Mentorship isn’t a checkbox, a program, or a bullet point on a website—it’s a mindset. In this deeply reflective and energizing episode, Paige Donald joins Sam to challenge everything you think you know about mentoring.They explore what happens when teams build trust, lead with vulnerability, and invest in each other beyond just “doing the job.” You’ll hear how mentorship becomes the engine for creativity, loyalty, and long-term retention—an organic force that shapes culture from the inside out.From powerful real-world stories to actionable ideas, this episode offers a playbook for how to lead, grow, and belong in a team that thrives. Whether you're a leader, a designer, or someone looking to build better relationships at work—this episode will change the way you see mentorship.💬 Topics We Cover:-Why mentorship is more than a program-How vulnerability builds real trust-The difference between coaching and mentorship-Creating feedback loops that go both ways-Aligning teams through shared values-A culture-first approach to employee retention-How to build daily habits of connection-The hidden ROI of human-centered leadership-Real-world examples from SmithGroup’s team dynamics-The power of 10-minute check-ins🛠️ Who This Episode Is For:-Team leaders building long-term culture-Designers and creatives navigating mentorship-HR professionals rethinking retention-Anyone who believes people-process

Burn the Rulebook. Challenge Yourself. No Rules. Just Design + Creativity.

In this episode of the LytePOD, Keith Bradshaw — CEO and co-founder of Speirs Major — invites us into the mindset that has shaped one of the most iconic lighting design studios in the world.

From rejecting personal “style” to designing with emotional precision, Keith shares why the real competition is internal — and why great design demands risk, reflection, and the courage to start over again and again.

We talk about:

• Why lighting is a chameleon-like discipline

• The fear of repetition and creative stagnation

• How to lead a studio without losing creative fire

• Designing for feeling, not just form

• What separates good work from unforgettable work

This is a masterclass in creative discipline, and a rare glimpse into what it takes to stay great — even when no one’s watching.

Why can’t you just get a price for a light fixture? What exactly does a lighting rep do?

In this eye-opening episode, Sam sits down with Caitlin Mulligan to break down the architectural sales channel and shed light on the critical but often misunderstood role of manufacturers’ reps in the design and construction industry.From the pricing complexity of architectural products to the behind-the-scenes hustle for every purchase order, Caitlin explains the challenges, responsibilities, and realities of being a rep—and why it matters to designers, architects, and engineers alike.

Whether you’re an emerging designer, a seasoned architect, or curious about how materials actually get procured, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the sales process, so you can work smarter and build better relationships with reps.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why pricing a light fixture is more complex than you think

✅ The role of a manufacturer’s rep in the sales channel

✅ How reps support designers, architects, and engineers

✅ Why reps are tied to specific territories—and how that impacts projects

✅ How reps get compensated (and why they sometimes don’t)

✅ The hidden challenges of getting specified and staying specified

✅ The rep’s role in custom product modifications and technical support

✅ How reps influence product innovation by relaying market needs

✅ Why communication and transparency are key to mutual success

What does it mean to belong? In this honest and eye-opening episode, David Seok, associate and suido leader in NYC unpacks the sense of being a minority in a way that helps anyone understand what life is like when you don't look like other people—from cultural identity to hiring practices, mentorship, and representation.

Through personal stories as an Asian American designer, David reflects on unconscious bias, the power of community, and how to take real steps—big or small—toward creating inclusive workplaces where people feel seen.

Explore the reality of growing a design firm. Chip reflects on decades of experience—what he learned the hard way, how he approaches business decisions, and what he wishes young designers knew before launching their own studios. Whether you're a seasoned principal or just beginning your career, this episode is full of actionable advice for navigating the intersection of creativity and business.

Key Topics covered:

• Starting a design business: challenges and costs

• Why passion needs to be paired with business acumen

• How to scale without burning out

• Managing people, billing cycles, and mentorship

• Building trust, reputation, and referral networks

How can lighting help rebuild communities after a disaster? In this episode, we speak with homeowners who have lost everything, elected officials leading recovery efforts, and industry experts working to make reconstruction safer and more sustainable. Learn how lighting design is crucial in rebuilding efforts and what it takes to create a more resilient future.

Get involved: lightequity.org

A special thank you to these community advocates and sponsors:

Bartco - www.bartcolighting.com

Cerno- cernogroup.com

Cooper Lighting - www.cooperlighting.com

DMF - www.dmflighting.com

Prudential Lighting - www.prulite.com

As a former creative agency owner turned wellness coach, Shawna Bigby-Davis explores the unique challenges faced by creative professionals. She discusses the connection between creativity and the nervous system, how stress manifests in the body, and the importance of self-regulation for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming autoimmune diseases, Shawna shares practical insights on recognizing burnout, embracing imperfection, and building sustainable creative practices.

The App: https://yourdaily.health/Summary of Topics:

1.The Creative Brain-Body Connection – Why creativity is a full-body experience, not just a mental process.

2. Understanding Burnout – How chronic stress impacts creatives and why it’s essential to listen to the body’s signals.

3. Perfectionism and External Validation – The hidden cost of seeking approval and striving for flawlessness in creative work.

4. Breaking the Cycle of Stress – Practical strategies for self-regulation and stress management.

5. Sustainable Creativity – How to balance professional demands while prioritizing personal well-being.

This episode is made possible thanks to Nightingale Lighting - Learn more

Kate explores the power of color in lighting design—how it shapes human experiences, evokes emotion, and influences spatial perception. Drawing from her background in theatrical and architectural lighting, she shares insights on the intentional use of color as a storytelling tool.

From museum exhibits to built environments, Kate discusses how light enhances materials, the cultural significance of color, and why thoughtful color selection is often more effective than color-changing lighting. Whether you're a designer, architect, or simply fascinated by how light impacts our world, this episode will change the way you see color.

Topics Covered

• Theatrical vs. architectural lighting design
• The emotional and psychological effects of color
• The role of daylight and natural color variations
• How historical architecture was designed with lighting in mind
• Using light to enhance materials rather than overpower them
• Cultural perceptions of color
• The importance of intentionality in color selection
• Technical advances in color lighting and controls
• Balancing aesthetics and practicality in lighting projects
• Sustainability and responsible color application in lighting

Key Takeaways

1. Color in lighting is more than just RGB. Color is present in all light, and even subtle shifts in white light can dramatically impact perception.
2. Lighting is a storytelling tool. The way color interacts with a space, material, and time of day shapes how people feel and engage with an environment.
3. Cultural and contextual meaning of color matters. Different cultures perceive colors differently, and designers must consider these associations when making choices.
4. Static vs. dynamic color use. Not all projects require dynamic color-changing lighting; sometimes, carefully selecting a fixed hue is more effective.
5. Lighting design is a team effort. Successful implementation requires collaboration between lighting designers, architects, and other stakeholders.

This conversation explores the impact of lighting on human health. Kevin Houser, Professor at Oregon State University and Lead Engineer at the Pacifica Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), discusses how circadian lighting and human-centric design influence well-being, the latest research on non-visual responses to light, and the industry’s challenge in balancing scientific rigor with practical application. The conversation also addresses the risks of over-quantifying lighting metrics too soon and the need for continued research and adaptation.

How is AI reshaping the world of lighting design? This episode explores how technology transforms creativity, productivity, and collaboration in the industry. Dive deep into how AI tools are helping designers make data-driven decisions, streamline workflows, and push the boundaries of what's possible. We also tackle the ongoing challenges of aligning budgets with bold design visions and fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, and lighting professionals. If you’re curious about the trends shaping the future of design, this episode is a must-listen!

Where They Work:

Lisa - https://akld.net/

Jay - https://www.wsp.com/en-us/

Michael - https://hlblighting.com/

Reinhardt - https://www.smithgroup.com/

Topics we explore:

• Challenges in the Lighting Design Industry- Exploring New Approaches To Design
• The Role of Collaboration- AI and Technology in Design- Delivering Quality Work
• Impact of Design on Human Experience- Pricing and Procurement Pain Points
• The Demands For Circularity

Key Takeaways:

• The shift from traditional drawings to holistic project visualization and its impact on design.
• Quality, transparency, and budget alignment are important in collaborative design processes.
• The evolution of architecture and engineering as a creative discipline.

• Practical advice for fostering meaningful collaboration between designers, engineers, and stakeholders.