EP 417 | Yes, You Can Lead: How Interior Designers Build Stronger Teams with Shannon Hughes

Leadership in a design business isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating the conditions where great ideas, trust, and collaboration can thrive. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Shannon Hughes, leadership expert and creator of the Connective Influence Model, to explore how an improv mindset can transform the way interior designers lead their teams. Shannon shares how principles like adaptability, bold humility, and the simple practice of “yes, and…” help leaders move away from control and toward connection. You’ll learn how creating brave spaces and listening with curiosity builds psychological safety, strengthens team cohesion, and unlocks creativity—without sacrificing authority. If you want to lead with confidence, stay present under pressure, and build a people-first culture that actually performs, this episode offers practical tools you can start using immediately. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why holding brave space creates psychological safety on your team - How listening to learn fosters curiosity, trust, and collaboration - Why self-awareness helps you stay present and lead more effectively - How bold humility strengthens leadership instead of weakening it - Why recognizing and challenging your patterns leads to growth - How using “yes, and…” builds on ideas instead of shutting them down Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com