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Send us a text We kick off season seven with Bryce Stuckenschneider, CEO of Loftwall, to explore how privacy-first design, flexible architecture, and AI-forward practices can reshape the workplace while keeping people at the center.  We also unveil DesignStage, a new on-demand CEU platform built to fix the  broken continuing education system. • doubling down on privacy as a product, not just partitions • why speed, flexibility and human support win dealer loyalty • lessons from Orgatec and Clerkenwell to guide product roadmaps • freestanding architecture that scales without mega-manufacturer friction • leadership through turbulence using conviction and legacy as filters • AI as a force multiplier for product launches and enablement • people-first, AI-forward service with human verification • DesignStage as studio-quality, on-demand CEUs for designers • podcasts we recommend for practical AI learning References: The Trend Report Ep 7: CEO Chat with Bryce Stuckenschneider - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-chat-with-bryce-stuckenschneider-ceo-of-loftwall/id1507944776?i=1000475248980 Design Stage - https://designstage.com/ Big Technology Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLADd6sStSis77HKfbf4KCY6SvthfxeUgn The Artificial Intelligence Show  - https://podcast.smarterx.ai/ Connect with Bryce: Loftwall - https://loftwall.com/ Email - [email protected] The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Welcome to Season 7 of The Trend Report. This opens with a clear plan and a sharper purpose: weekly episodes that blend deep interviews, fast Hot Takes, and 10‑minute professional wins. We invite listeners to help shape topics, join a new Insider Community, and lean into candid conversations that move workplace design forward. Head over to sidmeadows.com/podcast to learn more about SpeakPipe.  Want to learn more about the Insider Community? Go to sidmeadows.com/community and use Coupon Code FIRSTIN at checkout to get 50% off through February 28, 2026. The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text We're doing things a bit differently today. In an effort to show you practical uses for AI, I've put all of the transcripts from Season 6 in and AI platform called Notebook LM. It then created what it calls "The Deep Dive", a podcast episode with AI voice actors who have a conversation wrapping up this season. I'm interested to know what you thought about the Notebook LM recording. Did you like it? Did you come up with any ideas while listening to the conversation that you could do in your business? Resources:  Notebook LM - https://notebooklm.google.com/?original_referer=https:%2F%2Fwww.google.com%23&pli=1  The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text We explore how design moves beyond aesthetics into systems, platforms, and policies, and how iF Design advances that mission through a global award, a new academy, and a rising sustainability standard. Lisa shares practical examples, from packaging tweaks to AI workflows, that turn intent into measurable impact. Lisa chats about: • Her values-led career path linking business and design • How living abroad shaped her curiosity and critical thinking • Design as problem-solving across products and systems • Origins and scale of the iF Design Award • Why iF is less known in the United States • How and when to apply for the next award • What the iF Design Academy teaches leaders • Business fluency and keeping design in the C-suite • Practical sustainability across environmental and social impact • Certifications, category-specific questions, and scoring Visit ifdesign.com, explore the website, explore it's a great resource. We've indexed all winners since 1954. Even if you're not even thinking about participating or anything else, the content inspiration is exceptional. Connect with Lisa Gralnek: Lisa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagralnek iF Design - https://ifdesign.com/en/ iF Design Academy - https://ifdesign-academy.com/ Future of XYZ Podcast - https://ifdesign.com/en/podcast-future-of-xyz-by-if-design iF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/ifdesign The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text We sit down with Heartwork founder Karen John to explore how travel, Italian design culture, and a love of craft shaped a U.S. manufacturing brand that treats storage as a culture-building tool. We chat about: • curiosity, travel, and multidisciplinary Italian design • why Heartwork chose storage and makes it in the U.S. • color strategy with Laura Guido-Clark and moving past gray • quality, customization at scale, and installation simplicity • enterprise clients, culture through design, and durability • AI to reduce rework and protect furniture quality • practical career advice, mentorship, and following energy Resources: Monday Morning Quarterback - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-V62fgnCiM Episode 57 - The Power of Color with Laura Guido-Clark - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode57 Episode 159 - CEO Chat with Natalie Hartkopf of Hightower - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode159 Connect with Karen John: Heartwork - https://heartwork.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkaren/ Email - [email protected] The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Adrian Leal returns to discuss practical steps for starting or improving your content strategy and focusing on authenticity and impact rather than perfection. Resources: Episode 163 - Content + Thought Leadership with Adrian Leal - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode163 Jay Shetty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty/?hl=en LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shettyjay/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jayshetty?lang=en Vinh Giang Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/askvinh/?hl=en LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinhgiang/?originalSubdomain=au TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@steven/video/7480090733970607382 Tony Robbins Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tonyrobbins/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/officialtonyrobbins/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tonyrobbins?lang=en Jefferson Fisher Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/?hl=en LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson?lang=en Tyler Gardner Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/socialcapofficial/?hl=en LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-gardner-68a713200/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialcap?lang=en Niraj Kapoor Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nirajkapur/?hl=en LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkapur/?originalSubdomain=uk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NirajKapurSalesCoach/ The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Professional development is your responsibility, not your employer's. People who take ownership of their personal growth receive salary increases 2.5 times higher than those who don't actively invest in themselves. • Professional growth requires personal investment - no one is more invested in your career than you • Mastery is never "one and done" - continuous improvement requires ongoing learning and application • Beware of "overconsumption" where you take in too much information without acting on it • Use a simple 5-step framework to generate forward progress: capture key takeaways, prioritize what matters, break into action steps, schedule time, and find accountability • What gets scheduled gets done - treat your development time as seriously as client meetings • "The best investment you'll ever make is in yourself." - Warren Buffett What's one skill you've been putting off learning? What resource could help you develop it? Most importantly, what action will you take this week to move forward? The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Public sector sales represent a third of the furniture industry's market at approximately $4-6 billion annually, offering recession-proof opportunities with transparent purchasing processes and accessible information for strategic selling approaches. • Federal government alone spends about $1.4-1.5 billion annually on furniture • Public sector provides stability during economic downturns and recessions • Government purchases involve public information that allows strategic preparation • Current federal trends include agency decentralization and return-to-work mandates • Federal spending on furniture is up 13% compared to previous year • Purchase card spending continues to increase with limits potentially rising to $35,000 • New Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) eliminates commercial pricing restrictions • Federal sales opportunities exist in every market across the country • State, local, and education markets are roughly three times the size of the federal market Ready to explore how public sector sales could transform your business? Connect with Michelle Warren on LinkedIn or join Catalyst Consulting's free monthly webinars to learn more about capitalizing on this significant but often overlooked market segment. Resources: Link to Webinar - https://youtu.be/2LjWgxAc_OQ Connect with Michelle Warren: Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-warren-47a6888/ Email - [email protected] Connect with Ryan Hay: Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hay-52506874/?originalSubdomain=ca The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Join Sid as he and Adrian Leal explore how creating authentic content and establishing thought leadership can transform sales success in the office furniture industry. They discuss how content creation builds lasting professional relationships and personal credibility.  • Building relationships matters more than product knowledge in our commoditized industry • Take the product away from the sale to focus on authentic human connections • How digital "social proof" influences purchasing decisions before meetings occur • Creating content establishes you as a subject matter expert in your field • Use passion topics rather than product features to differentiate yourself • Why connecting sales strategy with mental health resonates with younger professionals • The importance of consistency in content creation despite initial fears • How thought leadership creates opportunities for connecting with the A&D community • How the confidence gap holds back industry professionals from sharing their expertise • Build a content "time capsule" that serves both professional goals and personal legacy Connect with Adrian Leal on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and see his thought leadership content in action. Resources:  The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1501197274 Connect with Adrian Leal: Clarus - https://www.clarus.com/ Adrian & Co. - https://adrian-co.salesreach.io/main-page LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-leal-7a025862/Email - [email protected] The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Kari Anderson, of the Techbox Creative, joins Sid to dive into the complex world of technology in the office furniture industry, exploring challenges, solutions, and future trends that impact every aspect of the business. • Technology should make our work easier, but disconnected systems in the industry force duplicated efforts • Over 3,000 manufacturers use different software that doesn't "talk" to each other throughout the design-to-install process • The "Data Collective" initiative brings industry leaders together to create data standards for seamless integration • A "source of truth" (usually an ERP system) should feed accurate data to all platforms used across the industry • AI is being increasingly utilized for tasks from chatbots to documentation, but always needs "a human in the middle" • Every dealership and manufacturer should consider having a dedicated technology specialist on their team • Successful technology adoption requires not just the right tools but proper training and change management Connect with Kari: The Techbox Collective - https://techboxcollective.com/ UX&Kari - https://uxandkari.com/ Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxandkari/ The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text We are exploring the power of everyday innovation in business, looking at how small, thoughtful touches can transform customer experiences and create lasting value. Innovation creates new value by transforming ideas, methods, or products into impactful solutionsThe Magic Castle Hotel's "Popsicle Hotline" demonstrates how a simple idea can become a memorable signature experienceChick-fil-A's drive-thru innovations with tablets and dual lanes solved pandemic challenges while enhancing customer satisfactionIndustry innovations include WCS Web Configurator Studio's online product configuration and My Resource Library's mobile appFive-step innovation framework: observe and listen, ask bold questions, start small, gather feedback and refine, roll out broadlyLook for small frustrations that are often overlooked as starting points for innovationInnovation isn't just a project but a mindset that should become part of your business cultureCelebrating small and big victories builds momentum and creates a culture where team members naturally bring forward ideasI'd love to hear how you're creating innovation in your business and our industry. Go out there and make today great! The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Walter Craven created Kabin during lockdown to solve his desperate need for personal space, transforming a cardboard prototype into a revolutionary office product that gives users control over their environment. Kabin is not an acoustic pod but an experience-focused space where users face outward in a throne-like positionThe unique faceted design serves acoustic purposes for both users inside and colleagues outsideWalter's journey from Boston to San Francisco to London was driven by prioritizing family and working to live rather than living to workKabin faced major challenges with price point and assembly complexity that Walter overcame through innovative redesignKabin's built-in technology creates customizable moods through ambient soundscapes like rainfall or café noiseThe business is expanding from its UK success to the US market following strong demand and dealer interestWalter's entrepreneurial spirit comes from his parents who ran a successful Boston ironworks for 52 yearsTo learn more about Kabin, email Walter directly or check the website and LinkedIn information in our show notes. Resources: Walter’s parent’s small business story - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/walter-craven_heroes-americansmallbusiness-neighborhoodpeople-activity-7326900228656099328-rewY/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAD-2aYBMX7fERJNvkT2A2PbmurwVgk07uI Connect with Walter: Kabin - https://kabin.space/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kabin-space/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-craven/ Email - http://[email protected]/ The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Get ready for a different kind of episode. Rex Miller takes the mic and interviews Sid and three other industry veterans who have united to create The Collaborative Network. This is a game-changing initiative providing structured support programs for small furniture manufacturers. Listen as Rex asks the tough but relevant questions about how this group plans to address the unique challenges of over 3,400 small manufacturers who previously lacked dedicated resources for growth and development. Michelle Warren brings public sector expertise and small business advocacyJulie Dillon specializes in independent rep management and sales strategyErin Torres offers brand development and marketing strategy expertiseSid Meadows provides business advisory and coaching for small manufacturersTheir research identified five key challenges: market access, sales strategy, technology adoption, strategic planning gaps, and lack of communityThey've created three tailored programs for businesses at every level: CEO Peer Group, Emerging Business Incubator, and Sales Director Peer GroupThese programs are designed specifically for growth-minded leaders wanting to compete against larger manufacturersTheir vision: to be seen as trusted growth partners helping small businesses dominate Find The Collaborative Network at thecollaborative.network or connect with any of the team members on LinkedIn. Connect with: Michelle Warren: Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-warren-47a6888/ Julie Dillon: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-dillon-a3981911/ Erin Torres: LaLeona Marketing https://laleonamarketing.com/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-cadieux-torres/ The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Natalie Hartkopf, CEO of Hightower, shares her journey in the furniture industry and how this family-founded business evolved from importing European designs to creating their own award-winning Hightower Studio products while becoming a certified B Corporation. • Natalie started with Hightower around 2003, beginning in Seattle before moving to New York • They shifted from purely importing European designs to manufacturing upholstered pieces in North Carolina • Won Best of NeoCon recognition for their innovative Flote chair designed by their in-house design team • Became a certified B Corporation, looking holistically at governance, community impact, and employee welfare • They've implemented people-first initiatives including living wage commitments and 529 education savings contributions • They're transparent about how they're navigating the current issues with fluctuating tariffs • Focused on product discoverability to help specifiers find products that meet specific requirements • Working to improve existing products with end-of-life and sustainability considerations • Embraces AI tools to help team work more efficiently and provide better customer service • Advocates for greater diversity in industry leadership positions, particularly racial diversity Resources: The Trend Report Ep. 38 - Rest and Recovery of the Corporate Athlete with Kibibi Springs - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode38 Connect with Natalie: Hightower - https://hightower.design/ Flote - https://hightower.design/collections/flote Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehartkopf/ The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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 a text Ever wondered how to tap into specialized vertical markets that offer substantial growth opportunities? Sara Marberry, a healthcare and senior living design knowledge expert, shares explore the untapped potential these sectors hold for furniture dealers and manufacturers. Listen as she shares her story as well as: Healthcare environments contain diverse spaces including clinical areas, administrative offices, and lobbiesTelehealth is creating demand for acoustically private pods and technology-enabled furnitureSenior living communities span from independent living to skilled nursing with varying furniture needs$300 billion shortfall in senior living construction expected by 2030 creates renovation opportunitiesTerminology matters – these are "communities where people live" not "facilities where people are placed"Educate yourself through industry resources, continuing education, and attending healthcare conferences Connect with Sara: Sara Marberry LLC - https://www.saramarberry.com/ Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramarberry/ The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We’re stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The 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/