The DesignDash Podcast

Episode 23: Erika De Pellegrin

In this episode we’re diving deep into a conversation that hits home for so many of us—finding balance in the beautiful chaos of life. You know how it is—juggling work, family, passion projects, and somewhere in between, trying to find a moment to just breathe.
This time, we're joined by a special guest, Erika De Pellegrin. Erika’s someone who really gets it. She’s a strategic legal consultant, a powerhouse of wisdom, and the voice behind the Balance Theory podcast. Together, we’re peeling back the layers on what it truly means to live a balanced life—spoiler alert: it’s not about having everything perfectly in place.
We talk about the moments when life feels like a rollercoaster—those highs where you’re on top of the world, and the lows where you just want to hide under the covers. Erika shares her journey from trying to be superwoman to embracing the ebbs and flows of life with grace. Trust me, her insights on prioritizing what truly matters, and the mindset shifts that keep her grounded, are things you don’t want to miss.
Checkout Erika De Pellegrin podcast - Click here
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Episode 22: Diana Indries

Ever wondered if a game could save your relationship? Join us on this episode of the Design Dash Podcast as we explore the art of meaningful conversations with Diana Indries, co-owner and CEO of Better Topics, a revolutionary card game designed to deepen relationships through playful interaction.
Diana shares her personal journey from a soul-draining corporate job to creating a game that has transformed thousands of couples' lives across 170 countries. Learn how Better Topics breaks down communication barriers and brings couples closer together with its unique blend of engaging questions and rewarding gameplay.
Key Highlights:
Diana’s inspiring transition from NHS management to entrepreneurship.
The importance of communication and how Better Topics makes it fun and effective.
How to tailor the game for both new and long-term relationships.
Real-life success stories from couples who have rediscovered their connection.
Tune in now to discover how you can transform your relationship, one question at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Design Dash Podcast!
Connect with Diana Indries
Website: Better Topics
Instagram: @bettertopics
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Episode 21: The DesignDash Mastermind

In this episode, we’re going to be talking about the power and magic of networking and community – but not just the typical networking meetings that everyone thinks of and gets a little nervous about. We’re talking about real-life networking, the kind that creates lasting, valuable connections. This was precisely why we started a program we call Mastermind.
So, why did we start the Design Dash Mastermind? It all began with a simple idea: connecting with other design business owners. We wanted a space to share experiences, learn from each other, and grow together. And guess what? It worked! We've completed two successful cohorts and created a fantastic community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
We’ve seen solopreneurs grow their teams, business owners expand to new locations, and members charging what they’re worth. These are real, tangible benefits of being in the mastermind group. Hearing how others overcame similar challenges and succeeded can be incredibly motivating.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our mastermind program and share the incredible results we've seen from our members. We believe that everyone can benefit from the power of community, and we encourage you to consider joining our next cohort.
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Episode 20: Erin Cummings

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with the incredible Erin Cummings, an inspiring entrepreneur and and the visionary behind Yes Yoga, a transformative lifestyle brand in Texas. In addition to that, Erin has also authored a book "The Possibility Project," a journal guided towards encouraging readers to explore what's possible in their lives by focusing on what they truly value and what's already working for them.
Erin emphasizes the importance of intentional living, which began when she and her husband who actually she met during her high school moved to Houston without any family support. A move that forced them to become goal-oriented and mindful about their choices, setting the stage for Erin's entrepreneurial spirit.  A significant part of our discussion centered around the concept of work-life balance which Erin argued that balance is an elusive goal and that it's more about making intentional choices and being okay with the resulting imbalance. 
Tune into this inspiring episode to learn more about Erin Cummings as she takes us through her incredible journey, offering valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and the power of intentional living.
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EP 19: Let’s do a Mid-Year Check-In

Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2024?! I want you to check in with yourself real quick. Remember those big goals you set for yourself this year? How are you doing? Are you on track to hit them? Or wayyyyyy behind?
Reflecting on progress, celebrating wins and learning from our successes and setbacks is an essential part of our growth, along with staying open to new possibilities, and a willingness to adjust our goals if need be.
In this episode, Melissa and I reflect on our achievements, challenges, and the invaluable insights shared by our extraordinary guests from the past quarter: Carrie Colbert, Lauren Levicki, Jen White, and Avery Thatcher. 
We talk about setting goals for the rest of the year, ditching the all-or-nothing approach, and finding small ways to make progress. Discover how small, intentional changes can lead to significant growth and why embracing the present moment is crucial for success.Tune in to find out how you can reset, refocus, and reignite your passion for the rest of 2024.
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EP 18: Feeling Burnt Out? How to Recognize and Recover with Avery Thatcher

This week, Melissa and I had an eye-opening conversation with Avery Thatcher, a burnout recovery and prevention strategist who has transformed her own life from the depths of burnout to one of balance and fulfillment. Avery’s insights and practical tips are not only powerful but also life-changing.
What You’ll Discover:
The Four Types of Burnout: Avery breaks down the different kinds of burnout and how to identify them in your own life.
Recovery Strategies: Learn simple yet effective methods to regain your energy and prevent burnout from taking over.
The Power of Self-Care: Discover how small, consistent practices can make a huge difference in managing stress and anxiety.
 The discussion also covers the intersection of anxiety, trauma, and burnout. Avery explains how these conditions are often intertwined and provides insights into working with, rather than against, anxiety.  Avery emphasizes the need to listen to your body, set boundaries, and make thoughtful decisions that support your overall well-being. 
 
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EP 17: How to Build a Thriving Side Hustle While Keeping Your Day Job With Jen White

Jen White is a content creator known for her engaging and viral posts on Instagram and TikTok. In this episode, Jen brings a unique perspective to the world of social media. She first started her journey on YouTube eight years ago and has since grown her presence across multiple platforms. Jen is celebrated for her authentic and relatable content, especially among women in their 40s who seek inspiration and connection.
 
In this episode Jen shares her secrets to balancing her dual careers with grace and efficiency. Working from home has allowed her to blend her day job with her passion for content creation seamlessly. She offers practical tips on making the most of downtime and integrating content creation naturally into daily routines. Jen’s approach underscores the importance of making your passion work for you, rather than feeling like an additional burden.
 
"I decided to make my content fit seamlessly with my life and not be an additional burden."
 
A major highlight of our discussion with Jen is on the emphasis on authenticity. She talks about the significance of showing her true self on social media, from vlogging her daily routines to sharing personal milestones to her followers. Jen's candidness and willingness to be vulnerable have endeared her to a loyal following. Her approach serves as a reminder that authenticity resonates deeply with audiences and can set you apart in a crowded digital space.
 
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Ep 16: How To Set Better Boundaries At Work

Ever wondered how the pandemic reshaped the traditional office environment? How do you maintain creativity and productivity when your team is scattered across different locations? Is it possible to set boundaries when work is just a click away?
What We Discuss In This Episode:
In this episode of the Design Dash Podcast, we dive into the intricacies of transitioning to a hybrid work model, a shift that many businesses faced during the pandemic. Melissa and I recount the initial concerns and challenges we had when our office closed in March 2020, expecting a short hiatus that turned into a long-term change. We reflect on the fears around losing collaboration and productivity, especially in a creative industry like interior design, where being physically present and working together is often crucial.
Through candid reflections and shared experiences, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the hybrid work model, providing valuable insights and practical advice for navigating this dynamic work environment.
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Ep 15: Redefining Success in the Modern Workplace

Are generational differences a barrier or a bridge in today’s workplace? Can a text message be as effective as a phone call? How do we set boundaries in a world that's always on? Dive into these questions and more as we explore the dynamics of multi-generational communication and work-life balance.
Join us for this week’s episode as we kick off our discussion by dissecting the distinct characteristics of different generations in the workforce and the evolving landscape of communication styles. We share our own communication preferences, from the immediacy of text messages to the nuanced dynamics of phone calls. We delve into the impact of technology on interpersonal communication, dissecting how generational differences shape the way we connect with colleagues, clients, and loved ones.
A key takeaway from Melissa's panel discussion was the concept of boundaries and how they differ across generations. We dive into how the younger generations prioritize work-life balance and the importance of setting clear boundaries to prevent burnout. Melissa reflects on her journey of learning to set boundaries and how it has positively impacted her professional and personal life.
Tune in to this episode to explore how understanding and bridging generational gaps can lead to a more dynamic and harmonious workplace.
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Episode 14 - Lauren Levicki Courville

Join us for this week’s episode as we sit down with the incredible Lauren Levicki Courville, President of Dress for Success Houston. Lauren's journey with this transformative organization began in 2003 as a volunteer, and she joined the leadership team in 2013, bringing her passion and dedication to new heights.
In this episode, Lauren shares the empowering mission of Dress for Success, and the impact it makes in women’s lives. We dive into one of her favorite parts of the job: engaging with women through the Professional Women's Group.
We also explore the unique dynamic of working with family, as Lauren's mother co-founded Dress for Success Houston. She opens up about the joys and challenges of this experience, emphasizing the importance of patience and ease in both her professional and personal life.
Lauren candidly discusses her efforts to maintain a healthy work-life rhythm. She shares her commitment to being home with her kids at night, finding that crucial balance between her fulfilling career and cherished family moments.
Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights, and a celebration of women supporting women. You won't want to miss this conversation with Lauren Levicki Courville on the DesignDash Podcast.
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