The Trend Report Sid Meadows

Discover the transformative power of mindful design as Jen Levisen, director of communications at Mindful Materials, joins us to shed light on the sustainable future of commercial spaces.

Our conversation traverses Jen's vibrant journey from the commercial design and office furniture industry to spearheading a global movement for environmentally responsible materials. Delve into the origins of Mindful Materials and how this once modest labeling system has evolved into a trailblazing nonprofit, fostering a universal language for sustainability and impacting the industry.

Jen and I celebrate the collaborative spirit within the design community, instrumental in initiatives such as the A&D Materials Pledge and the emergence of influential forum groups. These groups, comprised of design firms, manufacturers, and beyond, are pivotal in driving the conversation on sustainability forward, underscoring the significance of united industry efforts.

We wrap it all up with a personal reflection on my own transition from journalism to industry columnist, reveling in the joy of storytelling and the importance of finding one's narrative voice.
 
For those seeking to influence the world through design, or simply to savor compelling stories behind industry innovation, this conversation with Jen Levisen promises an enriching journey.

Links & Resources
Episode 129 - The OG Nerd Shares her Secret with Dianne Murata - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode129
Episode 131 - Uncovering Your Genius Spark with Rex Miller - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode131

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It  by Kamal Ravikant - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Yourself-Like-Your-Depends/dp/0062968726
Office Insights Magazine - https://www.officeinsights.com/
Viewpoint Magazine - https://viewpointmag.com/

Connect with Jen:
mindful MATERIALS website: https://www.mindfulmaterials.com/
mM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindfulmaterials/
mM on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmaterials/
 
Jen’s personal email address: levisen.jennifer@gmail.com 
Jen’s business email:  jen.levisen@mindfulmaterials.com 
Jen’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenlevisen/



Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Unlock the secrets to transformative conversations with my deep dive into the art of the follow-up question. 

In our latest episode, I share the underrated power of asking the right questions—those that open doors to deeper understanding and connection. We talk about the tendency to default to simple yes-or-no inquiries and how this approach can hinder the richness of our interactions. 

Through real-life examples and practical advice, you'll learn how to craft questions that encourage expansive answers, taking your communication skills from good to exceptional.

Prepare to enhance every conversation, whether in business or personal life, as I guide you through mastering the nuances of intuitive listening. By fully engaging and employing all our senses, we tap into the unspoken messages that are just as critical as the spoken word. I welcome you to join the conversation by sharing your experiences and insights. 

This episode isn't just about listening—it's an interactive experience designed to provoke thought, refine your questioning technique, and leave you with actionable strategies to foster more meaningful exchanges in your daily life. Let's elevate the quality of our dialogues together, one powerful follow-up question at a time.

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Unlock the secrets to transforming every customer interaction into a golden opportunity as Stacy Sherman, a maven of CX excellence, joins us to pick apart the customer experience puzzle.

Join our exploration into the integral role of empathy and communication in business, the surge of artificial intelligence in customer experience, and how to marry AI with the irreplaceable human touch to elevate your business game. Don't just listen—transform with us.

Links and Resources
Episode 58 - Creating a Great Customer Experience with Stacy Sherman - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode58
Net Promoter Score (NPS) - https://www.retently.com/blog/good-net-promoter-score/
Blog Post - Ensuring Customer Loyalty Amid Price Changes: Lessons from Wendy’s Public Backlash - https://doingcxright.com/2024/03/01/ensuring-customer-loyalty-a

Connect with Stacy:
Doing CX Right - https://doingcxright.com/
Doing CX Right Podcast - https://doingcxright.com/podcasts/
Stacy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacysherman
Stacy on Twitter - https://twitter.com/stacysherman
Stacy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doingcxright/
Stacy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQu4U9uRSUhPoQE-jTBYQ2A?reload=9



Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Lance Amato from Canoa and Sid, navigate the transformative currents reshaping the office furniture procurement landscape. Discover how Canoa's browser-based platform is revolutionizing the way design professionals select, specify, and manage office furniture inventories. 

They delve into the industry's reluctance to embrace new tech and unveil Canoa's AI Engine, which is redefining product selection with its innovative Canoa Recommendations feature. By tuning in, you'll gain exclusive insights into the future of design efficiency and how embracing these advancements can save you from the outdated tangles of traditional methods.

Transform your understanding of the design industry's evolution as we analyze the resistance to change despite the frustrations with old processes. Lance and Sid uncover the potential of advanced search capabilities, image mapping, and the creation of personalized catalogs that align sales teams with company offerings. 

It's a conversation filled with revelations about how crucial it is to have access to the right information at the right time, and the profound impact it has when technology like Canoa empowers designers to work smarter, not harder.

Ending on a note of responsibility and innovation, we explore Canoa's commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Second Life category and recognition of manufacturers' eco-friendly products. We also celebrate the sense of community in the design industry and share how you can connect with Lance and his team. Their efforts are not only supporting the community but also sparking excitement around new technologies that drive the industry forward. 

Join them for this pivotal discussion that promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to tackle the challenges of modern office design.

Connect with Lance:
Canoa - https://www.canoa.supply/
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGImxRBW2yU&list=PLVG2nR4-6IYs4pYijdSP1utm7xP-e-MXa
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-amato-0224a14/

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Remember the thrill of seeing something evolve from its simple origins to something spectacularly modern? That's the journey I've been on with the office furniture industry for over 30 years. 

In our 10 to Win series, we're tackling the elephant in the room - driving change in your business. I'm taking you through personal stories and observations on the seismic shifts in technology and innovation, and the areas that stubbornly resist evolution. We're talking everything from the nostalgia of hand-drawn floor plans to the cutting-edge photorealistic renderings of today, and the peculiarities of our discounting strategies that seem to be frozen in time.

But here's where it gets real: initiating and championing change isn’t just about the courage to identify what needs a makeover. It's about the grit to get others on board with your vision - and that's no easy feat. 

This episode is a candid exploration into the heart of change management, where we confront the comfort zones we're so reluctant to leave and the resistance that often meets new ideas. I’ll share insights on modernizing complex sales processes, simplifying business layers, and rethinking product-focused approaches. So join me for a conversation that's not just about reflection but about taking bold steps towards impactful actions in our businesses and the industry we're passionate about.

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Have you ever found yourself at a career crossroads, contemplating a leap into the unknown? That's precisely where Jonathan Johnson stood before he took the helm at Forum Furniture. Listen as Jonathan unfolds the tapestry of his professional odyssey, from a foundation in architecture to the pinnacle of office furniture entrepreneurship. As we chat, he divulges the pivotal role that robust relationships and unwavering grit played in navigating the tumultuous waves of the 2008 financial crisis, and beyond.

Strap in for a deep dive into the strategic maneuvers that have set Forum Furniture apart in a saturated market. Jonathan recounts his transformative decade at HumanScale and how his subsequent entrepreneurial venture is challenging industry norms by championing simplicity, beauty, and affordability.

The conversation blossoms as we dissect the subtle art of cultivating a company culture that champions transparency and work-life balance, and how Jonathan's approach to partnership is redefining the road to collective triumph in business.

Wrapping up, Jonathan lifts the curtain on the alchemy of product creation, emphasizing the elegance of simplicity in design and the power of a well-crafted advisory board.

If you've been searching for inspiration or a nudge to chase those audacious business dreams, this is the cue you've been waiting for. Jonathan's journey is more than a narrative of success; it's a blueprint for building a brand that stands the test of time. Don't forget to peek at the show notes for all the details to connect with us.

Connect with Jonathan:
Form Furniture
Email | Instagram | LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/