BOOKS
Back to the present! This weekend was terrific. A book group that started in 2020 during COVID, with five people, has morphed into a group of 8. We decided to stay at 8. We met each other for the first time in person this weekend. Our ages are from the late 40s to 80s. This book group meets on Zoom and has for the past few years.
Our first book, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, was the starter and became an exciting direction setter. The book has questions to be answered. We meet for 1 hour. We thought two chapters a week. HA – we found we were still reading and answering questions a year later.
As a result of answering those questions, our book choices became more introspective than business and our conversations became more profound.
We gathered from Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York State, and Maryland this weekend. Staying in the homes of the Pennsylvanians, we talked, sang, laughed and ate. A priceless experience, I’m forever grateful for this awesome group of women.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
Alzheimers Walk
Walked Hudson River Bridge to End Alzheimers
The Designer’s Advantage – Speaking with Pictures and Plans
Behind every great design is a story: a spark of inspiration, a client’s dream, a challenge overcome.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.