next wave of technology, including AI and augmented reality. Mark explains how Morfolio's innovation strategy involves fusing their own bespoke drawing engine with powerful, built-in technologies from giants like Apple, such as the LiDAR scanner used for Trace's "Room Scanner" feature. He offers advice to new graduates: avoid "doomerism" about AI, "just try things", and embrace a "multimodal" approach to design that blends drawing, data, and software to forge their own unique paths.Guest:Mark Collins is an architect, educator, and the co-founder of Morfolio, the creative suite behind popular design apps like Trace, Board, and Journal. His career has bridged academia, where he co-founded Columbia University's Cloud Lab, private practice, and entrepreneurship. Mark's work focuses on blending analog design craft with digital innovation and keeping the human experience at the center of technology.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are an architect who loves the feel of hand drawing but wants to integrate digital tools. ✅ You are curious about the "paperless studio" and its evolution since the early 2000s. ✅ You want to understand the future of AI and AR in design from a practitioner's perspective. ✅ You are interested in "bootstrapping" a tech company rather than using VC funding. ✅ You believe in the power of community feedback to shape software development. ✅ You are a recent graduate exploring alternative career paths that blend design and technology.

What does it really mean for an architecture firm to be transparent? This week, we dive into the operations of Work Program Architects (WPA), an award-winning practice known for its community-driven design and radically open culture, with Associate Principal Erin Agdinaoay.Erin shares her journey to WPA, drawn initially by their community-focused work and then captivated by their commitment to radical transparency. She details how WPA puts this philosophy into action daily: 100% open books accessible to all staff, full salary visibility (shown even during the hiring process), and a rotating Raises and Bonuses Committee that gives everyone a chance to participate in financial decision-making. Erin explains that this level of openness isn't just about fairness - it's a strategic approach designed to demystify firm operations, foster trust, and empower every team member, regardless of experience level, to think and act like an owner.The conversation explores the practicalities and challenges, from managing growth while maintaining communication to educating staff on financial literacy through exposure and direct involvement. Erin addresses common questions and skepticism, emphasizing that while transparency can create friction, assuming good intent and approaching conversations with curiosity makes the process constructive. WPA even shares its internal templates to encourage other firms to adopt similar practices. Erin's ultimate hope extends beyond WPA. "My hope is that firms all over dramatically increase their transparency and their ability to give access to business information and financial literacy to all staff in their firm, especially younger staff to create a long runway to learn the business. That way our very talented young professionals can learn what maybe the default is today so that they can create a different tomorrow that increases the value of architecture in the profession." - Erin AgdinaoayThis episode concludes by showcasing how WPA's radical transparency fosters a culture of trust, equity, and shared ownership, challenging traditional firm management norms. Erin's insights reveal that openness is not just an ideal but a practical tool for building resilience, improving business acumen across the firm, and ultimately, empowering the next generation to elevate the architectural profession by understanding its foundations.Guest:Erin Agdinaoay is an Associate Principal at Work Program Architects (WPA), based in the Norfolk area of Virginia. With a people-first leadership style, she has been instrumental in shaping and implementing WPA's commitment to radical transparency, including open books and salary visibility. She is an advocate for pay equity and believes in empowering all staff with financial literacy to foster an ownership mindset within the firm. Erin is a graduate of Virginia Tech's architecture program.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are curious about alternative firm management models beyond traditional hierarchies. ✅ You believe in or want to learn more about pay transparency and open-book management. ✅ You are interested in fostering an "ownership mindset" among your staff. ✅ You want practical advice on how to implement transparency initiatives in your own firm. ✅ You are a younger professional seeking firms with values aligned with equity and openness.

What can a chicken sandwich teach us about leadership in ministry? In this insightful and energizing episode, Brett Buckland joins the conversation to share how lessons from his time at Chick-fil-A have shaped the way he leads in ministry and life. Brett dives into the power of value-driven leadership, the importance of being present with your team, and how simple, consistent habits can build a culture where both volunteers and families thrive.Through real stories and practical wisdom, Brett draws surprising and inspiring parallels between the restaurant world and the church, showing that when leaders serve with purpose and excellence, ministry becomes more than a task; it becomes a movement.This episode is packed with leadership gold for anyone serving in kids, next gen, or family ministry. Whether you lead two volunteers or two hundred, Brett's practical insights will help you build a culture of excellence, purpose, and joy. The kind that keeps people coming back.Because great ministry isn't built on programs. It's built on people.SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What does a career path look like when it's guided by necessity, unconventional experiences, and a deep respect for place? This week, we're joined by David Sellers, founder of Hawaii Off-Grid Architecture and Engineering and Surf Block, whose journey embodies designing within limits to create smarter, self-sustaining systems.David shares his non-traditional path, from working as a mechanic and on Alaskan fishing boats to studying architecture in the Netherlands. These experiences fueled a fascination with self-sufficient systems, inspired by observing the integrated mechanics of boats. This led him to Hawaii, where high energy costs and resource constraints created the perfect environment to build a multidisciplinary practice focused on net-zero and off-grid projects. His firm, Hawaii Off-Grid, now mandates that all new buildings be at least net-zero, driven by both environmental values and a compelling economic proposition for clients.The conversation also dives into Surf Block, a startup born from observing the sheer volume of surfboard foam waste filling local landfills. Inspired by insulated composite concrete forms (ICCFs), David saw an opportunity to turn this waste into a high-performance, resilient building material - resistant to hurricanes, mold, mildew, and termites - perfectly suited for Hawaii's climate and challenges. Now, Surf Block is playing a crucial role in the rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. David's hope is that his work inspires others to find similar opportunities in their own backyards. “Necessity - that's been the story of my life ever since. And I think that part of our architecture practice is rooted in necessity. There's a necessity for us to have climate responsive design, because we're seeing a shift in vernacular architecture.” - David SellersThis episode concludes with a powerful reminder that innovation often stems from constraints and necessity. David's story showcases how diverse experiences outside traditional architecture can enrich design thinking and lead to ventures with profound environmental and community impact. He demonstrates that architects' next frontier may lie not in grand scale, but in developing intelligent, self-sufficient systems that respond directly to the unique challenges of their place, ultimately inspiring others to find and create value in unexpected ways.GuestDavid Sellers is the founder of Hawaii Off-Grid Architecture and Engineering and the co-founder of Surf Block. With an unconventional background that includes working as a mechanic, on fishing boats, and studying architecture internationally, David brings a unique systems-thinking approach to sustainable design. His practice in Hawaii focuses on net-zero, off-grid, and climate-responsive projects driven by the unique environmental and economic necessities of the islands. Through Surf Block, he is pioneering the use of recycled surfboard foam waste to create innovative, resilient building materials for communities like Lahaina.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are interested in off-grid, net-zero, and sustainable design practices. ✅ You believe necessity and constraints can be powerful drivers of innovation.✅ You are inspired by unconventional career paths within and beyond architecture. ✅ You want to learn about innovative approaches to waste stream utilization and sustainable materials. ✅ You are looking for examples of architecture practices with a strong quadruple bottom line focus (community, environment, global impact, career progress).

What does it take to build and fund the companies that are truly transforming the built environment? This week, we are joined by Jesse Devitte, co-founder and General Partner of Building Ventures and a pioneer who has spent over three decades at the intersection of architecture, construction, and technology.Jesse shares his remarkable journey, from co-founding SoftDesk, the company that laid the groundwork for Autodesk's AEC division in the early 90s, to becoming one of the first venture capitalists dedicated to the industry. He explains the origin of Building Ventures, a firm created to invest across the entire lifecycle of how we design, build, and operate our world. Supported by a network of industry leaders, the firm was founded on the belief that a wave of innovation was coming, and the built environment was ready for a new generation of transformative companies.The conversation offers a rare look inside the mind of an investor, exploring the evolution of AEC tech, the business model challenges facing architecture firms, and what it takes to get a startup funded. Jesse reveals that his team looks for more than just a good idea; they look for founders with a unique, firsthand understanding of the problem they are solving."We want them to really not pitch us on a solution for their problem. We want them to be in love with the problem. That's an earned secret to us that someone has that they can apply that makes them really unique." - Jesse DevitteThis episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on where the industry is headed. Jesse argues that the path forward requires a mindset shift from all players: architects must "lean in" to new opportunities like industrialized construction to maintain influence, and the industry as a whole must foster a collaborative ecosystem where startups, incumbents like Autodesk, and practitioners work together to drive progress. His story is a guide to where opportunity lives, offering invaluable insights for both aspiring entrepreneurs and firm leaders wondering how capital, innovation, and design intersect to shape the future of practice.Guest:Jesse Devitte is a co-founder and General Partner at Building Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups that are transforming the built environment. With a career spanning over 30 years, Jesse was a pioneer in AEC software development, co-founding SoftDesk, which was acquired by Autodesk to create its AEC Market Group. He later became one of the first VCs to focus on the built world, with early investments in iconic companies like SketchUp. Through Building Ventures, he continues to support entrepreneurs who are improving how we design, build, and operate our world.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are an entrepreneur with a startup idea for the AEC industry and want to know what investors look for. ✅ You are a firm leader trying to understand the broader trends in AEC technology and investment. ✅ You are curious about the evolution of venture capital in the built environment. ✅ You want to hear the perspective of a pioneer who has shaped AEC software from the beginning. ✅ You are interested in the future of design tech, pre-construction, sustainability, and industrialized construction.

How do you build a career with intention, navigate unsupportive environments, and find the mentors who will champion your growth? This week, we are joined by Leslie Sydnor, an architect and design manager whose journey offers a masterclass in resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of networks.Leslie shares her story, from being inspired by New York City construction sites as a child to finding her path at Yale and UCLA. She offers a candid look at her career, including her "dream job" designing low-income housing for the City of New York, her time in small, supportive firms, and a challenging stint in a corporate environment that confirmed her fears about who gets to climb the ladder. A pivotal point in her career was finding a mentor in Helena Jubany, who saw her potential and taught her how to run an office, a relationship that shaped her understanding of what's possible as a woman of color in architecture.Now a Design Manager for the country's largest community college district, Leslie acts as a crucial translator between the massive institution and its architects. She argues this is not a role architects have "given up," but a necessary function in a complex bureaucracy, one best filled by an architect who can advocate for the design team. "Find your tribe and keep them close. Architecture is such a small, interconnected world - you'll cross paths with classmates, colleagues, even old bosses, again and again. Your tribe will support you, tell you about jobs, and help you when you need it most." - Leslie SydnorThis episode concludes with Leslie's core advice for the next generation of architects, distilled from years of experience and her current role as an educator at Cal Poly Pomona. She emphasizes the importance of strategy, flexibility, and building a strong professional network, summed up in her key mantra: "Find your tribe and keep them close." Her story is a powerful reminder to treat job interviews as a two-way street, to ask the hard questions, and to find the environments and people who align with your values and will support your long-term success.Guest:Leslie Sydnor is an architect and Design Manager with the Cumming Group, currently working with the Los Angeles Community College District. With a career spanning traditional practice in firms both large and small, design-build, and now owner-side representation, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. A graduate of Yale University and UCLA, Leslie is also an educator at Cal Poly Pomona, where she teaches project management and mentors students on building intentional careers. As one of the first few hundred licensed Black women architects in the U.S., she is a passionate advocate for diversity, mentorship, and self-advocacy within the profession.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are a young professional seeking advice on how to navigate the architecture industry and find supportive firms. ✅ You want to understand the career path of a design manager and what the role entails. ✅ You are inspired by stories of mentorship and the impact of finding the right champions in your career. ✅ You have felt undervalued and want to learn more about the importance of self-advocacy. ✅ You believe in the power of networks and want to be more strategic about building your professional community

How can architects remain relevant in a world where cities are as digital as they are physical?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Bryan Boyer, Co-Founder of Dash Marshall and Faculty Director of the Urban Technology Program at the University of Michigan. Bryan's career bridges technology, design, and urbanism - and through his leadership, he is training the next generation of designers to think differently about how we build, govern, and inhabit our cities.Bryan shares the origins of the Urban Technology program, why he believes the built environment has lagged behind other industries in digitization, and how the program prepares students to be equally fluent in architecture, planning, and technology. He highlights how fragmentation in the AEC industry creates a “chain drain” of intelligence and argues that architects need to reclaim agency by embracing new tools, methods, and mindsets.The conversation delves into the unique curriculum of Urban Tech, which integrates cities, technology, and design. Students learn to view cities as complex systems, develop technical fluency in coding and data science, and practice forms of service and strategic design that extend beyond traditional building. Bryan also reflects on how AI, automation, and interaction design are reshaping the skills architects need, and what this means for education, practice, and the profession as a whole.“Our cities today are fully physical and fully digital. The challenge isn't just to bridge the gap between urbanist and technologist - it's to prepare a new generation who doesn't believe that gap exists at all.” – Bryan BoyerThis episode concludes with Bryan's vision for the future: a profession that works with urgency, embraces user research, and balances long-term aspirations with near-term agency. He challenges architects to move beyond utopian visions and engage directly with the realities of policy, economy, and technology in order to create cities of shared prosperity, sustainability, and joy.Guest:Bryan Boyer is the Co-Founder of Dash Marshall, a design practice that works across architecture, interiors, and strategy. He is also the Faculty Director of the Urban Technology Program at the University of Michigan, where he leads an innovative undergraduate degree exploring the intersection of cities, technology, and design. His career spans architecture, technology, and public sector work, including roles at Sidewalk Labs, the Helsinki Design Lab, and the Office of New Urban Mechanics.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You want to understand how technology and architecture intersect in urban contexts✅ You're curious about new forms of design education and career paths✅ You're grappling with the challenges of fragmentation in the AEC industry✅ You believe architects should embrace coding, user research, and new design methods✅ You're interested in what the future of urban practice looks like in a digital era

What happens when a public servant becomes a tech founder to solve the problems they face every day? This week, we're joined by Nichole Sterling, the Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, Colorado, and the founder of MyTownAI. Her journey offers a unique perspective on how technology can reshape civic decision-making from the inside out.Nichole shares the origin story of MyTownAI, a venture born from the "pain" of watching her own small-town staff navigate a maze of disconnected sources - zoning maps, municipal codes, county websites, and even Zillow, just to answer a simple question like, "What can be built on this parcel of land?". To address this, she developed MyTownAI, an intelligent data hub that consolidates information and utilizes low-cost digital twins to enable municipalities to run simulations, ranging from modeling the impact of zoning changes to exploring economic development strategies.The platform is designed to serve the vast, often-overlooked majority of American communities: the 83% of towns with fewer than 10,000 people. By providing accessible AI tools to under-resourced governments, Nichole is driven by a powerful vision for the future of the public sector."I want to see local governments become the next wave of innovation. If you think about it, just that a very small disruption at the local government level has the potential to make huge waves." - Nichole SterlingThis episode concludes with an exploration of how a tool built for government can create a more transparent and collaborative ecosystem for all. MyTownAI aims to enhance civic participation by giving citizens direct access to information and a platform to co-create ideas for their communities. For architects and developers, it represents a future where they can quickly find community-aligned opportunities, accelerating a process that is often opaque and slow. Ultimately, Nichole's work challenges architects to evolve their value proposition from being navigators of a complex system to becoming strategic partners in a data-empowered, citizen-driven future.Guest:Nichole Sterling is the Mayor Pro Tem of Nederland, Colorado, the founder of MyTownAI, and the co-founder of the nonprofit Women Defining AI. As a public servant and civic tech founder, she is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to empower small and under-resourced municipalities. Her work aims to make government more efficient, transparent, and innovative by providing accessible tools for data analysis, scenario planning, and civic engagement.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are an architect or planner who feels the pain of navigating fragmented municipal data. ✅ You are interested in how AI and digital twins can be applied at the local government level. ✅ You want to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns. ✅ You are inspired by stories of non-technical founders solving real-world problems. ✅ You believe technology can enhance civic participation and create more collaborative communities.

How can a career in architecture be more than a single path, but a foundation for a multifaceted professional life? This week, we welcome back Mikael Avery, a designer, educator, and healthcare professional, for a deep dive into his own remarkable journey. Mikael's story is one of continuous exploration, starting with a degree in landscape architecture before moving through urban design, a traditional architectural apprenticeship, and a solo digital fabrication practice. Driven by a desire for a larger impact, he then made a significant pivot, earning a master's degree in occupational therapy to learn about healthcare from the inside out. Today, his work weaves all these threads together as a senior lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, a collaborator with design firms, and the co-leader of a medical device startup.Throughout the conversation, Mikael explains how he sees these varied roles not as separate careers, but as different facets of one cohesive professional identity: that of a designer and educator. He shares invaluable insights into the cross-pollination of skills between fields, how his designer's mindset informs his work in healthcare, and how the crucial soft skills learned in occupational therapy, like building instant rapport with clients, are vital for architects. His ultimate hope for the profession is a return to its fundamental purpose."Architecture is a service profession. Because our work is in service of the people. And so I think the more students who graduate and really appreciate that service aspect of architecture and design, I think the more in demand designers will be." - Mikael AveryThis episode concludes with a powerful reframing of what a career can be. Mikael's journey is a testament to seeing a career not as a linear path to be followed, but as a continuous development propelled by curiosity and a desire to learn. He offers actionable advice for anyone looking to forge their own way: start with confidence in your design skills, be curious, learn the language of other industries, and build a network to create opportunities. His story is a compelling case for how a commitment to service can unlock the true value of design in any field.Guest:Mikael Avery is a designer, educator, maker, and healthcare professional working at the intersection of architecture, product design, and health. He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses in the architecture department and the Integrated Product Design program. Alongside his teaching, he advises healthcare systems, collaborates with design firms like Fifteen, and co-leads a medical device startup, embodying a truly interdisciplinary approach to practice.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are exploring a non-linear career and want to see how different interests can form a cohesive whole. ✅ You want to understand how skills from other industries, like healthcare, can benefit architectural practice.✅ You are a student or young professional seeking advice on how to forge your own unique career path. ✅ You believe in the power of design to have a larger social impact beyond the building. ✅ You are inspired by the idea of architecture as a service profession and want to explore what that means.

What happens when an architect's skillset is applied not just to buildings, but to the complex systems that shape our cities, policies, and climate? This week, Evelyn is joined by co-host Larry Fabbroni and his longtime friend and Carnegie Mellon classmate, Mark Chambers, an environmental policy leader and architect who has taken his training from design studios to city halls and the White House.This rich conversation explores Mark's remarkable career arc, from practicing architect to the Sustainability Director for Washington D.C. and New York City, and later, the first Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience in the Biden White House. Mark explains how he views his architectural training as the discipline of a "three-dimensional problem solver," a skill that allows him to deconstruct and reassemble complex policy challenges just as he would a building. He argues that this skillset is a strategic advantage, especially in interdisciplinary rooms where the architectural perspective is unique and highly valued.The discussion goes beyond resumes to tackle the big questions facing the profession and society. When asked how architects can secure more value for their work, Mark challenges the premise of fighting for a bigger piece of the existing pie."I'm questioning the whole pie. I'm questioning the way in which the pie was set up. It's like, I don't want a bigger slice. I want a different pie." - Mark ChambersThis episode concludes with a masterclass in optimistic disruption, as Mark advocates for a fundamental reimagining of the architect's role - from a service provider to an owner, a caretaker, and a shaper of systems. He offers advice for professionals at any stage on how to build a personal narrative, take calculated chances, find their audience, and use their unique skills to drive collective action and build the future they want to see.GuestMark Chambers is an architect, environmental policy leader, and social impact designer focused on the intersection of climate action, community, and the built environment. His career has been dedicated to public service, having served as the Director of Sustainability for both New York City and Washington D.C., and as the Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Mark uses his architectural training to solve complex systemic problems and advocate for a more sustainable and equitable future.Larry Fabbroni is an architect with over two decades in practice. He formerly led master planning projects at Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects and Strada Architecture, working on some of the largest development projects in the U.S. Today, he serves as a consultant specializing in strategic pre-development services and as CIO for the Practice of Architecture. Larry earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and strategy.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are curious about career paths for architects in public policy, climate action, and government. ✅ You want to understand how an architectural skillset can be a strategic advantage in non-traditional roles. ✅ You feel frustrated by the existing systems and are looking for inspiration to challenge the status quo. ✅ You are seeking an optimistic framework for staying hopeful and effective in a time of uncertainty. ✅ You want advice on how to build a career narrative, take chances, and find your voice to make an impact.

What happens when you reach the pinnacle of a successful architecture career and realize you're no longer working toward the next thing? This week, we are joined by Laura Sachtleben, a leader who spent two decades in practice, rising to Vice President and Global Sector Leader at Stantec, before making the courageous decision to step away and redefine her path.Laura shares her journey from knowing she wanted to be an architect in the sixth grade to building an impressive, 20-year career within a single firm that evolved from a small studio to a global powerhouse. She describes the gradual realization that, despite her success, the role that once energized her was no longer providing personal growth. This led her to take an intentional six-month sabbatical to reflect, explore, and "design her life".The conversation delves into the practical steps Laura took during her break, from reading and journaling to having candid conversations with colleagues who had forged different paths. This period of discovery led her to her current role as Chief Strategy Officer at Landscape Forms, a company whose values around design, culture, and sustainability aligned perfectly with her own. Laura offers invaluable advice for anyone contemplating a career change, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth."A successful career has to be one linear path - that's what I was taught in school. And the reality is that's not the path for everyone. And then there may be a next phase to your career. And then there could be a phase after that." - Laura Flannery SachtlebenThis episode concludes with the understanding that Laura's story is not about leaving architecture behind, but about evolving her relationship with it. She discusses how her architectural skillset translates directly to her new strategic role and how she continues to be a passionate advocate and mentor for the profession, proving that you can have a profound impact from both inside and outside of traditional practice.Guest:Laura Flannery Sachtleben is the Chief Strategy Officer for Landscape Forms, a company dedicated to creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor furnishings. Before joining Landscape Forms, she spent two decades in architectural practice, where she rose to become Vice President and Global Sector Leader for Education, Science and Technology at Stantec. A passionate lifelong learner and mentor, Laura continues to advocate for the profession through her involvement with the AIA and by guiding architects at all stages of their careers.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You are an established professional feeling like you've hit a plateau in your career. ✅ You are contemplating a major career change but don't know where or how to start. ✅ You want practical advice on how to take a reflective and productive career break.✅ You are curious about how the skills of an architect translate to leadership roles in adjacent industries. ✅ You are looking for mentorship advice for navigating the different stages of a career in architecture and beyond.

What happens when a software startup becomes a full-service, AI-powered architecture firm?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Patrick Chopson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture (formerly Cove Tool). What began as a mission to provide architects with performance analysis tools has evolved into Cove Architecture, the first AI-driven practice reimagining how buildings are conceived, coordinated, and delivered.Patrick shares the story of Cove's evolution, from its roots as a SaaS platform to its pivot into consultancy, and now into a full-service design studio backed by over $36 million in venture funding. Their debut project, a multifamily complex in Atlanta's West End, was designed in just 15 days, demonstrating how AI can accelerate timelines by 60%, improve cost accuracy, and cut iteration expenses nearly in half.Beyond efficiency, Patrick envisions AI as a force for design excellence. By offloading code checks, zoning analysis, and cost modeling, architects are freed to focus on creativity, meaning, and beauty. He reflects on how Cove integrates human expertise with machine intelligence, how AI supports senior architects in elevating design, and why training and mentorship must adapt in this new era.The conversation also touches on the business model of architecture: how venture capital is reshaping practice, what “AI-powered but human-centered” really means, and how these tools might democratize design for firms of all sizes.“Being AI-powered doesn't mean removing the human from the process. It means empowering the expert architect to do what they do best: elevate design, mentor the next generation, and create lasting impact.” - Patrick ChopsonThis episode concludes with a reflection on the future of practice: from profitability and scale to sustainability and mentorship. Patrick challenges architects to see AI not as a threat, but as an opportunity to design more bespoke, more sustainable, and more beautiful buildings, and to build a profession that is more resilient for generations to come.Guest:Patrick Chopson, AIA is Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cove Architecture. With a background in mechanical engineering, high-performance building design, and sustainability consulting, Patrick has over 20 years of experience advancing tools that merge technology with design excellence. At Cove Architecture, he leads the charge in creating an AI-powered, human-centered model of practice.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You're curious about how AI is transforming architectural practice✅ You want to learn how venture-backed firms are reshaping the field✅ You're navigating mentorship and training in an AI-powered environment✅ You believe architecture must evolve to deliver sustainable, bespoke designWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

What happens when innovation isn't just a lofty ideal, but an everyday discipline accessible to everyone in an organization?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Dr. Simone Ahuja, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, bestselling author, and founder of Blood Orange. Simone's path from dentistry to advising Fortune 500 companies on frugal innovation is anything but ordinary. Drawing on her research into jugaad innovation - a mindset of resourcefulness rooted in doing more with what you have - she helps leaders cut through “innovation theater” and focus on creating real, tangible value.Together, they explore how constraints can actually spark creativity, why the democratization of innovation matters, and how leaders can foster cultures of problem solving that scale from the grassroots up. Simone shares practical frameworks for managing up, influencing decision-makers, and breaking big challenges into small, testable experiments, whether you're in a small firm or a multinational corporation.The conversation connects back to architecture, where creative thinking often thrives in design work but lags in business operations. Simone challenges firms to think beyond client deliverables and embrace strategic abandonment, distributed innovation, and leadership practices that create space for both reflection and experimentation.Her message is clear: innovation is not reserved for R&D teams. It's a discipline, a mindset, and a shared responsibility across every level of an organization.“Innovation is some of the best training out there for leaders for navigating uncertainty, because you're thinking about what problems exist, how to rigorously prioritize, how to move forward and learn from that, and how to influence others along the way." - Dr. Simone AhujaThis episode closes with a reminder that disruption brings opportunity to those willing to reframe problems, leverage existing assets, and learn from other industries. Innovation doesn't have to be big, or expensive, it just has to add new value.Guest:Dr. Simone Ahuja is the founder of Blood Orange, a Minneapolis-based innovation strategy firm, and the author of Disrupt-It-Yourself and co-author of Jugaad Innovation. She works with organizations like Target, 3M, and Stanley Black & Decker to help leaders and teams innovate smarter without overcomplicating the process. Drawing on her background in dentistry, improv comedy, and grassroots entrepreneurship research, Simone champions resourceful problem solving and the democratization of innovation.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You want to move beyond “innovation theater” into real, measurable change✅ You're looking for practical tools to foster innovation in your team or firm✅ You believe constraints can be a catalyst for creativity✅ You want to make problem solving a shared discipline across your organizationWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

The world our kids are growing up in is changing at lightning speed, and the church must be ready. In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder and her guests take us into a forward-looking conversation about the next generation, Generation Beta, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with discipling their families. As we reflect on the shifting landscape of culture, technology, and faith, we are reminded that our calling as ministry leaders has never been more important.Shelly Melia serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children's and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master's degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.This discussion explores how emerging technologies, including AI, are influencing parenting styles and reshaping family life. Special guest Shelly Melia offers deep insights into the challenges Gen Z faces in discerning truth in a digital world saturated with misinformation, emphasizing the church's vital role in pointing them toward God's Word as the source of absolute truth. This episode also highlights how discipleship strategies must adapt to focus on authentic relationships, meaningful rituals, and creating space for honest questions and doubts. With intergenerational collaboration, curiosity, and intentionality, ministry leaders can provide the supportive environment children and youth need to grow strong in their faith. If you found this conversation helpful, we'd love for you to rate, review, and share this episode so more ministry leaders can join the conversation. Together, let's continue building ministries that not only meet the needs of today but also shape the faith of tomorrow.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Dr. Shelly MeliaJoin us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What does it look like when advocacy is embedded into the DNA of how one practices?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee is joined by Pascale Sablan, architect, activist, and the 2023-2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). As the founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment, Pascale has spent her career not only designing spaces, but designing platforms for visibility, equity, and justice in architecture.Together, they explore Pascale's path into the profession, from being one of the few Black women in her architecture school cohort to becoming a nationally recognized leader in advocacy-driven practice. She shares the origin story behind Beyond the Built, her reflections on the labor of representation, and the importance of documenting and uplifting the voices of BIPOC designers across time and space.The conversation also delves into the systems that uphold exclusion in architecture, and how Pascale works to dismantle them through action: challenging AIA policies, creating traveling exhibitions, and supporting youth pipeline initiatives. Her message is clear: architecture must move beyond statements and toward systems of accountability."To advocate is not just to speak! It's to act, It's to move, to challenge, to build. Advocacy is a verb." - Pascale SablanThis episode concludes with a reflection on legacy, lineage, and the responsibility of naming, and remembering those who have been historically erased. It's a call to not just imagine a more equitable profession, but to build it.Guest:Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP is the 2023–2024 President of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Founder & Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment. A Principal at Adjaye Associates, Pascale is an award-winning architect, advocate, and historian whose work challenges systemic injustice and promotes visibility for marginalized designers. She is the 315th living Black woman licensed to practice architecture in the United States.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if:✅ You want to integrate advocacy into your design practice✅ You're looking for models of leadership grounded in justice✅ You're committed to making the profession more inclusive✅ You believe in honoring history while building a more equitable futureWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

What does it mean to be an architect today, and is the traditional path still the most valuable one?To kick off Season 11, we welcome the three hosts of the Most Podern Podcast: Alex Yuen, Minkoo Kang, and Libo Li. They are three friends who, since their architectural education, have forged distinct, non-traditional careers that challenge the conventional definition of practice. The episode delves into their journeys as an architect-developer, an OMA designer turned developer and MIT instructor, and a self-proclaimed "career job changer" now working as a data engineer at Meta.The conversation starts by exploring the complex relationship between title and identity. How do you introduce yourself when your work spans architecture, development, academia, and big tech? This question opens up a candid discussion about the profession's insecurities, the value of an architectural education versus its real-world blind spots (like economics and finance), and the constant struggle to define and advocate for the value architects provide.The hosts debate whether people like them, who have stepped outside the traditional lines, make it harder to define that value, or if they are simply responding to a profession in need of new models. They tackle the "rule books" architects often ignore, the ones written by capitalism and market forces, and question the cultural mindset that often prevents practitioners from adapting."The hypothesis should be - design is not valuable and you should try to disprove that, which is a totally different way of looking at the problem." - Libo LiThis episode is packed with invaluable advice for both aspiring architects and fed-up mid-career professionals. From questioning your professors to getting comfortable with discomfort and learning to code, the hosts share actionable steps for anyone looking to make a change. Finally, they look to the future, discussing the end of the "Starkitect" era, the potential for AI to create single-person powerhouse firms, and why finding a support network is critical to making any leap.Guests:Alex Yuen is a licensed architect, educator, and co-founder of Co, a California-based design and development firm focused on affordable housing. He also teaches urban design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.Minkoo Kang is an architect-turned-developer and an instructor at MIT's Center for Real Estate. A former designer at OMA, his work now focuses on understanding the financial forces that shape the built environment. He is the co-author of the newly released book, Value of Design.Libo Li is a data engineer at Meta and the author of the newsletter Building Probable, which explores data and the built environment. A self-described "career job changer," his path has taken him from architecture to data engineering, startups, and now big tech, driven by a desire to learn from different industries.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You are navigating a non-traditional career with an architecture degree. ✅ You question the traditional definition of architectural value. ✅ You are a student considering a career in architecture and want a realistic perspective. ✅ You are a mid-career professional feeling "fed up" and contemplating a change. ✅ You are curious about how economics, tech, and AI are reshaping the future of practice.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

We're continuing our Milestone Series this summer with one of the most pivotal seasons in a child's spiritual journey: the preteen years. In this episode, Danielle Bell and Jeremy Carroll dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with walking alongside preteens as they begin to form their own faith identity and prepare for the transition into student ministry.These aren't just “in-between” years—they're milestone moments that matter. From conversations about purity and identity to creating space for honest questions and peer relationships, preteen ministry is where lasting faith often takes root. Danielle and Jeremy reflect on their personal ministry callings, share practical strategies for empowering preteens through service and leadership, and explore how intergenerational relationships in the church can fuel spiritual growth and connection.Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation on the importance of preteen milestones. If you found this episode helpful or inspiring, we'd love for you to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more ministry leaders and parents who are walking this journey, too. And don't forget to share this episode with your ministry team or someone who works with preteens—they'll be encouraged by the wisdom and heart in this conversation. Let's keep showing up for this generation, one milestone at a time!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

What happens when the disruptors pause to reflect on the disruption?For the 200th episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee welcomes back a very special guest: her original co-creator and former co-host, Je'Nen Chastain. Five years after they launched the podcast to challenge the conventions of architectural practice, they reunite for a milestone conversation about how their paths have evolved, the inflection points facing the profession, and why the work of changing the industry is more urgent than ever.Since stepping away from the microphone, Je'Nen has been building Apostrophe Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping AEC firms implement the real, substantial change they often only talk about. She shares how her work focuses on treating firm evolution as a design problem, addressing critical challenges like leadership transition, knowledge transfer, and the immense pressure on the "stretched thin" middle managers holding the gap between senior leaders and emerging staff.The conversation goes deep into the core issues plaguing the profession, from the "hollowing out" of the talent pipeline due to multiple recessions to the ongoing debate about where business education fits into an architect's training. Je'Nen and Evelyn also get personal, sharing candid reflections on identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of diverging from the traditional career path, and why they are each tackling the industry's problems from their unique perspectives.“Essentially at the core of it, what I'm really trying to change is the culture of how we develop and cultivate architecture firms. One of the things we argued on this podcast over and over again was that the business model was outdated. And I think the reason it's outdated is because culture was never taken into consideration as a design variable in building it." - Je'Nen ChastainThe episode concludes with a look at how Evelyn is leveraging AI as a "teammate" to streamline operations, and a heartfelt congratulations on 200 episodes of creating a platform for the voices shaping the future of practice.Guest:Je'Nen Chastain is the original co-creator and former co-host of the Practice Disrupted podcast. She is the founder of Apostrophe Consulting, where she works with AEC firms to navigate complex challenges including leadership transitions, organizational design, knowledge transfer, and culture change. With a background in architecture and an MBA, Je'Nen combines design thinking with business strategy to help leaders implement meaningful and lasting transformation within their practices. Her mission is to help firms build healthier, more resilient business models where people can thrive.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You're a long-time listener curious about the origins of the podcast ✅ You are navigating a non-traditional career path in architecture ✅ You are a firm leader or middle manager dealing with talent gaps and knowledge transfer ✅ You believe firm culture is a critical component of a healthy business model ✅ You are wrestling with your own sense of identity and belonging within the professionWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

How can architects build more equitable, accessible, and tech-forward tools for the profession?This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Niknaz Aftahi, architect, technologist, and founder of AEC+Tech, to explore how design and technology intersect, and how a background in architecture can lead to reimagining the future of AEC innovation. From early experiences with educational inequality in Iran to launching a platform that connects professionals with emerging tools and workflows, Niknaz shares a career defined by persistence, creativity, and service.Niknaz reflects on the formative role of her underground architectural education in Iran, where she was denied access to public universities due to her religious beliefs. After pursuing graduate studies at UC Berkeley, she worked in Bay Area firms and became increasingly interested in the inefficiencies she saw in traditional design practice. That curiosity led her to create AEC+Tech, a community-centered innovation platform built to democratize access to AEC tools, surface real-world case studies, and connect isolated parts of the industry.Evelyn and Niknaz discuss how small firms can navigate emerging technologies, why inclusive innovation matters, and how AEC+Tech has evolved from a simple database into a growing network of architects, engineers, and builders who are ready to experiment. They also touch on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and why Niknaz believes firm culture, and ultimately, the industry, can be transformed through collective learning.“Once you have a vision and you believe in a project or a goal, you don't need to know what the final product is going to be. But with perseverance, consistency, and belief, you will make it work.” - Niknaz AftahiThe episode concludes with a reflection on rethinking career paths in architecture and the power of showing up with intention, even when the route ahead is uncertain.Guest: Niknaz Aftahi is the CEO and founder of AEC+Tech, an innovation platform that helps connect AEC professionals with emerging tools and technologies. Trained as an architect, she previously led design and technology initiatives at ELS Architecture and Urban Design and co-founded their internal Design Technology Committee. She currently serves on AIA San Francisco's Design Technology Committee and teaches online architecture courses to Baha'i students in Iran through the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education. Her work centers equity, access, and knowledge sharing in the built environment.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You're curious about the intersection of architecture and technology ✅ You want to explore alternative career paths beyond firm life ✅ You're passionate about building community and sharing knowledge ✅ You're navigating how to introduce innovation inside (or outside) traditional systemsWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

Send us a textHow often do you feel like you're running on empty—juggling responsibilities, pouring into others, and struggling to find a moment to simply breathe? For many, rest can feel like a luxury instead of a spiritual rhythm. In this honest and relatable conversation, we're diving into the concept of Sabbath and discovering that it's not about doing nothing—it's about choosing what matters most.Listeners will hear real talk about managing packed schedules, navigating their roles as wives and mothers, and stewarding the authority and influence God has entrusted to them. The episode explores how Sabbath can help prevent burnout, strengthen relationships, and create space for joy and flourishing—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.This episode is both an invitation and a challenge: to slow down, listen to God, and embrace the life He's calling you to live. You don't have to earn rest—it's a gift from God. If this episode encouraged you to protect that gift and live more intentionally, send it to a friend and keep the conversation going. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Angie Elkins Connect with Stacey ThackerHaven Women podcast

Send us a textWaiting is never easy. Whether you're longing for answers, healing, or in uncharted territory, those in-between moments can feel discouraging and even lonely. But what if the wait isn't a detour, but part of God's divine design? In today's conversation, we explore how the waiting room of life can become a sacred space for transformation.In this heartfelt episode, Nikki Ogden and Angie Elkins dive into the theme of waiting—a topic that resonates deeply with many of us. They share personal stories of waiting on God in different seasons and unpack biblical examples that remind us we are not alone in the pause. From Abraham and Sarah to Hannah and Joseph, Scripture is filled with people who were shaped and strengthened in their waiting.Nikki and Angie offer wisdom on how to embrace waiting as a spiritual discipline rather than a passive delay. They discuss the importance of cultivating spiritual habits, remaining active in faith, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community.Waiting is not a waste—it's an invitation to trust God more deeply. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone else who needs a reminder that they're not waiting alone. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Angie ElkinsWorking It vs. Working For It with Lisa Whittle

Send us a textHave you ever found yourself thinking, “I'm not depressed… but I'm not exactly thriving either”? As women who are juggling family, work, faith, and countless responsibilities, it's easy to settle into survival mode. But what if God invites us to something more—something deeper than simply not feeling bad? What if He desires for us to flourish?In this eye-opening episode, Dr. David Carreon joins the conversation to explore the powerful idea that flourishing—not just the absence of depression—is the true goal of mental and spiritual health. Drawing from his clinical experience, Dr. Carreon helps us understand what flourishing looks like and how it involves more than just feeling “okay.” It's about cultivating a life of purpose, connection, and joy.Whether you've struggled with depression or just feel stuck in a spiritual or emotional rut, this conversation is a grace-filled invitation to pursue a life that is vibrant, grounded, and whole. You were created to flourish, not just function. Let this conversation be the first step toward embracing a more joy-filled, connected, and purposeful life. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Angie ElkinsThe Opposite of Depression