In this episode, Alexandra returns from Experience 2025 with a renewed voice—literally and figuratively. After a whirlwind of hockey coaching, travel, and the inevitable fall-break cold, she reflects on what kids learning to skate can teach adults about bravery, mindset, and the power of getting back up quickly.

Alexandra sits down with keynote speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host Amy Jo Martin, who describes herself as a “renegade of life” and a lifelong learner. Together, they explore what it means to embrace curiosity, take the next brave step, and say “Why not now?”—whether in your creative practice, your career, or your personal world.

Amy Jo shares her renegade rules, including asking for forgiveness instead of permission, buying back time through AI, and learning to green-light your own ideas today rather than someday. She also tells the incredible story of how she accidentally helped launch the very first Twitter verified checkmark and how that moment changed her career forever.

Alexandra also recaps her favorite moments from Experience 2025. Whether you’re a designer, a leader, or someone standing at the edge of your next “trampoline moment,” this episode challenges you to move forward—today, not tomorrow—and surround yourself with people who cheer when you fall and when you rise.

Learn more about Amy Jo Martin

Follow Amy Jo Martin on LinkedIn

Listen to Amy Jo's podcast "Why Not Now?"

Buy Amy Jo Martin's book: "Renegades Write The Rules"

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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We are coming to you live from Day 1 of Experience—formerly known as CET Experience—where nearly 500 designers, manufacturers, and sponsors are fueling the excitement and innovation shaping the design industry. This year marks a major shift not just in the name, but in what the event represents. Configura’s vision has expanded beyond CET, and Experience now captures the full scope of their technology solutions.

In this episode Alexandra sits down with two of Configura's very own Aaron Okkema, Head of Sales for North America, and Rob Detrick, Product Manager for Commercial Interiors, about the big announcements from the opening keynote.

Check out Configura's Roadmap to discover upcoming projects and share your innovative ideas for future development.

Questions for Configura? Ask Alexandra or Brooke Snow

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Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com

The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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In this episode, Alexandra Tseffos breaks down the results of her latest dealer designer survey, which drew responses from nearly 175 professionals across the industry. The survey explores the confidence levels of designers in core responsibilities such as technical specification, ancillary selection, pricing, meeting participation, live design, and advanced visualization.

Not only did Alexandra share the numbers and highlight various results, but she also brings in two expert voices to put the findings into perspective. First, we hear from Shelley Rosetta, Principal at Solomon Coyle who reflects on the broader industry context, the importance of continuous learning, and how AI is reshaping workflows. Then we hear from Kari Anderson, Owner of Techbox Collective, who discusses what the survey results mean for manufacturers—plus she highlights how better tools, cleaner data, and thoughtful training can raise both confidence and competence across the field.

Together, these conversations uncover surprising gaps, celebrate areas of strength, and explore how designers—along with dealerships and manufacturers can evolve together. Whether you’re a dealer designer, leader, or manufacturer, there are plenty of insights to spark new conversations about the future of design.

Download the full report here.

Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn

Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn

Access on-demand training at The Design POP.

Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com

The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.