Your firm’s site greets visitors long before a proposal or a handshake. In this episode of the PSM Show, co-hosts Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth sit down with content strategist and copywriter Ben Culbreath to unpack what your homepage is really saying—and why that message may be turning prospects or future hires away. Ben shares field-tested ways to move a reader from “nice photos” to “let’s talk,” beginning with a simple litmus test—searching for the word you—and a copy layout known as the F ...
Jul 04, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Executive presence might sound like a buzzword, but in this episode of the PSM Show, Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth get to the heart of what it really means. They break it down into practical, learnable elements: composure, communication, and appearance. Through honest conversation and real examples, they show how presence is not about being polished or loud—it’s about showing up with consistency, clarity, and intention. They explore how poise under pressure signals confidence, why language sha...
Jun 20, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 11
What does it take to lead with purpose, authenticity, and impact in the AEC industry? In this special episode of The PSM Show, co-host Damien Morris reflects on receiving the 2025 Leonardo Award from SMPS Los Angeles—a prestigious honor recognizing a career built on vision, creativity, and service. Joined by co-host Deirdre Booth, Damien shares the personal and professional milestones that shaped his leadership journey, the mentors who inspired him, and the importance of lifting others along the...
Jun 06, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 10
What does it take to move from marketing manager to CMO in the AEC industry? In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Haferbecker, founder of On Your Market Set Go, about the mindset shifts, strategic thinking, and evolving expectations that shape today’s marketing leaders. Jennifer shares how marketing teams can support firm growth, influence business decisions, and build internal alignment—especially during times of change. We also explore the rise of the fractional CMO model, the expanding role...
May 23, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 9
What if your biggest career breakthrough isn’t about a title or a checklist, but about learning to observe and adapt? In this episode, we talk with Joanna Kozłowski, strategist, coach, and founder of Resolute Consulting, about how to take charge of your own growth—even when no one’s handing you the playbook. Joanna shares what it means to become an anthropologist of your own career, how to decode workplace culture, and why marketers need to connect professional development to business outcomes. ...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Coaching a team for interviews is about more than polishing presentations. It is about protecting confidence, creating emotional safety, and helping people show up as the best version of themselves. In this episode, Deirdre Booth and Damien Morris dive into how to coach the coaches by training leaders to give feedback that grows people instead of tearing them down. They explore what it means to coach with empathy, how to time feedback for maximum impact, and how to adapt coaching styles to diffe...
Apr 25, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Let’s get real—shortlist interviews are high-pressure, high-stakes moments where everything you’ve built—your strategy, story, and team—comes down to one shot. In this episode, Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth unpack what it really takes to show up in the room and deliver. This isn’t a conversation about perfect slide decks or canned responses. It’s about the human side of the interview—the mindset, the chemistry, and the culture that drives real connection. From frameworks and firm culture to th...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode of The PSM Show, Deirdre Booth goes one-on-one with longtime friend and bold brand-builder Nicole Posten, founder and principal of On Point Architecture. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Nicole launched her firm while on maternity leave—baby on one hip, CAD drawings on the screen, and zero interest in playing it safe. Nicole brings the same energy to her marketing as she does to her design work: unapologetically real, fiercely professional, and refreshingly human. From naming her firm “On...
Mar 28, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. In this episode, Deirdre Booth sits down with Rachel Charlton, founder of Sticky Communications, to explore seven lessons she wished she had learned sooner in her AEC career. They break down the power of taking initiative, how to lead with purpose, and why understanding the why behind your work can shape both your career and workplace relationships. Rachel also shares how young professionals can navigate challenges like balancing ex...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Sticking to goals is easy when motivation is high—but what happens when that initial spark fades? In the third installment of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion explore how to stay connected to your goals by digging into the why behind them. They discuss the difference between setting goals for external validation versus personal fulfillment and how aligning with your deeper purpose leads to lasting progress. They also break down the role of self-awareness in navigating change and how e...
Feb 28, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In the second episode of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion rethink traditional success by shifting the focus from achievement to transformation. Instead of chasing goals for the sake of external recognition, they explore how goals should serve as stepping stones toward personal growth. They introduce the NICE goal framework as an alternative to traditional SMART goals, highlighting the importance of setting goals that align with personal values and long-term vision. Through personal st...
Jan 31, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 2
New year, fresh start? Maybe. But let’s face it: the pressure to set ambitious resolutions and overhaul your life on January 1st is overwhelming—and often counterproductive. In this episode, hosts Damion and Deirdre take a deep dive into the mindset shift we all need: moving from hustle culture to a life that’s fulfilling, intentional, and aligned with what truly matters. Drawing from their personal journeys, the hosts explore why societal expectations around goal-setting can lead to burnout and...
Jan 10, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 1
This episode marks the transition of longtime co-host Frank Lippert as he steps away to focus on his role as Director of Strategy at Delve Underground. For the past three years, Frank has been a trusted voice for candid, honest conversations about leadership, marketing, and the human side of professional services. His reflections on this journey offer valuable insights on authentic leadership, succession planning, and navigating change — themes that every professional can relate to. But as one c...
Dec 20, 2024•29 min
In this episode, Deirdre sits down with Uniqueka Walcott, a renowned writer and speaker, to discuss personal branding, career ownership, and workplace culture. Known as the "Billion Dollar Bid Writer," Uniqueka shares her journey of crafting a strong personal brand through strategic communications and offers insights from her experience to help individuals embrace authenticity and boost visibility. The conversation highlights pivotal career moments, emphasizing self-guidance and the importance o...
Oct 11, 2024•59 min
Cause Marketing is where A/E/C firms partner with non-profits to develop campaigns that do good things for the community, help the non-profit and their cause, and advance the brand and goodwill of the company investing in it. PSM Show cohost Frank Lippert talks to Jodi Sommers of Jodi Sommers Marketing and Megan Falkenstein of Sponsors, Inc. to learn more about what goes into doing great cause marketing—the kind of campaigns where everyone benefits and everyone wins. Jodi Sommers, CPSM, Jodi Som...
Aug 16, 2024•40 min
Frank sits down with Laurie Lumish, Principal and Director of Marketing and Business Development at Degenkolb Engineers, and CFO Maury Ballif to explore the secrets of building a strong working relationship that sets a new industry standard. In this engaging conversation, you'll gain practical advice on enhancing your role within the company, developing empathy, mutual understanding, and fostering seamless collaboration between marketing and finance teams. Laurie and Maury address common challen...
Jun 21, 2024•41 min
Frank and Deirdre share their insights on making the most out of your professional conference experience. They discuss strategic networking, setting realistic expectations, and engaging effectively with speakers. You'll also learn about the importance of taking notes and adhering to proper conference etiquette, especially during the final keynote session. Whether you're new to conferences or a seasoned pro, this episode is filled with valuable tips to enhance your participation and takeaway. Mus...
May 24, 2024•36 min
Coffman Engineers is known for having some of the most talented, long-standing, happy marketers in A|E|C. And Chad Heimbigner, COO, and Board Director, is part of the reason why. From his heartfelt servant leadership to collaborative partnerships to lifelong learning, Chad embodies the best traits of a strong technical leader who stands by the team. Deirdre, Kate, and Chad talk about what makes a leader advocate and how to build an intentional, positive marketing/BD/leadership culture. Coffman E...
May 03, 2024•38 min
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self? Deirdre Booth and Kate Robinette swap professional and personal advice in this fireside chat. If you have advice to share, please post to our social media pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram #psmshow! Resources: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, by Emily and Amelia Nagoski (available on Amazon.) First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently, by Marcus Buckingham (av...
Apr 19, 2024•26 min
Two theater kids walk into an AEC firm… Kathryn Ness visits Kayla McCause from Dragonfly AEC and Kate Robinette of GO Strategies about how they apply their performing arts training and experiences to their work in marketing and business development. These three get serious about play and the transferable skills of unusual backgrounds. Enter, stage right. Kayla has a background in theater and worked in corporate marketing, giving her an appreciation of both the art and analytics behind effective ...
Apr 05, 2024•47 min
**Recorded live at the 2024 SMPS Pacific Regional Conference in Portland, Oregon** Ryn (Kathryn) Bennett, MPH, is a non-binary 40 under 40 award winner, world-record-holding strongman competitor, celebrated TEDx and Ignite speaker, and advocate for developing mental toughness. They are the author of Productive Pain, a personal memoir and inspirational guide. With a background in social and behavioral health and process improvement, Ryn's professional career spans industries including tech, healt...
Mar 25, 2024•49 min
You've heard of common sense and street sense. Get ready for farm sense, as doled out by SMPS Weld Cox awardee, Donna Corlew, FSMPS, CPSM. Learn how this self-described farm girl got her start, what she sees as the biggest changes in AEC marketing and BD, and what today's marketers can do for themselves to get ahead. Deirdre and Donna bless all the hearts in this uplifting look at our craft. A native Tennessean, Donna Corlew’s roots run deep in Southern hospitality, a culture of giving, and an a...
Mar 08, 2024•55 min
In today’s episode, we have a case study on authentic and intentional leadership. Frank and Deirdre talk with Justin Conger, of Conger Construction, about leadership, decision making, culture, brand, and how marketing impacts a firm. At the helm of Conger Construction Group, Justin Conger stands as a paragon of transformative leadership. His distinct approach, grounded in the principles of servant leadership, has been the compass guiding the company’s ascent in the construction sector. With the ...
Feb 23, 2024•47 min
Ever wonder what it takes to be a leader? Deirdre and Kathryn explore what leadership means, how to become a leader, and what it takes to go beyond a title to truly lead. They also look behind the curtain on how leadership decisions are made. They bring their education, personal experiences, and practical tips to unlock the secrets of good leadership. As a partner in GO Strategies, Kathryn brings an energy and vitality to the team that significantly promotes the mission of “making everything abo...
Feb 09, 2024•39 min
What if your project summaries could proactively win work for you? Leslie Blaize, CPSM, is a case study specialist. She's sharing the secrets to making a compelling case study document that speaks to your company, your client, and prospective clients with her 1 case study = 3 wins techniques. Resources: American Writers and Artists Institute - https://www.awai.com/ Casey Hibbard - https://www.compelling-cases.com/ SMPS Pacific Regional Conference - https://smps-prc.org/ Connect with Leslie Blaiz...
Jan 26, 2024•34 min
Did you resolve to be better organized or have better follow-through in 2024? Frank and Kate share their tips for staying on top of email, scheduling, and to do items in practical, low key ways. Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com
Jan 12, 2024•50 min
As another year comes to a close, Deirdre and Frank recap highlights of 2023 and expectations for 2024. It's a meaningful look at their professional and personal journeys. There's a little arm-chair market forecasting, a little lessons learned, and a lot of fun in this episode. Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com
Dec 29, 2023•36 min
This is part two of a two-part series on interviews and interview coaching. Professional services marketers work with a team to position for a big pursuit, write a killer proposal and get shortlisted to interview. It’s the last step in the process to winning the pursuit… and, honestly, it can be a lot of fun and/or a lot of work. There are multiple personas involved, lots of moving parts, and lots of pressure. Deirdre Booth and Kathryn Ness are interviewed by Frank Lippert to help marketers set ...
Dec 15, 2023•38 min
This is part one of a two-part series on interviews and interview coaching. Professional services marketers work with a team to position for a big pursuit, write a killer proposal and get shortlisted to interview. It’s the last step in the process to winning the pursuit… and, honestly, it can be a lot of fun and/or a lot of work. There are multiple personas involved, lots of moving parts, and lots of pressure. Deirdre Booth and Kathryn Ness are interviewed by Frank Lippert to help marketers set ...
Dec 01, 2023•49 min
Not sure what retirement holds for you? Or maybe you know someone that's just a little uncertain about what's next for them as they retire from professional services marketing? This podcast is for you. Frank talks to his friend and mentor, Laurin McCracken, who went from professional services marketing legend to one the top watercolor painters in the world in his retirement. This is a fun conversation about figuring out what to do in retirement, how to find fulfillment, and how to put your best ...
Nov 17, 2023•43 min
