What does it actually look like to lead a design project, without losing control, your confidence, or your sanity?

In Part 2 of this leadership series, Terri Taylor and coach Valerie Priester dive deeper into what it truly means to step into leadership as an interior designer. This episode goes beyond mindset and into practical application—how you lead clients, manage projects, communicate your vision, and set boundaries that protect both your business and your well-being.

If you’ve ever felt like your clients are running the job, your projects are spiraling out of control, or you’re doing everything yourself and burning out… this episode will show you exactly what’s missing.

You’ll learn how to shift from being the “doer” to the leader, how to create systems that guide your clients, and why clear communication and boundaries are essential for both profitability and peace of mind.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between a technician mindset and a leadership mindset
• Why clients take control (and how to prevent it)
• How to confidently lead your clients through a project
• The importance of having a clear process and system
• Why communication builds trust and confidence
• How to stop people-pleasing in your business
• Leading contractors, vendors, and your team effectively
• Why you must stop doing everything yourself
• How delegation increases growth and capacity
• The real reason burnout happens (and how to avoid it)
• Why boundaries are critical for success and self-care
• How saying “no” actually strengthens your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What does it really take to step into leadership as an interior designer?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri Taylor is joined by Coach Valerie Priester to break down the foundational traits of strong leadership, and why they are essential for growing a successful design business.

Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about mindset, confidence, and vision. From developing a growth mindset to overcoming comparison, building confidence through action, and thinking strategically about your business, this episode dives into the key shifts every designer must make to lead effectively.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “doing” instead of leading, or questioned your ability to grow into the next level of your business, this episode will give you the clarity and perspective you need.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a growth mindset really looks like in business
• Why failure is just feedback (and how to use it)
• The danger of saying “I already know that”
• How confidence is built through action, not perfection
• Why comparison kills both confidence and joy
• The importance of staying in your “genius zone”
• How the 80/20 rule applies to leadership
• Letting go and trusting others in your business
• The difference between being a “doer” vs. a leader
• Why visionary thinking is critical for growth

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing five powerful tips to help you take control of your time, increase productivity, and finally create a schedule that supports both your business and your life.

If you’ve been telling yourself “I just need more time,” this episode will shift your perspective. Time isn’t something you get more of, it’s something you learn to manage. From mindset shifts to practical strategies like time blocking, batching, and identifying your most valuable work, you’ll learn how to stop feeling overwhelmed and start working with intention.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a business that gives you freedom, this episode will show you how.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “not enough time” is a mindset problem
• How to shift from time scarcity to time control
• The 80/20 rule and how it impacts your productivity
• How to identify your “genius time”
• Why tracking your time gives you clarity and control
• The importance of focusing on revenue-generating work
• How to use time blocking to structure your week
• The difference between “studio days” and “out days”
• How batching tasks saves hours each week
• Why planning your day creates momentum and results

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy