From journals to billboards, Brian Singer has always pushed design into unexpected places. As the mind behind the global 1,000 Journals Project and the viral campaign Twit Spotting, Brian blends creativity with cultural commentary in ways that make people stop, think, and sometimes fume. His AIGA journey—from San Francisco chapter leadership to the national board—offers candid lessons on leading volunteers, sparking movements, and why the best retreat moments happen in elevators at 5 a.m.

Key Takeaways

• Sometimes, complaining catalyzes change—it was merely asking why that got Brian invited to fix things from the inside.
• Art that makes people mad is doing something right—his Twit Spotting project provoked exactly the response it needed.
• Real leadership happens over beers and sleep-deprived elevator chats—not just boardroom mandates.
• Community building is messy—but unforgettable: tattoos, pyramids, and impulsive hangouts outlast polished presentations.
• Empowering volunteers doesn’t mean doing it all yourself—it means igniting purpose and letting others run with it.

Episode Chapters

1. 02:13 – First leadership retreat memories: Brian attends Omaha (2008) and recalls hallways, atriums, and security-chasing room hoppers.  
2. 02:59 – The great liquored-up bar incident: A bar emptied out by design leaders—left patrons and owners mystified.  
3. 03:50 – How he got involved: From relentless commenting to being asked to fix problems—his entry into AIGA leadership.  
4. 05:42 – AIGA welcome moment: Executive Director Amos Clausner’s warm reach-out helped Brian stop being the “wallflower at the bar.”  
5. 07:21 – National board intro: the ‘60-second video’: His unapologetically bold intro included death threats from Twit Spotting—set to German metal music.  
6. 08:55 – What was Twit Spotting?: A candid photo project showing people texting while driving, placed on billboards along their commute.  
7. 11:10 – When art goes viral: Media frenzy ensued—his phone buzzed with attention, even from AIGA offices and his mom.  
8. 15:29 – Leading from in the trenches: Brian refused to wall himself off when on the national board—he joined chapter leaders for pyramids and beers.  
9. 19:52 – After-program bonding beats workshops: Elevator hall chats at 5 a.m. matter more than structured sessions.  
10. 22:43 – Wrangling volunteer energy: “You can’t fire volunteers”—leadership means enabling passion in a 40 events‑a‑year board.  
11. 28:43 – Pyramids (and back pain): He played foundation in a human pyramid—and discovered the literal weight of community.  
12. 30:01 – Tattoos and creative play: San Francisco chapter’s retreat swag included custom tattoos—unleashing creativity across chapters.  

About Our Guest

Brian Singer is a San Francisco–based creative and community provocateur. His projects include the participatory global 1,000 Journals experiment and the provocative Twit Spotting initiative, displayed on San Francisco billboards. Formerly a design leader at Facebook and Pinterest, Brian now heads the creative team at Airtable and sits on the SFMoMA’s Seeka Council. He’s also an active AIGA leader on both chapter and national levels.  

Featuring

• Guest Brian Singer, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

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She transformed the White House with design—and the DC design community with heart. Ashleigh Axios brings design into democracy as a former Creative Director at the Obama White House, founder of DotGov Design, and longtime AIGA leader. Her journey shows how volunteer leadership can spark systemic impact—across government, community, and conferences turned culture shifts.

More about AIGA DC's DotGov: https://dc.aiga.org/dotgovdesign/

Key Takeaways

• Volunteerism becomes actual leadership – Ashleigh’s first board roles led to designing policy, publications, and civic design systems.
• Retreats are revelation machines – informal rituals like sunset walks and pool-table dance-offs fuel deep connection.
• Community can deliver structural change – DotGov Design evolved from local meetups to seeding the US Web Design System.
• Boards build career skills – Leading volunteers can teach real leadership—from managing teams to purpose-driven strategy.
• Legacy is not about control – Great leaders plan for what follows—leave a system that evolves without you.
• Pyramids are alive (and literal) – Whether navigating the bottom or the middle, those human structures embody trust, fun, and design teamwork.

Episode Chapters

1. 00:19 – Leadership in Design
2. Ashleigh’s journey spans from local roles—programming coordinator and AIGA DC president—to national leadership, including leading the AIGA national board and the national conference.  
3. 01:20 – Volunteer to Visionary
4. She began by setting up chairs at AIGA DC events in 2009–2010, then quickly moved through branding, programming, sponsorship, conference leadership, and presidency.  
5. 03:53 – Retreat Revelation
6. Her first leadership retreat in Salt Lake City (2012) cemented her love for how chapter leaders connect—over ideas and community.  
7. 08:58 – Denver Bonding Moment
8. A mix of team walks at Red Rocks Amphitheater and dance-party afterparties revealed how retreat rituals form lifelong trust—and unforgettable memories.  
9. 10:17 – Dallas Dive-Bar Dance Party
10. A surprise night of pool‑table dancing in a dive bar turned into a shared creative celebration—chapter leaders, staff, and board all let loose together.   
11. 18:36 – DotGov Design Takes Off
12. Ashleigh identified a need to connect government designers across agencies and kicked off an initiative within AIGA DC that grew into a full conference.  
13. 22:49 – Birthplace of US Web Design System
14. A session at a DotGov conference sparked the first discussions around what became the US Web Design System—the government’s open design system.  
15. 25:57 – Leading with Management Skills
16. Her first people-management role came through AIGA—she supervised a team of 23, proving volunteer leadership can teach real career-ready skills.  
17. 29:27 – Succession as Design Strategy
18. Ashleigh emphasizes succession planning: leadership means leaving ladder rungs, not climbing alone—and ensuring teams thrive beyond your involvement.  
19. 31:02 – Pyramid Positioning
20. From bottom to steering-from-the-middle, Ashleigh’s pyramid stories capture both the literal and figurative dynamics of AIGA’s community-building rituals.   

About Our Guest

Ashleigh Axios has shaped how we understand design in both public service and community. As Creative Director in the Obama White House, she architected creative policy communication. As AIGA DC president and National Board President, she founded DotGov Design, elevating government design through community, conferences, and innovation. Today, she advises emerging leaders and drives inclusive civic design initiatives.  

Featuring

• Guest Ashleigh Axios, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

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She turned skateboard art into a force for community and change. Elysia Syriac transformed a modest mentorship experiment—Bordo Bello, a skateboard art auction—into a ten-year legacy of artistic civic impact. From student volunteer to board leader (and national advisory member), she built systems that fundraised $50,000 for designers with disabilities and cultivated creative culture through leadership retreats, human pyramids, and unapologetic joy.

Key Takeaways

• Sometimes creativity starts with a skateboard—Bordo Bello started small and grew into a mentorship, fundraising, and advocacy powerhouse.
• Cool still funds community—Elysia’s cold calls to design superstars led to unforgettable boards and creative momentum.
• Artifacts matter—Photography, printed catalogues, and exhibits preserved the energy and legacy of the program.
• Retreats are leadership labs—Whether at the top of a human pyramid or a bar karaoke mic, community bonds are forged through shared absurdity.
• Design can heal and empower—Bordo Bello raised resources and skills for underserved designers—and built connection in the process.
• Legacy is built with systems—Elysia’s board leadership focused on retention, succession, and sustainable impact—not just performance.

Episode Chapters

1. 01:18 – First spark: Elysia’s start in AIGA came from a student‑run skateboard art show next to her studio, and she instantly volunteered to help create more.  
2. 02:00 – Bordo Bello born: She took over Bordo Bello, turn­ing skateboard design into a community-driven mentorship project.  
3. 04:42 – Art as democracy: Skateboards became a “democratic canvas” — vector files, LightBrites, robots, and more—from mentorship pairs to design heroes like Debbie Millman and Aaron Draplin.  
4. 06:11 – Auction for impact: Boards started at a bargain $50, were curated blindly (so your board might hang next to a design legend), and proceeds were split with VSA.  
5. 07:19 – $50K raised: Over her tenure, she helped raise over $50,000 to support design training for people with disabilities.  
6. 08:26 – National showcase: Bordo Bello reached new heights with a gallery exhibit at AIGA’s national New York office—a standout honor.  
7. 10:22 – Retreat rituals: From pyramid formations in bowling alleys to karaoke nights, retreats became core to connection and leadership identity.  
8. 20:07 – Designing unforgettable events: Elysia reflects on how momentum and creativity help craft experiences that linger beyond the moment.  
9. 28:07 – Community is everything: She underscores the magic of belonging, shared memories, and why leaving design history undocumented is a missed opportunity.  
10. 39:01 – Creativity as commitment: In her words: “Designers hold responsibility for how the world communicates.”  

About Our Guest

Elysia Syriac is a design strategist and experience designer with deep roots in community and operations. As Creative Programs Lead at Amazon Design, she spearheaded Conflux, revamped the Creative Jam model, and led events like Chaircuterie and Bordo Bello—the latter raising over $50,000 for disability mentorship through skateboard art. AIGA Colorado president (2011–13), President’s Council Chair, and national advisory board member, she built systems for succession, board retention, and creative program impact. 

Featuring

• Guest Elysia Syriac, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
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Volunteer energy plus organizational legacy—Mike Joosse made it his mission. AIGA’s first-ever Director of Chapter Development, Mike helped design what chapter leadership looks like today. Whether orchestrating leadership retreats or building the connective tissue between chapters, his story intertwines systems, empathy, and retreat-floor pyramid chaos in a way only AIGA can inspire.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership begins with paying it forward: Mike’s journey started with a boss who didn’t just pay his membership—he sent Mike to AIGA events.
• Retreats are more than agendas—they’re rituals: Human pyramids, zoo afterparties, morning hall chats—they’re where bonds cement in unexpected ways.
• Every mind in the room matters: From entry-level attendees to seasoned leaders, AIGA chapters thrive when all needs—from connection to contribution—are met.
• Ideas leap across chapters: Success stories traveled faster than emails—retreats were breeding grounds for creative cross-pollination.
• Community transcends geography: Even after moving from AIGA to agency life, Mike carries community-building forward with virtual human connection.
• Remember to share the load: Leadership isn’t about running solo—it’s about creating spaces where everyone can show up, contribute, and feel seen.

Episode Chapters

1. 01:23 – AIGA changed everything: “AIGA is responsible for almost every job I’ve ever gotten,” Mike reflects as he recounts his early entry into the organization.  
2. 03:11 – Paid to get involved: His first boss insisted Mike attend AIGA DC events and covered his membership—completely eye-opening for a 21-year-old.  
3. 03:56 – Leadership arc in chapters: From volunteer to board member, president, national staff, and ultimately AIGA Chicago VP—Mike lived a full AIGA cycle.  
4. 05:32 – Record–setting retreat runner: His first leadership retreat in February 2006 started a streak—10 retreats in total.  
5. 07:05 – Omaha, birthplace of the pyramid: The first human pyramid flared to life at an Omaha zoo retreat—the ritual that scared and captivated Mike.  
6. 12:05 – Planning with purpose: Salt Lake City was the last retreat he orchestrated—and he made every hour count, from the garden to a candy shop inside the venue.  
7. 13:15 – Room parties made real: The Philly chapter’s unstinting open-invite energy gave Mike one of the most memorable nights—lasting until sunrise.  
8. 15:50 – Attendees bring commitment: Mike explains respect for chapter leaders—anyone who spends their own time leading chapters deserves admiration.  
9. 19:40 – A leadership pyramid of needs: Using Maslow’s hierarchy, he maps what people attend AIGA for—from connection to giving back.  
10. 21:47 – Sharing knowledge across chapters: Leadership retreats became catalysts for idea swap—Seattle learned from Houston, Portland from others.  
11. 25:08 – Carrying connection forward: Mike built a mental Rolodex—now he uses that same mindset to keep his VML remote team of 40 connected.  
12. 37:23 – Community isn’t gone—it’s evolved: While AIGA-style gatherings paused, Mike recreated that sense of belonging through informal “Friday-life” sessions—no work, just real life.  

About Our Guest

Mike Joosse is Group Studio Director of Brand Design at VML, where he orchestrates operations, talent, and culture across a team of designers. He served AIGA in a landmark capacity—as its first Director of Chapter Development—and supercharged chapter cohesion and leadership standards. Mike’s legacy includes retreat experiences, volunteer networks, and an enduring belief in facilitating over dictating.  

Featuring

• Guest Mike Joosse, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
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From Memphis student to Yale design powerhouse, David’s trajectory is one rooted in momentum, connection, and creative obligation. He launched his AIGA journey in 2008 with a classroom assignment, then led Nashville’s chapter, organized retreats, and sparked a lettering practice that doubled as historical commentary. Whether writing with Procreate or building human pyramids at leadership retreats, his story underscores the power of inertia—and creative responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• Momentum matters: What began as a class assignment led to chapters, conferences, and Yale.
• Leadership pivots on presence: Real opportunities start with showing up—for retreats, for conversations, for creative exploration.
• Shapes of care: Lettering sprang from reflection and urgency; his art is both cathartic and communicative.
• Momentum is legacy: From civil rights runs to daily practice, David’s career honors the past by refusing silence and inaction.

Episode Chapters

1. 02:00 – AIGA through academia: His first exposure was in graduate school—designing a conference engagement site. That launched his longtime involvement, from student chapter to Co‑President in Nashville.  
2. 03:53 – Retreat connections: “We met at the leadership retreat in Denver”—a pivotal moment where design community transcended locales.  
3. 07:32 – Students are bedrock: David reflects on how student involvement sustains AIGA, even as professionals grow busier.  
4. 09:49 – Programming with purpose: He organized workshops, campus visits, portfolio reviews, and “speed‑dating” sessions between job seekers and employers.  
5. 12:02 – Rooftop pyramid story: David recounts being the base of a human pyramid at the Raleigh retreat—and joining the “24-hour sunrise club” at Atlanta.  
6. 14:18 – Network sparks career moves: AIGA connections led him to Pasadena, then to Yale—each conference paving the way forward.  
7. 16:16 – Active invitation matters: A walk to a speaker in the hallway opened doors—like being invited into the Poster House advisory board. 
8. 22:34 – Lettering amid uncertain times: David picked up Procreate and began a crisis‑driven lettering practice during the pandemic.  
9. 24:26 – Putting pen to protest: His lettering caught Fine Acts’ eye—he contributed to free protest posters shortly into the practice.  
10. 26:27 – Running through history: A post-election run in Birmingham mirrored the civil rights march routes—fueling his creative momentum: “Apathy is inexcusable.”  

About Our Guest

David Jon Walker is a Yale School of Art professor, art director, and type designer whose design is deeply rooted in storytelling, history, and social awareness. With an MFA from both Memphis and Yale, he’s served on advisory boards for the Type Directors Club and Poster House, and collaborated with major institutions like HarperCollins and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His career—shaped by AIGA retreats, academic rigor, and activist lettering—reflects creativity committed to purpose.  

Featuring

• Guest David Jon Walker, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
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From karaoke bars to design conferences, Paul Mendoza shows how joy becomes leadership. Starting as a night-school student turned AIGA co-president, he leveraged unexpected opportunities—including an impromptu karaoke mic—to become a community-builder, volunteer manager, and event producer, ultimately shaping programs like Amazon’s Conflux with a dose of delight.

Key Takeaways

• Opportunities often arrive via simple invitations: A classroom nudge led Paul from script coordinating to chapter leadership.
• Community isn’t just structure—it’s a performance: A karaoke mic can open doors and anchor your story.
• Retreat magic happens off-stage: The 6 a.m. Club and impromptu gatherings often build deeper trust than any agenda.
• Allyship is action: “Gay IGA” stands as a reminder that leadership multiplies when based in courage and inclusion.
• Leadership lessons come in metaphors: Human pyramids embody support, posture, and balance—literal or figurative.
• Volunteering powers career pivots: Paul’s AIGA network directly enabled his move into designing conference experiences at Amazon.
• True communication equals real impact: AIGA taught Paul that how you deliver often matters more than what you say—something rarely taught but always noticed.

Episode Chapters

1. 01:17 – AIGA begins at UCLA Extension: Night-school script coordinator Henry recommends Paul join AIGA; he becomes co-president of the student chapter.  
2. 02:39 – Portfolio Day sparks a retreat invitation: Paul’s volunteer work invites him to his first leadership retreat in Grand Rapids (2015)—before holding a board role.  
3. 03:16 – Retreats become key milestones: Paul joins retreats in Grand Rapids (2015), Raleigh (2016), Baltimore (2018), and Atlanta (2019), while rising in leadership.  
4. 07:17 – Karaoke steals the show: At a bowling‑alley karaoke night, Paul’s performance stops the room—and secures his social legacy.  
5. 11:24 – The 6 a.m. Club retires conventions: Final retreat nights end in soulful early‑morning talks, as “serendipity” replaces structure.  
6. 13:47 – “Gay IGA” becomes community: In protest of North Carolina’s HB1, LGBTQ+ members turned an informal gathering into a powerful ally moment.  
7. 18:02 – Pyramid wisdom: Human pyramids taught Paul about foundational leadership, mutual support, and posture—from literal base to metaphorical ground.  
8. 20:16 – True facilitation matters: He recalls advice from Mike Joosse on supporting board ideas—even unproven ones—with grace.  
9. 21:56 – Big ideas travel at retreats: Chapter Advisory Council stories and cross-chapter mentorship bloomed at gatherings like Baltimore’s.  
10. 22:09 – ABCs of Conflux: AIGA connections—like Alicia Syriac’s reach-out—led Paul to craft Amazon Design’s conference “Conflux” across three cities.  
11. 25:58 – Bringing joy to the big stage: Paul writes and coaches on-screen talent at Amazon, leveraging AIGA’s spirit of joy-driven community.  
12. 29:49 – Communication is a learnable craft: Presentation fluency wasn’t assumed—Paul speaks of how AIGA taught him the art of engaging—and why that’s rare in design training.  

About Our Guest

Paul Mendoza began in UCLA night school and rose to AIGA LA board leadership, eventually producing major events like Portfolio Day and AIGA’s national design conference (2016–2023). Today, he’s a strategic planner for Amazon’s in-house design summit, Conflux—injecting showmanship, community, and stagecraft into leadership gatherings.  

Featuring

• Guest Paul Mendoza, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

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She championed in-house design before it was cool—and made community feel like home. As SVP of Experience Research & Design at O3 and former president of AIGA Philadelphia, Christine Sheller forged in-house design advocacy, launched a scholarship fund, and connects communities across coasts. Her path includes late-night retreat stories, unexpected mentors, and the kind of legacy that starts with “you’re not alone here.”

Key Takeaways

• Community sees the unseen: Even as an in-house newbie, Christine found belonging through mentorship and events—especially thanks to allies like Nick.
• Retreats build real bonds: From coast-to-coast friendships to surprise room drop-ins, retreats are where connection reveals itself.
• In-house designers need each other: A breakout talk turned into tours, exhibitions, and a sold-out conference proving the need for a dedicated in-house community.
• Creativity thrives on spontaneity: From sliding down stairs to impromptu suite parties, fun is where trust grows.
• Teaching is legacy-building: Christine now bridges worlds—from her past Philly chapter work to L.A. teaching and helping through design in real time.

Episode Chapters

1. 02:21 – Early AIGA beginnings: Christine joined AIGA in college while working at Motorola. Despite feeling like an outsider among agency folk, she persisted, connecting through events and a welcoming fellow—Nick Prestaleo.  
2. 05:05 – Retreat revelations: Her first leadership retreat in Minneapolis (circa 2010–11) was where connection truly clicked—and coast-to-coast friendships began.  
3. 10:01 – Suite-party shenanigans: At the Grand Rapids retreat, a guest named Monica wandered into Christine’s suite—armed with whiskey and lost, introducing them all to design’s legendary serendipity.  
4. 14:22 – Stairs as slides: Late-night hijinks continued when Christine and her friends decided a carpeted staircase was best enjoyed seated—and winding down on their butts.  
5. 17:46 – In-house design spark: Inspired by a breakout talk from in‑house guru Andy Epstein, she launched an in-house initiative that included studio tours, open houses, and ultimately, a sold‑out conference.  
6. 20:40 – Has Heart & design for vets: At a leadership retreat, she met AIGA’s Has Heart presenters and helped match veterans with designers via a traveling Airstream collaboration.  
7. 24:30 – Life becomes coast-to-coast: During the pandemic, Christine relocated to L.A., now teaching at ArtCenter and consulting. She fell in love with city life—mixed with the nostalgia of Philly’s tight-knit community.  
8. 26:39 – Living the L.A. dream: Christine embraced the West Coast fully—from visiting Universal Studios to seeing Public Enemy live, even connecting with Flavor Flav on social media.  
9. 31:31 – AIGA LA feels alive: She continues to stay involved, noting how active and welcoming the L.A. chapter remains—even for trivia warriors like herself.  
10. 36:38 – Giving it all back: Christine emphasizes how design and teaching remain her ways to help—monitoring the evolving industry and engaging with the community however she can.  

About Our Guest

Christine Sheller is SVP of Experience Research and Design at O3 and an adjunct professor at ArtCenter College of Design. A Philadelphia native, she led AIGA Philly as president, spearheading initiatives such as the in-house design movement and a scholarship fund. Her professional journey spans building award-winning UX teams across fintech and advising the next generation through teaching and mentorship.  

Featuring

• Guest Christine Sheller, connect on LinkedIn | ADPList
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
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When your career threads through design education, community building, and recruitment, stories become your legacy. Josh Silverman has done exactly that—spanning leadership roles in multiple AIGA chapters, designing recruitment frameworks, shaping graduate programs, and even riding epic bike trails. This episode explores how those long bike rides reflect the beauty of design relationships: the endurance of curiosity, the connections formed along the way, and how volunteer roots can become career branches.

Key Takeaways

• Stories can be your bridge: From membership postcards to mentorship, every connection made became a pivot point.
• Roles evolve with vision: Josh turned a Membership Chair title into a custom path—Community Membership Director—because he kept showing up.
• Innovation often risks friction: Introducing the Bone Show beyond Boston inspired chapters—and a few raised eyebrows along the way.
• Retreats incubate relationships: From banners to pyramids to dinner with Sagmeister—some bonds form outside the agenda.
• Generosity returns tenfold: A volunteer ask to pick up a design legend turned into lasting friendship—and creative collaboration.

Episode Chapters

1. 00:02 – The importance of preserving stories: Josh emphasizes why sharing design leadership stories matters now more than ever.  
2. 02:25 – From postcard to power role: How a membership postcard led Josh to the Boston chapter—and memorable mentorship with Fritz Klaetke.
3. 04:03 – From Membership Chair to Community Membership Director: Reinventing his role to stay in leadership beyond the typical term limit.  
4. 06:06 – Bringing the Bone Show to New England: Josh drove the idea across states to grow creative community—and unintentionally ruffled some chapter feathers in the process.
5. 07:28 – Launching the Rhode Island chapter: Expanding the community by co-founding a new chapter from scratch.  
6. 08:10 – Co-leading AIGA’s Centennial: Josh co-chaired planning for AIGA’s 100-year celebration—one of his proudest chapters yet.  
7. 14:21 – First leadership retreat memory (Phoenix, ’97): A formative moment that opened doors to new networks and mentorship.  
8. 15:51 – Calling out the smart-quote faux pas: Noticing a design error on the chapter banner led to praise—and solidified Josh’s love for meticulous design.
9. 32:31 – Too many human pyramids to count: Pyramids at bowling alleys—powered by communal bravery and a touch of alcohol.  
10. 33:30 – Collaboration led from trust: How meeting Randy Hunt at a retreat turned into creative partnership—and even a friend-based business collaboration.  
11. 36:32 – Meeting Stefan Sagmeister—and record shopping: When volunteering meant spending the day with one of his design heroes.  

About Our Guest

Josh Silverman is a longtime connector in design education, AIGA leadership, and creative recruitment. He’s founded PeopleWork Partners, advised graduate design programs, and led chapters in Boston and Rhode Island. Whether riding metaphorical (or literal) long distances, Josh’s leadership is routed in relationships and story stewardship.  

Featuring

• Guest Josh Silverman, connect on LinkedIn | PeopleWork Partners
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn

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• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
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She turned volunteer leadership into a leadership vocation. Amanda Hovest’s journey began in AIGA LA’s membership committee and spanned nearly half a decade as president—where she didn’t just grow a chapter, she molded herself into a creative events architect, community advocate, and powerhouse facilitator. From retreat after-parties to boardroom strategy, she shows how design volunteering becomes a training ground for real leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership grows in community: Amanda’s rise from member to chapter president was catalyzed by mentorship—and one unforgettable after-party introduction.
• Retreats are culture farms: Whether pyramid formation, pancake runs, or bar shutdowns, the best bonds form over chaos and Midnight connections.
• Serving builds skill: Running volunteers sharpened her in facilitation, event production, and stakeholder management—skills that transformed her career.
• It is running a nonprofit: Volunteer organizations operate with all the complexities—minus pay—teaching leadership that real-life careers need.
• Everyone contributes to the vision: Leadership is less about role and more about making space, unlocking collective contribution—even when it’s messy.

Episode Chapters

1. 00:18 – From student member to AIGA LA President Amanda started as Membership Director in 2014—with encouragement from a mentor—and eventually served as chapter president (through 2019), just before the pandemic.  
2. 03:10 – Finding “core family” at an after-party One AIGA event at The Edison introduced her to six key people who would become her creative family in L.A.  
3. 03:47 – Retreat baptism in Denver Her first leadership retreat turned strangers into friends—and forever changed her approach to connection.  
4. 06:18 – Pyramids and pancake serendipity Morning camaraderie—including running into Erik at a diner after a night of retreat chaos—cemented bonds beyond the boardroom.  
5. 19:45 – Sharpie room-party GPS No phones? No problem. AIGA leaders Sharpied their room numbers onto arms so everyone could find the party at Omaha retreat.  
6. 20:06 – Drank them out of alcohol A small-town retreat, a packed bar, and…they ran the bar out of booze. Legendary.  
7. 21:16 – Listening first, leading second Amanda champions servant leadership—starting by listening to her team—and bringing everyone into action, not position.  
8. 22:34 – From designer to community architect Chapter leadership taught her event production and volunteer management—skills so vital they now shape her career.  
9. 24:56 – Realizing she “ran a nonprofit” It hit her late in her term: leading a volunteer organization felt exactly like running a nonprofit—no rules, no pay, all heart.  
10. 27:08 – Leadership as a collaborative ecosystem Amanda learned everyone leads—from the 20% doing 80% of the work, to the mutual investment in community vision.  

About Our Guest

Amanda Hovest is designer, storyteller, and creative facilitator who led AIGA Los Angeles from 2014 to 2019—including as Membership Director, Vice President, Secretary, and ultimately President. Her client work spans institutions like LACMA, LA Phil, and SoCal PBS, and she’s named a “Person to Watch” by GDUSA. Today, she continues to lead via storytelling, mentorship, and immersive design experiences.   

Featuring

• Guest Amanda Hovest, connect on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Host Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedIn
• Host Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn
  
  

Support the Show

• Theme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans
• Produced by Chapter 2 Media
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Welcome to the fire-starting episode—where insider retreat stories meet design leadership sass. Hosts Erik Cargill and Rachel Elnar set the stage by explaining what Cheers & Tiers is all about: a podcast that brings AIGA chapter leadership stories to life with sharp insights, playful gaps, and generous doses of community nostalgia. They share why retreats—not boardrooms—are where careers are made and bonds become lifelong.

Key Takeaways

• Show philosophy in a name: Cheers & Tiers stands for community celebration (Cheers) and the layered stories leadership unveils (Tiers).
• Retreats are the real boardrooms: It’s in the shared triangle rooms, pyramids, and late-night chats where leadership bonds.
• We’re here for the arc—not just the highlight: Expect the goofy, the vulnerable, and the downright brilliant moments behind the scenes.
• This is your invitation: Bring a metaphorical nametag, get comfy, and settle in—this is storytelling built for those who lead and remember.

Episode Chapters

1. 00:00 – From name tags to narratives: Erik and Rachel introduce the show and unpack what the title Cheers & Tiers means for design community storytelling.  
2. 00:30 – Why retreats matter: The hosts highlight why AIGA leadership retreats are more than agendas—they’re culture-crafting moments.  
3. 01:00 – What “Cheers” brings: Toast to the highs—celebrating wins, shared rituals, and community rituals.  
4. 01:30 – What “Tiers” reveals: Digging into layers—leadership levels, volunteer impact, and the scaffolding behind chapters’ growth.  
5. 02:00 – Listener takeaway: A spoiler-free peek at retreat folklore, leadership tension, and the kind of stories you’ll hear in upcoming episodes.  

About the Hosts

Erik & Rachel are your storytelling hosts and design-community curators. As co-creators of Cheers & Tiers, they spotlight AIGA leadership journeys, from quirky retreat rituals to strategic chapter growth, all told with warmth, humor, and insider flair.  

Support the show: subscribe, rate, and review Cheers & Tiers wherever you get your podcasts.
Music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic Oceans 
Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Podcast