The Shortlist

For this hilarious episode of The Short(er) List, we let AI take the driver’s seat. We had it write the script, so we figured—why stop there? Here is the episode summary, pasted straight from the robot:

Here you go — a fun, friendly, slightly irreverent two‑paragraph summary that captures the vibe of the episode and makes people want to listen:

In this delightfully chaotic episode of The Short(er) List, host Becky Ellison, along with Producer/Guest, Kyle Davis, fully surrender to the robot overlords … at least for seven minutes. 

We handed the mic (and the script) to AI and agreed to perform whatever it wrote for us—jokes, segues, propaganda‑level coffee endorsements and all. Along the way, we break down the pros and cons of AI in AEC marketing, riff on the weird accuracy of the script (how did it know Becky’s job title?), and loudly reaffirm that robots may be speedy, but they are NOT funny. Yet. Together, we explore the promise, pitfalls, and pure absurdity of AI‑generated content while trying very hard not to become AI slop ourselves.

But it’s not all chaos and robot teasing—we actually cover some helpful stuff too. We dig into how AI can speed up repetitive marketing tasks, brainstorm ideas, and save coordinators’ sanity. We keep it real, we keep it human, and we may panic a little about how good AI is getting. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is a friend, a frenemy, or just that coworker you politely nod at from across the room, this episode is your snack‑sized deep dive. Tune in, laugh with us, and decide for yourself whether the future of AI is brilliant, terrifying, or both.

What does it take to run a successful business? In this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons and Melissa Richey unpack one of their most-referenced books: Traction by Gino Wickman.

They explore how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) provides a practical framework for clarity, accountability, and growth, specifically for AEC leaders and small to mid-sized firms.

In this episode, we dive into the six key components of the system—Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction—alongside essential tools like the VTO, Rocks, the Accountability Chart, and Level 10 Meetings. We also explore the specific marketing impact of this framework, discussing how EOS helps teams shift from reactive task management to proactive, quarterly priorities.

Whether you fully adopt the system or just borrow a few tools, this conversation offers tangible ways to align your team and gain real momentum.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 6

In this delightfully chaotic, laugh-filled bonus episode of The Short(er) List, we dive deeper into a hot topic in proposal document creation: InDesign Books. Designers Becky Ellison and Lauren Jane Peterson unpack when and why to use them, share tips to keep you sane, confess the joys and terrors of page numbering, and honor the sacred role of the all‑powerful ‘Keeper of the Book’. They also share real‑world war stories from huge AEC proposals, swap workflow hacks, and do their best to make sense of managing multiple people editing multiple files.

And because this is The Short(er) List, expect tangents including reading recommendations, animals, Lauren Jane’s incredible hair, and whether InDesign files have souls. (JK… kind of). It’s nerdy, it’s fun, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re trying to stay up on InDesign best practices or just have a laugh with MO6’s graphic designers. And it makes a great companion to Episode 76: InDesign Rumble (Part 2)!

Are you ready to celebrate? A well-executed anniversary campaign isn't just about looking back, it's about celebrating your success and reinforcing your relevance in the present. In this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons, Lauren Jane Peterson, and Grace Takehara dive into how AEC firms can leverage anniversary campaigns with intention and foresight.

This episode explores the strategic value of commemorating firm milestones—whether it’s 5 or 50 years—and transforming celebrations into high-visibility marketing engines. The MO6 team breaks down the entire process, from early-stage strategy and messaging to best practices for asset creation and thoughtful execution.

Whether you're planning the announcement of exciting new leadership or kicking off a centennial celebration, this episode will inspire fresh ways to make your firm's story resonate. Listen in and turn your next milestone into a marketing advantage.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

Welcome to the very first minisode of The Short(er) List, our new spinoff series where Shortlist favorite Becky Ellison takes all the too‑silly, too‑real, too-extra conversations that don’t fit in the regular Shortlist episodes, and serves them up in bite-sized podcast treats. In this introductory minisode, Becky chats with Wendy Simmons, Middle of Six founder and host of The Shortlist (plus our modest but heroic producer Kyle Davis) about everything from TV confessions, to podcast addictions and soothing end of day affirmations. We also manage to reflect on creativity, leadership, trust, and what it means to work with a team full of “weird little pirates” sailing a surprisingly successful ship. 

If you want to laugh, feel seen, or just hang out with your favorite Middle of Sixers for a few minutes, tune in – you’ll feel like you’re sitting at the lunch table with the chillest and funnest AEC marketers in the game.

Season 5 of The Shortlist kicks off with a fan-favorite: InDesign Rumble (Part 2). Wendy Simmons, Becky Ellison, and Lauren Jane Peterson continue their spirited conversation on how AEC marketers actually use Adobe InDesign, workarounds and all.

This episode explores how even seasoned designers evolve their skills in a tool most learned on the fly. The MO6 team dives into efficiency-boosters like automation, AI features, data merge, CC Libraries, and paragraph styles. They also call out "common pitfalls" found in inherited files, from hand-built tables to overbuilt parent pages, and discuss when a quick workaround becomes a project liability.

The takeaway? There’s rarely one "right" way to work. Whether you’re an InDesign expert or a self-proclaimed "level 6," this episode will spark new ideas to streamline your next pursuit. Listen in to unlock major gains in efficiency and clarity.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4

Before you kick off your next website project, take a beat—because there’s a lot you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother, more strategic, and ultimately more successful. To wrap up Season 4 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Kyle Davis and Lauren Jane Peterson to break down the things you should tackle before your website project officially begins.

They walk through practical steps like confirming your Google Analytics setup, gathering project descriptions and photos, and doing a little web-stalking of sites you admire. Plus, they emphasize the importance of aligning your brand messaging and having up-to-date photography, bios, and team headshots on hand before you dive into the actual website build.

Whether you’re just dreaming about a new website or have your kick-off on the schedule, these tips will help you plan more effectively, streamline content collection, and get stakeholder buy-in. Trust us, your future self will thank you for the prep work.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

In this episode of The Shortlist, we’re spotlighting the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and all the value it brings to AEC marketers. Host Wendy Simmons is joined by Senior Marketing Strategists Grace Takehara and Katy Byers for a fun and reflective conversation about how to get the most out of SMPS, regardless if you’re a long-time member or just SMPS-curious.

Grace and Katy swap stories about how they found SMPS, the connections they’ve made, and the professional growth that’s come along the way. From practical tips on easing into your first event, to favorite memories from SMPS conferences, they share their suggestions for getting involved.

SMPS offers countless ways to build your network, gain leadership experience, and grow your career—from roundtables and education sessions to national conferences and casual socials. This episode is full of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your membership and feel confident stepping into new opportunities.

Award season can sneak up fast, but with the right planning, your next submittal doesn’t have to be a scramble. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons chats with Julie Flattery and Lauren Jane Peterson, two experienced AEC marketers who have led dozens of award submissions from inside architecture firms.

They break down what makes a submission truly compelling, starting with early planning and thoughtful project selection. From evaluating ROI to capturing project data before it disappears, the best submittals start long before the deadline. Julie and Lauren Jane also share practical advice on quantifying impact, crafting standout narratives, and aligning content with what jurors care most about, including innovation, sustainability, and community value.

Whether you’re chasing an AIA award or crafting a marketing win, this episode is your roadmap for award submittal success—without the last-minute chaos.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

Expanding into a new geographic market can be an exciting growth opportunity—but it’s not without risk. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons is joined by principal Melissa Richey and associate principal (and first-time guest!) Julie Flattery to talk about what it really takes to open a new office or grow your firm’s presence in a new region.

Together, they explore common drivers of expansion—like client demand, economic diversification, or key staff relocations—and share real-world stories from their time working in-house at AEC firms. The conversation includes practical tips on conducting research, aligning internal teams, building awareness, and setting realistic timelines.

Whether you're helping lead the charge or supporting the strategy, this episode offers insights to guide your next move—and a reminder that marketing should be part of the conversation from day one.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2