Design Boss Dialogue The Interior Design Business Podcast

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue Podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.I want to start this episode with something that might feel like quite a bold statement:Business does not need to be hard.Yes, growth can be uncomfortable. There will always be moments that stretch you, challenge you and require you to step into a bigger version of yourself. But there is a huge difference between the purposeful discomfort of growth and running a business that feels relentlessly difficult simply because everything is being held together by your own effort.After 16 years in the interior design and build industry, and through the work I now do mentoring women inside their own businesses, I've become incredibly passionate about two things that I believe sit at the heart of creating greater ease: your zone of genius and your golden thread.Your zone of genius isn't simply something you're good at. You might be perfectly capable of managing admin, chasing invoices, wrestling with spreadsheets or handling every tiny detail inside your business, but being capable of doing something doesn't mean you should be spending your best energy there.Your zone of genius is the part of what you do that feels almost instinctive. It's where your talent, energy and natural ability meet. For an interior designer, that might be your creative vision, your ability to read a space, the relationships you build with your clients or the way you instinctively understand what a home needs.When you spend too much of your time operating miles outside that space, business naturally starts to feel heavier.In this episode, I'm exploring how we can begin building structure around our businesses that protects our zone of genius, whilst systemising or delegating the things that don't need our unique energy.And then we come to your golden thread: that unmistakable piece of positioning that makes somebody think of your name first.Because I don't believe the answer to standing out in a crowded interior design market is simply more. More content, more posting, more visibility, more hustle. The answer is becoming more unmistakably you.When you understand what you want to be known for and allow that thread to run consistently through your marketing, your brand, your client experience and everything you put into the world, recognition starts to compound. Eventually, your positioning begins doing some of the work that previously required constant effort from you.That's where business begins to feel lighter.Not because your ambition has become smaller, but because you're no longer the only thing holding the entire business up.In this episode, we cover:Why business doesn't need to feel relentlessly hardThe difference between growth discomfort and unnecessary struggleWhat your zone of genius actually isWhy being good at something doesn't necessarily make it your geniusHow working outside your zone of genius creates exhaustionCreating structures that support rather than drain youWhy ease isn't the same as laziness or luckHow solid business foundations create sustainable momentumWhat Lisa means by your “golden thread”Why doing more isn't necessarily the answer to standing outHow positioning helps you become unmistakable in a crowded interior design marketWhy recognition and reputation compound over timeThe relationship between structure, alignment, momentum and easeHow to recognise whether you're experiencing healthy growth or simply unnecessary hardshipAs you listen, I want you to ask yourself three questions:Where am I making business harder than it actually needs to be?Where am I spending too much time outside my zone of genius?And do I really know what my golden thread is yet?Because ease isn't about shrinking your ambition, caring less or building a smaller business.It's about building enough structure underneath your business that you no longer have to hold everything up through effort, grit and willpower alone.The more aligned your business becomes, the lighter it can begin to feel.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie: HEREIf this episode has resonated with you, I'd love you to screenshot it, share it on your socials and tag @Design_Boss_Diary so I can come and see what landed with you.And as always, if you've loved this episode, I'd be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every review helps another interior designer discover the podcast and supports us in growing this beautiful community.🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design — HERE  Download your exclusive guide: 7 Ways to Springboard Your Interior Design Business and Redefine Your Success — HEREABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build profitable, sustainable businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Hosted by Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Interior Design Business Strategist and Soulful Leadership Mentor, each week we explore the strategy, structure, pricing, profitability, marketing, positioning, client experience, mindset and leadership behind building a successful interior design business.Whether you're establishing the foundations of your studio or ready to create greater momentum and growth, these conversations are here to help you build your business with more clarity, confidence and intention.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue Podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Have you ever found yourself saying yes to an interior design project and then, a few weeks or months later, wondering whether you should ever have taken it on in the first place?Maybe the budget wasn't quite right. The expectations didn't align with the service you actually offer. The revisions started creeping in, communication became harder than it needed to be, or you simply had that feeling that the client wasn't quite the right fit.We can be very quick to label these situations as difficult clients, bad luck or scope creep, but in this episode I want to take you much further back in the client journey and look at what was happening before that person ever became a client.Because one of the biggest shifts you can make in your interior design business is moving away from relying entirely on instinct and introducing processes that help you attract, filter and qualify the right people from the very beginning.So many designers are learning as they go. Someone sends a message on Instagram or completes a vague contact form and suddenly you're on a discovery call trying to establish the project scope, budget, timescale, expectations and whether you actually want to work together, all whilst trying to be warm, professional and reassuring.That's an enormous amount of decision-making to put into one conversation.In this episode, I'm sharing how your marketing, messaging, enquiry process and discovery calls can begin doing that filtering for you, so you're not approaching every enquiry as a completely fresh decision.We'll talk about how specific messaging attracts more specific enquiries, the questions your enquiry form should be asking before someone reaches your diary, and why a structured discovery call isn't about becoming scripted or impersonal. It's about giving both you and your prospective client the clarity to decide whether you're genuinely right for one another.Because the goal isn't simply to attract more interior design clients.It's to attract better aligned clients who understand your value, respect your process and want the type of service you actually love delivering.In this episode, we cover:Why relying entirely on instinct can create decision fatigue in your interior design businessHow the absence of a filtering process can lead to misaligned clients and projectsWhy your marketing and messaging are the first stage of client qualificationHow specific messaging can attract more confident, aligned enquiriesWhat your interior design enquiry form should establish before a discovery callWhy budget, project scope, timescale and expectations need to be explored earlyHow to structure discovery calls without making them feel rigid or scriptedWhy saying yes from clarity is very different from saying yes through fear or social pressureHow stronger processes can reduce scope creep, friction and difficult client relationshipsWhy the right business structure can create more ease, rather than more workI want you to look at your own client journey after listening to this episode and ask yourself: are my processes genuinely filtering for the clients I want, or are there leaks in my business that are allowing misalignment through?Because business doesn't have to feel hard simply because you're growing.There will always be stretches, challenges and moments of discomfort, but ease isn't something you have to earn after years of struggle. When the structure underneath your business starts doing its job properly, you create space for better clients, stronger boundaries and a business that feels much lighter to lead.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HERE: 🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design HERE.If this episode has resonated with you, I'd love you to share it on Instagram and tag @Design_Boss_Diary. Tell me what landed, send it to another interior designer who needs to hear it, and come over and say hello.⭐ And as always, if you have loved this episode, I would be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review. Every review helps another interior designer discover the Design Boss Dialogue Podcast.Download your exclusive guide: 7 Ways to Springboard Your Interior Design Business and Redefine Your Success HERE.ABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build profitable, sustainable businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Hosted by Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Interior Design Business Strategist and Soulful Leadership Mentor, each week we explore the strategy, structure, pricing, profitability, marketing, client experience, mindset and leadership behind building a successful interior design business.Whether you're establishing the foundations of your studio or ready to create greater momentum and growth, these conversations are here to help you build your business with more clarity, confidence and intention.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build Interior Design businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Have you ever found yourself completely immersed in client projects, only to finish them and suddenly realise your pipeline is empty? One minute you're fully booked, the next you're wondering where your next enquiry is coming from.If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.Today, we're unpacking one of the most common patterns I see inside interior design businesses: the feast and famine cycle. So many designers assume it's simply part of running a creative business, but I want to gently challenge that belief. More often than not, feast and famine isn't a marketing problem or a talent problem, it's a structural problem.In this episode, I'm sharing why consistent visibility, intentional lead generation and confident pricing all work together to create momentum. We'll explore why marketing can't become the first thing to disappear when you're busy, how underpricing quietly creates its own version of famine, and why thinking in 90-day cycles rather than week by week completely changes the way you lead your business.If you're ready to stop constantly starting over and begin building predictable, sustainable growth, this conversation will give you a completely different perspective.In this episode, we cover:Why the feast and famine cycle happens.The hidden cost of stopping your marketing when projects get busy.How to build visibility into your business every week.Why lead generation should become a non-negotiable business habit.The hidden version of famine caused by underpricing.Why pricing and marketing should always work together.The power of planning your business in 90-day cycles.Practical ways to create more predictable enquiries and revenue.Building a sustainable interior design business isn't about working harder every time your diary becomes quiet.It's about creating the systems, visibility and pricing structure that continue supporting your business, even while you're busy delivering exceptional client work.Because momentum isn't something you hope for.It's something you intentionally build.Continue the conversation with Lisa-Marie HEREStudio: Moska Interior Design HERE⭐ If you've enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review. Every review helps another interior designer discover the podcast and supports the Design Boss Dialogue community.Download your free guide: 7 Ways to Springboard Your Interior Design Business and Redefine Your Success HEREABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for ambitious women who are ready to build profitable, sustainable businesses with greater confidence, clarity and intention.Hosted by Interior Design Business Strategist and Mentor Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, each episode shares practical business strategies, honest conversations and inspiring interviews to help interior designers master pricing, profitability, visibility, leadership, marketing, systems and sustainable business growth.Whether you're just launching your studio or scaling an established business, you'll find practical strategies to help you create a business that feels just as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your talent, your pricing or your marketing - but the way you think about your role?In this episode, I'm exploring the difference between being an interior designer and becoming an interior design business owner. Although the two often go hand in hand, they're not the same thing. One focuses on delivering beautiful projects, while the other is intentionally building a business that can grow sustainably, generate consistent revenue and create freedom over the long term.We'll explore why so many talented designers become trapped in a cycle of constantly chasing projects, why momentum matters more than motivation, and how shifting from reacting to strategically leading your business can completely change your future.If you've ever felt like you're working incredibly hard but never quite getting ahead, this episode will help you understand why and more importantly, what to do about it.In this episode, we cover:The difference between an interior designer and an interior design business owner.Why creativity alone isn't enough to build a profitable business.How chasing projects keeps you stuck in feast-and-famine cycles.Lisa's "rowing versus sailing" analogy for creating business momentum.Why consistency compounds while constant restarting keeps you stuck.Understanding your capacity, forecasting and long-term visibility.Building momentum through strategic leadership rather than constant effort.The mindset shift that takes you from hobbyist to sustainable business owner.Building a successful interior design business isn't about working harder or becoming more talented.It's about creating the structure, momentum and leadership that allow your business to keep growing long after you've finished today's project.Because beautiful interiors might attract clients, but sustainable businesses are built through intentional leadership.Continue the conversation with Lisa-Marie: HEREStudio: Moska Interior Design HERE⭐ If you've enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review. Every review helps another interior designer discover the podcast and supports the growth of the Design Boss Dialogue community.Download your free guide: 7 Ways to Springboard Your Interior Design Business and Redefine Your Success HEREABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for ambitious women who are ready to build profitable, sustainable businesses with greater confidence, clarity and intention.Hosted by Interior Design Business Strategist and Mentor Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, each episode shares practical business strategies, honest conversations and inspiring interviews to help interior designers master pricing, profitability, visibility, leadership, marketing, systems and sustainable business growth.Whether you're building your first design studio or scaling an established business, you'll find practical strategies and honest conversations to help you create a business that feels just as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Last week, we explored the difference between foundational work and momentum work. This week, I want to take that conversation one step further because I believe this is the shift that changes everything.So many talented interior designers are exceptional at delivering beautiful projects, creating incredible client experiences, and managing every detail with care. But building a successful project isn't the same as building a successful business.In this episode, we're exploring the difference between operating in delivery mode and stepping into leadership mode.We'll talk about why staying focused solely on client work can quietly limit your business growth, how becoming the bottleneck prevents your business from scaling, and why strategic leadership allows you to make better decisions around profitability, capacity and long-term growth.I'll also share practical ways to start thinking like a business owner rather than simply reacting to what's happening day by day. Because leadership isn't about doing less, it's about creating the space to make better decisions that support the future of your business.If you've ever felt like you're constantly moving from one project to the next without stopping to look at the bigger picture, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:The difference between delivering projects and leading a business.Why many talented interior designers become the bottleneck in their own business.Understanding the difference between revenue and true profitability.How to identify which projects genuinely support your business growth.Why tracking patterns is more valuable than simply completing projects.The importance of financial visibility and strategic planning.How mentorship helps you identify the blind spots you can't always see yourself.Making decisions based on your long-term vision instead of short-term emotion.Leadership isn't about stepping away from your clients.It's about stepping towards your business.The moment you begin making decisions based on your long-term vision instead of simply reacting to today's challenges, everything starts to change.Because sustainable growth isn't built through working harder.It's built through leading differently.📍 Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HERE🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design HERE⭐ If you've enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review. Every review helps another interior designer discover the podcast and reminds me why I love creating these conversations for you.Download your exclusive guide: 7 Ways to Springboard Your Interior Design Business and Redefine Your Success HEREABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women ready to build a profitable, sustainable interior design business without losing themselves in the process.Each week, host Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Interior Design Business Strategist, Mentor and Founder of Design Boss Diary, shares practical strategies on pricing, sales, forecasting, marketing, visibility, systems and leadership, alongside the mindset work that allows women to build businesses that genuinely support the life they want to create.This is where practical business strategy meets soulful leadership, helping interior designers move from overwhelm to clarity, from inconsistency to momentum, and from simply delivering projects to confidently leading thriving businesses.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.There comes a point in every interior design business where the foundations are finally in place. You understand your services, you've refined your pricing, your processes are becoming smoother, and clients are beginning to come through the door more consistently.From the outside, it looks like you've made it through the hardest part.But what if that isn't actually where the real work begins?In this episode, I explore the transition that so many interior designers unknowingly miss – the shift from delivering beautiful projects to leading a sustainable, profitable business.Because whilst strong foundations are essential, they aren't what create long-term momentum. Momentum is built through leadership, financial awareness, strategic decision-making and understanding the rhythm of your business before it begins to dictate your life.We'll explore why visibility often isn't the problem, why consistent delivery alone won't guarantee growth, and why so many talented designers find themselves stuck in cycles of feast and famine despite producing exceptional work.This conversation is an invitation to step beyond simply being the creative behind your business and begin leading it with clarity, confidence and intention.In this episode, we cover:The hidden stage of business growth that most interior designers never prepare for.Why delivering exceptional projects isn't enough to create sustainable momentum.The difference between working in your business and leading your business.Why financial forecasting is one of the greatest forms of business confidence.Understanding cash flow, capacity and the natural rhythm of your design business.How strategic leadership creates consistency, profitability and freedom.Why reacting to your business keeps you stuck in feast and famine cycles.Building a business that supports your lifestyle, rather than your lifestyle revolving around your business.The shift from designer to CEO doesn't happen overnight.It happens every time you choose to make decisions from clarity instead of panic, strategy instead of emotion, and leadership instead of reaction.When you understand your numbers, your capacity and your vision, your business begins to feel lighter, more predictable and far more enjoyable to lead.📍 Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie: HERE🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design — HERE⭐️ If this episode resonated, the most powerful thing you can do is leave a rating and review. Every review helps another interior designer discover the podcast exactly when she needs it.Download your exclusive guide: 7 Ways to Springboard Your Interior Design Business and Redefine Your Success — HEREABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women ready to build a profitable, sustainable interior design business without losing themselves in the process.Each week, host Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Interior Design Business Strategist, Mentor and Founder of Design Boss Diary, shares practical strategies on pricing, sales, forecasting, marketing, visibility, systems and leadership, alongside the mindset work that allows women to build businesses that genuinely support the life they want to create.This is where practical business strategy meets soulful leadership, helping interior designers move from overwhelm to clarity, from inconsistency to momentum, and from simply delivering projects to confidently leading thriving businesses.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.I want to start with a confession: last month I sat on a newsletter for four days because it "wasn't ready." Sound familiar? If your enquiries have felt inconsistent lately, or you've caught yourself putting marketing on the back burner while you focus on client work, this episode is for you.Here's the truth,  your interior design business runs on a ripple, not a switch. What you post, send and say today doesn't show up in your pipeline today, it shows up weeks from now. Overthinking your marketing doesn't protect your business, it just delays the moment your pipeline actually responds.In this episode, we cover: Why your interior design business runs on a lag, and what that means for your marketing. The real reason feast-or-famine cycles happen (it's rarely the market). Why visibility matters more than perfection when marketing your design business. How perfectionism quietly becomes a hiding place from being seen. My approach to content that never leaves you wondering what to post. Consistency, not originality, is what builds a predictable pipeline. You don't need a perfect caption today. you need a visible one.📍 Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie: HERE🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design - HERE  ⭐️ If this episode resonated, the most powerful thing you can do is leave a rating and review - it helps another designer find this show exactly when she needs it.Download your exclusive guide for 7 ways to Springboard your Interior Design business and redefine your success - HEREABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women ready to build a profitable, sustainable interior design business - without losing themselves in the process.

Send us Fan MailEp 91: Why September Starts Right Now, Do Not Fall Into the Summer TrapWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Today I want to start with a sentence that might ruffle a few feathers: the quiet summer you're about to have is not bad luck, it's not the market, and it's not your clients disappearing on holiday. Every year I watch designers fall into the same trap — enquiries slow down, they take their foot off the gas, and then September arrives and the diary is empty.Whilst August can naturally feel quieter in our industry, June and July are some of the most important sales and planning months of the entire year for an interior design business. What you do now determines what lands in your diary in September, October and beyond.In this episode, we cover: — The Quiet Summer Trap and why so many interior designers fall into it every year — The 90-Day Ripple Effect for Interior Designers— the framework I teach my clients for turning today's conversations into paid design projects three months from now — How to break the feast-and-famine cycle in your interior design business — Why marketing today creates revenue months later, not instantly — Building a consistent lead generation pipeline as a design business owner — Planning your capacity around holidays without losing momentum — Turning Instagram into a virtual shopfront for your design studio — Nurturing followers into future clients — Creating a magnetic September and autumn pipelineQuiet seasons aren't something to fear — they're planning seasons. They're the moments where strategy happens and the foundations for future growth are quietly built behind the scenes. What you do this week ripples out into September, and the actions you take today could completely change how the final quarter of your year looks.📍 Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie: HERE 🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design — HERE Download your exclusive guide for 7 ways to Springboard your Interior Design business and redefine your success - HERE⭐️ If this episode resonated, the most powerful thing you can do is leave a rating and review — it helps another designer find this show exactly when she needs it. Screenshot this episode, share it on your socials and tag @Design_Boss_Diary for a special gift.ABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women ready to build a profitable, sustainable interior design business — without losing themselves in the process.Each week, host Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, interior design business strategist, mentor and founder of Design Boss Diary, shares practical strategies on pricing, sales, marketing, visibility, systems and forecasting — combined with the mindset and leadership work that actually makes it sustainable.This is business strategy and soulful leadership work for interior designers who want to build a design business that's both profitable and soul-led: one that supports the life you actually want to live, not just the one that looks good from the outside.

Send us Fan MailEp 90: Stop Discounting Your Self-Worth, Set Real Boundaries and Price Like a Business OwnerWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Today's conversation comes from a real mentoring conversation I had this week with a wonderfully talented interior designer. A lead asked her a simple question — "How much?" — and within two messages she had quoted a price, discounted herself, created a new cheaper service on the spot, and talked herself out of her own value before the relationship had even begun. The client could feel it. Because whether we realise it or not, clients sense when we're negotiating against ourselves.In this episode I unpack exactly what happened in that conversation, because it highlights three of the biggest mistakes I see interior designers making around pricing, services and boundaries — and why confidence doesn't come from pretending to feel confident, it comes from having systems, boundaries and processes that support you.In this episode, we cover: — Why pricing is rarely the real problem in your interior design business — What happens when you answer "How much?" too early — The hidden cost of negotiating against yourself — Why creating cheaper services on the spot damages your authority as a designer — How to structure eDesign services properly — Setting boundaries around deadlines and client communication — Why clients should never dictate your process — The relationship between pricing, positioning and confidence — Creating an interior design business that feels stable rather than desperateThis episode is for the interior designer who knows she's talented but still finds herself discounting, over-explaining, over-delivering or compromising her value when faced with resistance. You don't need to become harder or colder — you simply need stronger structures. When your pricing is clear, your services are well defined and your boundaries are protected, desperation has nowhere left to live.🎯 Ready for stronger pricing structures and boundaries that support your business growth? Explore Fully Booked & Highly Paid, click HERE to access how to transform the way you price.📍 Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie: HERE 🎙️ Studio: Moska Interior Design — HEREDownload your exclusive guide for 7 ways to Springboard your Interior Design business and redefine your success - HERE⭐️ If this episode resonated, the most powerful thing you can do is leave a rating and review — it helps another designer find this show exactly when she needs it. Screenshot this episode, share it on your socials and tag @Design_Boss_Diary for a special gift.ABOUT DESIGN BOSS DIALOGUEDesign Boss Dialogue is the interior design business podcast for women ready to build a profitable, sustainable interior design business — without losing themselves in the process.Each week, host Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, interior design business strategist, mentor and founder of Design Boss Diary, shares practical strategies on pricing, sales, marketing, visibility, systems and forecasting — combined with the mindset and leadership work that actually makes it sustainable.This is business strategy and soulful leadership work for interior designers who want to build a design business that's both profitable and soul-led: one that supports the life you actually want to live, not just the one that looks good from the outside.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, the interior design business podcast for women who are ready to build businesses that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.Today's conversation is one that has caused quite a stir this week.In fact, I think it's fair to say I've touched a nerve.I posted a reel on social media with one very simple statement:Scope creep is never the client's fault.And wow... the response was huge.Some designers thanked me for saying it.Some felt uncomfortable hearing it.Others completely disagreed.But here's the thing. After 16 years in the interior design industry, mentoring over 50 women and supporting hundreds of designers through their businesses, I stand by it.Because when we strip away the emotion, scope creep rarely starts with a difficult client.It starts with unclear communication.It starts with undefined boundaries.It starts with a lack of structure.And if we're willing to look at that honestly, it gives us something incredibly powerful back: control.In today's episode, I'm lifting the lid on one of the biggest profitability leaks I see inside interior design businesses and sharing exactly why scope creep happens, how it quietly destroys profit, and most importantly, how to stop it before it starts.We'll be talking about client communication strategies, boundaries, project frameworks, contracts, client experience, and why your role as a business owner is very different to your role as a designer.Because whilst being talented will win you projects, structure is what protects them.Inside this episode we explore:• Why scope creep happens in almost every design business• The three communication silences that allow scope creep to grow• Why talented designers often experience this problem the most• How boundaries actually improve client experience• The importance of showing clients the roadmap before a project begins• Creating communication structures that build trust• Why clarity creates confidence for both you and your clients• How to position variations and additional work professionally• The framework I use to help designers protect profit and reduce overwhelmThe truth is, clients aren't mind readers.They can only follow the framework you've created.And when that framework is missing, they will naturally continue walking until they find the edge.This episode is an invitation to stop seeing boundaries as restrictive and start seeing them as one of the most powerful tools you have as a business owner.Because clarity isn't separate from the client experience.Clarity IS the client experience.If this conversation resonates with you and you're ready to create stronger structures, clearer communication and a more profitable client journey, then I would love to invite you into one of my most popular resources.From Enquiry to Install is my complete client journey framework designed specifically for interior designers which you can purchase HERE Inside you'll receive the mapped-out client journey I use, 15 templated emails, communication structures, procurement guidance, trade coordination frameworks and the systems designed to help you confidently lead your clients from their first enquiry through to project completion.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HERE.Feel free to DM or tag me after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you.See you in the next episode xx

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the podcast, my gorgeous souls.Today's conversation is one I think every interior designer needs to hear because there is a particular type of stuck that I see all the time in our industry.And it isn't a talent problem.The designers I speak to are incredibly talented. Their portfolios are beautiful. Their client work is exceptional.Yet quietly behind the scenes, the months feel inconsistent.One month is busy.The next feels silent.Enquiries come in but don't convert.Pricing feels like a guess every time a proposal goes out.And underneath it all sits this exhausting question:"Why does this still feel so hard when I'm so good at what I do?"If that feels familiar, then this episode is absolutely for you.As we move towards the halfway point of the year, I want to invite you into a different conversation. One that isn't about working harder, posting more content, or trying to squeeze more hours into your week.Instead, I want to help you look at the lessons you need underneath your business.Because after coaching more than 50 interior designers, one thing has become incredibly clear.The market is not the problem.There are enough clients.There are enough projects.There are enough opportunities.What is often missing is the business structure underneath that allows you to consistently attract, convert, deliver and profit from those opportunities.In today's episode, I am walking you through the nine lessons that sit underneath every successful interior design business.We dive into:• Pricing and building a structure that allows you to charge confidently• Creating an enquiry process that converts consistently• Positioning yourself so clients understand your value• Communicating your transformation rather than just your deliverables• Building a client journey that naturally creates referrals• Strengthening your confidence through structure and clarity• Becoming more visible in a way that feels consistent and aligned• Understanding financial forecasting and why it changes everything• Creating a sales process that feels supportive rather than pushyBecause talent may get you into this industry.But structure is what keeps you in it profitably.Throughout the episode, I also share why these lessons are not nine separate things to fix.They're one interconnected system.When one area improves, it strengthens the others.And when one area is weak, you'll often feel the impact across your entire business.This episode is designed to help you identify the one lesson that needs your attention most right now, so you can create meaningful momentum over the next 90 days and carry that growth into the final quarter of the year and beyond.If you know you're capable of more but your business isn't yet reflecting your talent, this conversation will help you understand exactly where to focus next.I would love to know what lands most for you after listening.Join Lisa-Marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026 and Beyond. Other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREReady to be supported inside your business and move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence?If you’re at a point where you know things need to shift and you’re ready for guidance that actually holds you through that process there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to group spaces designed to build momentum and accountability, each experience is created to support you at different stages of your journey.To explore what support would look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 has a limited amount of spaces already. And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in, then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design business strategist and soulful leadership business mentor x

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the podcast, my gorgeous souls.Today’s conversation is a really important one because we are talking about something I see so many creative women quietly struggling with behind the scenes, nervous system overload, overwhelm, emotional exhaustion, and trying to run a business inside structures that were never built for creative minds.Because the truth is, I don’t believe most interior designers are struggling with capability.I believe they are struggling with capacity, structure, and trying to force themselves into routines, schedules, and expectations that simply do not support the way their brain naturally works best.In this episode, I share my own experiences of working late nights, running on adrenaline, pushing myself right up against deadlines, and operating in survival mode during the earlier years of my business. I talk honestly about the shifts I had to make to build a business that actually supported me creatively, emotionally, and energetically, rather than constantly draining me.We dive into understanding energetic capacity versus time capacity, identifying your peak performance levels, time blocking, building white space into your diary, and separating “on the business” work from “in the business” work.This conversation is about giving yourself permission to stop building your business around burnout and start building it around sustainability.Because your creativity deserves structures that support it, not systems that punish it.Join Lisa-Marie and the women inside the Design Boss Diary world, follow on Instagram HERE and discover more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026 and beyond.Other episodes are available on our YouTube channel HERE.Ready to build a business that actually supports your creativity, capacity, and wellbeing?If you know you’re wildly talented but craving more structure, clarity, boundaries, forecasting, systems, and support inside your business, there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to supportive group programmes designed to help women build sustainable and profitable interior design businesses, every space has been created to support you differently depending on where you currently are in your journey.To explore what support could look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 currently has a limited amount of spaces remaining.And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would absolutely love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, then we have a special gift waiting just for you.See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design Business Strategist and Soulful Leadership Mentor x

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the podcast, my gorgeous souls. Today’s conversation is a really important one because we are diving into the foundations that make up a profitable, sustainable, and well-structured interior design business.After 16 years in the industry, I have seen businesses built in so many different ways, some supportive and scalable, and others completely built on the fly, with no real systems, structure, or financial roadmap behind them.And the truth is, talent alone is not enough to build a profitable business.You can be an incredible designer, but if your pricing structures, procurement fees, trade coordination, management fees, forecasting, and financial systems are not properly set up, you will constantly feel like you are chasing your business rather than leading it.This episode is really about bringing awareness to the hidden gaps that quietly stop interior designers from becoming profitable and sustainable long term. We’re talking about creating a well-oiled machine behind the scenes, understanding your numbers, building a financial roadmap, and learning how to confidently position and sell your services with clarity and conviction.Because when you truly understand your business, your pricing, your profit margins, and your client journey, everything changes. This is your invitation to stop bobbling along and start building intentionally.Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026 and Beyond. Other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREReady to be supported inside your business and move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence?If you’re at a point where you know things need to shift and you’re ready for guidance that actually holds you through that process there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to group spaces designed to build momentum and accountability, each experience is created to support you at different stages of your journey.To explore what support would look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 has a limited amount of spaces already. And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in, then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design business strategist and soulful leadership business mentor x

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the podcast, my gorgeous souls.Today’s episode is a really important conversation for creative women in business, especially those of you who are wildly talented at what you do, but behind the scenes feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, emotionally drained, and like you’re constantly trying to catch up.Because I truly don’t believe the issue for most creatives is capability.I believe the issue is structure.So many interior designers and creative business owners are trying to operate inside systems, schedules, and expectations that simply do not support the way their brain works best. And eventually, that leads to nervous system overload, burnout, and running a business fuelled by adrenaline rather than sustainability.In this episode, I’m sharing my own experiences, the habits I had to unlearn, the structures I had to rebuild, and the practical toolkits that helped me create a business that supports my creativity rather than punishes it.We’re talking about creative capacity, peak performance, time blocking, nervous system support, CEO days, white space, and how to stop building your business around survival mode.This is your permission slip to build your business differently. To work smarter, softer, and more intentionally. And to create a business that feels good on the inside as well as the outside.Join Lisa-Marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026 and Beyond. Other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREReady to be supported inside your business and move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence?If you’re at a point where you know things need to shift and you’re ready for guidance that actually holds you through that process there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to group spaces designed to build momentum and accountability, each experience is created to support you at different stages of your journey.To explore what support would look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 has a limited amount of spaces already. And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in, then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design business strategist and soulful leadership business mentor x

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, we are having a very real conversation about business, the kind that doesn’t often get spoken about. Because the truth is, building a business isn’t linear. It isn’t neat, predictable, or always moving forward in the way you expect, and if you’ve ever found yourself questioning your progress or wondering if you’re behind, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.I’m joined by Steff Bolton, my business bestie and together we’re talking about the importance of community, support, and having the right people around you as you grow. Whether that’s a mentor, a coach, or simply a business bestie who just gets it.We also share an analogy that I think will really land with you, building your business like a wardrobe, because success isn’t built from one piece. It’s layered, intentional, and created over time.This is a warm, honest, and grounding conversation about resilience, connection, and why you are not meant to do this alone.If you want to connect with Steff or myself:Find Steff on Instagram with her coaching and mentoring business HERE Join Lisa-Marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HEREand find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026 and beyond. Other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREReady to be supported inside your business and move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence?If you’re at a point where you know things need to shift and you’re ready for guidance that actually holds you through that process there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to group spaces designed to build momentum and accountability, each experience is created to support you at different stages of your journey.To explore what support would look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 has a limited amount of spaces already. And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in, then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design business strategist and soulful leadership business mentor x

Send us Fan MailIn this calming and insightful episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by Olya to explore the powerful connection between scent, the nervous system, and how we show up in our businesses as women.Together, they unpack how essential oils are not simply about fragrance, but about bio communication with the body. Olya shares how scent can bypass the brain’s control centre in just 22 seconds, directly influencing the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotion, stress, and memory.This conversation moves beyond surface-level wellness and into practical, grounded ways that female entrepreneurs and interior designers can use scent to regulate their nervous system, improve focus, and support creativity. Olya also introduces the concept of personalised oil protocols, using tools such as ZYTO scans to identify deeper stressors and tailor support in a more intentional way.They also explore how scent can be integrated into business environments, from daily routines to client experiences and retreats, creating spaces that feel both supportive and energetically aligned.This episode is a gentle reminder that how you feel within your business matters just as much as what you do, and that small, intentional practices can have a powerful impact on your energy, clarity, and performance.Please Note: Only CPTG doTERRA oils labelled “I – Internal” or “Oil Supplement” are suitable for internal use. Internal use should be guided by your wellness advocate or a qualified aromatherapist and is recommended only for adults and children aged 12 and above.  If you want to connect with Olya and dive into her world then:Find her on Instagram HERE Book a free wellness discovery chat HERE Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026 and Beyond. Other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREReady to be supported inside your business and move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence?If you’re at a point where you know things need to shift and you’re ready for guidance that actually holds you through that process there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to group spaces designed to build momentum and accountability, each experience is created to support you at different stages of your journey.To explore what support would look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 has a limited amount of spaces already. And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in, then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design business strategist and soulful leadership business mentor x

Send us Fan MailIf this episode has resonated with you, if you’ve been avoiding procurement, or feeling disconnected from it, then this is your invitation to go deeper.On 1st May, Lisa-Marie is joining forces with Elizabeth Kelly from The Procurement Studio for a dedicated masterclass designed to help you:structure your procurement properlyimplement systems that actually workand turn this area of your business into a profitable, supportive processThis is where we take everything you’ve heard in this episode… and show you how to apply it.SAVE YOUR SEATProcurement is one of the most avoided, and misunderstood, areas of an interior design business.Not because you’re not capable of running it…But because no one has ever really shown you how to structure it properly.In this practical and eye-opening episode, I open up a conversation that many designers quietly struggle with. The disconnect from procurement, the overwhelm, the sense that it feels chaotic, time-consuming, and easier to avoid than to master.But here’s the truth…Procurement isn’t the problem, it is the lack of structure around it.Inside this episode, I reframe procurement as one of the most powerful opportunities within your business. When it is supported by the right systems, processes, and decision-making frameworks, it becomes a streamlined, repeatable, and highly profitable part of your service offering.You’ll be guided through how to move away from reactive ordering and into a more structured, intentional approach, one that allows you to manage suppliers with ease, track multiple items without overwhelm, and create a seamless experience for both you and your clients.This is not about adding more to your plate. This is about creating a business that runs like a well-oiled machine.And if procurement has ever felt like ‘too much’… this episode will completely shift the way you see it.Join Lisa-Marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREReady to be supported inside your business and move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence?If you’re at a point where you know things need to shift and you’re ready for guidance that actually holds you through that process there are several ways we can work together.From high-proximity 1:1 mentorship to group spaces designed to build momentum and accountability, each experience is created to support you at different stages of your journey.To explore what support would look like for you, reach out directly at [email protected] and start the conversation. 2026 has a limited amount of spaces already. And as always, if you have loved this episode, we would love for you to leave a review, and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in, then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, from your Interior Design business strategist and soulful leadership business mentor x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another podcast episode. If pricing in your interior design business has ever felt confusing, emotional, or overwhelming, this episode is for you.Because no matter what stage you are at in your business, pricing is one of the most important foundations you will build. And when it is not aligned, it can quietly create significant unrest. From second-guessing your quotes to adjusting your fees depending on the client to feeling unsure whether you are charging too much or not enough, it can leave you feeling stuck, uncertain, and exhausted.In this episode, I take you into a powerful and honest conversation around pricing and what is really happening beneath the surface when it feels hard.Drawing from my experience working closely with women in my mentorships and with her Pricing for Profit and Service Alignment Accelerator, I share what I see time and time again when reviewing businesses. From misaligned services and inconsistent pricing structures to gaps in procurement, trade coordination, and installation, I highlight how pricing is not just about numbers but about how your entire business model operates.This episode will walk you through the key shifts required to move from guessing your pricing to understanding it, from feeling like an interior designer navigating projects to stepping into your role as a true interior design business owner.🚀 Ready to take this further?If this episode resonates with you and you are ready to stop guessing your pricing and start building a business that truly supports you, there are two ways you can step into this work: Fully Booked & Highly Paid HERE Learn the core pricing formulas of the first stage of design in Stage 1 design direction, and frameworks to confidently price your services and remove overwhelm. Pricing for Profit & Service Alignment Accelerator Go deeper into your business and align your entire pricing model, from services through to procurement, trade coordination, and installation, so every part of your business is working together profitably.  If you want to book onto Pricing for Profit & Service Alignment Accelerator VIP Day + 60-Day support this is for the woman who wants to move into 2026 with clarity and confidence, deeply connected to her business, cutting through overwhelm and guesswork, and stepping out of the cycle of reinventing the pricing wheel. This is where you align your pricing and services, speak with authority, and start hearing yes from the right ideal buyer. • In-person VIP Day (10:30 am–4 pm, London private members club)• Beautiful lunch and drinks included• 60 days of Voxer message support while you implement with confidenceThis is a focused, embodied connection, followed by supported execution.Price £2222 ( Deposit and payment plan available)Email [email protected] to reserve your space. Come over to Instagram and say HI, connect with me and carry on the conversation HERE🎯 This episode is for: Interior designers who feel unsure about their pricing  Creatives who are tired of guessing and adjusting their fees  Designers ready to build a profitable, structured business And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this grounded and thought-provoking episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui explores a feeling that many women in business quietly carry but rarely articulate, the desire to feel safe in their business.Lisa-Marie invites you to reflect on what safety truly means within your business, and how that feeling is often directly linked to your financial awareness, structures, and sales strategies. Rather than being something abstract, safety is built through clarity, understanding, and intentional decision-making.She shares practical insights into how you can begin to create stability by understanding your current financial position, building a structured service suite, and developing a clear financial roadmap. Lisa-Marie introduces the concept of the Cashflow Code method, a way of mapping your numbers so that your business feels predictable, supportive, and aligned with your goals.This episode also explores the importance of setting clear sales targets, understanding your capacity, and creating boundaries that protect both your time and your profitability. When your business is structured properly, it begins to support you rather than overwhelm you.It is a gentle but powerful reminder that safety in business is not something you wait for. It is something you build.This episode is an invitation to pause and check in with how your business feels, not just how it looks from the outside.When you build strong foundations, understand your numbers, and lead your business with clarity and intention, safety becomes something you experience daily, not something you are constantly searching for.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful and grounding episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by business strategist Helen Thacker to explore what it really takes to stand out in a saturated market.Together, they unpack the power of simplicity in business, and why refining your messaging is often the missing piece for entrepreneurs who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure how to attract higher-paying clients. Helen shares her perspective on cutting through the noise by focusing on your zone of genius, and clearly communicating the value of what you do.The conversation moves beyond surface-level strategy and into the internal work that supports sustainable growth. Lisa-Marie and Helen discuss the role of confidence, identity, and conviction in business, and how these elements directly influence the way you position yourself and your brand.You can dive Helen’s World HERE They also touch on the importance of making strategic decisions following launches or busy periods, allowing space to reflect, refine, and move forward with clarity rather than rushing into the next thing.This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to do more to grow your business. You need to simplify, focus, and stand confidently in what you already do best.This episode is an invitation to step away from overcomplicating your business and instead return to what truly matters.When you are clear on your strengths, confident in your value, and intentional with your messaging, you naturally begin to stand out. Not by doing more, but by doing what you do best with clarity and conviction.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui explores a topic that many interior designers quietly avoid but that sits at the heart of building a sustainable and successful business: financial mastery.Lisa-Marie shares why understanding your numbers is not simply about spreadsheets or accounting, but about leadership. When designers learn to engage with their financial data, they move from reacting to circumstances in their business to making informed and strategic decisions about their growth.Sign onto our Financial Mastery Class HERETuesday 24th March at 10am (GMT) Online via Zoom.Once your purchase has gone through you will receive your zoom link.The conversation touches on the emotional relationship many creatives have with money, and why financial conversations can often feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. Lisa-Marie offers a refreshing perspective, encouraging designers to view their numbers not as something to fear, but as valuable information that helps them shape the future of their business.Throughout the episode, she explains the importance of financial forecasting, planning ahead, and using your business numbers to guide sales strategies, marketing activity, and long-term goals. When designers understand the financial rhythm of their business, they are able to build stability, make clearer decisions, and create a business that supports both their professional ambitions and their lifestyle.This episode is an invitation to step into a more empowered role within your business, shifting from simply being the creative behind the work to becoming the CEO who confidently leads it.This episode is a reminder that financial mastery is not about becoming a financial expert overnight. It is about becoming curious, informed, and intentional with the numbers that shape your business.When you understand what your numbers are telling you, you gain the clarity and confidence to lead your business forward with purpose.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by PR strategist Laura Perkes to explore how entrepreneurs, particularly interior designers, can navigate the world of public relations with clarity and confidence.Laura shares her expertise on how PR is far more than simply appearing in magazines or media features. At its heart, effective public relations begins with understanding what you want to be known for. When you are clear about your positioning, your speciality, and the message behind your work, it becomes far easier to cut through the noise and communicate your value.Together, Lisa-Marie and Laura discuss how PR has evolved in the digital age, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and how entrepreneurs can build meaningful relationships with journalists and editors rather than relying on quick wins. Laura also offers practical guidance on pitching, crafting compelling headlines, and using tools such as AI to refine ideas and streamline the creative process.This conversation is both strategic and reassuring. It reminds business owners that PR is not about chasing attention, but about building a clear reputation over time, one that reflects who you are, what you do, and the impact you want to make.You Can Dive into Laura’s World HEREAnd you can find her Instagram HEREThis episode is a gentle reminder that building your reputation takes time, intention, and clarity. PR is not about chasing recognition for the sake of it, but about thoughtfully shaping how your work is seen and understood.When you know what you stand for and communicate it clearly, opportunities begin to find their way to you.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailWhat actually happens when you stop trying to build your interior design business on your own?In this episode, I’m sitting down with a number of incredible interior design entrepreneurs who have been inside Design Destiny and Design Thrive, and we’re talking honestly about what shifted for them.Not just in their business, but in how they lead it.You’ll hear real stories, the behind-the-scenes moments of doubt, the imposter syndrome, the pricing hesitation, the feast-and-famine cycles… and then the turning points.Because here’s the truth:Most designers aren’t struggling because they lack talent.They’re struggling because they’re building without structure.Inside this conversation, we explore what changed when these women introduced:Clear service frameworksStronger boundariesPricing rooted in value, not fearConsistent client acquisition systemsAnd perhaps most importantly… communitySo many designers operate in isolation. They carry the pressure alone. They second-guess decisions. They undercharge. They over-deliver.And what you’ll hear in this episode is what happens when that isolation is replaced with structured support, accountability, and strategic clarity.Confidence grows.Authority strengthens.Revenue stabilises.And business starts to feel calm instead of chaotic.We also speak about mindset, because no strategy works if you don’t believe you are capable of holding it.The identity shifts.The daily habits change.The way they show up in discovery calls transforms, and that’s when momentum builds.If you’re an interior designer who feels capable yet stretched… busy yet inconsistent… or quietly aware that there is another level available to you, this episode will resonate deeply.Because growth isn’t about doing more.Join Design Destiny and Design Thrive for £358 a month HEREIt’s about building properly.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this honest and uplifting episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui sits down with Alpa Soneji from Studio Alpa to explore her journey inside Design Destiny and the profound shifts that followed.Alpa shares how, before joining the programme, she felt capable but overwhelmed. Like many women in interior design, she was talented and committed, yet lacking clear structure, consistent boundaries, and confidence in her client communication. Through Design Destiny, she gained clarity around her target client, refined her processes, and built foundations that finally supported her rather than stretched her.This conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and community for women in business. Alpa reflects on how having structured guidance, accountability, and a room full of ambitious women created momentum and belief. Over the past 18 months, she has not only strengthened her business model but stepped into a calmer, more confident version of herself as a business owner.It’s a grounded reminder that clarity changes everything. When you understand your services, set boundaries confidently, and treat your work as a business, growth becomes sustainable rather than stressful.You can dive into Alpa’s world HEREThis episode is for the woman who knows she is capable but feels stretched, scattered, or unsure of her next move. Alpa’s journey is proof that you don’t need to push harder, you need stronger foundations.When clarity meets structure and is supported by mentorship and community, business becomes something you lead, rather than something that leads you.Continue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by Cheryl Olah, who shares her journey from the fashion industry into the world of interior design, and the pivotal role that structure, community, and mentorship played in that transition.Cheryl reflects on her experience inside the bootcamp and how it gave her the clarity and direction she had been craving. She shares how continuing into Design Destiny and Design Thrive helped her move from feeling unsure and overwhelmed, to confident, supported, and clear in her business decisions.This conversation explores the importance of understanding your pricing, tailoring your services to your strengths, and surrounding yourself with the right people as you grow. Cheryl speaks openly about the power of women supporting women, the mindset shifts required when stepping into a new industry, and why taking action, even when it feels uncomfortable, is often the key to transformation.It’s a warm reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. With the right guidance, support, and belief, clarity and confidence are built along the way.This episode is for anyone standing at the edge of change, wondering whether they are ready to take the leap. Cheryl’s journey is proof that clarity, confidence, and success are not reserved for those who have it all figured out, but for those who are willing to be supported and take the next step.You don’t need to wait for certainty.You need to decide to begin.Dive into Cheryl’s World HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.This is your last chance to join the interior designer's blueprint bootcamp today! Find out more details HEREAnd as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailAre you running a business… or are you just servicing projects?In this powerful and honest episode, I unpack the identity shift required to move from operating as an interior designer in “project mode” to leading as a structured, strategic interior design business owner.If you feel busy but slightly anxious…If you finish one install and immediately think, “What’s next?”If you’ve never properly forecasted your next financial year…This episode will hold a mirror up, without judgement  and invite you into leadership.I break down:The difference between project mode and CEO thinkingWhy reacting feels productive but isn’t leadershipHow to structure your week like a businesswomanWhat pipeline maturity actually looks likeWhy financial forecasting is non-negotiableThe mindset shifts required to growThis is not about working harder, It’s about thinking differently, If this episode resonated deeply, your next step is structure, not more motivation.Design Destiny & Design Thrive are designed to help you pivot from interior designer to interior design business owner. Design Destiny is for interior designers who are ready to build businesses rooted in clarity, confidence and alignment, not chaos or burnout. Combined with the ongoing mentorship and community inside Design Thrive, it offers a space where women are supported to grow, implement, reflect and evolve together.Inside we focus on:– Structured weeks & CEO time– Service suite clarity– Sales mastery & pipeline movementAnd so much more.  Next group starts 7th April Investment from £358 per monthLearn More HEREIf you’re ready to collapse time and go deeper:– 9 Month 1:1 Mentorship (1 space remaining) Deposit from £476.00 and prices starting from £1000– VIP Strategy Days from £1500– 60 Day Pricing & Positioning Accelerators from £2222Connect with me on Instagram HERE and reach out and book a discovery call on [email protected] you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th February 2026 Join HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode, you lovely lot! Xx, 

Send us Fan MailIn this uplifting and honest episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by interior designer Laura Clark for a powerful conversation about growth, mindset and what becomes possible when women stop trying to build businesses alone.Laura shares her real experience inside Design Destiny and Design Thrive, and how these spaces became a turning point in both her business and her confidence as a business owner. From reconnecting with the foundational pillars of her business to evolving her pricing strategy and decision making, Laura reflects on just how much can change in a year when you are supported, guided and surrounded by the right people.At the heart of this episode is the power of community. Laura speaks openly about the impact of meeting a group of like-minded women, the accountability that comes from shared growth, and why staying within the Design Thrive environment allowed deeper insights, stronger implementation and lasting change.This conversation is not about quick wins or overnight success. It is about sustainable growth, mindset work that supports long term confidence, and understanding that pricing, leadership and clarity are built over time with the right support.If you are an interior designer or woman in business who knows there is another level available to you, this episode will resonate deeply.Why Design Destiny?Design Destiny is for interior designers who are ready to build businesses rooted in clarity, confidence and alignment, not chaos or burnout.Combined with the ongoing mentorship and community inside Design Thrive, it offers a space where women are supported to grow, implement, reflect and evolve together.This episode is your reminder that success does not come from doing more, but from building smarter, being supported and choosing to invest in yourself.Connect with Laura Clark HERE Before you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, this is limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this uplifting and empowering episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui sits down with Catrin Stuart, who shares her experience inside Design Destiny and Design Thrive, and the profound shifts that followed.Catrin reflects on how what began as a passion gradually evolved into a structured, confident business. She speaks openly about the clarity she gained around her processes, pricing, and positioning, and how that clarity transformed not only her business decisions but her self-belief as a businesswoman.A recurring theme throughout this conversation is the power of community. Catrin describes the experience of being surrounded by ambitious, supportive women who were equally committed to growth. That environment, alongside mentorship and structured guidance, created momentum, accountability, and confidence.This episode explores the importance of treating your work as a business rather than a hobby, understanding the role of investment in growth, and building pricing strategies that support sustainable success. It’s a warm and honest conversation about stepping into leadership, backing yourself properly, and allowing your passion to become something professionally powerful.You can dive into Catrin’s World HEREThis episode is a reminder that loving what you do is only the beginning. When clarity meets structure, and passion is supported by mentorship and community, transformation naturally follows.If you are building something you care deeply about, but know it needs stronger foundations, Catrin’s journey will resonate deeply. You don’t need to abandon passion to build professionally, you need to support it properly.Before you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, this is limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this honest and inspiring episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui sits down with Rachael Harding, an interior designer who shares her transformative journey over the past 18 months and the pivotal shifts that changed both her business and her confidence.Rachael reflects on her early struggles with structure, visibility, and consistency, and how being talented alone was not enough to create the business she truly wanted. She opens up about her experience inside group coaching environments, before making the brave decision to invest in one-to-one coaching, a move that marked a powerful turning point in her growth.This conversation explores the importance of mindset work, embracing imperfect action, and allowing yourself to be seen before everything feels finished or perfect. Rachael also shares her recent wins, from awards and recognition to networking opportunities and deeper connections within the industry, highlighting the role of community, collaboration, and visibility in building a sustainable interior design business.It’s a grounded reminder that transformation happens when strategy, mindset, and support come together, and that growth is often unlocked by choosing to take action before you feel fully ready.This episode is a beautiful reminder that you do not need to have everything figured out before taking your next step. If you are an interior designer feeling capable but stuck, quietly doubting yourself, or craving more structure and support, Rachael’s journey will resonate deeply.Transformation doesn’t come from waiting.It comes from deciding to move.Connect with Rachael Harding HERE Before you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, this is limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this uplifting and honest episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by Claire for a powerful conversation about transformation, mindset and what becomes possible when women stop trying to grow their businesses alone.Claire shares her real experience inside Design Destiny and Design Thrive, and how these programmes became a turning point not just in her business, but in how she sees herself as a business owner. From shifting long-held mindset blocks to gaining clarity, confidence and direction, Claire opens up about why this work felt genuinely life-changing.Together, they explore the role mindset plays in business growth, why community support is essential (especially in the early and middle stages of business), and how being surrounded by women on a similar journey creates momentum, belief and accountability.This episode is a reminder that growth isn’t just about strategy, it’s about who you’re becoming as you build your business, and the environment you place yourself in while doing it.If you’re an interior designer craving clarity, confidence and support, this conversation will land deeply.Is Design Destiny for you?If you’re an interior designer who knows there’s more available to you, more clarity, more confidence, more consistency. Design Destiny is designed to support that evolution.Combined with the ongoing mentorship and community inside Design Thrive, these programmes create a space where strategy meets mindset, structure meets support, and women grow together.This episode is your nudge to stop waiting for the “right time” and start backing yourself.Tune in now and discover what’s possible when you invest in your growth and place yourself in the right environment.Connect with Claire Trayfoot  HERE Before you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, there is availability for 2 more women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! xx

Send us Fan MailIn this short yet powerful episode, Lisa‑Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by interior designer Claire Moran, founder of Claire Moran Designs, for an honest and uplifting conversation about growth, confidence and what truly moves the needle in a design business.This episode pulls back the curtain on Claire’s journey inside Design Destiny, and how being part of the right community, at the right time, completely shifted how she shows up in her business.Together, Lisa-Marie and Claire explore what happens when women stop trying to build businesses in isolation and instead lean into shared support, structure and collaboration. Claire shares how having clear foundations, stronger boundaries and access to real-time guidance helped her quiet self-doubt, communicate more confidently with clients, and create momentum in her business without burning herself out.This conversation is a reminder that growth is not about doing more, it’s about doing the right things, with the right support, and feeling held while you evolve.If you are an interior designer craving clarity, confidence and a sense of belonging in your business journey, this episode will speak directly to you.Is Design Destiny for you?If you’re an interior designer who feels capable and talented, but craves more clarity, consistency and confidence in your business, Design Destiny was created for you.It’s a space where structure meets mindset, strategy meets support, and women grow together, not in isolation.This episode is your invitation to stop figuring it all out alone and start building your business with intention, clarity and community.Tune in now and discover what’s possible when you choose to grow differently.Connect with Claire Moran HERE Before you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, this is limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! xx

Send us Fan MailIn this grounded and reassuring episode of the Design Boss Dialogue podcast, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui speaks directly to women in the interior design industry who feel capable, talented, yet quietly unsure of themselves.Lisa-Marie explores why so many designers experience imposter syndrome, not because they lack confidence or ability, but because they are trying to build businesses without clear structure, services, or sales processes. She reframes imposter syndrome as a structural issue rather than a mindset flaw, and explains how clarity creates confidence, ease, and authority.This episode dives into the importance of understanding your services, guiding clients through sales conversations with clarity, and building foundations that support you rather than drain you. Lisa-Marie also introduces the Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp as a practical and supportive space for designers who are ready to move from feeling like hobbyists into confident, grounded business owners.It’s an honest reminder that confidence doesn’t come from pushing harder or fixing yourself. It comes from knowing what you offer, how you sell it, and having the right structure around you.This episode is for the interior designer who feels capable but uncertain, busy yet unclear, and quietly questioning herself behind the scenes. If you’ve ever wondered why confidence feels elusive despite your talent, this conversation will help you see that nothing is wrong with you.You don’t need to become more confident.You need clearer foundations.And once those are in place, everything begins to feel lighter.Before you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, this is limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! Xx

Send us Fan MailIn this uplifting and deeply affirming episode, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by Adam, founder of Adam James Hair Salon, to explore the transformative role hair plays in confidence, self-expression, and how we show up in business and leadership.This is not a conversation about trends or surface-level aesthetics.It’s about identity, energy, and alignment.Together, Lisa-Marie and Adam unpack how hair influences not only how we look, but how we feel, how we carry ourselves, and how we are perceived professionally. They explore why hair is often the final piece that brings a woman back into alignment with her higher self, and how feeling “off” with your hair can quietly impact confidence, boundaries, and presence.Adam shares powerful insights into the importance of trust and connection between stylist and client, why the right hairdresser becomes a long-term partner rather than a service provider, and how intentional choices around your hair can elevate your personal brand without chasing trends.This episode gently reminds us that confidence is often built through alignment on the outside as well as within, and that when you feel good in yourself, you lead, speak, and show up differently.If you’ve ever felt that a small change created a big internal shift, this conversation will resonate deeply.This episode is an invitation to see hair not as a superficial detail, but as part of your confidence, identity, and leadership as a woman in business.When you feel aligned from the crown down, you don’t just look different, you speak differently, lead differently, and move differently.And sometimes, the journey back to your higher self begins in the salon chair.Connect with Adam James HERE Follow His Instagram HEREBefore you go I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business and one of our pillars are building more confidence through internal energetics and what that looks like. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsI am also inviting you to come spend two evenings with me online as a VIP client, this is limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! xx

Send us Fan MailIf you’re an interior designer who feels busy, capable, and talented, yet unsupported, inconsistent, or drained by your business, this episode is for you.In this episode, I explore why so many designers experience frustration, feast-and-famine cycles, scope creep, and a lack of confidence around pricing and boundaries, even when work is coming in.This is not a conversation about doing more, trying harder, or fixing your mindset.Instead, this episode looks at the foundational structure of your interior design business, the services you offer, the boundaries you’ve set, and the clarity (or lack of it) that quietly dictates how profitable, sustainable, and supported your business feels day to day.Whether you are fully booked, working on one-off projects, or experiencing inconsistent enquiries, I explain why the same underlying issues often show up,  and why they are not personal failings, but structural gaps.A key focus of this episode is scope creep, why it happens, how unclear service definitions and blurred boundaries create it, and why designers often freeze when it comes to raising variations. I reframe scope creep as a foundational issue rather than a client problem, and explain how clear services and boundaries protect both the designer and the client.The episode also explores the identity shift required to move from running an expensive hobby to leading a structured, profitable design business, without losing creativity in the process.If this episode resonated, I am hosting The Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp, a free, five-day live bootcamp designed to help interior designers rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their business. Dates: Monday 23rd February – Friday 27th FebruaryOver five days, you’ll explore the core areas of your interior design business that influence clarity, confidence, boundaries, and sustainable growth. I will guide you through identifying what needs to be built, refined, or reset so your business can properly support you.You’ll receive:Practical insightsBusiness resetsGuidance to help you step back and make aligned decisionsVIP UPGRADE OPTIONThere is an optional VIP upgrade, limited to 7 women, which includes:Two live evening hot-seat coaching sessions during the bootcamp weekDirect support in implementing the work into your own businessPersonal guidance translating the foundations into real-world actionVIP details are available on the opt-in page.Join the free Designer’s Blueprint Bootcamp HEREContinue the conversation and connect with Lisa-Marie HEREFeel free to DM or tag Lisa-Marie after listening to the episode.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! xx

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful and deeply grounding conversation, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui is joined by Cleo, a financial coach and money trauma specialist, to explore the often unspoken relationship women have with money and how generational beliefs quietly shape financial decisions.Cleo shares her personal journey from accountant to financial coach, explaining how money trauma shows up in women’s lives, from under-earning and avoidance, to fear around investing and wealth building. Together, they unpack why financial education is not just about numbers, but about confidence, values, and rewriting inherited narratives around money.This episode opens up honest conversations around paying yourself properly, building sustainable wealth, and creating financial freedom without shame or secrecy. It is a powerful reminder that women are not risk averse, but risk aware, and that with the right education, mindset, and support, wealth becomes something we can consciously build, rather than something that feels out of reach.What you will learn What money trauma is and how it affects womenThe impact of generational beliefs on wealth and self-worthWhy women are stepping into greater financial independenceThe importance of financial education for long-term changeBuilding healthy money habits, starting with paying yourself firstInvesting in a way that feels aligned and accessibleThis episode is an invitation to gently examine your own relationship with money, without judgement. If you have ever felt uncomfortable talking about finances, unsure about investing, or disconnected from your earning potential, this conversation will help you feel seen, informed, and empowered.Building wealth is not about perfection or privilege. It starts with education, awareness, and the courage to rewrite the stories you inherited.Dive into Cleo's Instagram HERE Connect with Cleo on Linkedin HERE And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! xx

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 30 of the Christmas Advent Calendar podcast and we are bringing another inspiring episode with another fabulous guest. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business coach and mentor, empowering women through business strategy and soulful mindset work, and today’s conversation is one that every woman in business needs to hear before stepping into 2026.Joining me is the brilliant Claire Lockey, a woman whose insight, clarity, and grounded wisdom is reshaping how women see their worth, their skills, and their ability to create powerful income streams from the expertise they already have.This episode is a truth-telling moment, a perspective shift, and an invitation into your next level of confidence and unapologetic ownership.Claire and I dive into a conversation around value, your value,  and how often women minimize, dismiss, or dilute the skills they’ve worked years, sometimes decades, to build.We talk about what really holds women back: Not lack of talent. Not lack of ideas. But the quiet belief that what they know isn’t enough.In this episode, Claire and I explore:• Why women consistently undervalue their skills and lived experience • How to price based on transformation, not time or task • Why your worth is never determined by whether a client buys or not • The power of personal branding and positioning yourself as the expert • The importance of resonance and relevance in your marketing • How fear and imposter syndrome block expansion and how to dissolve them • The mindset shifts needed to step into your highest earning potential • Why YOU are the unique selling proposition in your business • How recognising the value of even your “non-doing” tasks can unlock new income streamsDive into Claire’s website HERE  And her Instagram HEREHer Skills Blueprint HEREClaire Is also one of our global speakers for our retreat Reset, Realign and Rise starting on the 18th May 2026 in Ibiza which is a 5 day retreat set on the beautiful white Isle of Ibiza. We only have 4 tickets left so please get in touch for more details.Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry, no limits.This is your chance to begin 2026 with clarity, strategy, and a powerful reset.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another powerful episode of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today we are bringing you a conversation that every woman needs to hear as we prepare for a new year. I’m your host Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business coach and mentor, supporting women through strategy, soul, and the mindset work that transforms the way they live, lead, and build their businesses and today we are uncovering how your energy dictates your todo list. I’m joined by the incredible Alice Dartnell,  a coach, speaker, and expert in time and energy management whose personal journey has reshaped the way thousands of women approach their productivity, well-being, and self-leadership. Alice shares her deeply personal story,  one that begins with severe depression, burnout, and exhaustion,  and how that difficult chapter became the catalyst for discovering a truth many women overlook:In today’s episode, Alice and I explore:• how her journey through depression sparked a commitment to personal development and wellbeing • the life-changing realisation that productivity isn't about doing more but about aligning your tasks with your energy • why women feel guilty for not doing “enough,” and how this guilt fuels burnout • how to plan for January (and the whole year) through the lens of energy, not overloaded to-do lists • understanding your personal “killers” and “fillers” the things that drain you and the things that recharge youAlice offers women a new way,  a softer way, a more sustainable way, to approach their days, weeks, and lives. Because the truth is, you don’t need more time. You need more energy. More replenishment. More alignment. More awareness of what supports you and what drains you.Dive into Alice’s World HEREBusiness, Brunch and Bubbles, Wednesday 14 Jan 2026, London HEREBusiness Breakthrough Event, Monday 8 June 2026, London HEREEnergy Management Starter Pack HEREJoin Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry — no limits.This is your chance to begin 2026 with clarity, strategy, and a powerful reset.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to this special recap episode of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, where today we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and integrate the powerful conversations shared from Day 17 through to Day 27 with some incredible women. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women in building aligned, profitable businesses through strategy, identity work, and the inner confidence to lead at the next level.This episode is a collective reflection, a weaving together of insights, wisdom, and lived experience from an incredible group of women who generously shared their journeys, lessons, and perspectives during the second half of this Advent series.The festive season can feel chaotic. Between planning, family commitments, business responsibilities, and expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself.Across these conversations, one theme came through again and again, growth doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing what matters most.This recap is an invitation to slow down and notice how far you’ve come.From conversations around community and connection, to self-belief, identity, automation, and crafting a signature offer, these episodes were designed to meet you exactly where you are and gently guide you forward.Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry, no limits.This is your chance to begin 2026 with clarity, strategy, and a powerful reset.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 27 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women to build powerful, profitable, and aligned businesses through strategy, identity, and intentional growth.Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone in a service-based business, including coaches, mentors and consultants who know they are ready to elevate their positioning, attract premium buyers, and stop diluting their expertise.The brilliant Serena Samra joins me, and together we’re diving into the truth behind premium signature offers, what they really are, why they matter more than ever, and how buyer behaviour is shifting as we move into 2026.This is not about charging more for the sake of it. It’s about alignment, clarity, value, and confidence.Serena and I explore why having a premium signature offer is no longer optional for women who want sustainable growth, deeper client relationships, and a business that doesn’t rely on constant selling or volume.We talk openly about the evolution of our own businesses, the lessons learned from under-pricing and over-delivering, and the shift that happens when you finally understand how premium buyers think, decide, and invest.This episode is a reminder that premium clients are not buying hours, deliverables, or surface-level services, they are investing in transformation, trust, and outcomes.Explore Serena's world HERE £130k mastermind HEREJoin the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE  and discover how you can work with me in 2026.Join Serena and I in Birmingham on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a transformational two day experience that prepares you for your most aligned and profitable year yet.Find out more HEREWatch this episode and all Advent Calendar conversations on our YouTube channel HERE.Our Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEach review and share counts as an additional entry, with no limits.If you’ve loved this episode, I would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot. x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 26 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today’s episode is an exciting, highly practical, and transformative conversation for women who want to grow their business with more ease, more flow, and more automation. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor for women in business, supporting entrepreneurs to scale sustainably through strategy, mindset, and identity work. Today we are exploring the world of automation, passive income, and the systems that allow you to make money while you sleep.Joining me is the incredible Carly Murphy, an automation expert and online business mentor who helps women build effortless, resilient, system led businesses. Carly brings clarity, simplicity, and a refreshing sense of ease to this conversation as we unpack what automation really looks like behind the scenes.In this episode, Carly opens up about:• Why making money while you sleep is not a dream, but a direct result of automation • How to build a business that feels easy, flowing, and energetically aligned • How automation can save you time, reduce burnout, and streamline your operations • The power of payment links for simple, frictionless sales • Why lead magnets are essential for attracting aligned clients into your world • How email marketing creates a stable, resilient community you actually own • Why your email list is more valuable than your social media following • How accessible and achievable it is to create an online course today • How to identify your unique value and turn your knowledge into income • Why automation allows you to focus on creativity and the work you genuinely enjoyExplore Carly’s world HERE  And Instagram HEREHow She Launches 30 minute workshop HEREFREE Foolproof Step By Step Guide To build a landing page in Mailerlite!! HEREJoin the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE  and discover how you can work with me in 2026.Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a transformational two day experience that prepares you for your most aligned and profitable year yet. Find out more HEREWatch this episode and all Advent Calendar conversations on our YouTube channel HERE.Our Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEach review and share counts as an additional entry, with no limits.If you’ve loved this episode, I would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot. x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 25 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today’s episode is a truly special one.I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women through strategy, identity work, and the soulful mindset shifts that allow you to build powerful, aligned businesses and lives.On Christmas Day, rather than teaching or doing, I wanted to hold space.Space for reflection. Space for grounding. Space for connection.This episode is a guided experience, an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the version of you who already knows where you’re going. I guide you through a gentle yet powerful visualisation journey designed to help you meet your higher self,  the most aligned, confident, grounded version of you.This is not about fixing or forcing anything. It’s about listening. Receiving. And allowing clarity to rise naturally.Christmas is a beautiful pause point. A moment between what has been and what is becoming. And that makes it the perfect time to tune inward and ask yourself deeper questions.During this guided experience, you’ll be invited to:• create a calm, safe, peaceful environment • ground yourself in the present moment • visualise meeting your higher self • ask questions about your next chapter • receive guidance for your personal and professional growth • reconnect with your inner wisdom and clarityYour higher self represents the version of you who is already living with confidence, alignment, and trust. The answers you’re seeking don’t live outside of you, they live within you.This episode can be revisited anytime, whenever you need grounding, reassurance, or clarity. It’s a practice you can return to throughout 2026 as you grow, expand, and evolve.Join the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE and discover how you can work with me in 2026.You can also join us in Birmingham for Strategy and Soul, a two day luxury retreat designed to elevate your confidence, expand your mindset, and support you in stepping into the version of you who leads, grows, and moves with clarity. On Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a transformational two day experience that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet. Find out more HEREWatch this episode and all Advent Calendar conversations on our YouTube channel HERE.Our Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEach review and share counts as an additional entry, with no limits.If you’ve loved this episode, I would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another powerful episode of the Christmas Advent Calendar podcast, and today we are bringing a conversation that every modern businesswoman needs to hear. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business coach and mentor, empowering women through strategy, soul, and the mindset shifts required to grow confidently into 2026.Today’s episode is a deep dive into the world of AI, automation, authenticity, and human connection, and I am joined by the incredible Fay Jennings, a business and digital strategist helping women leverage technology without losing their voice. This conversation is timely, relevant, and honest. AI is rising faster than ever. Tools are getting smarter. Automation is becoming the norm. And yet,  the businesses thriving the most are the ones who know how to combine the power of AI with personal connection.In this episode, Fay and I explore:• How AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented speed • Why women in business must leverage AI, not fear it • The importance of keeping your unique voice at the centre of your brand • How AI can automate heavy tasks without replacing personal delivery • Why flipping the way you think about AI can yield better results • How video remains the most powerful tool for connection and trust • Why authenticity and personal presence matter more than ever • The pitfalls of over-using AI and how to avoid generic, robotic content • How AI can enhance lead generation, content creation, and audience engagement • Why a hybrid model,  AI + human,  is the future of business growth • And why embracing automation now will give you back time, energy, and creativity in 2026This conversation is a wake-up call, an invitation, and a permission slip to be bold. To step into visibility. To use technology strategically. And to let AI amplify,  not replace, the brilliance you already have.Dive into FAY’s Instagram  HERE Grab LOLA your free AI lead magnet coach HERE   Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry, no limits.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 23 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today’s episode brings a heartfelt, empowering, and deeply relatable conversation. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor for female entrepreneurs, guiding women to step into their confidence, strengthen their mindset, and build businesses rooted in identity and purpose. Today we are exploring comfort zones, imposter syndrome, visibility, and the courage required to expand into who you are becoming.Joining me is the incredible Jo Ferrone, a woman whose work blends honesty, humour, vulnerability, and empowerment as she supports women to take up space, own their story, and rise with confidence. Jo brings lived experience, compassion, and practical wisdom to this conversation, making it one that every woman in business will relate to.In this episode, Jo opens up about:• Why stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for personal growth • How fear of judgment holds many women back, & how to move through it • Why failing is not the end, but a powerful learning opportunity • How confidence can be built through small, consistent actions • The power of affirmations to calm the body and mind before stepping into challenging situations • How connection and community can reduce anxiety and increase confidence • Why incremental steps are the most powerful path to long term transformation • How vulnerability can foster genuine connection and support among womenJo’s perspective is a beautiful reminder that confidence is not a destination, it is a practice. You can build it. You can strengthen it. Explore Jo’s world HERE Find Her Poems HERE . Free Guide To Networking HERE and community HERE Join the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE and discover how you can work with me in 2026.You can also join us in Birmingham for Strategy and Soul, a two day luxury retreat designed to elevate your confidence, expand your mindset, and support you in stepping into the version of you who leads, grows, and moves with clarity. On Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a transformational two day experience that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet. Find out more HEREWatch this episode and all Advent Calendar conversations on our YouTube channel HERE.Our Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEach review and share counts as an additional entry, with no limits.If you’ve loved this episode, I would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot. x

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful Day 22 Advent Calendar episode, I  explores one of the most misunderstood topics in business growth, investment.Speaking from lived experience rather than theory, I challenge the belief that you need to feel ready before you invest. We reframe readiness as a conscious decision, not a future state you arrive at once everything feels comfortable or certain.Throughout the episode, I share her own journey of investing in coaching and mentorship, including the moments that felt uncomfortable, stretching, and financially significant. She reflects on how long-term investment relationships created clarity, accelerated growth, and supported her evolution as a business owner, not because she had everything figured out, but because she was willing to commit before certainty arrived.This episode invites women to examine how they view investment, not as a reward for success or a luxury for later, but as a strategic tool for clarity, expansion, and leadership. It is a grounded, honest conversation about courage, self-trust, and the decisions that quietly shape the future of a business.Key Themes ExploredWhy readiness is a decision, not a feelingThe discomfort that often accompanies real growth decisionsInvestment as a catalyst, not a reward for successHow clarity is created through commitmentThe power of long-term mentorship and perspectiveJoin Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry, no limits.This is your chance to begin 2026 with clarity, strategy, and a powerful reset.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to another beautiful episode of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today we are bringing another heart-led, grounding, and deeply connective conversation. I’m your host Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business coach and mentor, supporting women through business strategy, soulful mindset work, and the inner leadership that helps you move through life with intention, and today’s episode is one that feels especially meaningful during this season. We are joined by the wonderful Lisa Quait, a woman whose voice, wisdom, and storytelling hold space for women to feel seen, heard, and deeply connected, not only to each other, but to themselves.As we near Christmas there’s often a rush… A pressure to get everything right.A pressure to perfect the day, the table, the gifts, the schedule, the emotions.We carry an invisible load of expectation, and somewhere in all that busyness, we forget to pause, breathe, and actually feel the moments.In this conversation, Lisa and I explore what it truly means to choose joy, choose presence, and choose the story you want to tell this Christmas,  rather than the one that’s been handed to you through tradition, expectation, or perfectionism.In this episode, Lisa and I explore:• the truth that behind every woman, every leader, every mother, every friend,  there is a story • how to choose the energy you want to bring into your celebrations • the importance of pausing and reflecting on what truly matters at Christmas • letting go of perfection and remembering that it’s always about the people, not the performance • the power of slowing down and enjoying the tiny moments with the people you love • setting boundaries that protect your happiness during the busiest time of year Lisa shares beautiful personal moments and lessons from past Christmases, reminding us that the memories we treasure most are rarely the ones that looked perfect. To slow down. To breathe. To honor your emotional needs. To choose connection over chaos. To choose joy over pressure. And to remember that you are the writer of your own story, even at Christmas.Dive into Lisa’s world HERE  Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry, no limits.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 20 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today’s episode brings an inspiring, energising, and deeply motivating conversation. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women to build profitable, powerful, and purpose led businesses through strategy, mindset, and identity work. Today we are exploring self-belief, courage, and what it takes to step into your identity as an iconic leader.Joining me is the incredible Kayleigh Greenacre, an educator turned entrepreneur, mentor, and global empowerment leader. Kayleigh’s journey is a testament to what becomes possible when a woman decides that her life, her mission, and her impact matter. From transitioning out of the education system during COVID to building a thriving movement for female entrepreneurs, Kayleigh embodies what it means to trust yourself, own your story, and rise.In this conversation, Kayleigh opens up about:• Her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship during one of the most uncertain times in recent history • Why she founded Actually I Can, a program designed to empower women across the world • The importance of self-belief when it comes to achieving your goals • The power of building a supportive and aligned community • How fear and doubt show up for entrepreneurs, why they are completely normal • Practical mindset tools, including journaling, to overcome internal challenges • How celebrating small wins builds momentum for even bigger successKayleigh’s message is a powerful reminder that empowerment is not something we wait for. It is something we choose. Her story will inspire you to own your vision, step into leadership, and take the bold action your next level requires.Explore Kayleigh’s world through her Instagram HERE And Her YouTube HEREYou can find her Actually I Can Podcast HEREBecoming an ICONIC Leader Free Course HEREJoin the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE and explore how you can work with me in 2026.Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two day retreat designed to elevate your strategy, strengthen your mindset, and activate your next level identity as you prepare for your most iconic year yet. Find out more HEREWatch this episode and all Advent Calendar conversations on our YouTube channel  HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEach review + share counts as an additional entry, with no limits.If you’ve loved this episode, we would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot. x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 19 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women to build sustainable, profitable businesses through strategy, identity work, and mindset shifts that create long-term growth.Today’s episode is a deeply important conversation around value, and more specifically, the way so many women in business misunderstand the relationship between time, effort, and worth.This episode is an invitation to pause and reflect on how you currently perceive your own value, how you price your work, and how you invest in support as you step toward 2026.In this solo episode, I explore why value is so often incorrectly tied to time, and why this belief keeps women undercharging, overworking, and second-guessing themselves.We unpack the truth that experience compresses time.The clarity you offer. The decisions you make quickly. The guidance you give is always the best. The outcomes you help others reach.These are not signs that your work is “easy” or less valuable, they are signs of mastery.Ten minutes of guidance can save someone days of emotional labour. One clear perspective can remove weeks of uncertainty. One experienced conversation can prevent months of misalignment.And yet, so many women still ask: “Is this worth charging for?”This episode gently but firmly challenges that belief.Key Takeaways from This Episode• Why is value not directly linked to time spent • How experience allows for faster decision-making and more profound clarity • Why ease is a result of mastery, not a lack of effort • How women often undercut their worth by equating struggle with value • Why investing in someone means paying for their perspective, not their hoursYour clients are not paying for your time. They are paying for your insight. Your clarity. Your ability to see what they cannot yet see.And when you truly understand that,  everything changes.Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul.Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet.Find out more HEREThis and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each)• 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each)To enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review + share counts as an additional entry, no limits.This is your chance to begin 2026 with clarity, strategy, and a powerful reset.And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 18 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today’s episode brings a beautifully creative, inspiring, and heart led conversation. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women in the design industry to build businesses rooted in identity, creativity, and confidence. Today we are diving into the world of interior design, individuality, and the deep wisdom that comes from trusting your gut instinct.Joining me is the incredible Briony Ace, a designer known for her intuitive approach, her creative boldness, and her commitment to helping people see the world through their own unique design lens. Briony brings an honest and refreshing perspective on what it means to build a career in design, reminding us that creativity is as individual as we are.In this conversation, Briony opens up about:• Why trusting your gut instinct is one of the most powerful tools a designer can develop • The importance of tuning out the noise and listening to your own creative voice • How individuality shapes the brilliance of the design world • Why years of experience often sharpen rather than silence your intuitive sense • The many ways creativity can be expressed • Why using AutoCAD, SketchUp, or any technical tool is completely valid • Why sketching in a notebook is equally valuable • The importance of embracing who you are in your creative journey • Owning your individuality as a designer • How the design process can be a true wonderment when you trust yourselfBriony’s approach is a powerful reminder that there is no one right way to be a designer. Whether you rely on software, sketches, moodboards, or your intuitive read of a space, your creativity is enough. Your individuality is your strength. And your gut instinct is one of your greatest design tools.Explore Briony’s world through her website HEREFollow her Instagram HERE  Subscribe and find her YouTube HERE Join the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE and explore how you can work with me in 2026.Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two day retreat designed to elevate your strategy, your creativity, and your confidence as we step into a new year of growth. Find out more HEREWatch this and all Advent Calendar episodes on our YouTube channel HERE.Our Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEach review + share counts as an additional entry, with no limits.If you’ve loved this episode, we would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot. x

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Day 17 of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, and today’s episode brings a powerful, insightful, and deeply practical conversation. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business Coach and Mentor, supporting women to build profitable, aligned, and scalable businesses through strategy, mindset, and identity work. Today we are diving into the truths behind business growth, scaling, and the foundations every entrepreneur needs to understand before entering her next chapter.Joining me is the incredible Samantha Hearne, a mentor, coach, and business leader who is renowned for her grounded, strategic approach to building sustainable success. Samantha brings clarity, honesty, and real world experience to the conversation as we unpack what it truly means to grow a business versus scale one.In this episode, Samantha opens up about:• Why growing and scaling are fundamentally different processes • How to identify which stage your business is currently in • The importance of strong foundations for sustainable growth • Why community is the heartbeat of service based businesses • The role of market research in aligning your offers with what clients actually want • Why scaling requires a methodical and strategic approach rather than speed • Common bottlenecks that occur when entrepreneurs try to scale too quickly • How mistakes become valuable data for future improvement • The importance of intentionality and conscious choice in your business decisions • Why your business must reflect your personal values and long term goalsThis conversation is an essential listen for any woman preparing for 2026, especially if you are ready to step into growth, scale with confidence, or rebuild your foundations with clarity and intention. Samantha brings a refreshing honesty that empowers you to choose your path rather than react to pressure or comparison.Explore and Follow Samantha’s Instagram HERE Join the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE and explore how you can work with me in 2026.Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two day retreat designed to elevate your strategy, your identity, and your business vision for the year ahead. Find out more HEREWatch this and all Advent Calendar episodes on our YouTube channel HEREOur Christmas GiveawayTo celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes:• 4 women will join me in London for a private in person strategy session, lunch in an exclusive location, worth £1,000 each • 2 women will receive a fully paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham, worth £540 eachTo enter:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyScreenshot your reviewShare it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_DiaryEvery review and share counts as an additional entry, no limits.This is your reminder that you always have a choice in how you grow your business, how you scale your success, and how you lead your next chapter.If you’ve loved this episode, we would be so grateful for your review. And if you screenshot and share this podcast on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary, we have a special gift waiting for you.See you in the next episode, you lovely lot. x

Send us Fan MailIn this special recap episode of the Christmas Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m bringing together the collective wisdom from a powerful series of conversations with inspiring guests, each offering their own perspective on what it truly takes to build a sustainable, aligned, and successful business.Across these episodes, clear themes began to emerge. Strategy paired with energetics. Systems that support rather than suffocate. The dismantling of limiting beliefs. And the essential role of self care, boundaries, and community in long term growth. This episode is not about doing more. It is about building better, with intention, clarity, and conscious leadership.In this reflection, I weave together the insights shared by my guests to highlight one core truth. Business growth is never just about output or hustle. It is about creating a structure that supports your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing alongside your ambition.Throughout the series, guests shared powerful reflections and key insights across several foundational themes.Strategy and Structure Guests explored how clear systems, pricing, and processes remove chaos, increase confidence, and create space for growth.Energetics and Mindset Conversations highlighted how limiting beliefs, fear, and resistance quietly cap expansion, and how energetic alignment and self leadership unlock the next level.Self Care and Boundaries Guests reinforced that sustainable success requires protected energy, clear boundaries, and intentional rest, not burnout disguised as ambition.Community and Networking The importance of being in the right rooms, building meaningful relationships, and growing alongside others was a recurring and powerful theme.Storytelling and Visibility Guests shared how owning your story, your voice, and your lived experience differentiates your brand and deepens client connection.Manifestation and Intention Practices around clarity, vision, and conscious intention were explored as grounded tools for navigating fear and creating aligned growth.Pricing and Worth Transparent, confident pricing was consistently highlighted as a cornerstone of trust, professionalism, and self belief.This episode is a grounded reminder that success is created through clarity, alignment, and conscious leadership, not pressure, comparison, or constant hustle. It is an invitation to reflect on how you are building, and whether your business is supporting the life you want to live.Join the Design Boss Diary community on Instagram HERE  and explore how you can work with me in 2026. You can also join us in Birmingham for Strategy and Soul, a two day luxury retreat designed to support aligned growth, conscious leadership, and sustainable success.Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2026 for a transformational two day experience created to prepare you for your most powerful year yet. Find out more HEREWatch this recap episode and all Advent Calendar conversations on our YouTube channel HERE.