How do you make decisions that honor both your business goals and your energy as the owner? Every decision about where I invest my time, money, and mental bandwidth shapes not only my bottom line but also my day-to-day experience as a business owner. The most sustainable businesses come from taking a holistic approach, listening to both the data and my gut when making decisions.

 

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own business to show how I make choices about resources and navigate changes as priorities shift. You’ll get a real-world look at strategic decision-making in action. Plus, I share an important announcement about changes to the podcast schedule and how this shift demonstrates exactly how I’m walking my talk when it comes to resource allocation and running toward what I want to create in my business.

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/155

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

 

Sign up to my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset

 

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This week, I’m pausing to share a powerful question for you to journal or think through. I also suggest revisiting a past episode with a fresh perspective for new takeaways. 

 

Next Wednesday, I’ll be back with a big announcement about the podcast and a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m navigating changes in my business.

 

For the resources available to you or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Sometimes the smallest tasks create the biggest mental weight. That pile of papers on your desk, the drawer you’ve been meaning to organize, the business process that needs updating – they sit there, taking up space in your mind every single day. The energy you spend thinking about these undone tasks often exceeds the energy required to actually complete them.

 

In this pep talk episode, I share a simple four-step process for moving past avoidance and procrastination to finally tackle those lingering tasks. Using my own closet overhaul as a real-world example, I walk through exactly how I shift from endless postponement to actual completion. The same process works for personal projects and business tasks that keep getting bumped to next week’s to-do list.

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/154

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

How do you protect creative time when you’re balancing a design business, family life, and a packed calendar? For designer CEOs, carving out dedicated time to create the vision for new projects isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for project success and team clarity. In this follow-up to last week’s listener Q&A, I’m diving into the practicalities of defining and honoring creative time as part of your regular workflow, even while managing team delegation and project reviews.

 

I’m also reflecting on my own summer slowdown, including what went right, what didn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. From perfectionism showing up in unexpected ways to finding powerful personal growth before summer even began, I’m pulling back the curtain on my experience. You’ll learn how to manage expectations, re-decide on your plans without guilt, and set boundaries that actually stick. Plus, I’ll share the phrase that’s helped me extend the same grace to myself that I naturally give to others.  

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/153

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

How do you manage growing pains when bringing on a new employee while keeping your business running smoothly? That’s the question one listener asked, and it’s one many designers face when adding their first junior designer. Stepping into leadership, delegating effectively, and staying productive can feel like a delicate balance, especially when client projects and daily design work don’t pause for training.

 

This episode kicks off a two-part Q&A series following CEO Summer School. I dive into practical strategies for onboarding and managing a new team member, pinpointing where delegation often breaks down, and building systems that actually work. I also tackle how to make major business decisions when multiple exciting paths are available, whether that’s growing your current business, pivoting to support other designers, or niching down further.  

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/152

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

How do you build trust with clients before they even start the inquiry process? For designers, this foundation often determines whether a project becomes a smooth collaboration or a series of stressful negotiations. I’m joined by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors and one of House Beautiful's 2025 Next Wave designers.

 

Melissa has mastered creating client relationships that run deep. You’ll discover how showing behind-the-scenes parts of your work on Instagram builds credibility, why documenting client preferences can transform project outcomes, and how taking full accountability for mistakes can strengthen relationships. Melissa also shares how thoughtful touches in design create lasting connections with clients.

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/151

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

What if the key to moving your business forward isn’t having all the answers, but making the right decisions and committing to them? In this episode, we wrap up the CEO Summer School series by exploring why strong decisions are the wheels that drive your business. Every choice you make, from your fees and services to how you spend your time, shapes the trajectory of your business.

 

I break down what makes a decision strong versus weak, why commitment matters more than certainty, and how to stop straddling two mountains with one foot on each. You'll learn how to make choices that create momentum, use your decisions as a tool for learning and growth, and develop the self-leadership that allows you to steer your business toward your vision.

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/150

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

What does it take to run a multifaceted design business that balances creativity, leadership, and growth? Katie Kath, CEO and Creative Director of Jkath Design Build, has spent years developing a business model that integrates interior design, custom cabinetry, and renovation management. Her journey from joining a two-person operation to leading an 11-employee team offers invaluable lessons for designers looking to scale their businesses strategically.

 

In this episode, Katie explains her approach to building a team that supports both the CEO and the clients. She offers insights into hiring, delegation, and team alignment. Katie also shares how she identified the “sweet spot,” an optimal business size that allows for continued growth, strong collaboration, and consistent work quality. She discusses how internal review systems, setting clear expectations with clients, and maintaining team cohesion contribute to her company’s success, and how you can apply similar principles to your business.

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/149

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Are you solving the right problems in your design business? Every day brings new challenges, from client communications eating up your inbox time to profitability concerns that keep you awake at night. But there’s a key difference between solving symptoms and addressing the root causes that will help your business thrive in the long run.

 

In this episode, I’m sharing truth number six from my CEO Summer School series: effective solutions start with solving the right problems. Through examples from the design industry, I’ll show you how to dig deeper and identify what’s really going on beneath the surface. You’ll learn why your brain gravitates toward quick fixes, how to spot the difference between avoiding discomfort and taking the easiest path, and how to pinpoint the true problem. 

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/148

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Is your design business ready to take the next step with PR? If you’ve been wondering how public relations could help you grow your firm but aren’t sure when or how to get started, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we dive into the strategies that can take your brand from local visibility to national recognition.

 

I’m joined by Allison Hay, a seasoned communications strategist and PR expert with over a decade of experience in the design industry. She has worked with top-tier design firms and brands, helping them secure media coverage and amplify their presence. Allison shares her expert advice on how to navigate the world of PR and what you need to do to see measurable results, whether you’re just starting to explore PR or ready to elevate your approach.

 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/147

 

For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources