The DesignDash Podcast
The DesignDash podcast is a guide to designing a life you love. Co-hosts Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove dive into what it takes for women to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally, to live their lives to the fullest and without compromise. Special guests will share their own journeys, their successes and their challenges, as they pursue life with curiosity and intention.
Episodes

Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Welcome to another episode of our podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Carrie Colbert join us. After working for nearly two decades in the energy industry, Carrie made a switch to pursue her creative passions. She built a strong following on Instagram and created a popular blog, leveraging her success to connect with female-led brands. This journey led her to start Curate Capital, a venture dedicated to supporting female-founded consumer brands and breaking down funding barriers.
In this episode, Carrie shares her incredible journey and the inspiration behind her focus on female-led brands. She dives deep into the importance of women supporting women and highlights the challenges female founders face in securing funding despite their proven high performance.
We discuss how being an entrepreneur has given her the flexibility to design a life she loves, one that caters to all facets of her being. Carrie opens up about the balance she strives to maintain as a mother, ensuring she spends quality time with her kids. We also get an exciting glimpse into the future as Carrie talks about the launch of her second fund this fall.
This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to follow their passions and support female entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation with Carrie Colbert!
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Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with the incredible Jennifer Phillips, a seasoned coach and organizational consultant with over 15 years of experience in marketing, operations, and leadership.
Jennifer shares her inspiring journey of taking a much-needed sabbatical, where she paused to reflect on her path and discover her true passions. She emphasizes the importance of giving oneself the space to explore and redefine what you truly want.
Jennifer also shares the significance of nurturing friendships as adults, something that she prides herself greatly on. She delves into the nuances of managing expectations within friendships and navigating the various levels of connection. Her motto, "just let be and let go," encapsulates her philosophy of accepting things for what they are and letting go.
Join us as we delve into Jennifer's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Tune in for valuable insights on embracing rest, redefining success, and cultivating authentic connections.
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Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Join us for a journey into the world of business travel! In this episode, we're looking back to our exhilarating trip to Paris for the 2024 Maison et Objet show. We're spilling all the secrets to getting the MAX return on your business travel investment, personally and professionally.
Find out how to choose which industry events to attend and uncover the invaluable benefits of venturing far and wide for them. Drawing from our trip to Paris, we dive into the nitty-gritty of booking and planning for major exhibitions like Maison et Objet. We're also unraveling the mysteries of booking business trips efficiently, discussing everything from finding the best deals to leveraging points and status for smoother journeys.
When it comes to traveling, we're advocates for the apartment lifestyle, and we'll explain why these cozy abodes can elevate your travel experience. After all, there’s nothing better than getting to fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of wherever you’re traveling! We also highlight the importance of not over-scheduling, and why it's crucial to strike a balance between work and leisure, ensuring that your trip remains both productive and rejuvenating.
So, whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or a newbie to the world of business travel, join us for an insightful and engaging discussion packed with invaluable tips and personal anecdotes. It's time to elevate your business travel game and turn every trip into an unforgettable adventure! Tune in now!
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Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
In this week's episode, we delve deep into the captivating world of design with none other than Gin Braverman, the founder and creative director of Gin Design Group. Join us as we sit down with the brilliant mind behind the enchanting spaces that have defined Houston's hospitality scene for over a decade. Gin's touch has transformed the landscape of Houston's culinary experiences.
In our candid conversation, Gin opens up about her unconventional path to success, revealing that her journey was not always paved with intention. She shares the highs and lows of navigating a career in design while balancing the demands of motherhood. As working mothers ourselves, we dive deep into the topic of mom guilt, exploring the challenges of juggling professional ambitions with the joys of raising a family. We also explore the transformative power of travel, and how immersing ourselves in new cultures can ignite our creativity and expand our horizons.
So, whether you're a design enthusiast, a fellow working parent, or simply curious about the stories behind the spaces we inhabit, join us for an illuminating conversation with Gin Braverman. Together, we'll uncover the layers of creativity, motherhood, and reality that shape our lives and spaces.
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Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
In this week’s episode, we sit down for a special quarterly wrap-up episode. Join us for a reflective journey through the insightful conversations and memorable moments shared with our guests.
From thought-provoking discussions to personal stories of triumph and growth, we revisit the highlights and key takeaways from each episode. We share our reflections on the impactful conversations we had the privilege of hosting. Each guest brought forth a unique perspective, sparking conversations on topics ranging from innovation and leadership to personal growth and social change, and we unpack the important lessons and actionable takeaways gleaned from each episode. From inspiring anecdotes to practical tips, there's something for everyone in this insightful recap.
So, whether you've been following along since the beginning or are just discovering The DesignDash Podcast, join us as we reflect on the past and look ahead to the exciting conversations yet to come. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered as we revisit the impactful conversations and profound insights shared by our diverse lineup of guests.
Check out our website: https://designdash.com/
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Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
In this episode, it’s just us again, and we’re delving into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of women’s health issues. We’re shining a light on the pervasive issue of misdiagnosis and the harmful stereotype of “hysterical women.” Too many women are getting the wrong diagnosis, or worse, not being taken seriously when they know something’s not right.
Drawing from our own personal experiences, we talk about the issues we’ve faced with our own health and how gender biases and stereotypes can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. From seeking second opinions to exploring alternative treatment options, we’re empowering listeners to take control of their health and demand the care and respect they deserve.
So join us as we lift the veil on women’s healthcare, share our stories, and empower you to stand up for yourself. Together, we can create a world where every woman gets the care and support she needs to thrive. Tune in and let’s make some noise!
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Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Meet Allie Danziger, a dynamic force with a passion for empowering newcomers to the workforce. With over 15 years of experience in leadership and mentoring, she's a seasoned professional. Allie kickstarted one of Texas' top marketing agencies, Integrate Agency, in 2009, which she later sold in 2018. During her tenure, Integrate Agency flourished, boasting $15MM in revenue, nurturing 250+ young talents, and aiding 600+ clients.
In 2020, Allie's expertise culminated in Ampersand, a vibrant workplace training platform for emerging professionals. Ampersand has already uplifted 10,000+ individuals, bridging the gap between education and employment, and shattering systemic barriers.
Recently, Ascent Funding acquired Ampersand, amplifying its mission. Now, as SVP and GM of the Success Program, Allie spearheads the charge. Her commitment to leveling the playing field for young professionals remains unwavering. When not revolutionizing the workforce, she cherishes moments with her hubby and two adorable daughters, Milly (6) and Eve (5), in sunny Houston, TX. Sit in on this podcast and come away with an action plan for networking!
Check out our website: https://designdash.com/
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Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Jacky Fischer is our guest this week. A former art school student, Jacky bought her parent's moving business, and quickly grew it from a $3 million company to one making over $40 million annually. She credits her parents with her hardworking spirit and she shares her wisdom with us in this podcast.
Jacky knows what it takes to build a small empire, and now uses her experience to help other entrepreneurs do the same. She has just released her first book: The Growth Paradox: Rethinking Control, Accountability and Change to Move Your Business to the Next Level. We'll discuss the book, its inspiration, and her successful approach to leading others.
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, you're going to love this one.
Check out our website: https://designdash.com/
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Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
In this episode, it's just us and we're discussing what it means to be authentic in the workplace. Genuine leadership has been talked about for years as a means to develop a culture based on trust. As leaders, we want to manage with sincerity. But where do you draw the line between authenticity and revealing too much?
We talk about the change all managers experience as they go from team member to team leader. Also on the agenda is the concept of Bad Faith, Imposter Syndrome, and the philosophical question of identity. While some leaders are comfortable with sharing their private lives, others are more private, and both options are fine! If you are a new leader, this is a great conversation to rethink your approach to leadership.
Check out our website: https://designdash.com/
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Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
In this podcast, we interview Anna Van Delden, fitness professional and founder of LHTX, a "powerformer" Pilates studio based in Houston, TX.
Anna's passion for health and wellness, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, have made her a highly successful business owner. Her husband, Darren, is also an entrepreneur, owning a hospitality company controlling a diverse group of nightlife concepts and restaurants. She credits her path to success to her husband's insistence, but she's selling herself short. Anna is a powerhouse of motivation, inspiration, and has her own story of overcoming obstacles to eventually, come out on top.
From dealing with injuries to expanding her brand, Anna talks about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur in the fitness space. Her story is one of finding that silver lining when you're lost in the pursuit of designing a life you love.
Join us as we chat all things fitness and business with Anna!
Check out our website: https://designdash.com/
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