In this episode, I reveal the critical mindset shift that separates designers who are constantly overwhelmed from those who run thriving studios. Learn why stepping into leadership isn't about ego but ownership, the common mindset blocks holding designers back, and practical steps to start thinking like a studio leader rather than just a designer in your business.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

When you start out in interior design, you wear all the hats—designer, admin, project manager, book keeper, stylist, and sometimes even furniture delivery person. But what gets you started isn't what helps you scale.

Staying stuck in the day-to-day weeds—chasing approvals, finding supplier calls, redoing client presentations at midnight—is a fast track to burnout and it limits your earning potential.

The moment you start thinking like a leader, planning instead of reacting, building systems instead of just delivering outcomes, your business begins to transform. You shift from chaos to clarity, from overwhelm to strategy.

Designers who have successfully made the leadership mindset shift share these characteristics:

Clarity
• Know their business model inside and out
• Understand who their ideal client is
• Have clear visibility on revenue streams

Boundaries
• Set expectations early with clients and team
• Stick to their process consistently
• Protect their time and energy

Systems
• Don't reinvent the wheel for every project
• Have established workflows, templates, and checklists
• Create predictable processes that deliver consistent results

Delegation
• Recognize their highest value activities
• Comfortable letting go of tasks others could do
• Invest strategically in support

Vision
• Think beyond this week or month
• Plan for the next quarter, hire, or business phase
• Make decisions based on where they're going, not just where they are

Many designers struggle with these common mindset obstacles:

"If I don't do it, it won't be done right." This stems from perfectionism or control issues. Leadership means letting go of some control to gain time, clarity, and freedom. Strong systems and processes reduce the need for micromanagement.

"I can't afford to outsource." If you're doing $100/hour design work but spending 10 hours a week on $30/hour tasks, you're already losing money. A leader invests strategically in help.

"I don't know where to start." This is where resources like podcasts, business coaches, or mentors become valuable. Having someone to help with this transition makes a significant difference.

Ready to make the shift? I recommend these practical actions:

Implement a Weekly CEO Hour
Set aside one hour each week where you don't do client work. Review finances, look at upcoming capacity, and plan strategically. This hour will transform your business.

Standardise one thing each week
Pick one part of your process—onboarding, quoting, email templates—and create a standard process for it. Use it consistently. By year's end, you could have 45-50 documented processes.

Define Your Studio Values
Get clear on what you stand for and what experience you want clients and team members to have. When you're clear on this, many decisions become easier.

Start Delegating
This could be as small as hiring a bookkeeper or virtual assistant, but taking that first step frees you up to lead.

You didn't start your design business to feel like you're drowning in admin. You started it because you love the work, the creativity, the transformation, the people you get to help. But to keep doing the work you love, you need to lead the business behind it.

This episode is essential for interior designers who are ready to step into the next version of themselves—the one that runs their studio with intention, confidence, and clarity.

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

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3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.