The Trend Report

Send us Fan MailJoin Sid as he chats with Tim Carroll, CEO of Lyric Workplace, about how contract interiors dealers can stay relevant as technology, AI, and buyer expectations reshape the market. They dig into leadership, brand, and speed to market as the real edge when furniture feels like a commodity. References:Work/Place: Reclaiming In-Person Work in a Remote-Obsessed World by Tim Carroll - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G545RGM1?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackExperience Economy, Updated Edition by Joseph B. Pine - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1422161978?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackCustomers for Life: How to Turn That One-Time Buyer Into a Lifetime Customer by Carl Sewell & Paul B. Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Customers-Life-One-Time-Lifetime-Customer/dp/0385504454Connect with Tim:Lyric Workplace - https://lyricworkplace.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-carroll-79531632/Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/thetimcarroll/TikTok - https://www.instagram.com/thetimcarroll/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid trades unscripted hot takes with Clint Winn of Loftwall on what moves the contract interiors industry forward, from workplace privacy and modular “room in room” thinking to the way we earn trust with designers. They touch on sales certification, digital quoting tools, and why manufacturers and dealers keep losing attention when they lead with product instead of people and problems. The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Jon Strassner about why sustainability in contract interiors is misunderstood, and why “planet health” is a clearer target than chasing labels. We unpack what certifications can and cannot prove, then land on simple questions leaders and everyday listeners can use to do better without waiting to be perfect.The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSusan Pilato and Michelle Warren join Sid to challenge the idea that more activity automatically creates growth, and they lay out what a true strategic plan looks like for small businesses in the contract interiors world. They share how outside perspective, team alignment, and deliberate hiring decisions turn a wish list into a foundation you can actually build on. The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid looks past the celebrity and fame and identifies practical business lessons from Taylor Swift’s strategic playbook: turn adversity into fuel, build customer loyalty that beats price, and grow with a team that elevates the work. Let's challenge ourselves to stop reacting, start learning faster, and create relationships that compound over time.The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSimona Constantini of Volt Productions joins Sid to talk about why business owners need to stop treating podcasting like a marketing extra and explain how it becomes a real business asset for trust, visibility, and long-term growth in contract interiors. They share how storytelling, SEO, and evergreen audio can open warmer sales conversations and help your brand show up where buyers are searching.References:The Trend Report Ep 181 - Hot Takes with Larry Leete of KiSP - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode181ONEder Podcast - https://www.oneworkplace.com/podcastConnect with Simona:Volt Productions - https://www.voltproductions.co/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/Email - [email protected] Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailWe're back with another Hot Takes episode. Sid spins the wheel with Rob Kirkbride from officeinsight, discussing topics on selling, marketing, and trust in the contract interiors world. They challenge each other on vertical specialization, call out social media noise, and lay out what real partnership should look like between manufacturers, dealers, and the A&D community. References:The Trend Report Episodes: 187 - 10 to Win: The Visibility Problem No One Talks About - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode187186 - Future Ready Learning Environments with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode186175 - Building Effective A&D Partnerships with Krystal Lucero - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode175Connect with Rob:Officeinsight - https://officeinsight.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkirkbride/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailJoin Sid as he chats with Anika Jackson about using Delphi to clone her voice and expertise so people can get real answers 24/7 without demanding more hours from her calendar. They break down what to upload, how to set guardrails, and how brands can turn an AI knowledge base into better customer experience and smarter lead capture. References:Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by Stephen M.R. Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Inspire-Leaders-Unleash-Greatness/dp/198214372XConnect with Anika:Your Brand Amplified Podcast - https://yourbrandamplified.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailThis week, challenge yourself with one sharp question: if your content disappeared, would your customers even notice? Sid is breaking down what “adding value” really means in a noisy, AI-fueled content world and sharing simple ways to build trust through clearer, more human content. He's also sharing quick daily habits you can incorporate to make the content creation process easier and more consistent.At the end of the day, your content should help your buyers and dealers answer questions and make decisions. Is that the kind of platform you're building? References:Theatre of the Mind by Melanie Borden - https://www.amazon.com/Theatre-Mind-Melanie-Borden/dp/B0G4MWZRB6The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid is digging into why the future of learning deserves as much attention as the future of work with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco. They discuss how classrooms quietly shape behavior, connection, and performance for years to come. Along the way, they challenge the “butts in seats” mindset and show how research-backed design moves can make learning spaces more flexible, human, and effective. References:The Thinking Problem: A Science of Learning Solution for AI in Schools - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403700910_The_Thinking_Problem_A_Science_of_Learning_Solution_for_AI_in_SchoolsWhite Papers - Perspectives - https://madebymarco.net/white-papers-perspectives/Connect with Dr. Lennie:Ask Dr. Lennie - https://madebymarco.net/ask-dr-lennie-april-2026/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennie-scott-webber-phd-2594a912/Connect with Libby:Marco - www.madebymarco.netLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-ferin-13677911/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailThe Hot Takes Wheel is spinning again! This time Kay Sargent from HOK joins Sid to discuss what is breaking, what is evolving, and what needs to get simpler in the contract interiors world. They dig into dealers, talent, consolidation, and AI, then discuss their favorite questions to ask clients.References:Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment by Kay Sargent - https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Neuroinclusive-Workplaces-Processing-Environment/dp/1394309333The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods - https://www.amazon.com/AI-Driven-Leader-Harnessing-Smarter-Decisions/dp/B0DB8QL3ZKTheTrend Report Ep 173 - The AI Basics You Need in Your Business with Hunter Jensen - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode173Connect with Kay:HOK - https://www.hok.com/Email - [email protected] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid spins the Hot Takes Wheel with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network and Catalyst Consulting. They unpack the questions that keep the contract furniture world debating what works. Michelle and Sid get specific about direct sales, hybrid office design, dealer value, and how to make trade shows pay off. Learn their thoughts on:• when manufacturers should sell direct versus when dealers should lead • why public sector and federal purchasing changes what “direct” means • how the open office shifts toward choice, focus, and collaboration • where dealers act like strategic partners and where execution takes over • what makes trade shows worth the money: targeting, tactics, follow-up, and ROI tracking Connect with Michelle:The Collaborative Network - https://thecollaborative.network/Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-lynn-warren/Email - [email protected] Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/