leaders x design
98 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsLeaders x design is a podcast that highlights and empowers women, non-binary, trans, and all those who are gender non-conforming within the broader design, community relations, engineering, and marketing communities who are doing incredible things. We want to share the stories of these badasses, and how their passion for their pursuits motivates them to push themselves to the limit. Join Allie Umansky and Krista Serianni every week as they interview amazing people who are not afraid to go above their own expectations.
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Episodes
076: Look Ma, No Hands
October 20, 2023 13:03 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBThis episode we speak to Dani Chambers— a designer and entrepreneur hailing from Oregon and the CEO of Northwest Brand Design— a boutique branding . We discuss the importance of work life balance, how being in a supportive role doesn’t mean that you’re not a leader, and our worst design mistakes that we’ve made on the job.
075: Developing Creative Confidence
July 28, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis week we talked to Maribeth Kradel-Weitzel. A Designer, Creative, and Professor—and someone who has been a part of our network since we were baby designers. We discuss the importance of creative flow, always keep curiosity at the forefront of the design process, and how laughter can get you into a groove.
074: Intelligent Design
July 14, 2023 12:01 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBThis week Allie and Krista scratched the surface of Artificial Intelligence as we know it today. Throughout this breakout episode, we discuss how it could change how we work, how we use it throughout our lives today, and, generally, our feelings on what could happen next.
073: Pivot to Survive
June 30, 2023 14:02 - 1 hour - 100 MBThis week talk to Adrienne Ray. The self-described fat, Black, queer business owner and powerhouse behind Curve Conscious (@curveconscious). We discuss the reality of being a business owner while navigating the pandemic, the importance of making space for fat bodies, and how it is okay to admit when you need help to reframe your mindset.
072: The False Promise of Enough
June 16, 2023 11:18 - 1 hour - 88.8 MBTHIS EPISODE CONTAINS MENTIONS OF EATING DISORDERS AND NEURODIVERGENCE. JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ANYONE WHO IS LISTENING GOES IN MENTALLY PREPARED FOR THESE TOPICS; THANK YOU! This week we talked to Stacie Fanelli, an eating disorder (ED) and ADHD therapist, and Allie’s go-to social media account over at @edadhd_therapist. We discuss the holes in traditional treatments of eating disorders (and where they intersect with neurodivergence), having flexible but strong boundaries, and the impor...
071: Master of (N)one
June 02, 2023 18:50 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBThis week we talked to Samantha Kibler, a Visual Communicator and User Experience Advocate. She’s also an old friend and colleague of Allie’s. We discuss the importance of curating expertise in something you love, leaving toxic situations, and how to pivot your career path if the one you’re on is one that doesn’t work for you.
070: Bright Loud Statements
September 09, 2022 11:48 - 39 minutes - 31.5 MBThis week we talked to Jenna Throne. A maker, creative, and the brains behind @GentryByJenna. We talk about how to adapt our creative processes, why you have to enjoy what you’re making, and a bit about how she comes up with her awesome designs.. We can’t wait for you to hear her episode!
069: Cozy
August 26, 2022 18:14 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MBWhile Allie was chatting, Krista decided to silently start the episode. This week we talk about finding comfort and strength within your own design voice and how we are working on doing that ourselves.
068: Amplify Visibility
August 12, 2022 07:40 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MBWe are soooooo happy to be back with you all again after our break! Today we chatted with Kellie Wicklund— a clinical therapist and the Director and Owner of the Maternal Wellness Center in Hatboro, PA. We discuss the importance of maternal care in a country that stands last in maternal mortality rates, the reality of motherhood and how it changes you for better or worse, and why taking time for yourself and your sanity is key. A word of warning, however: we recorded this episode before ...
067: The Cry Baby & The C*nt
June 24, 2022 06:35 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBThis week Allie and Krista announce that we are taking July off because, well.. we are setting boundaries to allow for room to recover and refresh, which is the real story of this episode. Also... guess who is who from the title............
065: We gotta get back to the magic
June 10, 2022 06:25 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBThis episode we talked to Sarah Vezina hailing from CANADAAAA. She’s one half of the clothing brand Octopied Mind (@octopiedmind) – a mindful, vulnerable hand-drawn clothing company— and a badass entrepreneur. We discuss how the right business partner can bring out the best in you, growing up with an entrepreneurial mindset and how that manifests in adult life, and the importance of embodying diversity and inclusivity in businesses today.
066: We gotta get back to the magic
June 10, 2022 06:25 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBThis episode we talked to Sarah Vezina hailing from CANADAAAA. She’s one half of the clothing brand Octopied Mind (@octopiedmind) – a mindful, vulnerable hand-drawn clothing company— and a badass entrepreneur. We discuss how the right business partner can bring out the best in you, growing up with an entrepreneurial mindset and how that manifests in adult life, and the importance of embodying diversity and inclusivity in businesses today.
065: We are born from the stars
May 27, 2022 11:55 - 56 minutes - 77.4 MBThis week we talk to Angelica Trimble-Yanu (@angelicayanu), an indigenous artist and creator hailing from San Francisco. We discuss the "in-between" space with multi-cultural folks and how to reclaim that space, the importance of paying homage and honoring where you come from in your life, and why listening to your body and paying attention to where you hold your energy is so vital. We also hear about the amazing process behind their work. We can't wait for you to hear about her work.
064: Blessed be the fruit
May 13, 2022 12:15 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBOn this episode Allie and Krista chat a bit about the leaked opinion from the Supreme Court. This episode is a little heavy and talks about abortion, sexual assault, and a myriad of other things, so go in with some caution. Personally, we even had to take time to collect ourselves after talking about it.
063: Boner 4Ever
April 29, 2022 12:04 - 1 hour - 101 MBIn this episode, we talk to Sara McDougall— a designer and creative hailing from Philly. We discuss reclaiming the “jack of all trades” title, why perfectionism kills creativity, and why evolving in your work is absolutely vital. We also discuss the importance of representation in media, especially in today’s climate.
062: Expand Your Circle
April 01, 2022 15:24 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis week we talk to Maurene Cooper, a tintype photographer and the creative mind behind @VanityTinType in Philadelphia. We talk about the importance of boundaries in your work, how being neurodivergent can actually enhance your creativity, and how to find your passion in your work.
061: Can I get an amen?!
March 25, 2022 11:55 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBKrista and Allie start off by talking about how younger people in the workforce need to be more confident and assertive within their profession.. but then we get a little bit off track. Kinda. Maybe. Sure...
060: If You’re Doing It, You’re Doing It
March 18, 2022 07:30 - 1 hour - 93.7 MBThis week we talk to Marisa Velázquez-Rivas, an art director for Fender, and an incredible illustrator from Philadelphia. We discuss the importance of sharing your process, the intersection of art and design in our industry, and the power good design has in curating cultural change.
059: Shake The Table
March 11, 2022 12:57 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBThis week our guest hails from DC by way of the US Virgin Islands. J’Nay Penn is an Art Director by day and the curator behind pennsive.co (@pennsive.co) in her spare time. We discuss respectful tourism, the excitement of breaking the rules, and how being your authentic self inside and out is the most fulfilling way to live.
058: Aid Ukraine
March 04, 2022 13:27 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MBWe're taking a break from interviews, and instead are highlighting ways you can help aid people impacted by war in Ukraine. We are not political or economic experts by any means, but as fellow humans our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people. Go to our social media accounts to find links and accounts on ways to help.
057: Make Little Tweaks
February 25, 2022 12:39 - 1 hour - 88.1 MBThis week we talk to Toni McIntyre— a writer and social media expert hailing from Philadelphia. They also work for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, which we think is pretty freaking cool! We discuss the importance of social media as a global information resource, how basic human development is complex, valid, and vital, and how their journey from advertising to public service mirrored that development.
056: A Moment in Time
February 18, 2022 07:55 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBThis is the monthly episode where Krista and Allie talk about something that is bothering them. This week they talk about specifically difficult projects for them and how they got through them. Tune in to see what each project was and what was used to push them forward (spoiler, Krista talks about food and drink).
055: Empowered Empath
February 11, 2022 08:30 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBIn this episode, we talked to Margo Craige, an intuitive illustrator, graphic designer, and medium. She’s also an old friend of ours, so we were extra excited to chat with her! We discuss the importance of being open to the universe’s guidance and trusting your gut, dive into what a “jawn” is (if you know you know), and the impact that taking the leap of doing what you love has on your life and how you live it. Whether you believe in it or not, we don’t give a shit, it is super interesting an...
054: Move Yourself
February 04, 2022 07:05 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MBThis week we talk to Stefanie Nelson (@sndancegroup), a choreographer, educator and curator from New York City—and the fearless leader of Stefanie Nelson Dance Group and Dance Italia. We talk about her incredible volume of work, what inspires her, and how COVID changed everything.
053: It gets a little meta
January 28, 2022 12:52 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBThis week we talk to Suzana Somers, the brains behind the hit social media sensation @bachelordata— an account that analyzes information from the Bachelor Nation shows and all the drama on and off-screen. She also has online classes to teach you Excel or Google Sheets that won’t put you to sleep. We discuss the important balance of being relevant with properly processing culturally significant events, how excel changed her life for the better, and how to be a more educated social media and re...
052: Flow Through It
January 21, 2022 12:54 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MBThis week Allie and Krista discuss grief since it is top of mind for us. There is no correct way to talk about it or to live with it, but this is a nice first step.
051: Sustainably Love Yourself More
January 14, 2022 12:59 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBThis week we talked to Isaias Hernandez, an environmental educator, and influencer (@queerbrownvegan). We discuss the importance of environmental education and resources, how being vegan can positively impact not just the world but also individuals, and why disengaging from technology and connecting with nature is vital.
050: Social Reckoning
January 07, 2022 07:25 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBIn this episode, we talk to Kendra Stepp-Davis. A Black artist and creative hailing from New York, and the co-founder of The Culture Rooms (@theculturerooms). We talk about the importance of representation, how Black culture is culture, and why learning about Black artists is everyone’s responsibility.
049: Get Comfortable With Getting Uncomfortable
October 29, 2021 06:15 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBThis week we’re joined by Shannon Downey— an Artist, activist, craftivist— and the mastermind behind Badass Cross Stitch (@badasscrossstitch). We talk about the importance of activism and connecting with your community, ethics in creating and the connection to erasure of marginalized folks, and dealing with your own shit as a way of better aiding causes.
048: Don't Shake Clients
October 22, 2021 11:46 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this bonus episode Allie and Krista talk about the cost of experience and how it relates to not only their field of design, but other avenues as well. The old saying of "you get what you pay for" is absolutely true with everything. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the matter.
047: Shifting Identities
October 15, 2021 11:51 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MBThis week we talk to Eden and Jess, the ladies behind Kith & Kin Philly— A playing and gathering place here in Philadelphia (@kithkinphilly). We talk about the importance of community with parenting and raising tiny humans, how they pivoted their business model in the pandemic, and how the best guilty pleasures happen when the kiddos are asleep. Basically, this is the motherhood episode…
046: No Judgements
October 08, 2021 05:50 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBThis week we chatted with Rina Stone (@rinajstone), the Executive Creative Director at InStyle Magazine (@instylemagazine). We discuss the importance of mentorship at every level, balancing not only work and life but life and the highlight reel of social media, and how what we do as creatives is actually pretty darn cool.
045: Do the deep work
October 01, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBThis week, we talk to Juliana Laury. A writer, podcaster, artist, and creative maven— and an old friend to both Allie & Krista. She just launched an INCREDIBLE podcast— FLOW (which you can find wherever you get your podcasts). And, as a bonus, stick around after the interview for a sneak preview of the first episode. We discuss giving space to grow and mourn each stage in life, the process of cultivating your creative outlets, and how creating space for yourself is vital.
044: Say I Don't
September 24, 2021 07:45 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBComing off of the week post-wedding for Allie, we chat about wedding industry misconceptions and how bullshit they are. Really, don't stress and just take it all in stride. We promise that this is just one day in your life and it isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But alcohol helps get through it!
043: You Gotta Stay in the Mojo
September 17, 2021 06:55 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MBThis episode we talk to Lauren Foundos, the CEO and founder of Forte Fitness (@forte.fit)— a tech/streaming fitness platform that is transforming the fitness industry that makes working out at home a viable option. We talk about her shift from a career from finance on Wall Street to leading an innovative tech and fitness company, how her experience as an athlete shaped her as a business woman and entrepreneur, and the importance of health and fitness to the human experience.
042: You’re Always Gonna Hear Me
September 10, 2021 06:50 - 1 hour - 99.5 MBThis week we talk to Jen Kober, a comedian, writer, and actor, and a mean maker of Fried Chicken hailing from Los Angeles. We talk about suffering for our art, why prioritizing your sanity is key, and the importance of the buddy system. Take a listen to the episode, and find Jen online at JenKober.com.
041: Opportunity to Grow
September 03, 2021 06:30 - 1 hour - 88.8 MBIn this episode, we talk to our former classmate Mary Guiles, a freelance Maker and Creative from Virginia. We discuss the importance of doing what makes you happy, the impact that COVID had on her businesses, how she pivoted, and how being a mother has enhanced her creative process.
040: Share People’s Full Experiences
August 27, 2021 11:20 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBThis episode we talked to Christania, the editor and chief of AZ Mag (@azmaguk), an online publication in the UK that focuses on highlighting “QTIBPOC” talents and issues. We discuss the importance of story telling for marginalized experiences, how the team curates meaningful content, and why we should always celebrate the small victories. With that, here’s Christania.
039: Unsolicited Dicks
August 20, 2021 12:17 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBThis episode Allie and Krista talk about their experiences with unwanted attention in the form of sexual advances. Let us be clear, you are not alone if you have received any, and if you are sending any - go kick rocks.
038: Fight for the underdog
August 13, 2021 05:45 - 53 minutes - 74 MBThis episode we talk to Amanda Petrellis, a clinical trial project manager and current grad student from Philadelphia. We talk about the importance of research to the human experience, why taking care of yourself is essential, and the power of women in STEM. We’re excited to get back to our regularly scheduled program.
037: Dead Men Can't Cat Call
July 16, 2021 12:26 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBThis week Allie and Krista talk about their experiences within the Me Too Movement. Honestly, there isn't much more to say about it ahead of time. If you or someone you know needs assistance because of an attack, you can reach out to us to talk, or you can talk to a professional at the National Sexual Assault Hotline available 24 hours hours a day through 1-800-656-4673. www.rainn.org www.nottodaymf.com
036: I may snatch wigs, but I don’t snatch babies
July 09, 2021 11:50 - 1 hour - 129 MBIn this episode, we talk to Phillip Ramautar (@pdcr91). A social worker in Philadelphia and a self-described “Queer Indo-Guyanese-American trying to exist." We discuss the journey of sexual identity, what it was like growing up as a minority in the south, and how families are not just made in one way. This is a long one, but one of the best conversations we have had on the show
035: Be there to love you
July 02, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 88.8 MBIn this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Eve Berg, the retired California Police Chief (and as a cool bonus, was also the bodyguard for Kobe Bryant during his time with the LA Lakers). We learn about how it was for her to be the first female captain and then chief in her jurisdiction, how being a mom was always a priority within her life, and what she is most proud of accomplishing within her community. She is such a badass, and we can’t wait for you to hear her story.
034: Body Image
June 25, 2021 11:55 - 40 minutes - 55.3 MBThis week we took a bit of a break from our normal interviews and chatted about body image. We talk about how both of us view ourselves and each other differently, how the media has started to turn the corner with displaying real bodies, and stories about how people shamed us for how we looked. Essentially, this is just another bitch session - but we hope you like it all the same.
033: Hungry For Potential
June 18, 2021 12:01 - 1 hour - 87.3 MBIn this episode, we talk to Molly Alloy (@mollyalloy). A fine artist and designer from Portland Oregon and the co-director of the Five Oaks Museum(@fiveoaksmuseum). We discuss the differences between art and design, why creativity plays a huge role in the systems that surround us -- like parenting, technology, and white supremacy-- and how societal views of gender are finally evolving.
032: Eat pussy, not animals
June 11, 2021 09:45 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis week we talk to Lennie Gray Mowris— a self taught designer, magically disgruntled manifestor, and the curator of @Lenspeace. We discuss the importance of showing up for yourself and your community, why being an upstarter is actually an amazing thing, and how living in truth is key. They're also a hero of ours both in the design field and for the work they do on self actualization.
031: I know how to fail so good
June 04, 2021 06:40 - 1 hour - 91.5 MBThis week we chatted with Carly Longo, a recent college grad who is jumping headfirst into the world of software engineering. We discuss the importance of mental health, being a woman in a male-dominated field, and why advocating and rooting for yourself is key. What a strong and resilient young woman--it must run in the family.
030: Design for Protest
May 28, 2021 11:35 - 1 hour - 93.9 MBIn this episode, we talk to Caroline Tiger and Royce Epstein, the creative minds and curators behind the Instagram account @Dissent_By_Design. We discuss how radical protests can be in the form of the simplest of actions, the importance of empathy and education, and why words matter. Tune in and listen to two friends… interview another pair of friends.
029: I am healing, but I am whole
May 21, 2021 11:20 - 1 hour - 90.2 MBThis episode features our very own Allie! Just like the episode where Allie interviewed Krista, we flipped the tables and Krista interviewed Allie. We talk about motherhood, giving yourself permission to be, and dealing with the punches that life has a tendency to throw at you.
028: There is always something to learn
May 14, 2021 11:51 - 1 hour - 119 MBOn this episode we talked to our old classmate, Christina Minopoli. A designer, illustrator, and fellow typography nerd. We reminisce about our college days (and dish on old professors), discuss what Christina’s been up to since we last spoke at graduation, and how life never goes exactly to plan.