Hey design dashers, today it’s just the two of us having a real talk about success, leadership, and navigating boundaries in the creative world. If you’ve ever wondered what success looks like beyond the numbers and metrics, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we unpack how our definitions of success have evolved over the years—what it meant when we started out, what it means now, and how leadership plays a huge part in shaping those definitions.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- Metrics vs. Vibes—What’s Really Important? When you start your career, it’s easy to get caught up in the metrics. You’re focused on hitting those numbers, growing your followers, or reaching those deadlines. But as time goes on, you realize—it’s not just about the numbers. For Melissa, the shift from “metrics-based results” to “making sure her team is thriving” was a game changer. “I always thought success was about impressions, reach, and conversions,” she says, “but now? It’s all about how the team feels.”
- Leadership Is About Your Team’s Success, Not Just Yours It’s a common mistake, especially in leadership, to focus solely on your success. But as Laura have learned, and Melissa highlights, when your team succeeds, so do you. “I used to focus on my goals,” Melissa admits, “but now I realize if my team is hitting their goals, then I’m hitting mine.”
- Boundaries: The Leadership Balancing Act Boundaries aren’t just personal—they’re professional too, and let’s face it, they can be tough to set in leadership roles. Especially in creative fields, where emotions often run high, knowing where to draw the line is critical. “I’m learning to let go of some things,” I share, “but feelings—especially at work—can be tricky. Sometimes, there’s just no room for them in a business setting.”
- Authentic Positivity vs. Toxic Positivity As leaders, we often feel the need to keep things positive, even when the vibe isn’t great. I’m guilty of that, for sure. But here’s the truth: forced positivity can be toxic. “If the positivity in the office is authentic, that’s when I know I’m doing a good job,” I admit. “If I’m manufacturing it, then something’s wrong.”
Here’s something we didn’t expect to learn: the more successful you become, the more you crave freedom. Freedom of time, freedom of location, and just the freedom to breathe. It’s no longer about chasing every shiny opportunity, but about designing a life (and a business) that works for you.
This episode is all about redefining success for ourselves as leaders and women in the creative industry. It’s a journey, and we’re here to share ours—because if you’ve been with us for a while, you know we don’t have all the answers. We’re figuring it out as we go, and that’s exactly what makes this conversation worth listening to.
So if you’re ready to rethink what success looks like for you, especially in a leadership role, this episode is for you. Grab a coffee (or whatever helps you relax) and join us as we get real about what success really looks like these days.
We’re all in this together, and we’d love to hear from you—what does success look like in your world? Drop us a line, share your thoughts, and let’s keep this conversation going.
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.
