The Trend Report

Sid Meadows
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Welcome to The Trend Report, your inside look at the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  This podcast takes you behind the scenes of the office furniture industry and the broader interior design community. Hosted by industry veteran Sid Meadows, each episode dives deep into the conversations, trends, and strategies shaping the future of our industry.   From insightful interviews with industry innovators, brand builders, design leaders, CEOs, and changemakers to real-world discussions on workplace trends, sales strategies, and furniture design, The Trend Report delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to stay ahead. Whether it’s exploring how workplace design impacts the future of work, uncovering innovations in commercial furniture, or understanding the connection between real estate and design, this is your inside look at the ever-changing world of contract interiors.   If you’re an architect, interior designer, manufacturer, dealer, or simply passionate about the office furniture and design industry, this podcast is your trusted guide to what’s now and what’s next. To learn more, please visit https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

  1. Innovation at the Intersection of Workplace & Technology with Avanto

    1 DAY AGO

    Innovation at the Intersection of Workplace & Technology with Avanto

    Send us Fan Mail We talk with Avanto leaders Matt Danyliw and Leonardo Vargas about what “operationalised innovation” looks like when AI moves from talk to execution across the contract interiors ecosystem. We break down the shift from AI tools that only automate alerts to AI agents that take real action with humans reviewing results. Listen to learn: • What Avanto does and why the intersection of workplace, technology and data matters • The three outcomes they optimise for: reduced risk, reduced cost, increased efficiency • Serving the full ecosystem: manufacturers, dealers, rep groups, installers and global end users • Why transparency and order status visibility change the end user experience • Common industry blockers: resistance to change, fragmented systems, lack of operational clarity • What “the action layer” means and why it differs from systems of record like ERP and CRM • Practical rep group use cases: email triage, alternates, pricing support, commissions verification • Where small business leaders should start with AI: define the goal, then map the workflow References: Episode 55 - A Partnership Moving the Industry Forward with Matt Danyliw of Avanto - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode55 Connect with Matt: Avanto - https://www.goavanto.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-danyliw-6a8b24b/ Email - sales@goavanto.com Connect with Leo: Agentic Dream - https://www.agenticdream.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardovargas1/ 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/

    49 min
  2. 10 to Win: Savannah Bananas - The Courage to do Business Differently

    23 MAR

    10 to Win: Savannah Bananas - The Courage to do Business Differently

    Send us Fan Mail What would change in your business if you truly put your customers first? Sid explores how the Savannah Bananas used courage and a fans-first mindset to turn a failing team into a phenomenon, then map those lessons to customer experience in contract interiors. He shares ten focused takeaways that help you shift from tradition to memorable value. • sponsors who streamline operations and selling in contract interiors • courage as a practical leadership skill • fans first as customer first for our industry • reimagining rules to create delight • designing experiences over chasing efficiency • challenging tradition and fear of looking foolish • translating lessons to sales, service, and delivery • ten to win principles for action • a closing question that reframes your strategy If this episode made you think differently, I encourage you to pick up the book Fans First and challenge yourself to look at your business through the eyes of your customers and not your competitors References:  Fans First: Change The Game, Break the Rules & Create an Unforgettable Experience by Jesse Cole - https://www.amazon.com/Fans-First-Change-Unforgettable-Experience/dp/154452921X 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/

    9 min
  3. The Best Years of Workplace Design are Still Ahead with Todd Bracher of Humanscale

    16 MAR

    The Best Years of Workplace Design are Still Ahead with Todd Bracher of Humanscale

    Send a text Sid connects sustainability, design, and the future of work with Todd Bracher of Humanscale, tracing his craft-first roots in Europe to a clear framework: form follows function, and function follows context. They unpack the Path Chair’s net positive story, fast assembly, flat-pack efficiency, and what it means for the industry in the next decade. • how European craft cultures shape design choices • hands-on manufacturing lessons and material literacy • contextual design as user, environment and business fit • shortening development by front-loading research • Path chair goals, knit engineering and flat-pack logic • sourcing ocean-bound plastic and recycled aluminum • packaging density, freight impact and installation speed • why specialization beats the sea of sameness • furniture as a vehicle for integrated technology • letting real market feedback guide innovation You won't want to miss Todd's final piece of advice, so be sure to stick around until the end to hear his advice as we move into the future.  References: Design in Context: A Framework for Strategic Differentiation - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Context-Framework-Strategic-Differentiation/dp/B0D6GHVXWV Todd Bracher Observations, Research and Design - https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/products/observations-research-and-design?srsltid=AfmBOoqKbFyHrlW2kUal4G6KYQbnv_eurFQyrQrqcnbyhYXsZDpfTvMt Connect with Todd: Humanscale - https://www.humanscale.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopKNme5eJGTstvIHA0Tq-409jWgrWgT9_utoLv2iIC86M02fc4E Todd Bracher - https://toddbracher.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddbracher/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbracher/ 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/

    39 min
  4. Hot Takes with Amanda Schneider of ThinkLab

    9 MAR

    Hot Takes with Amanda Schneider of ThinkLab

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the new Trend Report segment called Hot Takes. Join Sid along with Amanda Schneider as they challenge the idea that our industry sells products and argue for outcomes, ease, and risk reduction as the real value. Along the way they share leadership advice, unlearning in the age of AI, a dress code debate, and the books shaping our thinking. • process innovation over product features • leadership that reduces friction and stress • why customers buy ease, certainty, and outcomes • industry dress codes and what they signal • books on AI, moral psychology, and fiction that broaden perspective References: *For links to the book recommendations do to https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode176 Connect with Amanda: Thinklab - https://thinklab.design/ Ted Talk - https://www.ted.com/speakers/amanda_schneider LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeanschneider/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/DURwYhDDb9k/ Design Nerds Anonymous Podcast - https://insights.thinklab.design/tag/design-nerds-anonymous Work for What's Next: Why Workplace Culture is Failing and How the Next Generation Can Fix It by Amanda Schneider - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/work-for-whats-next-amanda-schneider/1149016023 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/

    24 min
  5. Building Effective A&D Partnerships with Krystal Lucero

    2 MAR

    Building Effective A&D Partnerships with Krystal Lucero

    Send us Fan Mail Senior Interior Designer, Krystal Lucero, and Sid explore how to earn trust and build durable relationships between product sellers and the design community. From fast, accurate support to visible thought leadership and inclusive mentorship, the conversation maps a clear path to relevance for sellers and designers. • integrating work and life for sustainable energy • coaching lessons that sharpen patience and leadership • the power of mentors and long-game relationships • IIDA, representation, and scholarships that unlock access • practical access tips for sellers: research, relevance, response • tabletop tactics that attract attention without hard sells • thought leadership that keeps you top-of-mind • actionable advice for new reps to ask for help and learn • elevating diverse voices to strengthen the industry References: The Office Insights Magazine - https://officeinsight.com/ Connect with Krystal: Edwards Mulhausen - https://edwardsmulhausen.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystallucero/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/krystallucerorid/ 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/

    49 min
  6. 10 to Win: Fresh Start & Big Ideas

    23 FEB

    10 to Win: Fresh Start & Big Ideas

    Send us Fan Mail Sid explores why gratitude is a performance multiplier and how simple daily habits can raise trust, engagement, and results without adding more work. Learn four practical practices to balance high standards with real humanity and change how teams show up. He shares: • the research-backed link between gratitude, engagement, and burnout • why gratitude as a driver of psychological safety and performance • the myth that gratitude lowers standards • four practices: start your day, start meetings, recognize effort, pause before reacting • how to use specificity in praise to reinforce desired behaviors • gratitude as intention, not reinvention 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/

    12 min
  7. The AI Basics You Need in Your Business with Hunter Jensen

    16 FEB

    The AI Basics You Need in Your Business with Hunter Jensen

    Send us Fan Mail Hunter Jensen of Barefoot Solutions, and Sid unpack why AI is moving so fast and the important basics leaders skip during implementation and use: data quality, governance, and a focused strategy that targets real ROI.  Hunter shares practical use cases across support, HR, and sales, plus how to deploy secure, private LLMs with RAG for reliable answers from your own data. • Three Cs of data: clean, current, complete • Difference between generative AI and legacy machine learning • Strategy vs policy vs plan vs governance • Risks of public LLMs and data exposure • Practical use cases: documentation, support, HR, sales • RAG explained for secure document search • ROI modeling to pick a killer use case • Hunter’s pivot to product and Compass platform • Staying current with daily newsletters over books References: Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast Ep 410 -Is Your Team Putting Business Data at Risk with ChatGPT with Hunter Jensen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-your-team-putting-business-data-at-risk-with/id1506956667?i=1000727063525 The Rundown AI Newsletter - https://www.therundown.ai/ Connect with Hunter: Barefoot Solutions - https://www.barefootsolutions.com/ Barefoot Labs - https://www.barefootlabs.ai/ Email - hunter@barefootlabs.ai 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/

    43 min
  8. Hot Takes with Doug Shapiro

    9 FEB

    Hot Takes with Doug Shapiro

    Send us Fan Mail Join Doug Shapiro and Sid as they tackle the biggest sales and showroom challenges in the contract interiors industry — from outdated cold calling and bid-driven selling to training that fails to stick. Learn how leading teams are shifting to targeted outreach, story-led sales training, and micro-learning tools that support today’s mobile, fast-moving workforce. They explore application-based showrooms that simulate real workplace environments, smarter approaches to RFPs and pricing strategy, and how to move from pushing products to delivering workplace solutions. The key takeaway: ask better discovery questions, build trust faster, and sell outcomes that improve how people work — not just furniture and finishes. References: Use coupon code FIRSTIN at checkout to get 50% off your monthly membership at sidmeadows.com/community The Trend Report Ep. 151 - Love What You Do with Doug Shapiro - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode151 Connect with Doug: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/ JSI Furniture - https://www.jsifurniture.com/ Imagine a Place Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/imagine-a-place/id1506501256 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/

    22 min
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About

Welcome to The Trend Report, your inside look at the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  This podcast takes you behind the scenes of the office furniture industry and the broader interior design community. Hosted by industry veteran Sid Meadows, each episode dives deep into the conversations, trends, and strategies shaping the future of our industry.   From insightful interviews with industry innovators, brand builders, design leaders, CEOs, and changemakers to real-world discussions on workplace trends, sales strategies, and furniture design, The Trend Report delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to stay ahead. Whether it’s exploring how workplace design impacts the future of work, uncovering innovations in commercial furniture, or understanding the connection between real estate and design, this is your inside look at the ever-changing world of contract interiors.   If you’re an architect, interior designer, manufacturer, dealer, or simply passionate about the office furniture and design industry, this podcast is your trusted guide to what’s now and what’s next. To learn more, please visit https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Sid Meadows
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Trend Report
  • Show Website
    The Trend Report

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