Advertise on podcast: The Shortlist

Are you ready to celebrate? A well-executed anniversary campaign isn't just about looking back, it's about celebrating your success and reinforcing your relevance in the present. In this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons, Lauren Jane Peterson, and Grace Takehara dive into how AEC firms can leverage anniversary campaigns with intention and foresight. This episode explores the strategic value of commemorating firm milestones—whether it’s 5 or 50 years—and transforming celebrations into high-visibility marketing engines. The MO6 team breaks down the entire process, from early-stage strategy and messaging to best practices for asset creation and thoughtful execution. Whether you're planning the announcement of exciting new leadership or kicking off a centennial celebration, this episode will inspire fresh ways to make your firm's story resonate. Listen in and turn your next milestone into a marketing advantage. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

Welcome to the very first minisode of The Short(er) List, our new spinoff series where Shortlist favorite Becky Ellison takes all the too‑silly, too‑real, too-extra conversations that don’t fit in the regular Shortlist episodes, and serves them up in bite-sized podcast treats. In this introductory minisode, Becky chats with Wendy Simmons, Middle of Six founder and host of The Shortlist (plus our modest but heroic producer Kyle Davis) about everything from TV confessions, to podcast addictions and soothing end of day affirmations. We also manage to reflect on creativity, leadership, trust, and what it means to work with a team full of “weird little pirates” sailing a surprisingly successful ship.  If you want to laugh, feel seen, or just hang out with your favorite Middle of Sixers for a few minutes, tune in – you’ll feel like you’re sitting at the lunch table with the chillest and funnest AEC marketers in the game.

Season 5 of The Shortlist kicks off with a fan-favorite: InDesign Rumble (Part 2). Wendy Simmons, Becky Ellison, and Lauren Jane Peterson continue their spirited conversation on how AEC marketers actually use Adobe InDesign, workarounds and all. This episode explores how even seasoned designers evolve their skills in a tool most learned on the fly. The MO6 team dives into efficiency-boosters like automation, AI features, data merge, CC Libraries, and paragraph styles. They also call out "common pitfalls" found in inherited files, from hand-built tables to overbuilt parent pages, and discuss when a quick workaround becomes a project liability. The takeaway? There’s rarely one "right" way to work. Whether you’re an InDesign expert or a self-proclaimed "level 6," this episode will spark new ideas to streamline your next pursuit. Listen in to unlock major gains in efficiency and clarity. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4

Before you kick off your next website project, take a beat—because there’s a lot you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother, more strategic, and ultimately more successful. To wrap up Season 4 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Kyle Davis and Lauren Jane Peterson to break down the things you should tackle before your website project officially begins. They walk through practical steps like confirming your Google Analytics setup, gathering project descriptions and photos, and doing a little web-stalking of sites you admire. Plus, they emphasize the importance of aligning your brand messaging and having up-to-date photography, bios, and team headshots on hand before you dive into the actual website build. Whether you’re just dreaming about a new website or have your kick-off on the schedule, these tips will help you plan more effectively, streamline content collection, and get stakeholder buy-in. Trust us, your future self will thank you for the prep work. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

In this episode of The Shortlist, we’re spotlighting the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and all the value it brings to AEC marketers. Host Wendy Simmons is joined by Senior Marketing Strategists Grace Takehara and Katy Byers for a fun and reflective conversation about how to get the most out of SMPS, regardless if you’re a long-time member or just SMPS-curious. Grace and Katy swap stories about how they found SMPS, the connections they’ve made, and the professional growth that’s come along the way. From practical tips on easing into your first event, to favorite memories from SMPS conferences, they share their suggestions for getting involved. SMPS offers countless ways to build your network, gain leadership experience, and grow your career—from roundtables and education sessions to national conferences and casual socials. This episode is full of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your membership and feel confident stepping into new opportunities.

Award season can sneak up fast, but with the right planning, your next submittal doesn’t have to be a scramble. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons chats with Julie Flattery and Lauren Jane Peterson, two experienced AEC marketers who have led dozens of award submissions from inside architecture firms. They break down what makes a submission truly compelling, starting with early planning and thoughtful project selection. From evaluating ROI to capturing project data before it disappears, the best submittals start long before the deadline. Julie and Lauren Jane also share practical advice on quantifying impact, crafting standout narratives, and aligning content with what jurors care most about, including innovation, sustainability, and community value. Whether you’re chasing an AIA award or crafting a marketing win, this episode is your roadmap for award submittal success—without the last-minute chaos. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

Expanding into a new geographic market can be an exciting growth opportunity—but it’s not without risk. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons is joined by principal Melissa Richey and associate principal (and first-time guest!) Julie Flattery to talk about what it really takes to open a new office or grow your firm’s presence in a new region. Together, they explore common drivers of expansion—like client demand, economic diversification, or key staff relocations—and share real-world stories from their time working in-house at AEC firms. The conversation includes practical tips on conducting research, aligning internal teams, building awareness, and setting realistic timelines. Whether you're helping lead the charge or supporting the strategy, this episode offers insights to guide your next move—and a reminder that marketing should be part of the conversation from day one. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

With selection committees tasked with reviewing eight, nine, or even a dozen proposals at a time, it takes more than polished boilerplate for an AEC firm to stand out. Sometimes the winning move is a bold, experimental, and 100% client-focused approach that not only shows off your qualifications but also your team's enthusiasm and understanding of the project.  In this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons sits down with Melissa Richey and Becky Ellison to explore what it really means to "push the boundaries" in AEC pursuits. Armed with more stories than we could fit into one episode, these proposal pros share standout examples of teams that went all-in with bespoke themes, creative leave-behinds, and connection-building interview tactics. And because time, budget, and resources are always a factor, the conversation also dives into when to go fully "HAM" and how to weigh risk versus reward. For marketers and business developers who might be hesitant to try something different, the Middle of Six team offers practical tips and a reminder that a little boldness and ingenuity can go a long way.  CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4

With over 1 billion users worldwide and 67 million company profiles listed, LinkedIn remains an important platform for marketing, recruiting, and brand building. In Episode 70 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Melissa Richey and Grace Takehara to discuss strategies for using LinkedIn on both individual and company levels—from keeping up with industry happenings, and sharing thought leadership, to selection committee research, and team recruiting. They also dive into lesser-used LinkedIn tools, like creating a QR code for quick connections, using the name pronunciation feature, featuring posts for visibility, and personalizing your URL. Whether you're newer to LinkedIn or looking to maximize social media ROI, this episode is full of practical tips to help you maximize your presence on the platform. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

Storytelling isn’t just for novelists—it’s the secret weapon for AEC marketers too! On this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons teams up with the creative minds of Becky Ellison and Kyle Davis to talk about crafting stories that grab attention and build real connections. They explore what makes a strong story—clear exposition, conflict, and resolution—and how those fundamentals help proposals and social media content truly stand out.  Becky shares her philosophy on creative brainstorming, why it’s important to protect “no bad ideas” and how to edit content with a Marie Kondo mindset: only keep what sparks joy. Becky and Kyle also discuss when and how to integrate graphics and images to enrich your story and engage audiences more authentically. No matter if you’re refining a proposal or crafting a social post, this conversation offers practical tips to make your firm and its people stand out through better, more effective storytelling. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

We're shaking things up with a special "book review" episode of The Shortlist! This week, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Susan O'Leary, Lauren Jane Peterson, and Grace Takehara to explore insights from three influential reads that can inspire AEC marketers.  Grace reviews Conquer Your Rebrand by Bill Kenney of Focus Labs, offering strategies to build strong, enviable B2B brands. Susan shares key takeaways from Seth Godin’s This is Marketing, focusing on authentic connection and purposeful messaging. Lauren Jane discusses Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the creative process. If you're looking to boost your creativity, sharpen your marketing strategy, or rethink your firm's brand identity, this episode is your CliffNotes for some Middle of Six-recommended reads. CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

In AEC marketing, design makes in an impact on so many of our day-to-day marketing initiatives. Proposals, websites, social media, brochures, signage, email signatures, presentations—the list goes on and on. On top of that, each medium and message may utilize a whole host of visual elements such as color, layout, typography, form, space, imagery, and more. With so much design and so many applications, how can we make sure our deliverables are engaging and resonant? Enter design psychology. On this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons talks with Middle of Six's Graphic Designers, Lauren Jane Peterson and Becky Ellison, to explore how design can inspire and influence emotion, perception, behavior, and experience. They discuss how the psychology of design can help us all make more informed decisions around details and aesthetics, explore different possibilities and approaches, and offer a few tips on how to be a more empathetic and effective designer.  CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 1

Adobe InDesign is a must-have tool for AEC marketers, but let’s be honest—many of us honed our proposal design skills on the job, often under a deadline. Even experienced users sometimes wonder: Am I using the best approach?  In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons sits down with some of Middle of Six's InDesign "power users" Allison Tivnon, Becky Ellison, and Lauren Jane Peterson to explore the many ways designers approach InDesign for proposals and marketing collateral.  From file setup and text layout to graphics and formatting, every designer has their own techniques—but is there really a "right" way? The discussion covers key differences in workflow, including parent pages, grids, pagination, text styling, and shortcuts. They also rumble over linking vs. embedding graphics, managing color palettes, table styles, and columns vs. threaded text.  With so many ways to get the job done, sharing insights can lead to game-changing discoveries. Whether you're a meticulous organizer or a creative risk-taker, this episode will challenge the way you think about design workflows.  CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4 

A frequent debate for AEC Marketers is the classic “chicken or the egg” question: which comes first—design or content? In Episode 65 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Six’s Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison and Marketing Strategist Kyle Davis to explore both sides of the discussion. Should content shape the design, ensuring a clear and structured message? Or should design lead the way, providing a framework for content to fit into?  This ongoing debate plays out in marketing teams every day, influencing how proposals, presentations, and branding materials come to life. Wendy, Becky, and Kyle share their insights, experiences, and practical approaches for tackling this challenge. Whether you're a designer, writer, or marketer, this conversation offers insightful takeaways through a heated and humorous discussion that just might help you solve this age-old dilemma!  CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2 

In Episode 64 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Melissa Richey and Becky Ellison for a candid and comical discussion on proposal submission confessions.  Harkening back to Episode 46, Night of the Living Deadline, this conversation dives into the best, worst, and wildest submission experiences—crazy requests, impossible demands, and unpredictable personalities. From horror stories to hard-learned lessons, it’s all on the table.  Whether you’re managing a team or balancing company goals, workplace stress is inevitable—especially in a high-stakes industry with relentless deadlines. The pressure to succeed can take a serious toll, but by sharing our struggles, we can find camaraderie and maybe even some laughter along the way.  CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4