leaders x design

leaders x design

Leaders x design is a podcast that highlights and empowers women, non-binary, trans, and all those who are gender non-conforming within the broader design, community relations, engineering, and marketing communities who are doing incredible things. We want to share the stories of these badasses, and how their passion for their pursuits motivates them to push themselves to the limit. Join Allie Umansky and Krista Serianni every week as they interview amazing people who are not afraid to go above their own expectations.

Episodes

076: Look Ma, No Hands

October 20, 2023 • 60 mins
This episode we speak to Dani Chambers— a designer and entrepreneur hailing from Oregon and the CEO of Northwest Brand Design— a boutique branding . We discuss the importance of work life balance, how being in a supportive role doesn’t mean that you’re not a leader, and our worst design mistakes that we’ve made on the job.
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075: Developing Creative Confidence

July 28, 2023 • 74 mins
This week we talked to Maribeth Kradel-Weitzel. A Designer, Creative, and Professor—and someone who has been a part of our network since we were baby designers. We discuss the importance of creative flow, always keep curiosity at the forefront of the design process, and how laughter can get you into a groove.
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074: Intelligent Design

July 14, 2023 • 27 mins
This week Allie and Krista scratched the surface of Artificial Intelligence as we know it today. Throughout this breakout episode, we discuss how it could change how we work, how we use it throughout our lives today, and, generally, our feelings on what could happen next.
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073: Pivot to Survive

June 30, 2023 • 72 mins
This week talk to Adrienne Ray. The self-described fat, Black, queer business owner and powerhouse behind Curve Conscious (@curveconscious). We discuss the reality of being a business owner while navigating the pandemic, the importance of making space for fat bodies, and how it is okay to admit when you need help to reframe your mindset.
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072: The False Promise of Enough

June 16, 2023 • 64 mins
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MENTIONS OF EATING DISORDERS AND NEURODIVERGENCE. JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ANYONE WHO IS LISTENING GOES IN MENTALLY PREPARED FOR THESE TOPICS; THANK YOU!

This week we talked to Stacie Fanelli, an eating disorder (ED) and ADHD therapist, and Allie’s go-to social media account over at @edadhd_therapist. We discuss the holes in traditional treatments of eating disorders (and where they intersect with neurodiver...
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071: Master of (N)one

June 2, 2023 • 56 mins
This week we talked to Samantha Kibler, a Visual Communicator and User Experience Advocate. She’s also an old friend and colleague of Allie’s. We discuss the importance of curating expertise in something you love, leaving toxic situations, and how to pivot your career path if the one you’re on is one that doesn’t work for you.
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070: Bright Loud Statements

September 9, 2022 • 39 mins
This week we talked to Jenna Throne. A maker, creative, and the brains behind @GentryByJenna. We talk about how to adapt our creative processes, why you have to enjoy what you’re making, and a bit about how she comes up with her awesome designs.. We can’t wait for you to hear her episode!
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069: Cozy

August 26, 2022 • 24 mins
While Allie was chatting, Krista decided to silently start the episode. This week we talk about finding comfort and strength within your own design voice and how we are working on doing that ourselves.
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068: Amplify Visibility

August 12, 2022 • 54 mins
We are soooooo happy to be back with you all again after our break!

Today we chatted with Kellie Wicklund— a clinical therapist and the Director and Owner of the Maternal Wellness Center in Hatboro, PA. We discuss the importance of maternal care in a country that stands last in maternal mortality rates, the reality of motherhood and how it changes you for better or worse, and why taking time for yourself and your sanity is key.

A ...
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067: The Cry Baby & The C*nt

June 24, 2022 • 17 mins
This week Allie and Krista announce that we are taking July off because, well.. we are setting boundaries to allow for room to recover and refresh, which is the real story of this episode. Also... guess who is who from the title............
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066: We gotta get back to the magic

June 10, 2022 • 53 mins
This episode we talked to Sarah Vezina hailing from CANADAAAA. She’s one half of the clothing brand Octopied Mind (@octopiedmind) – a mindful, vulnerable hand-drawn clothing company— and a badass entrepreneur. We discuss how the right business partner can bring out the best in you, growing up with an entrepreneurial mindset and how that manifests in adult life, and the importance of embodying diversity and inclusivity in businesses...
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065: We are born from the stars

May 27, 2022 • 56 mins
This week we talk to Angelica Trimble-Yanu (@angelicayanu), an indigenous artist and creator hailing from San Francisco. We discuss the "in-between" space with multi-cultural folks and how to reclaim that space, the importance of paying homage and honoring where you come from in your life, and why listening to your body and paying attention to where you hold your energy is so vital. We also hear about the amazing process behind the...
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064: Blessed be the fruit

May 13, 2022 • 29 mins
On this episode Allie and Krista chat a bit about the leaked opinion from the Supreme Court. This episode is a little heavy and talks about abortion, sexual assault, and a myriad of other things, so go in with some caution. Personally, we even had to take time to collect ourselves after talking about it.
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063: Boner 4Ever

April 29, 2022 • 73 mins
In this episode, we talk to Sara McDougall— a designer and creative hailing from Philly. We discuss reclaiming the “jack of all trades” title, why perfectionism kills creativity, and why evolving in your work is absolutely vital. We also discuss the importance of representation in media, especially in today’s climate.
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062: Expand Your Circle

April 1, 2022 • 74 mins
This week we talk to Maurene Cooper, a tintype photographer and the creative mind behind @VanityTinType in Philadelphia. We talk about the importance of boundaries in your work, how being neurodivergent can actually enhance your creativity, and how to find your passion in your work.
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061: Can I get an amen?!

March 25, 2022 • 35 mins
Krista and Allie start off by talking about how younger people in the workforce need to be more confident and assertive within their profession.. but then we get a little bit off track. Kinda. Maybe. Sure...
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060: If You’re Doing It, You’re Doing It

March 18, 2022 • 68 mins
This week we talk to Marisa Velázquez-Rivas, an art director for Fender, and an incredible illustrator from Philadelphia. We discuss the importance of sharing your process, the intersection of art and design in our industry, and the power good design has in curating cultural change.
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059: Shake The Table

March 11, 2022 • 69 mins
This week our guest hails from DC by way of the US Virgin Islands. J’Nay Penn is an Art Director by day and the curator behind pennsive.co (@pennsive.co) in her spare time. We discuss respectful tourism, the excitement of breaking the rules, and how being your authentic self inside and out is the most fulfilling way to live.
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058: Aid Ukraine

March 4, 2022 • 8 mins
We're taking a break from interviews, and instead are highlighting ways you can help aid people impacted by war in Ukraine. We are not political or economic experts by any means, but as fellow humans our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people. Go to our social media accounts to find links and accounts on ways to help.
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057: Make Little Tweaks

February 25, 2022 • 64 mins
This week we talk to Toni McIntyre— a writer and social media expert hailing from Philadelphia. They also work for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, which we think is pretty freaking cool! We discuss the importance of social media as a global information resource, how basic human development is complex, valid, and vital, and how their journey from advertising to public service mirrored that development.
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