logo
episode-header-image
Aug 11
18m 59s

151 | Mindset Shift Series #3: Step Into...

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
About this episode

“I’m not a numbers person!”  

“I just want to design, not run a business!”


Does this sound like you?


Many interior designers have a passion for dreaming up beautiful spaces, but stepping into the role of a CEO can feel uncomfortable, like wearing a hat that doesn’t quite fit. I understand—I've felt the same way before.


In this episode, I share how I changed my mindset and embraced the CEO role, and how you can do the same. My goal is to help you avoid burnout, ensure you’re charging what you’re worth, and prevent chaos behind the scenes.


I break down the mental barriers that hold designers back from realizing their leadership potential and explain how understanding business fundamentals can supercharge your creative success.


I also guide you through the four CEO mindsets that helped me build a business I love: visionary thinking, confident decision-making, strong leadership, and financial ownership.


Being a CEO doesn’t mean losing your creativity; it’s about building a strong foundation that supports and enhances your design talents.


Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your existing practice, this episode will help you transform from a hesitant creative into a powerful business leader.


Tune in now and take the first step towards becoming the CEO of your business!


Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

📌 Overcome your mindset blocks so you can stop avoiding the business side and start leading with confidence

📌 Get practical tips to reduce chaos, avoid burnout, and run a well-oiled design business

📌 Be empowered to take back control and create a business that supports the life you love


Check out the show notes >>> Mindset Shift Series #3: Step Into Your Power as a Creative Business Owner


Related Episodes:

✨ Episode 146: How to Build Your Dream Design Team Without the Headache With Ronniesha Rivera


NEXT STEPS:

🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!


Grab your freebies:

📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design

🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career


Connect With Me:

📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com

🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign

🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com


Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...


Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction: Mindset Shift from Creative to CEO

03:05 Why Creatives Resist the CEO Role

05:48 4 Core CEO Mindsets to Adopt

12:31 Practical Shifts for Stepping Into the CEO Role

15:11 Final Reminders

16:33 Challenge for the Week

Up next
Oct 6
159 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #1: How to Identify Your Design Niche
Wondering why your message isn’t reaching anyone? It is because you’re trying to appeal to everyone. Many interior designers run into this problem when they haven’t defined their niche.With so many designers out there, those who specialize tend to stand out, get more referrals, a ... Show More
15m 55s
Sep 29
158 | The Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design With Marcy Sagel
“Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”Many interior desi ... Show More
33m 27s
Sep 22
157 | Sneak Peek Inside Sacramento Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers
Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want? Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, re ... Show More
33m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
100 Strategies to Grow Your Design Business with Chris Do
It's a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! Over the past 100 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their experiences ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 2023
83 How to Become a Fully Booked Graphic Designer with Shay (Bucketlist Bombshells)
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast. In this insightful conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Shay, founder of Bucketlist Bombshells, to uncover the secrets behind getting booked out 3, 6, and even 12 ... Show More
1 h
Apr 2024
102 Running a Small Design Agency with Kristy Campbell (Pink Pony Creative)
Get ready to explore the vibrant world of design entrepreneurship with Kristy Campbell, the innovative force behind Pink Pony Creative. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we uncover Kristy's journey from a solo designer to leading a successful design ... Show More
51m 59s
Apr 2025
157 What Separates $3K Designers from $10K+ Designers
Most designers stay stuck at $3K projects because they’re pricing wrong, targeting the wrong clients, and positioning themselves as just another freelancer. The difference between a $3K designer and a $10K designer isn’t design skills. It’s how they run their business. In this ep ... Show More
22m 17s
Sep 30
The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180
What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he bu ... Show More
50m 51s
Apr 2025
How to Bulletproof Your Graphic Design Career Before Disaster Strikes & It’s Too Late
What happens to your creative career when life hits hard? Graphic designers are taught how to build brands, craft visuals, and make things look amazing. But no one teaches us how to survive when life punches us in the face.Whether it’s grief, family emergencies, burnout, or just ... Show More
34m 34s
Mar 2024
97 Building Your Design Agency Dream Team
In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we talk about expanding your design business and building your dream team. From feeling swamped with administrative tasks to struggling to attract top-notch clients, we've all been there. If you've heard my other ... Show More
32m 37s
Sep 1
134- Part 4: Let's Talk Profit Strategies, Follow the Profits, Not all Projects are Sexy
Send us a textWelcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from just designing beautiful spaces to designing a truly profitable business. Learn why reviewing your numbers regularly is mo ... Show More
13m 1s
Feb 2025
Graphic Design Business Lessons by Andy Warhol. Turning Your Creativity Into Cash!
Graphic designers are taught to create, not sell—and that’s exactly why so many talented designers stay broke. The harsh reality? Talent alone won’t make you successful.The industry is full of insanely skilled designers who struggle to make ends meet while less talented ones cash ... Show More
44m 27s
Sep 29
Julie Wainwright: Getting Real Real About Building a Billion-Dollar Business
Julie Wainwright is the visionary founder and past CEO of The RealReal, the luxury resale giant that disrupted the fashion industry and redefined what it means to build a billion-dollar brand. In her new book, Time to Get Real: How I Built a Billion Dollar Business that Rocked th ... Show More
1h 16m