27. OBM vs. VA vs. Consultant: What Interior Designers Really Need

In this episode, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Kat Oldershaw, founder of Kat & Co., to unpack what actually makes operations work for interior designers—and why more tools don’t always mean better systems.Kat shares their unconventional path from studying psychology at UC Berkeley, through biotech and creative studio leadership, and into entrepreneurship as an Online Business Manager (OBM) supporting interior designers behind the scenes. Drawing from both their psychology background and real-world operations experience, Kat explains why designers often struggle with comparison mindset and “shiny object syndrome,” and how simple, consistent systems are usually far more effective than complex software stacks.Together, Ronniesha and Kat break down the differences between OBMs, business consultants, and virtual assistants, helping designers understand who they actually need—and when. Kat also offers nuanced insight into software choices like Asana and Studio Designer, emphasizing that there’s no “unicorn” platform that solves everything, only systems that work for you.This conversation goes beyond tools and tactics, touching on vulnerability in entrepreneurship, the importance of trust and communication in long-term partnerships, and how honoring your working style (digital or analog) can lead to more sustainable growth. If you’re a designer craving clarity, calm, and support that actually sticks, this episode is for you.You can find kat at https://www.katandco.org/Good Ideas + Bad decisions Podcast This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by DesignIf you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.www.vetted-bydesign.comhttps://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram*Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry