Think you know how to win in 2025? Think again.

In this season finale of Design Nerds Anonymous, we break down six bold, data-driven strategies that will define success in the coming year. From frictionless websites to AI-powered sales, immersive showrooms to redefined workspaces, our expert guests share insights that go beyond the buzzwords and into real-world applications that will help you stay ahead.

This season has been all about the phygital revolution—where digital and physical experiences don’t compete but complement each other. Companies that master this balance will attract customers, build lasting relationships, and drive real growth.

After listening, you will be able to:

• Optimize your website to create a frictionless, intuitive, and engaging customer experience.
• Rethink workplace strategy to support hybrid collaboration and digital equity.
• Elevate events by blending in-person experiences with digital tools that enhance—not replace—human connection.
• Transform your showroom into a destination experience that goes beyond product displays.
• Strengthen rep-client relationships by shifting from sales-focused interactions to mentorship and problem-solving.
• Leverage AI strategically to work smarter—not harder—and reclaim valuable time for high-impact tasks.

Links Mentioned:

• Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insights
• Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends
• Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The sales landscape is shifting, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation. The best sellers today aren’t just choosing between in-person or digital—they’re mastering both. In this episode, we explore how AI can help sales professionals scale their time, automate routine tasks, and focus on what really moves the needle: building relationships and growing their business. Whether you’re a seasoned sales leader or just starting to explore AI, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you stay ahead..

After listening, you will be able to:

• Understand how AI is reshaping B2B sales and what it means for your role
• Learn how to automate and scale sales outreach without losing the human touch
• Identify AI tools that can help you streamline research, follow-ups, and client engagement
• Recognize the impact of AI-powered insights in improving sales strategies
• Prepare for the evolving expectations of buyers and decision-makers in 2025

Links Mentioned:

• Listen to the AI For Sales Podcast
• Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insights
• Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends
• Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com

Connect with our guest on LinkedIn:

• Chad Burmeister

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The rep-designer relationship has changed. Hour-long lunch presentations and spontaneous drop-ins are becoming rare, and digital demands are reshaping how reps connect with designers. Today, reps must redefine their roles to remain indispensable, while designers who engage with the right reps can gain a competitive advantage. In this episode, we discuss what’s behind this shift, the biggest challenges reps and designers face, and the strategies that are working in today’s evolving industry landscape.

After listening, you will be able to:

• Recognize how rep-designer relationships are shifting and why it matters
• Learn new strategies for building deeper, more impactful connections with reps
• Understand how reps are evolving from product pushers to trusted advisors
• Gain insights into how Gen Z designers perceive industry relationships
• Discover digital tools and engagement tactics that are strengthening rep and designer partnerships

Links Mentioned:

• Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insights
• Learn about ThinkLab’s Gen Z Cohort, a next-gen advisory group
• Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn:

• Ashley Delano
• April Ibarra
• Julia Friedman

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.