Have you ever wondered what Houzz looked like in the beginning? In the first episode of our Houzzer Profile series, we sit down with Director of Community, Emily Hurley. She shares with us what led her to Houzz over 10 years ago, the unique role she plays in engaging our users, and how the company has grown and evolved while maintaining its core values and mission. 

And if you’re looking for the inside scoop on what those early days looked like, we’ve got you covered; from the games they used to play, to why she had to share a desk with her boss. As only the 23rd hire at Houzz, her story is one you won’t want to miss. 

Curious about the St. Vincent statue discussed in the episode? Check it out here

Professional development...some love it, others loathe it. When we're busy, and the demands of our job and lives feel heavy, this often falls to the bottom of our priority list. But by ignoring it, we're actually neglecting our innate desire for growth, contributing to a sense of imbalance in life. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about why professional development plays such a big role in your overall happiness and mental health, and learn about one Houzz program re-launching soon - RISE - that can help with that.

Follow-Up Resources

• RISE Hub Page: Use this link to learn about the RISE Program, if you're eligible, how to apply, and more
• Article: 5 Smart Steps to Investing in Self Development

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
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Music by, Purple Planet

Did you miss our live interview with VP of People, Ana Harris-Padley and VP of Branding & Communications, Allison Gervis? You're in luck, we have a recording! Use the link above to listen to our conversation with two of Houzz's female leaders as they discuss imposter syndrome, who inspires them, career advice, and more.

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Music by, Purple Planet

“Change is tough – there’s so much uncertainty, fear, anxiety…it’s all so stressful!”

This is the narrative we tend to hear when folks describe times of change. Yet, there’s a part of us that knows change is inevitable. Many of us also recognize that change is required if we want to innovate, grow and evolve. So how can we recognize the challenges that change brings to our lives while also shifting our perspective to understand that it also brings us opportunities? In this episode, we dig into this topic further and provide some actionable tips to help you shift your mindset and view of change from “threat” to “opportunity.”

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
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Music by, Purple Planet

In this edition of the Houzz We Manage Podcast we spend some time getting to know our new manager of Talent Development, Maxwell Garces. We learn how his curiosity has helped him in his career and at Houzz, as well as uncover how it inspired a new podcast series that we are excited to initiate this year.

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
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Music by, Purple Planet

Conducting a presentation or training over Zoom presents some unique challenges that we didn’t encounter when we were in-person. In this episode we discuss three easy tips & tricks (beyond the basics you find on the internet) that will help you be more organized, prepared, and replicate the human element we miss from being in-person.

Follow-Up Resources

• Click here to view a visual depiction of Tip #1: Be More Strategic With What's Displayed on Your Screens
• Article: Read this article for some additional Zoom presentation tips, including a quick checklist you can complete before you have the Zoom “floor”

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Music by, Purple Planet

Are you somebody that prides themselves on being extremely self-aware? I thought I was too until I learned that introspection can actually hinder self-awareness (I know, I didn't think that was possible either).  Take a listen to learn about one small shift you can make to become more self-aware.

Follow-Up Resources
Want to learn about more ways to improve self-awareness? Read this article: What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It)

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
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Music by, Purple Planet

Have you ever heard the phrase, “comparison is the thief of joy?” There’s no place we see this develop more than in the workplace. Feelings of frustration when someone gets promoted faster than you, seeing a colleague get picked for a special opportunity or project, even wishing we were as charismatic, creative, or smart as a team mate. These feelings of comparison are normal, but when left unchecked, can have detrimental effects on your career. 

Listen to our newest episode to learn where this compulsion to compare comes from, along with some realistic ways you can begin to reset your thought patterns to what matters most: you and your career.

Follow-Up Resources
Read this article to get additional tips on how to keep comparison at bay

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
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Music by, Purple Planet

Have you ever had a great feedback conversation that leads to...nothing? No change in behavior? No improved performance? If so, this may be because you aren't thinking about what it takes to actually act on feedback. In this episode, we will discuss some important steps each person must take to truly implement feedback and create improvements.

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
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Music by, Purple Planet

Our live podcast sessions are back -- this time with one of Houzz's most beloved leaders. Join us  as we sit down with our Vice President of Product, Itamar Orgad. During the session he'll share with us his biggest lessons in leadership -- spanning from his time in the Special Forces unit of the Israeli Defense Force, to his days at LinkedIn.

Want to read the article referenced? Check it out here: Not a Lone Survivor

Have feedback on this episode or any others? CLICK HERE or email us at
[email protected].

Music provided by, Purple Planet Music