The Design Imposter

What does it mean to live authentically, especially when faced with major life changes? In this episode of The Design Imposter, Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis sit down with Rebecca George, executive coach and founder of Take Your Space. Rebecca’s unique journey from the theater to executive leadership has given her a deep understanding of balancing vulnerability with strength.

Together, they explore how to start over with confidence, embrace your triggers as tools for growth, and turn your vulnerabilities into superpowers. Rebecca shares her insights on living authentically and stepping into your full potential with curiosity and purpose. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, striving for senior leadership, or grappling with imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

Are you using LinkedIn to its full potential, or are you just scrolling past opportunities? In this episode of The Design Imposter, Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis sit down with Mollie Lo, an extraordinary CEO, career coach, and spiritual guru, to uncover how LinkedIn can transform your career and business. Whether you’re seeking a job, growing your business, or building a meaningful network, LinkedIn offers far more than just being a digital resume.

Mollie shares her expert insights on optimizing your profile to stand out in competitive spaces, crafting compelling headlines and summaries, and building authentic connections that open doors to new opportunities. She also dives into creating engaging content that positions you as a thought leader and leveraging LinkedIn’s tools to drive business growth, boost sales, and start meaningful conversations. Together, Monique, Jessica, and Mollie explore the do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn trends, algorithms, and strategies for staying relevant in today’s digital world.

Whether you’re a job seeker, entrepreneur, or seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you make LinkedIn work for you.

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Delve into the intricate world of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in this episode of "The Design Imposter," with Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis. 

If you've ever wondered how successful agencies secure new clients, this episode is a must-listen. Monique and Jessica share their tried-and-true strategies for crafting compelling proposals that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

From understanding the client's needs to presenting your agency's unique value, they cover every aspect of the RFP process. You'll learn how to prepare effectively, structure your proposal, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or leading a large agency, their insights will help you refine your approach and increase your chances of success.

But it's not all about the technical details. Monique and Jessica also discuss the importance of creativity and personal touch in your proposals. They emphasize the value of a well-designed presentation and how to showcase your agency's strengths authentically. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap for developing winning proposals and taking your business to the next level.

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1. Evaluate Your Hiring Process: Reflect on your current hiring practices. Are you thoroughly vetting candidates to ensure they fit your team’s culture and work ethic? Consider implementing new strategies shared in the episode.

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Do you feel stuck in your career? Looking for ways to advance? Wondering if a masters degree in publishing, design, marketing or writing will take you to that next level?

Join Jesica Valis and Monique Jenkins as they reunite with former classmates from the University of Baltimore and delve into their journeys before, during, and after pursuing a Master of Arts in Integrated Design. The conversation kicks off with their decision to return to school and the allure of the Masters in Publications Design/Integrated Design program. Each guest shares personal anecdotes about their favorite classes and the profound impact these courses had on shaping their careers.

The hosts and guests discuss how the curriculum focuses on visual communication: graphic design, web design, and professional writing and explore how this multidisciplinary approach has equipped them with skills to excel in design, marketing, and management roles in their current careers.

Listeners gain insights into the practical applications of what the graduates learned, emphasizing the importance of integrating design principles with professional writing and research to thrive across multiple platforms. The discussion also touches on the ongoing impact of their education on their creative processes and professional strategies, offering valuable lessons for current and prospective students.

This episode not only celebrates the successes of its guests but also touches on the feelings of imposter syndrome when making career-changing moves and how they feel now. It serves as an inspirational guide for anyone considering advancing their education and career in the ever-evolving world of design and communication.

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Learn more about the UB Integrated Design program.

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Join us on "The Design Imposter" as hosts Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis chat with two awesome UX leaders, Bri-anna Lewis and Kellie Porter, about what it's like to be in charge of design at big companies.

They'll talk about how they make sure everyone works well together, how they keep their design teams happy and creative, and what they do when things change at work.

You'll hear cool stories and get tips on how to lead a design team and make a big impact with your ideas. Whether you love design, want to be a leader, or are just curious about working in a big company, this episode has something for you. So, tune in and get ready to be inspired to lead and create!

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Learn about our newest enterprise: The Creative Circle Collective.

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In the vast expanse of corporate landscapes, where do designers find their place? This episode of "The Design Imposter," hosted by Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis, ventures into the heart of large organizations to uncover the challenges and opportunities that await creative professionals. From the nuances of corporate culture to the dynamics of large-scale collaboration, we delve deep into what it means to be a designer amidst the giants of industry.

Join Monique and Jessica as they explore the intricate balance between creativity and conformity, and the paths designers can take to thrive in environments that often seem daunting. Our discussion covers crucial topics such as navigating corporate culture, leveraging teamwork for innovative design solutions, and carving out a career path that leads to growth and fulfillment within the sprawling structures of big organizations.

Whether you're a UI/UX enthusiast, a graphic design expert, or a branding specialist, "Designing Within Giants" offers insights and stories that resonate with the experiences of creatives navigating the corporate world. We'll also tackle listener questions, providing real-world advice and reflections on making your mark as a designer in a big organization.

Tune in to "The Design Imposter" for an episode that empowers, enlightens, and encourages designers to harness their unique talents in the service of creating impactful work, no matter the size of the stage on which they perform. Because in the world of design, it's not just about fitting into the corporate mold—it's about reshaping it with your creativity, guided by the insights and experiences of Monique and Jessica.

Want to learn more about a topic?

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Learn about our agency: The Creative Circle Collective.

#designimposter #impostersyndrome #empowerment #websitedesign #creatives #designtips #designers #agency #entrepreneurship #womenintech

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