The Interior Design Business CEO: Recent Episodes
Desi Creswell
The Interior Design Business CEO podcast helps designers stop feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed and empowers them with the tools and strategies they need to start feeling calm, confident, and in control of their business. Join Certified Life and Business Coach, and award-winning Interior Designer, Desi Creswell, as she pairs mindset with effective tips, tools, and processes to help you stop feeling pulled in a million different directions, and start building a profitable, fulfilling business that enriches and supports your life as a whole.
This show is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I manage my time so I stop feeling so busy? How do I balance running my business with my life? I know what I need to do, why can't I just do it?
For more support with creating a life and business you love, visit www.desicreswell.com to learn more about my intimate group coaching program, Out of Overwhelm.
The podcast is going on pause while I take a six-month sabbatical, but there is still so much here to support you in the meantime. In this short update, I'm sharing what to expect while I'm away, where to start in the podcast archive, and how to continue using these resources to support your growth as an interior design business owner.
Whether you're new to the show or have been here for years, this is an opportunity to revisit episodes that resonate, explore topics that meet you in your current season, and stay connected through Monday Mindset. I'll be back this fall with new episodes, and until then, there are plenty of tools, resources, and guidance to support you and your business.
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Get my free Life & Business Vision Journal: https://www.desiid.com/vision
Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/planner
What if the challenges you're facing in your business aren't coming from just one place, but from a combination of how you're thinking, how you're feeling, and what you're doing? In this episode, I'm sharing the Designed to Thrive framework, my holistic approach to growth that brings together mind, body, and strategy so you can build a business that actually works for you.
As this is the final episode before my sabbatical, I wanted to leave you with a core framework you can return to while I'm away. I walk you through each part of this approach and how to use it as a lens when something feels off in your business. Instead of jumping straight to fixing the strategy, you'll learn how to look at what's happening from multiple angles so you can identify what truly needs attention.
By the end of this episode, you'll have a new way to evaluate what's working, what isn't, and what to do next. This is a framework you can come back to again and again as your business evolves, helping you move forward with more intention, confidence, and trust in yourself.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/169
If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Have you ever felt like you need to hit pause, take a step back, and re-evaluate? In today's episode, I'm sharing why I've decided to take a sabbatical and what that means for me, my business, and you. I'll also dive into how you can navigate your own major life changes, whether it's a sabbatical or another type of transition.
I walk you through the internal work involved in making decisions, why taking time off can actually be a game-changer for your business, and what can happen when you embrace new paths. This episode is a personal behind-the-scenes look at my decision, and I'm sharing my process to help you move through your own moments of transition with confidence and clarity.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/168
If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
What if the stress you're feeling with clients or your team isn't actually about what they're doing, but about what you expect them to do without ever saying it? In this episode, I introduce the concept of manuals, those unwritten operating rules you have for other people, and how they quietly create frustration, miscommunication, and emotional friction in your interior design business.
I walk you through what manuals are, how to spot them, and why they lead to disappointment when they go unspoken. You'll learn how these hidden expectations show up in your relationships with clients, team members, and partners, and why relying on others to meet them keeps you stuck in frustration. I also share a simple exercise to help you identify your own manuals and begin releasing the ones that are no longer serving you.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/167
If you love what you're learning on the show, and want to learn how I can support you, click here to learn more about coaching: https://desicreswell.com/coaching
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
What if better clients and smoother projects start long before you ever begin designing?
In this episode, I sit down with Jaquilyn Edwards of Ochre & Beige to talk about how the words you use on your website, in consultations, and throughout your process, shape the kind of clients you attract and the experience you create. This conversation is all about being more intentional with your messaging so you can build trust earlier and lead your projects with more clarity and confidence.
Join us this week to hear how language can either strengthen your positioning or quietly undermine it, why leading is more effective than justifying, and how your values can come through in ways that create a stronger connection with best fit clients. Jaquilyn also shares how small shifts in wording can influence client behaviour, reduce pushback, and support a more aligned and collaborative working relationship from inquiry to install.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/166
Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Are you carrying too much in your head right now? Between client details, timelines, delegation, and daily decisions, it can feel like your brain never fully turns off. In this episode, I introduce the concept of a digital brain and explain how creating external storage for your ideas, systems, and responsibilities can dramatically lighten your mental load and support a more efficient interior design business.
I share why your human brain was never meant to hold everything and how relying on memory alone increases overwhelm and mistakes. You'll learn how to create simple, centralized digital spaces that protect your time and mental bandwidth, support better delegation, and reduce the constant looping of unfinished tasks. When you free up mental space, you create more room for creativity, thoughtful leadership, and strategic growth in your design business.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/165
Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by time? How you relate to time has a significant impact on how you manage your business and personal goals. Shifting your mindset can help you move from a place of pressure and scarcity to one of ease, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
In this episode, I guide you through the process of reshaping your relationship with time. By viewing it as a resource that supports you, you'll feel more control over your day and less stressed about meeting your goals. This shift will help you use time intentionally, making it work in your favor.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/164
Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
How do you build a schedule that actually supports the way you work instead of constantly working against you? So many designers try to copy someone else's routine or force themselves into a structure that looks good on paper but falls apart in real life. The result is frustration, inefficiency, and a constant feeling of being behind before the day even begins.
In this episode, I walk you through how to create a daily and weekly rhythm that reflects your workstyle, capacity, and responsibilities as a design CEO. Rather than prescribing a rigid formula, I share the principles and questions I use with my clients to help you design a schedule that bends with the realities of client work, team leadership, creative demands, and personal life. This is about building a framework that supports focus, momentum, and flexibility without burning you out.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/163
Access the free Get It Done Daily Planner: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
That feeling of always thinking you could have done more, wishing you were farther along, or feeling behind is something many designers experience. In this episode, I'm sharing my own struggle of closing out the year with a clean slate, only to feel like it wasn't enough. We'll focus on how to manage your time and plan effectively while cultivating the feeling of completeness. You'll learn how to interrupt the emotional patterns that keep you stuck in the "never enough" cycle and why embracing completeness creates momentum. You'll also discover how to become a boss you can trust, one who honors their word and takes time off when promised. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/162
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
What happens when you set your goals as if the start of the year is a blank slate? In this episode, I am looking at the reality that you are already carrying client work, ongoing commitments, and your personal life into the new year. The key to making steady progress is understanding the whole cost of your goals so you do not overextend yourself or your team. I am sharing the number one consideration you need before setting your 2026 goals and why the whole cost matters for every decision you make. You will learn how to break goals into manageable steps and choose priorities that match your capacity rather than your wish list. This approach will help you plan with confidence and choose goals that you can follow through on all year long. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/161
Sign up for Create Your 2026 Roadmap to join us on January 9th and 16th, 2026: https://www.desiid.com/2026roadmap
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
What if you could close out the year with intention, rather than rushing ahead to the next? In this episode, I'm guiding you through a reflection practice that will help you honor the past year before stepping into the next. This isn't just another end-of-year exercise. This practice will directly influence how you set your goals for the coming year by shaping how you see yourself as a business owner. The exercise I'm sharing is a letter-writing practice to past you, reflecting on everything you've done this year with gratitude. We're not focused on evaluating results or what you missed. This is about appreciating your growth, the challenges you overcame, and the person you've become along the way. By honoring your journey, you strengthen the identity of someone who shows up, creates wins, and evolves as a resilient CEO. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/160
Sign up for Create Your 2026 Roadmap to join us on January 9th and 16th, 2026: https://www.desiid.com/2026roadmap
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
What do you need to do to achieve your goals in 2026? All of us have set points, what we are comfortable having and doing, and where we hold ourselves back. In this episode, I'm diving into how these invisible barriers show up as "floors and ceilings" in your interior design business. These floors are what you're stuck to or cannot move beyond, while ceilings represent the bigger goals and what you need to break through to reach them. The identity shifts required to achieve your 2026 goals are an essential part of sustainable business growth. I'm exploring how your past, present, and future self concept directly impacts what you are able to create in your company. While this episode is rooted in mindset, you'll walk away with tangible takeaways you can start using immediately as you dream up what you want to create and achieve in 2026. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/159
Sign up for Create Your 2026 Roadmap and get early bird pricing until December 16, 2025: https://www.desiid.com/2026roadmap
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the year-end rush? As the holidays approach, the pressure to finish tasks, meet deadlines, and prepare for the new year can feel intense. But what if you could reduce the stress, stay on top of your business, and still enjoy the season? In this episode, I'm walking you through a planning strategy to help you wrap up the year with clarity and confidence. I'll share my approach to creating a "bridge plan" that transitions you smoothly from Q4 to Q1, helping you prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait until January. You'll learn how to create a "soft landing, smooth takeoff," avoiding that last-minute scramble and starting the new year refreshed. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/158
For the resources mentioned in this episode or to stay tuned for details about Create Your 2026 Roadmap, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Do you struggle with marketing? Marketing your interior design business requires visibility and connection with potential clients. For introverts who prefer smaller groups and more intimate interactions, traditional marketing advice can feel overwhelming and misaligned with their natural working style. The challenge becomes finding ways to share your work authentically while honoring your temperament and energy levels. In this episode, I'm exploring how to create marketing strategies that align with your individual strengths and preferences as a business owner. Whether you identify as an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, the key is understanding that effective marketing doesn't require you to be someone you're not. I share personal examples of how I structure my marketing activities to support my introverted nature while still achieving business growth. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/157
For the resources mentioned in this episode or to stay tuned for details about Create Your 2026 Roadmap, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
Big goals and bold changes often come with a surprising amount of resistance. Whether it's a shift you know needs to happen or a dream you keep putting off, the tug of war between wanting to move forward and feeling frozen can leave you exhausted. That resistance isn't a sign you're unprepared or unmotivated; it's fear doing its job of trying to keep you safe from uncertainty. In this episode, I'm sharing a coaching tool called a fear inventory that helps you get unstuck, build confidence, and take aligned action on the things you've been avoiding. I walk you through how I've used this process to make some of my biggest business decisions, including shifting the podcast schedule, closing my design practice, and investing in new levels of support, and how this same strategy can help you move through your own pivotal moments with more ease and clarity. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/156
For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
How do you make decisions that honor both your business goals and your energy as the owner? Every decision about where I invest my time, money, and mental bandwidth shapes not only my bottom line but also my day-to-day experience as a business owner. The most sustainable businesses come from taking a holistic approach, listening to both the data and my gut when making decisions. In this behind-the-scenes episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own business to show how I make choices about resources and navigate changes as priorities shift. You'll get a real-world look at strategic decision-making in action. Plus, I share an important announcement about changes to the podcast schedule and how this shift demonstrates exactly how I'm walking my talk when it comes to resource allocation and running toward what I want to create in my business. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/155
For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sign up to my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset
Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/
This week, I’m pausing to share a powerful question for you to journal or think through. I also suggest revisiting a past episode with a fresh perspective for new takeaways. Next Wednesday, I’ll be back with a big announcement about the podcast and a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m navigating changes in my business. For the resources available to you or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Sometimes the smallest tasks create the biggest mental weight. That pile of papers on your desk, the drawer you’ve been meaning to organize, the business process that needs updating – they sit there, taking up space in your mind every single day. The energy you spend thinking about these undone tasks often exceeds the energy required to actually complete them. In this pep talk episode, I share a simple four-step process for moving past avoidance and procrastination to finally tackle those lingering tasks. Using my own closet overhaul as a real-world example, I walk through exactly how I shift from endless postponement to actual completion. The same process works for personal projects and business tasks that keep getting bumped to next week’s to-do list. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/154
For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
How do you protect creative time when you’re balancing a design business, family life, and a packed calendar? For designer CEOs, carving out dedicated time to create the vision for new projects isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for project success and team clarity. In this follow-up to last week’s listener Q&A, I’m diving into the practicalities of defining and honoring creative time as part of your regular workflow, even while managing team delegation and project reviews. I’m also reflecting on my own summer slowdown, including what went right, what didn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. From perfectionism showing up in unexpected ways to finding powerful personal growth before summer even began, I’m pulling back the curtain on my experience. You’ll learn how to manage expectations, re-decide on your plans without guilt, and set boundaries that actually stick. Plus, I’ll share the phrase that’s helped me extend the same grace to myself that I naturally give to others. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/153
For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
How do you manage growing pains when bringing on a new employee while keeping your business running smoothly? That’s the question one listener asked, and it’s one many designers face when adding their first junior designer. Stepping into leadership, delegating effectively, and staying productive can feel like a delicate balance, especially when client projects and daily design work don’t pause for training. This episode kicks off a two-part Q&A series following CEO Summer School. I dive into practical strategies for onboarding and managing a new team member, pinpointing where delegation often breaks down, and building systems that actually work. I also tackle how to make major business decisions when multiple exciting paths are available, whether that’s growing your current business, pivoting to support other designers, or niching down further. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/152
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
How do you build trust with clients before they even start the inquiry process? For designers, this foundation often determines whether a project becomes a smooth collaboration or a series of stressful negotiations. I’m joined by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors and one of House Beautiful's 2025 Next Wave designers. Melissa has mastered creating client relationships that run deep. You’ll discover how showing behind-the-scenes parts of your work on Instagram builds credibility, why documenting client preferences can transform project outcomes, and how taking full accountability for mistakes can strengthen relationships. Melissa also shares how thoughtful touches in design create lasting connections with clients. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/151
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
What if the key to moving your business forward isn’t having all the answers, but making the right decisions and committing to them? In this episode, we wrap up the CEO Summer School series by exploring why strong decisions are the wheels that drive your business. Every choice you make, from your fees and services to how you spend your time, shapes the trajectory of your business. I break down what makes a decision strong versus weak, why commitment matters more than certainty, and how to stop straddling two mountains with one foot on each. You'll learn how to make choices that create momentum, use your decisions as a tool for learning and growth, and develop the self-leadership that allows you to steer your business toward your vision. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/150
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
What does it take to run a multifaceted design business that balances creativity, leadership, and growth? Katie Kath, CEO and Creative Director of Jkath Design Build, has spent years developing a business model that integrates interior design, custom cabinetry, and renovation management. Her journey from joining a two-person operation to leading an 11-employee team offers invaluable lessons for designers looking to scale their businesses strategically. In this episode, Katie explains her approach to building a team that supports both the CEO and the clients. She offers insights into hiring, delegation, and team alignment. Katie also shares how she identified the “sweet spot,” an optimal business size that allows for continued growth, strong collaboration, and consistent work quality. She discusses how internal review systems, setting clear expectations with clients, and maintaining team cohesion contribute to her company’s success, and how you can apply similar principles to your business. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/149
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Are you solving the right problems in your design business? Every day brings new challenges, from client communications eating up your inbox time to profitability concerns that keep you awake at night. But there’s a key difference between solving symptoms and addressing the root causes that will help your business thrive in the long run. In this episode, I’m sharing truth number six from my CEO Summer School series: effective solutions start with solving the right problems. Through examples from the design industry, I’ll show you how to dig deeper and identify what’s really going on beneath the surface. You’ll learn why your brain gravitates toward quick fixes, how to spot the difference between avoiding discomfort and taking the easiest path, and how to pinpoint the true problem. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/148
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Is your design business ready to take the next step with PR? If you’ve been wondering how public relations could help you grow your firm but aren’t sure when or how to get started, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we dive into the strategies that can take your brand from local visibility to national recognition. I’m joined by Allison Hay, a seasoned communications strategist and PR expert with over a decade of experience in the design industry. She has worked with top-tier design firms and brands, helping them secure media coverage and amplify their presence. Allison shares her expert advice on how to navigate the world of PR and what you need to do to see measurable results, whether you’re just starting to explore PR or ready to elevate your approach. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/147
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Building a strong team goes beyond simply hiring the right people. It requires a fundamental shift in how you engage with those who support your business. Many creative CEOs hire for relief, hoping to finally hand off tasks they don't enjoy or feel overwhelmed by. But this relief can quickly turn into frustration when team members aren't delivering the results you expected, or worse, when mistakes go unnoticed until they become costly problems. In this episode, I'm sharing truth number five from the CEO Summer School series: true CEOs collaborate, they don't abdicate. This means recognizing that while you're bringing on team members to handle specific tasks and responsibilities, you remain a key ingredient in creating your business's success. Collaboration allows you to be the driver of your business while having others who understand where you're going and help you get there. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/146
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Do you often find yourself being your own toughest critic? Running a business as an interior designer requires resilience, but constantly focusing on what you haven’t done perfectly can hold you back from reaching your true potential. In today’s episode, I’m diving into why practicing self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools you can develop as a designer CEO. Self-compassion isn’t about letting yourself off the hook; it's about shifting your mindset to support yourself through challenges, setbacks, and mistakes. By embracing kindness and understanding toward yourself, you’ll break free from perfectionism and quiet your inner critic. You’ll discover how this approach not only helps you feel better but also increases your efficiency and problem-solving ability. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/145
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Running a business is like being on an upward spiral - you're continually expanding as your business expands, but the spiral isn't always smooth. You bump up against internal limits and ceilings, often of your own creation. When you understand that scaling is an inside job, you develop the toolkit to move beyond them. Truth number four in the CEO Summer School series reveals that your business growth and all those outward markers of success start inside of you. In this episode, you'll discover how to address root issues instead of surface-level symptoms, understand why self-awareness without self-blame is crucial, and learn to recognize when your self-concept needs an upgrade to match your business expansion. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/144
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Are hidden time and energy drains quietly sabotaging your productivity? It’s easy to focus on the obvious tasks—proposals, appointments, and emails—but what about the subtle drains that can add up over time? In today’s episode, we’re revisiting the important topic of time and energy leaks in your business, which are often harder to spot but can be just as costly. This is a follow-up to truth number three in my CEO Summer School series, where we talked about taking control of your time to shape your future. You’ll discover how simple shifts can plug these leaks and create more time and energy for what truly matters in your business. I’ll share actionable strategies that will help you work smarter, not harder, and feel more energized as you move toward your business goals. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/143
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Could time management be the key to creating the business and life you want? If you feel like you’re always running out of time or struggling to get things done, this episode will give you a new perspective. In truth number three of CEO Summer School, I’m sharing why taking control of your time is the first step toward taking control of your future. You’ll learn why time management gets a bad reputation and how a shift in perspective can help you see it as a tool for freedom rather than restriction. With a simple, sustainable approach to planning, you’ll build the foundation needed to grow your business and make more deliberate progress toward your vision. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/142
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of pursuing a vision for your business? Setting your vision and pursuing it boldly can feel daunting, especially when you’re focused on what you want three years from now. In this follow-up to CEO Summer School's truth number two, I’m highlighting a crucial distinction that impacts your energy, effectiveness, and enjoyment as you build your interior design business.
The difference between running toward what you want versus running from what you fear shapes every decision you make and action you take. This subtle shift in focus can determine whether you’re overcorrecting, settling for "good enough," or truly moving toward your vision with confidence.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/141
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Are you stuck trying to figure out what your business vision should look like? Maybe you know what you want but are unsure how to take action toward it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing truth number two from my CEO Summer School series: "What I Know for Sure." In order to grow a thriving interior design business, you must have a compelling vision of where you're going and pursue it boldly. We’re diving into the importance of setting a clear vision for your business and how to confidently take the necessary steps toward making it a reality. This truth is essential for anyone who wants to stop second-guessing their direction and start moving forward with confidence. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/140
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
If there is no right way to grow your interior design business, how do you know what to do next? In this episode, I dive into how to identify your unique right way forward. Understanding your next steps requires examining three key areas: strategy, mindset, and emotional alignment. I share how to evaluate potential business moves through the lens of your goals and vision, while considering your current capacity and season of life. This practical framework helps you make confident decisions about which opportunities to pursue and which to save for later. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/139
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Are you stuck thinking there’s a “right way” to grow your business? Maybe you’re trying to follow best practices or copying strategies you’ve seen others use, but something still feels off. In this first episode of CEO Summer School, I’m sharing a truth I know for sure: there’s no single “right way” to grow your business. There are countless ways to run a successful interior design business, and the key is finding what works best for you. This is all about moving away from the belief that there’s one perfect method and instead embracing what fits your values, goals, and personal style.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/138
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Are you ready to slow down this summer, but still feel like you should be making progress in your business? Maybe you want to give yourself more space to enjoy the season, but also want to keep your interior design business moving forward. In this episode, I’m announcing the return of CEO Summer School—my free audio series designed to help you navigate the summer months without feeling overwhelmed. This year, we’re bringing it back with a new theme, and I’m excited to share all the details with you. If you participated last year, you’ll want to tune in for a fresh twist this time around. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/137
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool
Is there a part of your business you’re feeling pulled to rethink or do differently? Maybe it’s something you’ve outgrown or a new vision that keeps tugging at your attention. When that “what if” won’t go away, it might be time to reimagine what’s next. In this episode, I’m sharing a process you can use to make big changes in your business with more clarity and confidence. I’ll walk you through the big change I’m making this summer and how you can use the same process to move from an idea to a plan that fits the season you’re in. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/136
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Have you ever started a new habit or routine, only to suddenly find yourself completely off track? That moment when you realize you've "fallen off the wagon" can trigger a spiral of guilt and self-judgment that makes it even harder to start again. These moments of deviation aren't failures at all, they're essential parts of the change process. In this episode, I share how to approach these inevitable moments of inconsistency with curiosity instead of judgment. By dropping the entire construct of "the wagon," you can build genuine self-trust that leads to sustainable change. This shift in perspective helps you recover faster from setbacks, and it transforms how you approach growth in your design business altogether.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/135
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Are you constantly swooping in to save the day, taking on excessive responsibility, and feeling like you're the only one who can do things right? You might be caught in the pattern of overfunctioning, which can lead to burnout without even realizing it. I share the signs of overfunctioning, why we do it, and most importantly, how to break free from this pattern. By understanding the difference between healthy responsibility and overfunctioning, you can create more balance in your business and personal life. I offer practical questions to help you identify your own patterns and strategies to shift toward a more sustainable way of operating. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/134
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Do you struggle to have difficult conversations with clients, contractors, or team members? I've been coaching on this topic a lot lately, and it's clear that many designers find themselves in situations where they worry about coming across as rude or confrontational. In this episode, I dive into why these conversations feel so challenging and how to navigate them with confidence. I share specific strategies to help you communicate more effectively, including how to identify what's really holding you back, ways to shift your mindset, and practical approaches to these conversations. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/133
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Are you drowning in unmade decisions? I call this "decision debt" – the accumulation of postponed choices that drain your energy and keep you stuck in a perpetual state of indecision. As interior designers, we help clients make decisions every day, but often struggle with our own business decisions, letting them pile up until they become overwhelming. In this episode, I'm sharing my framework for clearing decision debt and developing stronger decision-making muscles. I'll help you understand why you might be avoiding decisions, how to identify your unmade choices, and implement a practical system for making decisions with confidence. When you free yourself from decision debt, you'll experience more momentum, clarity, and energy to pursue your vision for your interior design business. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/132
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Is uncertainty in the design industry keeping you up at night? With economic shifts, political changes, and market fluctuations, it's easy to feel like the ground beneath your business is constantly shifting. As interior designers, we're not just navigating our own businesses—we're helping clients make significant investments during these same uncertain times. In this episode, I dive into practical strategies for not just surviving but thriving when everything feels unpredictable. I share why our brains crave certainty and how this natural tendency can actually work against us as business owners. The future may be uncertain, but your ability to navigate it doesn't have to be. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/131
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Have you been ignoring your own needs while taking care of everyone else's? In this special pep talk episode, I explore the powerful practice of identifying what you truly need and then giving it to yourself. Whether it's physical rest, emotional support, or simply permission to want what you want, learning to honor your own signals can transform how you show up in your business and life. The inspiration for this episode came from a listener who shared her beautiful practice of apologizing to herself for the ways she'd been unkind to her own spirit. I explore how we can all become more attuned to our needs, whether they're big or small, internal or external, and how giving ourselves what we need builds our internal resources and supports our goals rather than detracting from them. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/130
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Have you ever found yourself feeling exhausted, resentful, or frustrated with clients, contractors, or even team members? If so, you're likely experiencing the consequences of ineffective boundaries in your interior design business. I see this pattern repeatedly with designers who come to me for coaching—they know they need to set boundaries but struggle with how to establish and maintain them effectively. In this episode, I'm breaking down the four most common boundary-setting mistakes I see interior designers make. By understanding what not to do, you'll gain clarity on how to confidently establish and uphold boundaries that support both you and your business relationships. These insights will help you create a more sustainable business model that allows you to show up at your best while still maintaining healthy professional relationships.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/129
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Are you constantly chasing the next goal, pushing yourself to the limit, and feeling like you can never quite catch up? In today's episode, I'm diving into the crucial distinction between hustling and hard work—two approaches that might seem similar on the surface but lead to dramatically different outcomes for your interior design business and personal wellbeing. I'll walk you through how to recognize whether you're operating from a place of frantic hustle or purposeful hard work, why the emotional fuel behind your actions matters more than the hours you put in, and practical steps to shift your approach if needed. This distinction isn't just about semantics, it's about creating a business that supports your life rather than consumes it, allowing you to achieve meaningful results without sacrificing your well-being in the process.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/128
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Have you been feeling stuck in your interior design business lately? Are you ready to level up but unsure of the next steps to take? Attending a professional retreat or conference could be just the spark you need to reignite your passion and grow your business to new heights.
In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Davis, founder of Davis Interiors and creator of the Midwest Design Retreat. Jennifer shares her insights on how stepping away from the day-to-day operations of your business to attend a retreat can provide the inspiration, validation, and community you need to take your business to the next level.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/127
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
As interior designers, we often juggle multiple projects and deadlines, making it easy to fall into the trap of putting things off until the eleventh hour. But this habit can lead to unnecessary stress, careless mistakes, and even damage to our professional reputation. It's time to make a change.
I dive into the mindset shifts and practical strategies you need to stop doing things last minute. From dropping the self-judgment to finding intrinsic motivation, these tips will help you become more proactive, efficient, and calm in your work.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/126
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
If the thought of a break brings up a ton of fears and worries, it’s time to start planning now to ensure your interior design business is set up for success during those sweet summer months. Whether you want to take extended time off, work a reduced schedule, or simply navigate the changes in rhythm that summer brings, it's important to be intentional about your approach.
I share the 10 key things you need to do now to prepare your business for the summer season. From mapping out project timelines to reviewing your finances, we'll cover all the bases so you can create a summer experience that supports both your business goals and your personal desires.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/125
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I'm an award winning interior designer and a master certified life and business coach. I created this podcast to help designers go from stressed and overwhelmed to calm, confident, and in control because I know that when you thrive, so will your business.
In every episode, I blend mindset concepts, emotional resilience tools, and practical strategies to sustainably grow your interior design business in a way that supports you creatively, financially, and enriches your life by creating self-defined success.
Here we cover essential topics like time management, boundaries, leadership, goal setting, and more to help you streamline your days, increase your profitability, and build a business you love to run.
If you're ready for a holistic approach to business that empowers you as a designer CEO, you're in the right place. And for instant access to free resources that'll help you implement what you learn on the show, visit desicreswell.com.
In this episode, I dive into the dreaded fear of wasting time and energy and explore why it's not actually possible to waste your time if you have the right approach. I share how this fear manifests as withholding effort and how that ultimately keeps you stuck, preventing you from learning and growing.
Join me as I reframe the idea of "wasted" time and effort and discover how to drop the resistance, stop withholding, and start moving forward with more efficiency and less effort. By the end of this episode, you'll have a new perspective on how to approach challenges in your business and feel empowered to take action without fear.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/124
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I'm joined by fellow interior design business coach Nancy Ganzekaufer for a collaborative conversation about six actionable strategies to make the most of your time. From planning your days for maximum efficiency to using AI to streamline communication and project proposals, these tips will help you work smarter, not harder.
None of these strategies will take much time to implement, but they can have a huge impact on your bottom line. If you're ready to optimize your time and boost your profits, this episode is for you.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/123
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I'm sharing the essential habits and practices that have been game-changers for both myself and my clients in creating an interior design business that runs smoothly and supports the life you want to live. These routines will help you feel more grounded, intentional, and in control as the CEO of your business.
Discover how to bookend your week with purpose, schedule time for leadership and focused work, and track the data that matters most. I'm addressing some of the common obstacles that might come up as you implement these routines and giving you strategies to overcome them.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/122
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I'm diving into how to recognize when you're caught in a negative thought spiral and practical strategies to break free from it. By learning to manage your mind in these moments, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm, confidence, and focus in your work and life.
I share five powerful techniques to stop negative thought spirals in their tracks. You'll learn how to separate yourself from your thoughts, ground yourself in the present moment, and find new perspectives that empower you to take action. With practice, you can develop your inner coach and take control of your mental and emotional wellbeing as a design business owner.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/121
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I share a powerful process for systematically assessing new opportunities and invitations. By asking yourself a series of key questions, you can gain clarity on whether saying yes or no is the right decision for you and your business.
Whether you're considering a new design project, partnership, conference, or even your own ideas, this episode will give you the tools to make confident decisions without regret or overextending yourself. Get ready to take control of your schedule and ensure that every opportunity you pursue is fully aligned with your goals and values.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/120
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of risk tolerance and how it impacts your ability to achieve your biggest goals as an interior design business owner. I explore what risk tolerance really means, how to assess where you currently fall on the spectrum, and most importantly - how to expand your capacity to embrace discomfort and uncertainty in pursuit of the results you truly desire.
If you've been struggling to make decisions or take action because of a fear of potential risks or downsides, this episode will provide you with practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. You'll learn how to reframe risk, get clear on the facts, and ultimately develop the willingness to bet on yourself and your business's potential.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/119
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
In this episode, I share my personal experience of setting and achieving a challenging goal last year - doing a headstand in yoga. Through this lens, I explore the importance of giving yourself enough chances to succeed and staying committed to your goals, even when progress feels slow or difficult.
Discover how to approach your interior design business goals with a mindset of persistence and belief in your ability to succeed. Learn practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, celebrating small wins, and continually recommitting to your vision. If you're ready to make meaningful changes in your business this year, this episode will give you the motivation and tools you need to stay the course.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/118
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful interior design business through meaningful relationships? In this episode, I sit down with Kasey Johnson and Regan Nix, the co-founders of Blue Pencil Collective, a full-service design and architecture firm, to explore this very topic. Kasey and Regan also share their experience bringing on a new partner, Christy Davis, to expand the reach of their legacy business.
If you're looking to scale your interior design business through authentic relationship building, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies you won't want to miss. Learn how Blue Pencil Collective has built a thriving firm by prioritizing people and cultivating meaningful connections.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/117
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I'm sharing the three most impactful things you can focus on in quarter one to gain traction and build momentum in your business. By constraining your focus and committing to targeted strategies, you'll be able to make meaningful progress towards what you truly desire, whether that's bringing in your best-fit clients, increasing your profitability, or creating a smoother day-to-day in your business.
I dive into the importance of nurturing relationships, gaining visibility through aligned marketing efforts, and integrating the lessons learned from the previous year. Plus, l share some powerful questions you can ask yourself to get clarity on how to apply these focus areas in your unique business. Let's set ourselves up for an incredible year ahead!
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/116
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Do you struggle with follow-through and honoring commitments to yourself in your interior design business? You're not alone. Self-accountability is an essential skill that many business owners grapple with, especially as their companies grow and evolve.
Tune in to discover practical tips for strengthening your self-accountability muscles. I share the key differences between self-accountability and discipline, explain how to build internal motivation by connecting your daily actions to your larger business vision, and reveal why treating yourself as your most important client is a game-changer.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/115
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
At the heart of building a practice you truly love—one that supports you creatively, financially, and personally—is the ability to make thoughtful decisions.
In this episode, I share some powerful questions and beliefs to help you make decisions and pursue your goals with purpose in the coming year. Join me in reflecting on where you are undecided, where you may be straddling decisions, and what needs to happen for you to step into your next level as a designer CEO. Let's make 2025 a year of turning your wants into your reality!
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/114
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
Goal aversion can manifest in various ways, some obvious and others more subtle. It might look like telling yourself you're not a goal person, doubting your ability to achieve the goal, or fearing disappointment if you fall short. If you avoid setting goals in your interior design business, or you only feel the resistance to truly committing once you’ve already set the goal, this episode is for you.
Learn why we set goals as business owners, how to identify where resistance is showing up for you, and what you can do to move past it. Discover how embracing discomfort and building self-trust can help you navigate the goal-setting process and unlock the next level of your interior design business.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/113
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I share a powerful strategy that will help you stay motivated, accountable, and on track throughout the entire journey: leveraging both progress goals and outcome goals in your interior design business. Utilizing both of these approaches gives you clarity, direction, and ways to evaluate your path forward, all of which are going to increase your likelihood of succeeding.
Learn what progress goals and outcome goals are, how they differ, and why you need both to not only make consistent progress toward your desired results, but to make the journey there so much more enjoyable. I show you how setting clear and measurable milestones helps you stay focused on what matters most, and why these approaches will help you take your goal-setting to the next level.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/112
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
As we wrap up the current year and look ahead to the next, now is the perfect time to reflect on what worked well, what didn't, and what you want to create moving forward. Goal-setting is an essential practice for any business owner who wants to build something significant that supports them financially, creatively, and fulfills their desire for growth. I can’t wait to share my goal-setting secrets with you this week.
Join me in this episode as I walk you through each of the five key elements of effective goal-setting. Learn the most common reason goal-setting falls flat, how to stop working against yourself and create a smooth path forward instead, and my roadmap for making your big goals a reality in 2025.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/111
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
As we come to the close of another year and begin thinking about goal setting for 2025, knowing what enough means for you is vital for creating the kind of life and business you truly want. And in this episode, I dive deep into the concept of enough and how it impacts every aspect of your interior design business.
I explore how to identify when you need to define enough, the different ways to approach it, and the transformative power of making that decision for yourself. From setting financial goals to managing your time and team, knowing what enough means for you is crucial for success, and I guide you through this process today.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/110
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
I sit down with brand strategist and copywriter for interior designers, Deb Mitchell, to discuss how powerful messaging can transform your interior design business from the inside out. From the importance of authentic brand positioning to crafting a compelling voice that builds trust with your ideal clients, Deb shares her expert insights on the power of investing in strategic messaging for your business.
Learn Deb’s tips for making empowered decisions about your brand messaging and positioning, and the internal growth that’s required when you want to up-level. She offers the three pillars that will help you show up as your most authentic and elevated self, and breaks down how effective messaging and positioning can help you sell more easily, increase profits, and save precious time and energy in your business.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/109
For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources
As interior designers, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that more is always better. Whether it’s working on client projects or moving the ball on our business goals, we believe that if we could just be more efficient, more organized, or more disciplined, we could finally get ahead. But what if this constant pursuit of productivity is actually holding us back? What if productivity isn’t the pinnacle it sells itself to be?
Join me this week to hear some hard truths about productivity that might surprise you. But don't worry, I also share some good news that will help you approach your work in a more intentional and sustainable way. Learn why more isn’t necessarily better, how the productivity trap strings you along, and most importantly, how to break free from it.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/108
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Ostrom, the founder, executive director, and creative director of Joy Collaborative: a nonprofit located here in the Twin Cities that creates uplifting spaces for children with life-limiting conditions. Mark shares the story behind Joy Collaborative and explores how designers can give back in a way that's authentic to their talents and values.
If you're looking for a more meaningful way to express gratitude to your clients this year, or are toying with the idea of turning your passion project into reality, this episode will leave you feeling inspired. Mark shares how thoughtful, functional design can be truly life-changing for these families. We also discuss creative ways interior designers can incorporate charitable giving as a memorable gifting and marketing opportunity, and how even small contributions can create a powerful ripple effect of joy.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/107
In this episode, I answer a question from a listener who struggles with staying calm and collected when project issues arise. We often absorb the stress of these hiccups to shield our clients from them. However, things are most definitely going to go wrong at some point - whether it’s at the project site, during a presentation, or even in response to a client’s reaction. So how can we learn to ride the emotional waves ourselves?
I share practical strategies for managing your mindset when the unexpected happens. Learn how to separate facts from stories and how to tune into your body to process emotions. With these skills, along with realistic expectations, you’ll be better prepared to navigate project challenges with greater ease and resilience moving forward.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/106
You probably set yourself an annual financial goal back at the beginning of 2024, and here we are, coming into the final months of the year. Are you on track to hit your goals? Maybe you’re falling behind, or perhaps you’ve already surpassed your target and are wondering if you should raise the bar even higher.
Listen in this week as I show you how to master the art of goal revision. Hear what the process of evaluating your current position entails, the factors to consider when deciding whether to adjust your targets, and how to make the most of the remaining months and position yourself for success in the year ahead.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/105
As CEOs of our businesses, we are constantly faced with decisions about what to keep, what to let go, and what to bring in. But without a clear framework for evaluating these choices, it's easy to get stuck in indecision or cling to things that no longer serve us. That's where the concept of All Killer, No Filler comes in - a simple yet profound way to assess what truly belongs in your business and what needs to be released.
I dive into the origins of All Killer, No Filler, share practical examples of how I've applied it in my own life and business, and guide you through the process of using this powerful filter for yourself. You’ll hear why this concept is the secret to creating more ease, how it opens up both physical and mental energy, and helps you better utilize the resources in your business.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/104
Whether you have part-time or full-time team members, it's crucial to ensure that their roles and responsibilities align with your company's goals. If you want to feel confident knowing that the investment you’ve made in your team members will optimize payback for you and your design business, it’s time to consider conducting a time audit, and I walk you through this process in this episode.
Learn how you can optimize your team’s performance to increase productivity, profitability, and overall satisfaction. Hear the importance of conducting a time audit to identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies in your team’s workflow. I also share a step-by-step process for gathering data, reviewing it, and implementing solutions that will create more value for your business as a whole.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/103
Are you holding back in your interior design business due to a fear of rejection? You're not alone. As a designer, putting yourself and your creative ideas out there can feel incredibly vulnerable, and the possibility of hearing no can be paralyzing. But the truth is that learning to work with and move beyond this fear will be transformative for your business and your goals.
Tune in this week as I share a powerful three-step process for supporting yourself through situations where rejection is possible, so that you can take bold action towards your goals with confidence and resilience. You’ll learn how to notice and address initial self-rejection, proactively decide what you know to be true about yourself, and put no on the table as a possibility in order to open yourself up to the potential for getting a yes.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/102
This week, I’m joined by my former client and incredibly talented designer, Campbell Minister, as she lets us in on her journey from overwhelmed designer to true designer CEO. Over the past eight years, Campbell has grown her Montclair, New Jersey-based firm to a team of three designers, a director of operations, and a procurement and accounting team. But with this growth has come the challenge of maintaining a thriving business while being present in her personal life as a mother of three.
Listen in this week as Campbell shares her insights on the keys to her success as an interior design business CEO. She opens up about her fear of going from solopreneur to leading a full-time team, how she navigates the desire to control every detail, why focusing on relationships, not outcomes, has been vital to her success, and her goals for the near future.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/101
As I celebrate the 100th episode of the show, there are important lessons I've learned from this incredible journey of creating what has become a well-reviewed and established podcast. But these insights go far beyond podcasting; they are valuable principles you can apply to any new initiative, goal, or project in your interior design business.
Discover why focusing on small wins and cumulative effort is key to achieving big things, how patience and commitment work together to help you stay the course, and why examining your beliefs about yourself is crucial for unlocking your next level of potential.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/100
We’ve covered a lot of ground over the past CEO Summer School episodes – from trading good for great to overcoming Someday Syndrome. Now it's time to reflect on which topic you want to delve deeper into and embody over the next month. In this episode, I guide you through choosing your focus and making it visible so you stay committed to your goals.
Whether you’ve knocked CEO Summer School out of the park or it hasn’t gone quite as you hoped or planned, join me this week as I show you what’s next. In this final episode of the series, you’ll hear why making small shifts can compound into the kind of success you want, the importance of acknowledging how far you’ve come, and how to focus on the insights that resonated most with you.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/99
There are two distinct types of confidence that you can leverage in your interior design business to help it grow and also get out of your own way when your brain tells you, “Well, you've never done it before.” If it feels like your brain is holding you back from achieving your biggest goals, you’re in the right place.
I explore the two types of confidence that every interior design CEO needs to master. Learn why your level of confidence affects every aspect of your business and how to build unshakable confidence, even when you're venturing into uncharted territory.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/98
Being an interior design entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. Between managing client relationships, juggling multiple projects, and chasing big goals, self-doubt and insecurity are bound to creep in at times. But even amidst the ups and downs, there are moments when you've felt like you were absolutely nailing it.
I share how to identify and leverage those times when you’re at your best so you can embody that version of yourself more often. Learn why tapping into your best self always starts with your thoughts and beliefs and how to use those as fuel to generate the feelings and actions that reinforce your ideal state.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/97
Leading with your future self is all about focusing on where you're going, rather than where you've been. By setting intentions and taking action in alignment with the version of you that has already created the vision you hold for your business, you can access a well of inner guidance and wisdom. While your future self isn't perfect, they are farther along the journey and can offer valuable insight about the now.
Discover how tapping into the wisdom and perspective of your future self can help you make better decisions, stay motivated, and achieve your biggest goals. Hear why now is the perfect time to see what you can do to set your future self up for success, and how to lead with your future self to gain a fresh perspective on your role as CEO of your interior design business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/96
In this episode, I share examples of common blind spots and provide strategies to help you proactively identify what might be getting in your way. By cultivating greater self-awareness and learning to compassionately examine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can skillfully navigate challenges and achieve the outcomes you desire in your business.
Discover how business blind spots limit your growth and a powerful reflection question that will give you clarity on your current blind spots. With this knowledge, you learn how to make looking for blind spots a regular part of your business-building activities so you can make profound changes to accelerate your growth.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/95
How are you delaying the daily tasks you just don’t want to get to? Where in your life or business are you prone to saying, “I’ll do it later?”
If you often procrastinate with the best of intentions but find yourself never actually getting to the task, you're in the right place. Whether you’re putting things off in the short term or imagining grandiose plans that you never actually take action on, the truth is both hinder your progress toward achieving the goals you want. Learn how to recognize your Later Habit patterns and how to conquer them for good.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/94
If you are currently delaying the results you want to see and the interior design business CEO you want to become, you’re not alone. We all engage in someday-ing our biggest dreams. Visualizing the result you want without actually putting in the effort can give you the positive emotional experience you want, but when it becomes your norm, your dreams will stay in the distant future forever.
I explore the concept of Someday Syndrome in-depth and give you a variety of ways to begin thinking about how you might be engaging in this habit both in your day-to-day and long-term planning. Learn the downsides of only taking imaginary action, how there might be an underlying fear or resistance you need to address first, and how to lessen the tendency and impact of putting things off.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/93
Last week, we discussed how feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place in your business is primarily a mental habit. The lens through which you view your life and business is similar. Recognizing your current lenses and considering other options lies at the heart of the mindset work I teach my clients, and I’m guiding you through this process today.
Learn how to name your lenses and identify whether they’re truly serving you. I’m offering you a few examples of how your current lenses are coloring your experience, and why switching them out for other options could improve the way you experience every area of your life and business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/92
If you know what you want to achieve next but only see two different yet equally undesirable options, you might be stuck in rock-and-a-hard-place thinking. Perhaps you’re faced with challenging circumstances or courses of action that feel uncomfortable, and you just can’t see beyond the 'bad' options. This is where today’s CEO Summer School lesson comes into play.
Hear examples of how designers find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, and why, although disempowering, it can feel comfortable to stay frozen. Learn how to strengthen the skill of cognitive flexibility, and why applying your creative thinking skillset as a designer will allow you to see all the options you could be pursuing.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/91
As your business grows, you will continually cycle through periods of comfort and discomfort. Increasing your capacity for discomfort is an ever-evolving skill that is vital if you want to expand your vision of what’s possible. It all begins with accepting the fact that discomfort is part of the process, and this week, I’m inviting you to consider how you could be more willing to embrace discomfort.
Learn why willingness is required for you to reach your vision of success, and how to begin increasing your capacity for discomfort. Hear what happens when you increase your ability to be with difficult emotions, and why embracing discomfort is the secret to your success as an interior design business CEO.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/90
When you think about where you want your business and life to be one year from now, what do you need to be willing to do and feel to make your vision a reality? This is your prompt for our CEO Summer School episode this week. Being willing is an essential ingredient to your success because it's how you’ll create new results and grow with your company. So where do you start?
I invite you to grow your willingness as the CEO of your business. Hear why doing new things will require a certain level of stretching outside of your comfort zone, how to increase your capacity to hold the discomfort of being willing, and what happens when you grow your ability and desire to be willing.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/89
This week, I’m revisiting the concept of creating Your Life and Business Vision. This is an essential piece of goal-setting and business planning because this is where you’ll be creating a roadmap for self-defined success. Everything from what you prioritize to what you absolutely won’t do can all be clarified and filtered through your vision, which means you get to streamline how you spend your time, energy, and attention. You’ll hear how it helps you create a perfect work-life blend unique to you, what happens when you don’t have a clear vision for your life and business, and how to get started.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/88
Welcome to the first episode of our CEO Summer School series! If you could wave a magic wand, what would great look and feel like in your business one year from now? Trading what feels good for what could be great can feel risky. Our brains aren’t inclined to search for what could be great when things feel good enough, so it’s your job to proactively nudge it in this direction, and I’m here to help you.
Learn what trading good for great will require of you and why answering this prompt for yourself will likely feel uncomfortable and challenging. I’m highlighting a few things to consider as you practice thinking about your business in this way, and what trading good for great looks like for me in my business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/87
Whether it’s a client falling through, a key employee leaving, or receiving a health diagnosis, those big life-shaking moments are opportunities to reset. It’s moments like these, where you learn that anything can change in an instant, that remind us of the importance of creating space to proactively reset instead of having one forced upon us. That’s what I’m helping you do in CEO Summer School.
Learn what a forced reset is and how these moments are opportunities for reflection, making new decisions, and reprioritization. Hear about the forced resets I’ve encountered in my life and business, and how CEO Summer School will help you proactively hit the reset button so you’re not forced into one down the line.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/86
Summer tends to be an exceptionally busy time for all of us. Your schedule is probably all over the place, you might be taking time off from work, and you probably want to get out and enjoy the sun. However, while you might want to devote less time to your business over the summer, you can’t ignore it. You want to be ready for the rest of 2024, and CEO Summer School is the perfect way to set yourself up for success.
Learn what you can expect from CEO Summer School, how I’ll help you reassess and plan your interior design business goals every single week, and why I’ll be going to summer school right alongside you!
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/85
If you’ve ever wondered why the mindset aspect of my work is so critical in my sessions with clients, this topic exemplifies exactly why. Your brain is with you 24/7 and has the power to completely transform your life and business. When you start asking high-quality questions, you essentially train your brain to become solution-oriented, and I’m showing you how to start in this episode.
Whether you want to make more money, up-level your clientele, overcome procrastination, or are unsure of what goal to pursue next, tune in this week to hear why asking high-quality questions is the solution to it all. Learn how all solutions originate from high-quality questions, what happens when you’re in the practice of asking open-ended, curious questions, and how to start training your brain to think in this way.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/84
The lessons we’re taught around productivity often center around being more committed or disciplined to our goals and business vision. However, I’m taking a different approach this week and showing you how being less committed or uncommitting could be the solution to your productivity issues.
Learn the power of uncommitting and when the practice of uncommitting might be called for in your business. I’m showing you how uncommitting can be helpful, the value of doing an audit of your current commitments, and how you’ll free up your time and mental bandwidth when you uncommit.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/83
A love of control is a tendency that is especially prevalent in the interior design industry. But the truth is, we can't control everything. So it's time for a pep talk about what you can and can't control in your interior design business, and every other area of your life.
I share why it's important to have a clear idea of what you can actually control in your interior design business. Learn exactly what you can and can't control, so you can influence the things you can control, and start letting go of the things you can't.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/82
If you’re prone to overthinking, over-planning, over-perfecting, or over-tweaking aspects of your interior design business, this is a must-listen episode. You might be under the illusion that you’re ensuring the highest quality outcome by delaying taking action, but this is far from the truth. That’s why, this week, I’m flipping this common saying on its head and showing you how your business would benefit from putting in the reps, rather than waiting on perfection.
Learn how quantity creates quality and examples of where the concept can be applied in your interior design business. I’m showing you why overthinking creates an illusion of productive action, how increasing the number of actions you take is what will increase your skill, and what to expect once you begin practicing the belief that quantity creates quality.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/81
Just like the seasons change around us, we experience different seasons of our lives and businesses. Those periods of change must be acknowledged because they will come whether you address them or not. So why not be super intentional about how you want to spend your summer and create a plan for true rest, no matter what that might look like for your unique business?
Listen in this week as I show you how to create a summer slow down plan without worry or overwhelm. Hear the foundational tools that will support you in working less, some important considerations to keep top of mind as you make a plan, and my top tips for ensuring a successful summer slow down or rest period.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/80
Heather Peterson runs a small boutique interior design firm based in Minneapolis, working with clients across the country. As a self-trained designer, she entered this field when she moved to Minneapolis from New York, decorating her own home and blogging her journey. Whether you’re in the early stages of your business or have been in the industry for decades, you’re going to gain so much from listening to her story.
Listen in this week as Heather offers the transition points she’s faced as a designer CEO and the evolution of her self-concept. She’s sharing her thoughts on the value of having a coach by her side, the challenges she had to navigate as she grew her team, and what’s coming next for her as she continues to up-level her practice.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/79
This week’s topic of competing desires is one that applies to you, regardless of the stage of business you’re in. Each year and each season of life will look different, and the goals you have for yourself and your business will continue to evolve. If you’re committed to achieving your goals, you must release the resistance of two desires being at odds with each other, and I’m showing you how this week.
Learn the two main ways I see competing desires showing up for my clients, and what’s required of you to bring your goals to fruition. Hear how to create space for all of your desires to coexist in harmony, and how to begin challenging your assumption that there can’t be room for everything you want to achieve.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/78
Molly Schoneveld is a brand strategist, publicist, and the founder of The Storied Group: a luxury PR firm that specializes in representing designers and creative entrepreneurs. She’s here to shed light on what PR can look like for interior designers, and how to include it as part of the long game of your business.
Molly and I cover everything from what type of PR is best for your design business to the nuts and bolts of getting your work published. She offers how she supports designers and creative entrepreneurs, her insider tips for pitching your projects, and how PR can be used to level up your firm and get you the visibility you want.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/77
Do you often find yourself spiraling in worst-case scenarios? The truth is we are wired to consider all the possible worst-case scenarios. This is how our brains attempt to keep us safe. However, you have a choice in how you respond to your thinking when it’s presented. So if considering worst-case scenarios not only feels terrible but can actually hinder your growth, why not assume the best until proven otherwise?
Learn how making the simple swap from worst to best-case scenarios can completely transform your life and business. Hear why I urge you to imagine best-case scenarios, what happens when you stay stuck in worst-case-scenario thought loops, and powerful questions that will help you give best-case scenarios at least the same amount of airtime that you give worst-case scenarios.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/76
Every quarter is an opportunity to make new decisions based on what you’ve learned during the last quarter, and being strategic about your planning process is the secret to up-leveling your business. However, the reality is that most interior design business CEOs overlook an essential part of achieving bigger goals: regularly checking in by conducting a quarterly review.
Whether you’re new to quarterly planning or have some experience and are ready to level up the process, tune in this week to hear how to use a quarterly review to move closer to your 2024 goals. Hear four essential questions you must ask yourself at the end of every quarter and how to use your answers to make strategic decisions about moving forward.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/75
The acronym ROI (Return on Investment) is typically used in the business world, and the process of examining whether or not your investments are providing the return you hoped for is a wise business practice. We all want to aim to make investments that will compound in future returns, but I believe this concept extends beyond the financial realm. It’s about getting a return on your energy (ROE). And this week, I’m inviting you to consider how ROE is the new ROI and how maximizing your ROE has the potential to transform your interior design business.
I show you why ROE is the new ROI and how examining your ROE could provide better returns and value for you, your business, and your clients. I’m sharing examples of how this practice applies to anything in your business, whether client-facing or on the back end, and how to become cognizant of where your energy is currently being spent so you can assess if it’s worth the return.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/74
If you don’t currently have a supportive plan that’s going to move you in the direction of your goals over the next quarter, there has never been a better time to start using the framework I’m offering you today. A 90-day plan is what I use to plan in my business and my recommendation to all my clients, and in this episode, I’m showing you how 90 days could change everything in your interior design business.
Listen in this week to learn the magic of using a 90-day plan, and why creating a thriving interior design business you love becomes easier when you follow the 90-day planning process. I’m officially inviting you to schedule your 90 in 90 coaching intensive with me, and sharing what you can expect during our session together and the business growth you’ll see over the coming months.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/73
What is it that you consistently say you want to do but aren’t taking action on? How might the expectations you’ve set for yourself and your business be hindering your progress? And, while it sounds counterintuitive, how could lowering your expectations be the solution to getting what you want?
I invite you to re-evaluate your expectations and consider lowering them if they’re preventing you from taking the action you say you want to. Hear how high expectations hinder your growth, progress, and success, and a process you can follow to begin embracing the idea of lower expectations for both you and your business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/72
Whether you’re switching locations, activity types, or even the roles that you perform in your day-to-day life, these are transition points that you must be aware of. If you constantly feel behind and run into planning issues, identifying your transition points is the secret to setting yourself up for success, and I’m showing you how this week.
Discover how transitions steal so much time in your day when you’re not aware of them, and my top tips for identifying and minimizing the transitions in your schedule. Hear why traditional time blocking doesn’t work effectively, what happens when you incorporate planning for transitions, and why practicing this will make planning more realistic and spacious.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/71
I recently read Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz, which got me thinking deeply about the mindset required of any CEO. So much of stepping into the role of CEO is about continuously upgrading your level of thinking to support the next iteration of your business because the growth of the business hinges on your personal development.
Hear why you are required to grow as business owner as your business expands. Whatever the next level looks like for you, I’m offering the three types of strategic thinking you must focus on to become a designer CEO, and how embracing these practices will get you where you want to go.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/70
What is the most valuable way to measure productivity? There are numerous apps or websites to learn how to be more productive, but in this episode, I discuss how to measure true productivity and explain my recommended approach.
Discover how to measure true productivity in the most valuable way and how you can help your clients by working on your business. Learn about methods for measuring true productivity, the benefits of adopting a zoomed-out view of your business, and key strategies for increasing productivity effectively.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/69
As an interior designer, the relationships you cultivate with builders are crucial. How do you find a builder to work with? And when you find someone you want to collaborate with, how should you approach them?
To address these questions and explore the connection between interior designers and builders, I’m excited to welcome Mark Williams to the show. Mark is the owner of the high-end boutique design firm Mark D. Williams Custom Homes here in the Twin Cities, building higher-end homes in the $1.5 to $6 million range. He is also the host of The Curious Builder Podcast. This week, we talk about how you, as a designer, can establish connections with the builders you want to work with.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/68
Saying no to our clients is a struggle most designers face. It comes up so often in my practice that I teach a whole module on this topic inside my program. While learning to say no to our clients is a vital skill, today we're flipping this concept on its head by delving into when you should consider saying no to yourself.
Discover why you sometimes have to say no to yourself, and instances from my own life and from my clients’ lives of when it’s appropriate to say no. Learn what to expect when you begin to say no to yourself, how to begin incorporating this practice into your life, and the one time you should never say no to yourself.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/67
One of the biggest things that gets in the way of fostering a mindset that serves our lives and businesses is thought errors. These are beliefs that often generate uncomfortable emotions and lead to unwanted behaviors and undesirable results. To release them, you must first be able to identify them, and I’m showing you how on this episode.
Learn what thought errors are and how they might be showing up in your interior design business. I’m sharing the pitfalls of not challenging your thought errors, how to begin seeing your thought errors clearly, and why learning to redirect your thinking will help you create more of what you want in your life and business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/66
Planning to fail isn’t about pessimistic thinking or being overly critical about how you can’t hit your goals. It’s about using the potential of failure as part of your planning process. Whether you use it in the context of your big-picture goal-setting or in your daily or weekly planning, planning to fail not only radically increases your chances of achieving your goal, but also improves your experience of pursuing it.
Hear why planning to fail is the secret to creating success faster with increased enjoyment along the way. I’m highlighting how we unwittingly make the pursuit of our goals more stressful than necessary, why we don’t want to dwell on the obstacles we might face, and how to incorporate failing into your success plan.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/65
2024 is officially here, which means I’m spending time thinking about big-picture future planning for my business and those of my clients. This week, we’re specifically exploring the power of zooming out to a larger vision of your interior design business so you can zoom back in to create an actionable plan for 2024.
Discover what becomes possible when you first zoom out to consider the bigger vision for your business, and then zoom back in to create a roadmap for the year. I’m showing you what future planning for your business looks like, and walking you through a variety of questions that will help you paint a picture of your business in 2024.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/64
The New Year is here, which means you’re probably starting to envision what 2024 is going to look like for you and your business. But before you start setting and planning out your goals, there’s one thing I always recommend doing to all my clients, and it’s to define your ‘whys’ in your business.
Join me this week to hear how identifying your two whys will guide everything you do and creates a thriving interior design business. I’m showing you the reason you need to consider why your business exists, both for you and your clients, and how clarifying your answers will keep you motivated during even the most challenging times.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/63
Our human brains tend to laser-focus on what’s next, so if you find yourself completely dismissing 2023, ignoring where you might have fallen short, and overlooking everything that was wonderful, you’re not alone. All of it is worth acknowledging and celebrating, and this week, you’ll learn why this matters more than you think.
Join me this week as I highlight the power of celebrating the close of 2023 and transitioning into 2024 with purpose and intention. Hear why celebration is a key skill you must cultivate, my top tips for being intentional about what would be meaningful for you in 2024, and four powerful questions that will guide you along this process.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/62
As a business owner, there’s likely always something more you could be doing or getting ahead on. When we’re used to going a million miles an hour, learning to give ourselves permission to do whatever we want is an acquired skill, but it’s one that’s worth practicing if you want a thriving business and a lifestyle outside of work that you love.
Join me this week as I invite you to question what you need to give yourself permission on. Hear why answering this question honestly is critical, even if you’re not ready to act on it yet, why permission-giving is a mindset that requires practice, and how to create the kind of self-trust and plan that will allow you to do what you want, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/61
This week, I’m sharing a business philosophy called One at a Time that will help you make progress with more ease. When it feels like so much should and could be done at any given moment, One at a Time is the secret to taking action, and can be applied across the board, no matter the task at hand or stage of business you’re currently in.
Discover what the One at a Time approach entails, how you can apply this concept to the goals you’re setting for your business in 2024, and why it makes taking action simple, approachable, and way less overwhelming.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/60
Self-leadership as a business owner is something I discuss often with my clients, and it’s a key step in the Out of Overwhelm process. Whether it’s your level of confidence, how you plan, or make decisions, leading with your future self has a well of wisdom, guidance, and reassurance to offer, but you first have to learn how to tune into her.
Hear why leading with your future self is an important tool that can help you make decisions, set goals, and align yourself with the business you want to build. I’m showing you what happens when you begin tuning into your future self, powerful questions to ask her, and my top suggestions for where you can begin using this concept right now.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/59
Effective problem-solving is a vital skill you must cultivate as an interior design business CEO. Whether you’re currently facing a derailed calendar or not, learning how to save yourself time and create space in your business will always serve you, and today, I’m showing you how to be prepared for any obstacle that comes your way because the truth is, it’s inevitable.
Discover how to get back on track when your day or week is derailed. I’m inviting you to consider the empowering thoughts you want to take on when things don’t go as planned, why examining your thoughts matter, and strategies you can use to get back in the driver’s seat of your calendar when you’re forced to adjust your plan.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/58
On this special episode, I’m speaking to my Out of Overwhelm client, Isabella Patrick. She is the CEO of Isabella Patrick Interiors Inc.: a woman-owned and women-led full-service residential interior design and decorating firm located in Manhattan. I invited her on to celebrate her growth with all of you, and she’s offering her thoughts on how Out of Overwhelm transformed her experience of being a business owner.
Hear the powerful impact committing to group coaching has had on Isabella’s business, and why she decided to come back to Out of Overwhelm for a second round. She’s offering amazing nuggets of wisdom on how coaching has not only supported her business growth but touched all areas of her life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/57
All of us have stories running through our minds that define who we are, how we show up, and what we think we’re capable of, and some of them simply aren’t serving you or your business. The more you rehearse a story about yourself, the more ingrained it becomes, and the more you automatically begin to take action from that place. If your stories are producing outcomes and experiences you don’t want, it’s time to consider dropping them, and I’m showing you how.
Join me today as I invite you to examine how the stories you’re currently telling yourself might not be ones you want to keep. Hear how there is no one absolute truth about you or anyone else, why you must become conscious of how you speak about yourself, and a pep talk challenge that will help you question the stories you’ve been rehearsing.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/56
A business that runs like a well-oiled machine always starts with you and how you manage your time. There’s more to effective time management than just using a particular planner, app, or tool. Time management is the first foundational pillar of running a thriving interior design business, so if you know this is an area you’re struggling with, listen in.
Discover the top three time management mistakes I see that are preventing interior design CEOs from staying in the driver’s seat of their business. I’m offering the solutions to these mistakes so you can stop setting yourself up for failure, chaos, and stress, and instead, create a sense of authority and control over your calendar.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/55
Join me on November 17th (11am - 12:30pm Central) for a brand new (free!) masterclass: The Complete Roadmap to a Profitable, Efficient Interior Design Business. Building a thriving business that supports your personal and professional goals doesn’t have to be complicated when you focus on just four foundational pillars. No matter what stage you’re at in your interior design business, you’ll use these four, foundational pillars as your roadmap to balance your business now and grow it in the future. During this free masterclass, you’ll learn to: * Identify the top mistakes that keep you spinning your wheels * Get focused and take strategic action using the four pillars as a guide * Learn to leverage your time, energy, and financial resources * Spot signs of imbalance - before you’re stressed and resentful * Make empowered decisions and decide your next steps
To sign up for this free masterclass, click here or go to www.desicreswell.com/complete-roadmap-webinar
Did you know that the average interior designer spends two to three hours per day in their inbox? Email communication can get chaotic and sloppy very quickly. If you resonate with that feeling of being weighed down by your email inbox and it seems like they pile up every time you look away, you’re in the right place.
Discover one simple tweak that will cut your emails by 50% and free up hours of time that you can spend getting the most important things done in your business. Hear how your inbox is blocking you from billable client work and business growth initiatives, why productivity isn’t the ultimate solution, and the real problem that’s causing email overload.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/54
Are you aware of the assumptions you’re currently holding onto about your business, clients, and goals? Our assumptions are not the same as universal truths, even though they might feel like it. What if the only thing holding you back from running your business in the way you want is just a faulty assumption?
Discover what faulty assumptions are and how to spot them in your life and business. Hear how your assumptions are a reflection of your belief, why you have the power to challenge your automatic assumptions, and how to begin dismantling the assumptions that aren’t serving you, your clients, or your goals.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/53
Time tracking is the secret to making your business a joy to run. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re in control of not only your time but the amount of money you create in your business, as well as the level of enjoyment you experience of your clients and projects. However, time tracking is a habit many interior design business CEOs feel resistant to, and it’s hindering them in more ways than one.
If you know that time tracking is a practice you need to implement, but you’ve tried it and stopped because it was a struggle, you’re in the right place. Join me today to learn all the reasons time tracking is a habit worth developing, why it’s been challenging for you, and my top tips for how to make it easier.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/52
While playing the short game gives us dopamine hits that feel amazing, the truth is that the trade isn’t worth it when you’re working towards a goal in your business. Instead, the long-game mindset is the secret to any type of success you want to create in any area of life or business, and I’m showing you how to adopt this approach.
Discover what playing the long game means and why committing yourself to the long game matters. Hear how I use the long-game approach in my own business, why the long game gives you compounded results, and my top tips for how you can apply this principle to your own interior design business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/51
Conditions and circumstances in our lives rarely align perfectly. We’re almost guaranteed to have obstacles come up in our schedule or not be in the mood to do what we know we want or need to do. And if you’re always waiting or wishing for perfect conditions to arrive, you’re going to be waiting a long time.
Learn what the trap of waiting for perfect conditions can look or sound like and how to start recognizing this pattern for yourself. I’m showing you why you don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to get a lot done and how to begin challenging yourself on the conditions you think you need to take action.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/50
When you attend conferences, events, webinars, or consume podcasts or courses that offer a learning opportunity, do you get overwhelmed by the amount of information and potential action steps presented to you? Do you feel excited in the moment and take lots of notes, only for all of it to go to the idea graveyard just like everything else?
This week, learn how to turn new ideas and strategies into action, and even better results. Hear the dangers of consumption without action, how to set yourself up for success before you even consider taking action, and a repeatable process for planning and implementation that you can use over and over, no matter what stage of business you’re in or how busy you think you are.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/49
Whether you’re worried about getting started with systems in your business, think you don’t have the time, or aren’t sure if your team will get on board with new software and procedures, you’re in the right place. This week, I’m here with Katie McFarlan from Dakota Design Company to debunk three systems myths that are preventing you from implementing and using systems to their fullest potential.
Katie and I explore the three biggest myths about systems in your interior design business and how taking action on these now can start generating momentum, providing you and your clients with immediate results. Hear why this is non-negotiable work you have to undergo as a business owner, and the future gains that will come from prioritizing this right now.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/48
Whether your flavor of procrastination looks like choosing to do anything but work, or what I call “procrasti-working,” I’m here to empower you with tools for navigating procrastination so you can notice it and stop it in its tracks. There are a few reasons you might be tempted to procrastinate, and I’m laying them out on this episode.
Discover how to stop procrastination from holding you back from the business and life you really want. Hear the difference between putting something off versus active procrastination, why procrastination currently feels out of your control, and how to build a mindset that will prevent it from happening as frequently.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/47
How many unfinished projects do you have weighing on you?
- Your notebook is full of ideas from the last training you attended.
- You often think to yourself “I should do this to improve my business."
- Your inbox is full of downloads but that’s where it stops.
Designers, it’s time to take your to do list and consider it done.
Join Master Certified Life & Business Coach Desi Creswell for To Do To Done, a five week coaching intensive. You’ll learn to free up time for things you wish you could get to - if only you didn’t have so much on your plate.
Not only will you prioritize a business growth project - you’ll finish it with less stress and more efficiency.
To Do To Done include live group calls for coaching and accountability, including opportunities to get personalized feedback from Desi. You’ll be equipped with all of the mindset tools and actionable strategies you need to complete the To Do To Done process.
Click the link below to secure your spot now. Use the code DONE100 for $100 off enrollment now through Friday, September 15, 2023 (11:59pm Central).
Enroll now: www.desiid.com/todo
This event is brought to you in partnership with MyDoma.
If you find that you never actually let yourself enjoy the success you’ve created, you have likely fallen prey to a term called arrival fallacy. It's a cycle of belief that can be challenging to opt out of, but the good news is we can learn to work with its presence, and I’m showing you how this week.
Discover how arrival fallacy often shows up for interior design business owners and why we continue to participate in it, even when we know it doesn’t serve us. Hear what happens when you acknowledge the existence of arrival fallacy in your goal-setting process, and my tips for beginning to work with it, rather than against it.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/46
My clients often have some idea of what they desire. They know there is more that they want to achieve, but their vision isn’t crystal clear or specific enough for them to begin taking deliberate action. Add to that the inevitable doubt that comes with wanting to bring a bigger vision to life, and they can find themselves stuck, lacking inspiration, and operating from survival mode.
Discover how to navigate your desires to grow your design business and the inevitable doubts that will arise along the way. Hear why desires and doubts go hand-in-hand, how to recognize that doubts aren’t a problem, and what happens when your desires are pursued, regardless of doubt or worry.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/45
As the CEO of your interior design business, you might be unwittingly turning your to-do lists into an enemy, when in fact, it can be an amazing partner in making effective use of your time.
I present five truths about to-do lists, and how recognizing these truths will offer you a great deal of freedom with your time. Learn why it's important for you to determine your own definition of "enough," three questions to ask yourself when creating your to-do list, and how to partner with time to make any kind of time management approach work for you.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/44
Between drawings, contracts, emails, and conversations, both written and verbal, with staff, clients, and vendors, communication is a crucial part of your business and bringing your projects to life. I took several communication classes when studying for my degree, but I know this isn't the case for everyone.
Discover four essential ways to communicate in your interior design business. These communication tips apply to both written and verbal communication and are intended to reduce frustration, confusion, and make the experience of running a project better for both you and your client.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/43
Even though we know that all designers miss the mark or have oversights sometimes, we secretly hope it never happens to us. You can do your absolute best and still have things go wrong, and the truth is this is just part of running a business. If you’re holding yourself to a standard of perfection or believe you can plan enough to avoid all problems, listen in.
Discover why there is so much to be gained when things go wrong in your design business. I’m showing you how to release the pressure of perfection, the strategies you can implement to navigate things going wrong with more calm and ease, and the opportunities that surface when you learn how to support yourself with kindness and patience.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/42
We can all agree that running and growing an interior design business can be filled with some (or many) annoying parts. What can we do when we experience those humps that keep us stuck? Is it possible that we might be making the challenges in our business even more annoying?
Hear why wishing challenges away isn't an effective strategy, how to begin accepting the annoyances in your design business, and why embracing them is the key to running your business with more ease.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/41
I’m not someone who is particularly big on birthday celebrations, but as I head into my birthday weekend, I’ve realized that this is a great time to reflect on and glean lessons from another year that’s passed.
I share four birthday reflections from the past year and how you can take these lessons and apply them to your own life and business. Hear the value of encountering the same lessons time and time again, and how to decide what you want to do with them when they emerge in your life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/40
Whether or not you wear glasses in your everyday life, you know that they have the ability to make everything look crisp and clear or blurry and out of focus. Many designers fail to realize that the lenses they currently wear are optional. If your lenses are making your life and business more challenging than necessary, you might want to consider trying on a different pair.
Hear examples of how your current lenses might be manifesting in your life and business right now, and why exploring your lenses will leave you empowered and in control, rather than at the mercy of your business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/39
As a designer, you wear lots of different hats in your business. You also have multiple moving pieces that need to be addressed, sometimes simultaneously, which is why designers often fall into a cycle of panic and overwhelm. You need an organized way to approach your work.
I offer three highly effective approaches for getting your work done. Hear how these three strategies will help you and your team stay calm, organized, and focused, how I apply these methods in my own business, and why utilizing different approaches helps you be more productive and fine-tune how you work best.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/38
Summer is in full swing and it’s time to detox what’s dragging you down. Join me for a brand new, free workshop with MyDoma on July 13th (12-1pm Central). I’ll guide you through your summer business detox to lessen your load so you can strategically make more progress on your projects and business goals. The Summer Business Detox is an interactive workshop where you will: * Get clear on what you want your summer business to look like * Prioritize your projects so you get the most important things done * Use the power of constraint to focus your time and energy
If summer isn’t looking the way you want personally or professionally, now is the time to course correct. Click the link to secure your spot now: https://www.mydomastudio.com/events/summer-business-detox/
Discover the three things that needed to shift internally for me to reclaim five hours per week while continuing to serve my clients, produce weekly content, and execute a full launch for Out of Overwhelm. Hear why you have to combine the strategies with the mindset to effectively reclaim more time and how evaluating your self-concept and your relationship with your business will create huge ripple effects.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/37
Clients inside Out of Overwhelm can absolutely reclaim five additional hours per week. Not only does that create a compounding result of time saved over the years and the financial impact of being more effective with their time, but it also impacts how they're able to care for themselves when they aren't stretched so thin.
Hear the key strategies I use to reclaim five hours a week and where the mindset piece comes into play in this process. Make sure to tune back in next week to learn the less tangible approaches that will make reclaiming five more hours a week possible.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/36
We're all familiar with that little (or sometimes loud) voice that presents itself when we've planned to do something, and we really don't feel like it. Whether later means tomorrow, after the summer, or next year, the later habit shows up in the everyday execution of your business tasks as well as in the long-term planning of your business.
I introduce you to the later habit and explore how it might be showing up for you. Hear how to recognize if the later habit is one of your patterns, why using willpower to follow through is an exhausting way to work, and what happens when you finally kick the later habit for good.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/35
Are you working way more than you want in your business while not making the amount of money you expect? Is your business generating the revenue you desire, but you still find yourself working more hours than ideal? Whether you charge your design fees by the hour or have a flat fee, this mindset leads you to set your fees in a way that results in overworking and under-earning. No amount of scaling your business, hiring help, or productivity hacks will solve this issue. The good news is, I know what will.
Hear why trading dollars for hours leaves you under-earning and overworking in your business, and why approaching your fees in a value-based way is the secret to creating change. I’m showing you what happens in your business when you overwork and under-earn, how to recognize the signs, and why it’s a disservice to you and the entire industry.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/34
Whether you need guidance on navigating a difficult conversation, saying no to a client that's not the best fit, overcoming procrastination, or any other support you require, this is your chance to receive personalized help directly from me.
Discover what the Ask Desi feature of my online community offers, and how you can begin using it to submit your questions and get the support you need.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/33
Tired of the midday slump? Struggling with finding the motivation to kick-start your mornings or push through low-energy moments?
Whether you're coming off an intense creative session and need some rest or simply experiencing an unexplained dip in energy, tune in to discover effective strategies to manage low-energy days without sacrificing productivity or peace of mind.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/32
The decision to invest in your business often brings up hesitation and fear, especially as it relates to brand-new investments that seem like unknown risks. Investing both time and money in your business is significant. If all you can think about is what you’re going to sacrifice or how much it’ll cost you, you’re in the right place.
Hear my decision-making process behind investing in my business. I’m sharing why you have to consider the role of the human brain when it comes to your investment decisions, and how to empower yourself to not only get a return, but increase the value of any investment you make.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/31
There is a real emotional component to what we do as interior designers, especially as it relates to being an entrepreneur. Stephanie Brown found herself falling out of love with her business and experiencing escapist thoughts, even considering changing industries altogether. She decided things needed to change, and that's when she joined Out of Overwhelm.
Stephanie shares the challenges she was facing in her business when she first found Out of Overwhelm, and some of the biggest shifts she’s made since joining the program. Hear the areas of focus Stephanie needed to work on to create less frustration and overwhelm, and what she’s learned about the power of prioritizing your business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/30
You’re invited to join me for Coaching & Coffee, a free event to celebrate open enrollment for Out of Overwhelm.
Session 1: Create Focus, On Demand May 18 (11am - 12pm Central)
Session 2: Delegation ROI May 23 (10:30am - 12:30pm Central)
Work with me live, get your Out of Overwhelm questions answered, and be entered to win a coffee gift card!
To sign up at no cost go to www.desiid.com/askdesi
Sarah Langtry is the owner of Interiors by Sarah Langtry and a residential interior designer based in Ontario, Canada. She was no exception to the experience of feeling out of control around her time and schedule when she first found me. She was overwhelmed and found herself procrastinating without understanding why, but she turned it all around and she’s letting us know how.
Sarah offers her experience of being in Out of Overwhelm. We’re also exploring how Out of Overwhelm helped her take control of her time and schedule, be more profitable, and had ripple effects not only on her business but her entire life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/29
Where are you losing time and energy in your business? It’s common for designers to believe they don’t have enough time, especially when it comes to the more visible tasks in your business like appointments, proposals, invoices, or client communication. However, hidden areas of your business consume your time and energy, and when you can fix them, everything else becomes more manageable.
Discover the hidden time and energy leaks you may never have noticed in your business. I’m sharing how to spot the leaks that are present in your interior design business, and showing you how to address them before you hit burnout.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/28
Mindset is becoming more and more of a hot topic. I’ve seen this to be true in the last few years and want these conversations to continue to grow. However, there are common myths around mindset that are holding you back from fully experiencing the benefits of using these tools.
Hear what maintaining mindset is really about, why it’s a practice that is ever-evolving with you, and the three myths we have to dismantle so you can see the impact it can truly have.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/27
Part of being a business owner is the benefit of a flexible schedule, but the habit of always being available can quickly snowball into overwork, overwhelm, and dysfunction in your business. This is the power of setting office hours, it can help you organize your energy to times you are on and times you are off.
This week, I outline why it is so transformative to set office hours and the impact it has on your business and personal life. When you have a Framework to work within, you will find and feel so much more Freedom. Tune in to learn more.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/26
As interior designers, customer service is an important part of what we offer. However, if we’re not careful, customer service can soon turn into people pleasing. I see this all the time with my clients so it’s time to get super clear on the differences between high-touch customer service versus people pleasing.
I’m showing you how to see where you fall on the spectrum of customer service to people pleasing, and I’m sharing the impact on your business and your profit of confusing these two concepts so you can decide how you want to move forward in creating a sustainable interior design business that you love.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/25
How often do you avoid doing something that you know is necessary or will be great for your business, but continue to push it off because you think, “It’s going to take so long”? This is a challenge that comes up for my clients frequently so it’s time to tackle it head-on.
I offer you four different ways to handle the it’s-going-to-take-so-long mental roadblock. Hear how to fact-check your brain when it offers this thought, and why doing this will not only help you reclaim your time but get the results you want sooner.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/24
Confidence touches every aspect of your business. Whether you’re working on managing your time, your team, creating systems, or deciding on pricing, confidence is a critical part of being a CEO.
Discover the two types of confidence you need to cultivate as a creative business owner, and why it’s important to distinguish between the two. I’m sharing how to call on the confidence you need in any given moment so you can get into action and start creating evidence of what you’re capable of.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/23
Automation often makes us think of processes or technology to save time, but today, I’m approaching the automation conversation from a different angle: automating decisions in your life and business.
I’m sharing how to use automated decisions to save your highest level of thinking for effective problem-solving, instead of using your mental bandwidth to make decisions about mundane day-to-day aspects of your business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/22
You’re busy, you have a business to run, you want to take things off of your plate, and delegating is a core skill in making that happen. But what is micromanaging and where is the line between delegation and micromanagement?
I’m sharing some common delegation challenges, how to spot where you’re micromanaging, and I’m showing you how to allow your team to think for themselves while they contribute value to your business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/21
My clients want to learn how to manage their time and take back control of their schedule, which includes stepping away from their interior design businesses from time to time. However, they’re afraid of telling their clients about taking a break or simply believe it’s impossible to do so as someone who calls the shots.
The truth is, taking time off from your business boils down to three things and I’m sharing what they are with you this week. You’ll hear why the skill of creating space and time just for you is priceless and what to expect as you begin practicing taking time off.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/20
I’m letting you behind the curtain in my brain, sharing how I audit my investments of time, money, and attention as the CEO of my business, and showing you how you can start to use a new understanding of these resourses to create better results with more ease.
Discover how I’ve optimized my business to get better results with less effort by doing a resource audit. I’m also sharing the details of an experiment I’m undertaking around no longer marketing on Instagram, and how you can apply the same principles in your own business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/19
There are three pillars you need to implement that will help you find success in a recession, and a handful of skills you need to support those pillars. Whatever your thoughts about the economy are, whether you’re worried about a looming financial crisis or not, I’m showing you how to protect your business so you can deal with anything that comes your way.
Find out the two categories I see designers falling into when it comes to dealing with uncertainty in general, how to build business relationships in a recession, and how to become the certainty your business needs to make it through uncertain times.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/18
We can all relate to that feeling of being pulled in a million different directions, like when you’re thinking about work when you’re with your family and vice versa. But you want to experience and enjoy all the areas of your life, and that’s where presence comes in.
I’m helping you expand your view of how you define presence so you can experience more of it. Building your capacity for presence is one of the most important productivity tools available to you, so I’m showing you how to develop the skill of staying in the moment one small step at a time.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/17
Tune in this week to discover how to stay motivated, and how to create your own motivation so you aren’t waiting around hoping it will just appear. I’m showing you how to get clear on the thoughts that are leaving you feeling unmotivated, and giving you some helpful thoughts you can use to generate the motivation required to move your business forward.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/16
Confusing excellence with perfection is something that trips up a lot of designers in running their businesses. It can manifest as procrastinating starting or finishing projects, being absolutely crushed when a client doesn’t love your selections, or offering revisions outside of your job scope, just to name a few.
This week, discover why not understanding your perfectionism means you’re leaving money on the table and how to start defining excellence for yourself so you can stop measuring yourself against an impossible standard.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/15
What are the decisions that you’re making day in and day out that just seem to happen by default? Are you craving a fresh start instead?
Join me this week to discover why redeciding is a great opportunity to look at the decisions that have contributed to the results you have in your life and business, and go all-in on decisions that you love. I’m sharing examples of decisions you can revisit, and my process for choosing decisions with your eyes wide open.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/14
We use simplicity and specificity all the time in our work as interior designers. So, why does planning for the business side of being an interior designer feel so complicated and overwhelming?
Tune in this week to discover the importance of simplicity and specificity as you plan for the future of your business. I’m sharing how to stop spinning in indecision and uncertainty so you can create a plan to get into action and gain momentum by always knowing your next move.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/13
Join me for a two-part group coaching experience where we will set your 2023 goals and make a plan to achieve them.
Goal setting can feel overwhelming. There are so many things you could do and so many things you’re told you should do.
It’s difficult to know where to start and what will make a difference in your unique business.
This is why I want you to join me for a brand new interactive coaching workshop, Create Your 2023 Roadmap.
I’ll guide you to create a simple, doable plan that you can reference throughout the year so you’re always clear on how to focus your time, energy, and attention.
Create Your 2023 Roadmapis your dedicated space to focus on your specific plan for the year. You’ll do it all with my support.
For full details on the workshop, bonuses and to enroll, go to www.desiid.com/create-your-2023-roadmap
Whether you’re struggling to follow through on a big goal for your business or you just want to manage your time better, you’re in the right place. The skill of self-accountability is what supports your present and future self, and helps you show up for the plans, goals, routines, and habits that you want in your life. And this week, you’re going to learn how to start building this skill.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/12
It’s the start of a brand-new year, which for many of us means thinking about what we want to create in 2023. It’s so fun being in the energy of possibility around setting goals, but actually doing the things required to achieve them is a whole other ballgame. So this week, I'm sharing a simple and repeatable process you can use to set and achieve your goals. Discover some of the most common reasons achieving a goal falls flat and the keys to making the results you want inevitable.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/11
There’s one essential thing you need to do before setting goals for 2023, and that is to examine your 2022 story. Join me this week to discover how our stories are created, and why it is vital for you to intentionally decide what your 2022 story is before thinking about next year. You’ll hear why your story is completely up to you, what happens when you give it intentional attention, and how to start showcasing yourself as the hero of your story.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/10
Many of you are racing to the end of the year, trying to get everything done so you can wrap up 2022 for the Holidays. There’s something nice about feeling like you’ve got the year closed out, but it also often leaves you feeling crunched for time and overextended. If you’ve got a lot going on both in your professional and personal life as you close out this year, listen in. I’m sharing three of my favorite time-management tips for when you’re extra busy so you can leverage the limited time you do have without burning out.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/9
Do you ever find yourself wondering why some problems in your business keep coming up? Maybe it’s not getting as much done as you wanted in a day, or having to reinvent the wheel every time an issue comes up. Join me this week to discover how to use curious evaluations to streamline your business for productivity, profit, and sustainable growth. You’ll hear why evaluations are the most strategic way to solve any problem in your business, and how to begin using this process for any goal you have right now.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/8
What does it mean to be the CEO of your interior design business? This is more than just about what you do: it’s about who you’re being. Tune in this week to see why you’re more than a creative. You are a business owner, and the sooner you can start showing up as the CEO of your business, the sooner you can start creating the kind of results you want, whether that’s an income goal, working on specific types of projects, setting the schedule that you want, or anything else.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/7
Most of us are taught from a very young age that discomfort is bad and something we need to get rid of as soon as possible. Whether it was being told not to cry as a child, or believing entrepreneurship isn’t meant to be hard, there’s this collective belief that we’re supposed to feel good all the time. But as you'll hear in this episode, being comfortable with discomfort is the one trait my most successful clients have in common. This week, discover how to approach your negative emotions, and what becomes possible when you get comfortable with discomfort.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/6
Whether you’re working towards income goals, building a team, or you just want to create more calmness and joy in your business, constraint is what’s going to allow you to start taking consistent action toward your goals, instead of getting caught up in the start-stop of doing something new. This week, I’m showing you how to create a strong agreement with yourself to constrain your core projects, what this looks like in my business, and how to try on the idea of constraint for yourself in your own interior design business.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/5
Defining your client capacity starts with being clear on how you use your time, making intentional decisions, and of course, honoring those decisions. So in this episode, I’m helping you decide how much you want to work and what kind of money you want to be making, so you can make an informed decision about projects you undertake, how you set your fees, calculate markups, and make that lifestyle balance a reality.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/4
We need to plan for life because, whether we’re ready for it or not, it’s happening. As interior designers, we’re creatives at heart, so I know a lot of you might be cringing when I mention time management. But the truth is, if you want to be the CEO of your interior design business, intentional planning and time management is non-negotiable.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/3
I used to be an overwhelmed interior designer just like you. However, when I learned that overwhelm is optional, everything changed and I was able to view my stress from a totally new perspective. The same is possible for you, so listen closely to discover the secret to feeling calm and in control, even when it feels like everything’s coming at you at once.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/2
What I’m sharing today is foundational for building a life and business that support one another, as opposed to being in contradiction, where one area has to suffer for the other to thrive. It’s a concept I’m calling Your Life and Business Vision, and it’s the crucial first step to a fulfilling, profitable, and sustainable career as an interior designer, so keep listening.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/1
I am an award-winning Interior Designer and a Certified Life and Business Coach, and I’m on a mission to help interior designers go from stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed, to calm, confident, and in control.
I created this podcast to help overwhelmed interior designers just like you to learn how to manage your time, feel more in control of your projects, and streamline your days for productivity and profit.
You got into this industry because you love design - not to just create another job for yourself. Now is the time to get back to loving what you do and actually enjoying running your own business.
Each week, I’ll combine mindset with tips, tools, and strategies you can use to intentionally create a business that enriches your life as a whole. Because when you thrive, your business will thrive.
We’ll cover topics like time management, people-pleasing, boundaries, goal-setting, and more as I share simple, actionable tips to save you time, simplify your day, and increase your profitability.
I’m here to coach you on the issues you are facing in your business and to help you create success that is truly self-defined.
If you’re ready to blend mindset with strategy, feel empowered in your business, and start feeling more calm and in control today, this is the podcast for you.
And if you want more tips, tools, and strategies, visit www.desicreswell.com to learn how I can help you. You can also find out more about my signature group coaching program, Out of Overwhelm.