The Design Imposter Podcast

A controversial take from Monique: Go network with an AGENDA... meaning be direct and communicate clearly. Everyone is there for a reason. On Entry 83 of Marketing by Design (powered by American Marketing Association Columbus Chapter), we learn: ?????????? ??????????????: → Founder and CEO of Creative and Creator, a Baltimore-based design agency → Specializes in branding and web design for small businesses and non-profits → Career spans Fortune 500 companies, startups, FinTech, and retail → Host of The Design Imposter Podcast and leader of Ladies, Wine & Design Baltimore → Passionate about storytelling through design, community building, and inclusive branding ?????????????? ????????????: → The $6 million mistake that changed how she approaches design → Why marketing and design must work together to drive real business results → The power of storytelling in branding and how it shapes customer perception → The business case for UX—why good design directly impacts revenue ?????? ???????? ???????? ????-?????????? ????: → The gap between designers and marketers—and how to bridge it → How constraints can fuel creativity—but also limit innovation → Why networking is essential for long-term business success → The importance of personal branding and standing out in a crowded industry ? This episode is LIVE and can be found wherever you usually listen to podcasts. I'll link to it below ???? __ If you’re new, I’m Andy ???? I help founders and B2B companies market with ROI in mind, and I'm sharing my journey of building MMG Design along the way. Let’s connect ??

?? Today’s the Day! ?? ?? Are you really ready for a website, or should you focus on LinkedIn first? Too many entrepreneurs jump into websites before they’re ready—wasting time and money. That’s why TONIGHT, I’m teaming up with LinkedIn Business Coach Mollie Lo to help you get clear on your next move! ?? Join us TODAY for: ? The $30K Rule – How to know when & how much to invest in a website. ? LinkedIn vs. Website – Which one makes sense for your business right now? ? Avoiding Website Regrets – The biggest mistakes & how to avoid them. ? Live Q&A – Get direct answers to your burning questions! ?? BONUS: Free Website Soulmate Quiz to find the perfect platform for your business! ?? Sign up now before it starts! ?? Link in the comments

?? A Moment of Humanity with Matt Damon ?? Have you ever had a moment that reminded you of the humanity behind the fame? In this clip from The Design Imposter Podcast, Rebecca George shares a touching story about meeting Matt Damon at the premiere of the first Bourne movie. As a fellow actor, Rebecca complimented his performance, and his response wasn’t what you might expect from a Hollywood star in a VIP room. His childlike curiosity and genuine need to know if she truly liked the film revealed something powerful: at the core, we all crave validation, no matter our level of success. ?? Key insight: No matter where we are in life, our humanity connects us. Whether you’re leading a team, chasing your dreams, or stepping into new challenges, staying authentic and open is what creates the most meaningful moments. ?? Catch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ePK2byKr ?? What’s one moment where someone surprised you with their authenticity? Share your story below! #TheDesignImposter #Podcast #Authenticity #Leadership #MattDamon

?? Imposter Syndrome: Turning Triggers into Superpowers ?? Ever feel like you’re not good enough, even when you’re more than qualified? Imposter syndrome can hold us back, but what if you could flip the script and use it as a tool for growth? In this clip from the latest episode of The Design Imposter Podcast, executive coach Rebecca George shares powerful insights on finding the tools within yourself to naturally embody confidence. She dives into how to turn your triggers—those moments of doubt and fear—into superpowers that drive your success. ? Key takeaways: ? Confidence doesn’t come from external validation—it’s about uncovering the strength that’s already within you. ? Your triggers aren’t weaknesses—they’re opportunities to grow and showcase your unique power. ? The path to confidence is rooted in self-awareness, curiosity, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. ?? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ewDQQFYy ?? What’s one trigger you’ve reframed into a strength? Share your story in the comments! #TheDesignImposter #Podcast #ImposterSyndrome #Confidence #Leadership #SelfGrowth

?? LinkedIn: Nurturing Connections, Not Just Selling ?? LinkedIn is so much more than a platform for business transactions—it’s a space to build meaningful connections, share stories, and grow together. In this video, Mollie Lo talks about how focusing on authentic engagement, rather than just selling, has transformed her approach to business. Every interaction is an opportunity to: ? Share value. ? Build trust. ? Learn from others. ? Create opportunities that go beyond the immediate. Let’s move away from the “hard sell” and lean into the power of genuine relationships. After all, people work with those they know, like, and trust. ?? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eu2PFcuJ ?? What’s one connection on LinkedIn that made a real difference in your career or business? Share your story below! #LinkedInLearning #Networking #Authenticity #BusinessGrowth #ConnectionMatters

Had an incredible experience with Google Event! The power of connections in this industry keeps opening doors, and I’m truly grateful. At Creative Circle Collective, I talk all about community and design, and I know networking can be hard—but keep going. It’s amazing to be in these spaces!

?? This is my thinking face… (Ugh why is it doing that ??) As the year winds down, I’m taking a moment to reflect on everything 2024 brought with it—the highs, the lows, and all the lessons in between. But let’s be real, if you’re anything like me, your sights are already set on 2025. I’m ready to cross that finish line and dive into what’s next! Looking back, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, the goals I’ve achieved, and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to connect with along the way. Whatever happened this year, it happened for a reason—and what didn’t? Well, maybe it wasn’t part of the plan, and that’s okay too. As we wrap up 2024, these last few weeks are the perfect time to start mapping out your game plan for 2025. What big goals are you ready to crush? If you haven’t started your Q1 planning yet, what’s holding you back? (Spoiler alert: we all know next week is a lost cause!) Let’s close the year strong and step into 2025 with focus, determination, and a clear vision. Here’s to what’s ahead! ???? #Reflection #Gratitude #2025Goals #EndOfYearPlanning #FinishStrong #FirstQuarterReady

“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with friends.” Last Friday, I had the incredible opportunity to join my friends on stage at Techsgiving for a panel titled, “You Made it Into the 3% of Black Designers, Now What?” To say it was transformative would be an understatement. Every time I look up, I’m in awe of my circle. If you’ve met me, you know I want everyone to win, and I intentionally surround myself with people who are just as driven and passionate as I am. This energy—this community—is what fuels me on Creative Circle Collective’s mission to create change and amplify voices in the creative industry. PS: Yes, we had a 4-hour conference retro after because we are those girls. I’m so excited about future speaking opportunities with this powerhouse group. Here’s to going far, together. ??? PPS: Special shout-out to Kelis Mitchell for the "Part of the 3%" Swag. Bri-Anna L., Kellie P., Kira Taylor

Picture this: Your grand opening is days away, your new product is about to launch, or you’ve got a big campaign coming up. But there’s one problem—your website isn’t ready. ?? Or worse, you hired a design firm, and they ghosted you. Sound familiar? At Creative Circle Collective, we don’t just build websites; we perform digital miracles with our Website in a Week service. ??? Here’s how we make it happen: ?? Lightning-Fast Turnaround: From concept to launch in just 5 days. ?? Custom Design That Stands Out: No cookie-cutter templates—your site is crafted to reflect your unique goals. ?? Stress-Free Process: From strategy to execution, we take care of everything so you can focus on running your business. ? Real Talk, Real Results When Wasserman White Family Law was left stranded by their developer, they turned to us. In just 4 days, we delivered a website that not only met but exceeded their expectations. ?? Check out their new site here! (https://lnkd.in/e2yA7Z4R) And it’s not just them—take NC SESGA. Their developer of several years suddenly disappeared, their website was shut down, and efforts to reach the company—even by visiting their building—revealed they had completely vanished. It was a nightmare scenario for their business! But with our Website in a Week service, we stepped in and had their site up and running in record time. ?? Visit their site here! (https://ncsesga.com/) Then there’s CapCost Segregation, a business born from a bold dream. After 30 years in the industry, the founder left his 9-to-5 to launch the business he had always envisioned. We were honored to bring his dream to life by building a stunning, professional website in just one week, helping him make a confident and impactful debut in his market. ?? Explore their site here! (https://capcostseg.com/) Why Choose CCC? We know that speed doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Our team is here to deliver beautiful, high-performing websites that engage your audience and drive results—fast. ?? Ready to launch your website in just one week? Let’s make it happen! ?? Book a Call Today -- https://lnkd.in/emqBAaPM Don’t let delays or no-shows hold you back—when urgency meets creativity, CCC delivers. Know someone who needs a website ASAP? Tag them below! ??

Did you know that only 3% of designers are Black? Honestly, I didn’t even know that—and I’m one of them. But once I learned, it became central to my mission at Creative Circle Collective to not only employ Black designers but to actively foster their growth and create spaces for conversations on how we can increase that number. So, I flipped the usual question, “Why do you want to work here?” Instead, I internally ask, “Why do we want you here?” My answer is that I want people to work at Creative Circle Collective because I expect and encourage our team to push beyond their own perceived limits. Specifically, I want Black designers to come here to learn, grow, advocate for themselves, and advance their careers. And yes, eventually leave us—though you could stay! But more than anything, I want to equip you with the tools to walk into any company or organization and own your authority, knowing exactly what you bring to the table. My goal is to prepare you so that no layoff, no industry shift, can ever limit your path. I want you to have the confidence and ability to pivot in ways that align with your interests and your faith in yourself. Just yesterday, I watched two of our Design and UX Associates (Morgan Jones and Jalisa Keyser)experience their first client photography and videography shoot. I got to see their curiosity, openness, and raw talent on full display, and it reminded me why this business is so important to me. We’re building a new generation of designers who will change the narrative for generations to come. I say all of this to emphasize that every client we sign gives our team more experience and greater authority in their craft and abilities. So, you have to do your part—employ companies like ours who are doing the work, so we can continue pushing forward the initiatives that change the tide. So book a call, have the conversation, and hire us knowing that every dollar will support real growth and impact. https://lnkd.in/gGy2K8vz