Hey Design Dashers! It’s us—just us—for the final one-on-one episode of 2024. Can you believe it? A full year of podcasting, 40 episodes in, and wow, what a ride it’s been. So, in true Design Dash fashion, we’re ending the year by spilling our guts on what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned along the way.
We’re dishing on those mic-drop moments from our amazing guests who dropped some serious truth bombs. Some of the amazing lessons that we learned this year were:
Success Doesn’t Require Burnout
One of the most liberating lessons we learned this year came from powerhouse guests like Kara Duffy and Kathleen Shannon. Both women challenged the toxic hustle culture that glorifies 60+ hour workweeks as the only path to success. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
“Start with clarity,” Kara told us. “What does your dream business actually look like? If you don’t know, you’ll just keep chasing something undefined.”
This hit home for us. So many of us are so busy doing all the things, we forget to pause and ask: What am I actually working toward?
Kathleen Shannon took it one step further with her radical take on social media: “If you don’t like social media, don’t do it.” That permission to step back and redefine how we show up in the world of content creation was a revelation. It’s not about quitting—it’s about aligning your actions with what feels authentic.
Takeaway: Define success on your terms. Start by asking yourself what your dream life and business look like, then build from there.
Rest Is the Real Power Move
Let’s talk about rest. We’ve all heard the saying, “rest is for the weak,” but this year, we realized rest is actually for the wise. It’s not just a break; it’s a non-negotiable part of showing up as your best self.
This hit us in more ways than one. For example, one of us (not naming names!) realized in the gym that skipping rest between sets actually stalled progress. Turns out, your muscles—and your brain—need time to recover if you want to grow. Who knew?
We also made a bold decision to close our studio for the last two weeks of the year. Why? Because if there’s one person working, we’re working. And honestly? We need the downtime as much as anyone else.
Takeaway: Rest isn’t a reward for hard work—it’s the fuel that makes hard work possible. Block off time to unplug, recharge, and come back stronger.
Authenticity Always Wins
If there was one theme that kept popping up in our conversations this year, it was authenticity. Kathleen Shannon nailed it when she said: “If you hate social media, don’t force it.”
That doesn’t mean skipping out entirely—it means showing up in ways that feel real to you. Hate dancing on TikTok? Skip it. Love writing thoughtful captions or sharing behind-the-scenes photos? Lean into that. The key is to focus on what feels natural and sustainable, instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s formula.
Takeaway: Stop chasing trends that don’t align with who you are. Authenticity resonates, and it’s far more fulfilling than trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t suit you.
Progress Over Perfection
Here’s a tough one: learning to embrace the idea that small steps matter. As perfectionists (recovering, but still), we often get stuck in the mindset that progress only counts if it’s big, bold, and Instagram-worthy.
But as Jennifer Phillips put it, “Progress over perfection.” It’s about consistency, not grandeur. Small, intentional steps add up over time, and they’re what truly move the needle in the long run.
Takeaway: When you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unmotivated, focus on just one small thing you can do to move forward.
Leadership Is About Vulnerability
Nicole Malachowski blew us away with her honesty about leadership. “Steal sharpens steel,” she said. “If I’m being vulnerable and growing, I expect my team to do the same.”
That vulnerability wasn’t about weakness—it was about strength. It’s admitting when you’re wrong, owning your mistakes, and creating space for others to do the same. It’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t just build teams—it builds trust.
Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being human, being open to growth, and inspiring others to do the same.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close out 2024, we’re feeling a mix of gratitude, excitement, and (let’s be honest) relief. This year wasn’t perfect, but it was transformative. It taught us to prioritize clarity, embrace rest, and focus on what truly matters—both in business and in life.
Looking ahead, we’re carrying these lessons into 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose. We’re doubling down on what works, letting go of what doesn’t, and staying open to whatever surprises the new year brings.
So, what about you? What did 2024 teach you? What are you ready to leave behind, and what are you excited to take into the next chapter?
If this year taught us anything, it’s this: small steps matter, rest isn’t optional, and your version of success is the only one that matters.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. Here’s to a restful end to the year and an exciting start to 2025. Let’s do this!
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
