How Leaders Shape Creative Teams | Justin Greenleaf

What happens when a visionary steps back from the drafting table… and starts building people instead?

In this episode of Constructive Interference, Rufus sits down with Justin Greenleaf, founder of Greenleaf Architects, to talk about the evolution from creative technician to culture-building CEO. Justin shares how he went from designing buildings to designing systems, teams, and a business that reflects his values — without losing the spark that got him started.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or growth-minded leader, this episode will shift how you think about delegation, leadership, and the true role of a visionary.

Inside this episode:

• Why communication is the foundation of great design

• How to extract a client’s vision when they “can’t put it into words”

• Letting go of control without losing quality

• The difference between being the expert… and building the experts

• What failure taught him about ownership, mindset, and growth

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  Justin also unpacks what it means to listen deeply — not just to clients, but to your own team. And why building culture on purpose isn’t a luxury… it’s the architecture of long-term success.

  If you’ve ever struggled to scale your impact without burning out, Justin’s story will resonate deeply.

  
  

  🎧 Full show notes at: rufuscressend.com/podcast

  
  

  #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessMindset #ArchitectLife #ConstructiveInterference #VisionaryLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GrowthCulture #CreativeBusiness #JustinGreenleaf #GreenleafArchitects #RufusCressend #TeamCulture #FounderMindset