Design Nerds Anonymous

• Why the Rep-Designer Relationship Feels Different — And What to Do About It

  The rep-designer relationship has changed. Hour-long lunch presentations and spontaneous drop-ins are becoming rare, and digital demands are reshaping how reps connect with designers. Today, reps must redefine their roles to remain indispensable, while designers who engage with the right reps can gain a competitive advantage. In this episode, we discuss what’s behind this shift, the biggest challenges reps and designers face, and the strategies that are working in today’s evolving industry landscape. After listening, you will be able to:Recognize how rep-designer relationships are shifting and why it mattersLearn new strategies for building deeper, more impactful connections with repsUnderstand how reps are evolving from product pushers to trusted advisorsGain insights into how Gen Z designers perceive industry relationshipsDiscover digital tools and engagement tactics that are strengthening rep and designer partnerships Links Mentioned:Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insightsLearn about ThinkLab’s Gen Z Cohort, a next-gen advisory groupWatch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.comConnect with our guests on LinkedIn:Ashley DelanoApril IbarraJulia FriedmanDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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• Rethinking B2B Showrooms: Lessons from Retail and Beyond

  Think about the last showroom you walked into. Was it visually stunning? Now ask yourself:Did it stick with you?Did it make you want to explore and engage?Was it truly remarkable?Many showrooms are caught in a tension between aesthetics and function—following a formula that’s been used for decades. But in 2025, playing it safe is the fastest way to be forgotten.In this episode, retail futurist Doug Stephens and experiential retail pioneer Rachel Shechtman help us reimagine the future of B2B showrooms by blending immersive storytelling, digital integration, and human connection.After listening, you will be able to: Create immersive showroom experiences that engage visitors both digitally and physically.Use storytelling to enhance your showroom design, turning it into a dynamic brand experience.Integrate technology into showrooms in a way that amplifies, rather than replaces, human connection.Transform your showroom into a space that sparks curiosity and emotional engagement, setting your brand apart from the competition.Links Mentioned:ThinkLab’s Secret Shopper Program: Showrooms are expensive. Secret shoppers are priceless. Get unbiased A&D feedback that will inform future showroom and trade show strategies.Doug Stephens' Books: The Retail Revival, Reengineering Retail, Resurrecting RetailFollow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insightsWatch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.comDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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• The Phygital Evolution of Industry Events: What’s Next?

  The return to in-person events is not a return to business as usual. As trade shows, conferences, and live events thrive, some brands are redefining the event experience, while others risk making events feel outdated.In this episode, Marco Giberti—a leading expert in live event innovation—returns to Design Nerds Anonymous to revisit his 2021 predictions and share insights on what’s next for events, sponsorships, and engagement strategies. After listening, you will be able to:Rethink events beyond logistics—focusing on why people gather, not just howLeverage AI & data to measure event ROI and engagementUse hybrid and virtual experiences strategically (hint: they’re not dead)Integrate events into a year-long marketing strategy, instead of isolated activationsCreate meaningful event experiences that resonate with changing audience expectations Links mentioned:Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com.Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insights.Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to stay updated on industry trends.Connect with our guest on LinkedIn:Marco GibertiDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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• The Future of Work: Corporate Collaboration in the Phygital Landscape

  The future of work isn’t just about where we work or what tools we use—it’s about why people choose to show up at all. In this thought-provoking episode, Amanda Schneider is joined by workplace strategy expert Phil Kirshner and Microsoft’s Matthew Marzynski to explore corporate collaboration in the phygital era—where physical, digital, and emotional elements intersect.This conversation goes beyond hybrid work models and office design—it challenges assumptions about what drives human connection, the role of AI in shaping our workplaces, and why designing for experience, not just efficiency, is the real game-changer. After listening, you will be able to:Rethink workplace collaboration beyond hybrid models and into fluid, responsive environments.Understand the role of emotions in workplace design—how social capital, trust, and human connection drive engagement.Learn how AI and emerging tech will redefine meeting experiences, reducing friction and increasing accessibility.Shift from reactive workplace policies to intentional workplace design—where offices serve a clear purpose beyond just a space to work.See how leading companies are balancing self-service and human interaction to create more equitable, inclusive digital workplaces. Links Mentioned:Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com.Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights.Explore ThinkLab’s Gen Z researchConnect with our guest on LinkedIn:Phil KirschnerMatthew Marzynski Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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• What Most Companies Get Wrong: Online Presence Strategies in the Digital-First Era

  In today’s digital-first world, your website isn’t just a tool—it’s your first impression. If potential clients struggle to navigate your site, find outdated information, or encounter friction at every turn, they’ll leave.In this episode, Amanda Schneider is joined by two experts, Tyler Suomala and Erica Waayenberg, to break down exactly what companies get wrong when it comes to their digital presence—and how to fix it. From architecture firms to product manufacturers, businesses across the built environment must rethink their websites to inspire, inform, and convert visitors into loyal clients.After listening, you will be able to:Rethink your website’s role—it’s not just a portfolio or digital brochure; it should be a frictionless experience that builds trust and drives action.Understand the #1 mistake companies make— not having a clear call to action for their target audience.Learn why simplicity wins—reducing friction, improving navigation, and making the next step clear increases engagement and conversions.Balance self-service with human connection—clients want the ability to explore autonomously, but they also need fast access to real people when they’re ready to move forward.Optimize your website for action—avoid outdated content, overly gated resources, and vague calls-to-action (CTAs) that confuse visitors instead of guiding them.Links Mentioned:Download ThinkLab’s 2025 U.S. Design Industry Benchmark Report: ThinkLab ReportsWatch Amanda Schneider's TEDx TalkDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel SenatoreSpecial thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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