Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Design Mentor and Coach
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Design
  • Updated Weekly

A show for the curious creatives who want to learn what it takes to become an interior designer. Welcome to the Design Curious podcast! Each week, you'll learn practical skills every designer needs to develop regardless of whether you want to work for yourself or someone else. You'll learn secrets from professional interior designers to help you avoid costly mistakes & regrets. You'll be encouraged & empowered to overcome your fears of change, failure & money. With my 20 yrs of experience, I'll help you on the RIGHT WAY to get started. Discover if interior design is the career for you!

  1. 2d ago

    201 | The Role of Decluttering and Home Organization in Interior Design With Lisa Woodruff

    Interior designers naturally focus on aesthetics, layouts, furnishings, and creating spaces that feel beautiful. But what happens when a client's home is filled with clutter, unfinished systems, and daily chaos that no amount of beautiful design can solve? The reality is that even the most stunning space will struggle to function if the foundation of organization isn't in place first. In this episode, I sit down with professional organizer and Organize 365 founder Lisa Woodruff to discuss the critical relationship between organization and interior design. Lisa shares why decluttering and creating household systems should happen before design decisions are made, how mental clutter impacts wellness, and why understanding a homeowner's real-life habits is essential to creating spaces that truly serve them. If you've ever wondered how to design homes that work as beautifully as they look, this conversation will completely change the way you approach your projects. Featured Guest Lisa Woodruff is the founder and CEO of Organize 365, a company dedicated to helping individuals reduce overwhelm, eliminate mental clutter, and create productive household systems. A former teacher turned professional organizer, Lisa has spent more than a decade developing practical solutions for household management, productivity, and organization. She is the host of the highly successful Organize 365 Podcast, which has accumulated more than 24 million downloads, and the author of Escaping Quicksand: 10 Steps to Overcome the Overwhelm of Modern Life. Through her programs, courses, and coaching, Lisa helps people create organized homes and lives that support their goals and well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why organization must happen before design decisions ✳️ How mental clutter affects daily productivity ✳️ Systems that simplify household management ✳️ Creating homes that support real-life habits ✳️ Balancing beauty, function, and family life Read the Blog >>> Designing Homes That Fit Real Life NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:25 Lisa Woodruff's Journey into Professional Organizing 5:01 Challenges of Starting a Profitable Organizing Business 7:34 Balancing Household Management and Career 10:07 The Importance of Systems in Home Organization 12:20 What Interior Designers Should Understand About Organization 15:15 Practical Tips for Effective Home Organization 17:45 Empty Space, Storage, and Household Clutter 22:32 Letting Go of Perfectionism at Home 25:14 Wellness, Mental Clutter, and Digital Overload 28:43 The Sunday Basket System Explained 29:15 Quarterly Planning for Household Management 31:27 Inside Organize 365 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeTimestamps

    201 | The Role of Decluttering and Home Organization in Interior Design With Lisa Woodruff

  2. Jul 20

    200 | 4 Secrets to Creating a Strong Employer–Employee Relationship in Interior Design Firms With Lillian Janik

    What is it really like to work for an interior designer? And just as importantly, what does it take to build a healthy, balanced employee-employer relationship that lasts? As I celebrate 200 episodes of Design Curious, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share a candid conversation with someone who knows my business better than almost anyone—my employee, Lillian Janik. Lilly has worked alongside me for eight years, and together we've navigated everything from residential interior design projects and company growth to mentorship programs, commercial work, and the everyday realities of running a creative business. If you're an aspiring interior designer wondering whether you should work for a design firm or start your own business, this episode offers valuable insight into the employee-employer relationship. We talk about communication, company culture, leadership, career growth, and the mindset shifts that come with being part of a design team. We also have some fun along the way. Lily turns the tables and interviews me, asking questions about work-life balance, design trends, my personal style journey, and how I manage everything from mentoring designers to running the Sacramento Design Business Community. You'll even get a peek at my love of Art Deco architecture, my obsession with historical plaques, our mission to identify the names of Sacramento alleyways, and how a simple wardrobe redesign became its own creative project. Whether you're building a creative career, growing a design business, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of working in interior design, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest reflections. Featured Guest Lillian "Lilly" Janik brings a thoughtful eye, calm presence, and strong design sensibility to the Rebecca Ward Design team. She is a graduate of CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Lillian first joined the studio as an intern during her final semester and quickly became an essential part of the team. Today, as an Associate Designer, she supports projects through design development, sourcing, documentation, and the many details that help each home feel cohesive and complete. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Employee versus entrepreneur mindset differences ✳️ Building strong workplace communication and trust ✳️ Creating a positive company culture in design firms ✳️ Work-life balance strategies for busy creatives ✳️ Finding community through mentorship and networking Read the Blog >>> Secrets to Creating a Strong Employer–Employee Relationship in Interior Design Firms NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co ⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Celebrating 200 Podcast Episodes 3:15 Updates After 100 episodes 7:14 Lilly’s Expectations as a New Employee 11:10 Employee vs Entrepreneur Mindset Differences 16:20 Communication and Company Culture Lessons 19:49 Understanding Your Role Within a Design Firm 23:29 Q&A: The Rewards and Challenges of Being A Boss 26:25 Q&A: Art Deco and Emerging Interior Design Trends 29:22 Q&A: Design Leaders Collective and SDBC 34:37 Work-Life Balance Strategies 40:28 Rebecca’s Personal Style Transformation

    200 | 4 Secrets to Creating a Strong Employer–Employee Relationship in Interior Design Firms With Lillian Janik

  3. Jul 13

    199 | How to Curate Meaningful Artwork for Your Interior Design Projects With Sarah Hurt of Seattle Art Source

    Have you ever completed a beautiful interior design project, only to reach the final stage and realize the walls still feel unfinished because the art hasn’t been selected yet? Many designers focus heavily on furniture, finishes, textiles, and architectural details, but art often becomes something clients think about at the very end. In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hurt, founder of Seattle Art Source, to talk about how interior designers can confidently integrate art into their projects, collaborate with local artists, and create more meaningful spaces for their clients. Sarah shares practical advice on art curation, working with an art advisor, selecting pieces that complement a design vision, and helping clients discover artwork they truly connect with. Whether you are a new designer building your creative career or an experienced designer looking to elevate your client experience, this conversation will help you rethink the role art plays in creating complete, intentional interiors. Featured Guest Sarah Hurt is the founder of Seattle Art Source, a company dedicated to connecting interior designers, clients, and local artists through meaningful art experiences. After starting Seattle Art Source as a second career, Sarah built a bridge between artists and buyers by helping designers curate artwork that enhances everyday life. She works with designers on residential and commercial projects, offering art sourcing, commissions, installations, and advisory support. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why art belongs in the initial design package ✳️ How to confidently curate art selections ✳️ Ways to collaborate with local artists ✳️ How to manage client art preferences ✳️ Building stronger design relationships through art Read the Blog >>> How to Integrate Art Into the Interior Design Process NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:49 Sarah Hurt's Journey into the Art Industry 6:34 How Seattle Art Source Works 8:59 Integrating Art into the Design Process 10:31 Making Art Approachable for Clients 14:23 Handling Client Art Preferences 19:10 Renting Art for Photography 21:21 Building Confidence in Art Selection

    199 | How to Curate Meaningful Artwork for Your Interior Design Projects With Sarah Hurt of Seattle Art Source

  4. Jul 6

    198 | 4 Ways Interior Designers Can Build a Simpler, Scalable Business With Sallie Ogden

    Are you working harder, taking on more projects, and increasing your revenue—but still wondering where the profit is going? Many creative entrepreneurs start their interior design business because they love the work, but over time, they find themselves overwhelmed by the administrative side, unpredictable income, and the pressure to constantly create more. In this episode, I’m joined by business strategist Sallie Ogden, founder of Brimm and creator of Brimm Capital, to talk about why more revenue does not always equal more freedom. Sallie shares how shifting your focus from chasing revenue growth to building predictable profit can completely transform the way you run your business. If you want to simplify your interior design business, create stronger business systems, improve operational efficiency, and build a clear plan for long-term profitability, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach scaling. Sallie breaks down why intentional planning, smart automation, AI tools, and niching down can help you grow a sustainable creative career without burning yourself out. Featured Guest Sallie Ogden is a business strategist, founder of Brimm, and creator of Brimm Capital, a framework designed to help female entrepreneurs build real profit—not just revenue. After scaling her own company to multiple seven figures and experiencing the challenges of unsustainable growth, Sallie became focused on helping business owners create smarter systems, predictable profit, and sustainable growth. Through consulting and coaching, she helps entrepreneurs simplify sales, improve operations, leverage AI tools, and build businesses that protect their time while creating wealth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why profit matters more than revenue growth ✳️ How to build scalable business systems ✳️ Ways AI tools simplify daily operations ✳️ Why niching down creates business growth ✳️ How to create predictable profit plans Read the Blog >>> 4 Ways to Simplify Your Interior Design Business and Create More Profit NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:09 From Corporate Law to Founding Her Own Business 5:58 Shift from Chasing Revenue to Protecting Profit 8:02 Brimm Capital’s Profitability Framework 10:04 The Five Pillars of Business Systems 11:19 How Interior Designers Can Use AI 17:34 AI Tool Recommendation for Interior Designers 22:34 Mistakes to Avoid When Scaling a Business 26:48 The Power of Niching Down

    198 | 4 Ways Interior Designers Can Build a Simpler, Scalable Business With Sallie Ogden

  5. Jun 29

    197 | How to Build a Strong Interior Design Business Foundation from Day One

    Are you struggling to decide where to spend your time, energy, and money as you build your interior design business? I got you! One of the biggest challenges I see aspiring and emerging designers face is knowing when—and how—to invest in themselves and their business. Many creatives hesitate to spend money on education, systems, coaching, legal support, or professional expertise because it feels risky. But what if not investing is actually costing you more? As interior designers, we regularly ask clients to trust our expertise. We encourage them to invest in professional guidance because we know it saves them time, prevents costly mistakes, and helps them achieve a better outcome. The same principle applies to building a successful design business. If you want clients to value your expertise, you must learn to value expertise yourself. In this episode, I explore the investment mindset that separates hobbyists from serious professionals. I share why adopting a CEO mindset, making intentional investments, and planning for business growth can help you avoid burnout, build client trust, create stronger business systems, and ultimately develop the career and business you've always wanted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why an investment mindset fuels long-term business growth ✔️ How time investment builds your business foundation early ✔️ Questions to ask before every strategic business investment ✔️ Why NOT investing often costs more long-term ✔️ How professional expertise scales as your business grows Read the Blog >>> Building a Strong Interior Design Business Foundation Through Intentional Investment NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the Summer '26 Launch Your Business Bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and lock in the lower rate Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this FREE webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to Investment Mindset 4:18 Investing Throughout Every Career Stage 8:55 Investing Time Before Investing Money 10:40 Questions to Evaluate Business Investments 12:53 Making Decisions Using Data, Not Emotions 14:05 Why Hiring Experts Accelerates Growth 17:19 The Hidden Costs of Underinvesting 19:30 Developing the CEO Mindset for Success 21:31 Final Call for Summer Boot Camp and Pricing Reminder

    197 | How to Build a Strong Interior Design Business Foundation from Day One

  6. Jun 22

    196 | Cash Flow Management for Interior Designers With Finance Expert Carla Titus

    If you've ever found yourself staring at your bank account hoping the number magically went up overnight, or waiting until December to figure out what — if anything — you get to pay yourself this year, this episode is going to feel like a direct message just for you. So many of the designers I work with are talented, passionate, and completely in the dark about the financial side of their business. And here's the thing: that's not a character flaw. It's an education gap. But it is your responsibility to close it — and that's exactly what today's conversation is all about. In this episode, I sit down with Carla Titus, a fractional CFO and financial consultant with over 17 years of experience in corporate financial planning and business strategy. Carla breaks down the practical financial planning strategies every interior designer needs, from simple two-week cash flow forecasting to building financial reserves, paying yourself consistently, and knowing exactly when it's time to bring in a fractional CFO. Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, this conversation will shift the way you think about money in your business — and give you real tools to move forward with confidence and financial stability. Featured Guest Carla Titus is a finance expert with more than 17 years of experience in corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business operations. As the founder of Wealth & Worth Within, she provides Fractional CFO services, financial consulting, bookkeeping support, and strategic financial planning for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses profitably. Carla's mission is to help business owners achieve financial clarity, improve cash flow, and make confident decisions that support sustainable growth and long-term success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why cash flow is your business's oxygen ✳️ Simple two-week cash flow planning strategies ✳️ How to build financial reserves without overwhelm ✳️ When to hire a fractional CFO ✳️ How to pay yourself consistently and intentionally Read the Blog >>> Cash Flow Management for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! June 24 FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join the Summer '26 Launch Your Business Bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and lock in the lower rate Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 5:43 Cash Flow Explained 7:19 Practical Processes for Maintaining Healthy Cash Flow 10:18 Building Cash Reserves and the “Buckets” System 11:23 When to Consider Hiring a Fractional CFO 13:37 Strategy-First, Numbers-Second Approach to Business Growth 15:14 Common Money Mindset Challenges Business Owners Face 17:38 The “Hoarder” vs. “Spender” Business Owner Spectrum 19:34 How to Create a Habit of Paying Yourself 21:45 About Wealth and Worth Within: The Story and Services 24:01 The Best Time to Seek Fractional CFO Services

    196 | Cash Flow Management for Interior Designers With Finance Expert Carla Titus

  7. Jun 15

    195 | "Can I Really Do This?" 4 Real-Life Questions About Starting an Interior Design Business

    Have you been dreaming about starting an interior design career, but keep telling yourself you'll start when the time is right? Maybe you’re balancing a full-time job, raising kids, managing a household, or simply trying to figure out if you’re talented enough to make a creative career shift. I'm here to tell you something important: that perfect season is never coming. And the longer you wait for it, the longer you stay stuck in a career that isn't feeding your soul. In this episode, I’m answering the real-life questions aspiring interior designers ask before making a career change. Questions like: Can I build an interior design business while working another job? Can I start a creative career while raising kids? How much time do I realistically need to invest each week? These are practical concerns, and they deserve honest answers. Whether you’re pursuing interior design as a career shift, launching your first design business, or exploring a more flexible creative lifestyle, this episode will help you understand how to move forward with confidence, professionalism, and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to balance interior design alongside your current job ✔️ Starting a design business while raising your children ✔️ How many weekly hours do you realistically need ✔️ Why intentionality beats hustle culture every time ✔️ How structure actually creates more flexibility in your business Read the Blog >>> 4 Real-Life Questions About Starting an Interior Design Business NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join the Summer '26 Launch Your Business Bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and lock in the lower rate Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Q&A on Starting a Career or Business in Interior Design 5:19 Can You Start a Design Business While Working Another Job? 11:00 Can You Start a Business While Raising Kids? 15:57 How Much Time Do You Really Need to Get Started? 21:00 How Flexible Is Interior Design as a Career? 24:30 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start

    195 | "Can I Really Do This?" 4 Real-Life Questions About Starting an Interior Design Business

  8. Jun 8

    194 | Building Your Interior Design Website? Essential Website Lessons From Robyn White

    If you’re an aspiring interior designer or you’re still in the early stages of building your business, chances are you’ve asked yourself questions like: Do I really need a professional website yet? Should I invest in custom website design? Or can I just use a template for now? I hear these questions constantly from designers inside my programs, especially when they’re trying to balance launching their business with managing their budget wisely. And honestly? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options — WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, SEO, branding, copywriting, templates, custom builds… suddenly creating a website feels harder than designing a room. That’s exactly why I invited website designer Robyn White back onto the podcast. In this episode, we unpack what interior designers actually need when it comes to website design, how to know the right level of investment for your stage of business, and what questions to ask before hiring a website designer. We also talk about minimum viable product websites, brand strategy, portfolio photos, AI renderings, website maintenance, and why perfectionism may be holding you back from getting clients. Featured Guest Robyn White is the founder of RDW Design Studio, where she combines luxury market insight with strategic website design for interior designers. With a background working at one of the world’s most prestigious art galleries, Robyn brings a rare blend of strategy, aesthetics, and high-end client understanding to every project. She specializes in helping interior designers elevate their online presence through thoughtful brand strategy, SEO-conscious website design, and customized digital experiences that attract aligned clients and opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ When to invest in custom website design ✳️ Questions to ask website designers before hiring ✳️ Templates versus custom websites for beginners ✳️ Website platforms: WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace ✳️ Building a portfolio without completed client projects Read the Blog >>> Essential Website Lessons Before Building Your Interior Design Website NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠  Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 4:02 Questions to Ask a Website Designer 8:59 SEO, Copywriting, and Branding Explained 11:13 Website Designer vs. Branding Specialist 15:12 Templates vs. Custom Websites 19:52 Minimum Viable Product Websites 22:00 Building a Portfolio Without Client Projects 25:51 On Using Stock Photos 27:01 AI Renderings for Interior Designers 28:25 How to Choose the Right Website Designer 31:12 Website Maintenance After Launch

    194 | Building Your Interior Design Website? Essential Website Lessons From Robyn White
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About

A show for the curious creatives who want to learn what it takes to become an interior designer. Welcome to the Design Curious podcast! Each week, you'll learn practical skills every designer needs to develop regardless of whether you want to work for yourself or someone else. You'll learn secrets from professional interior designers to help you avoid costly mistakes & regrets. You'll be encouraged & empowered to overcome your fears of change, failure & money. With my 20 yrs of experience, I'll help you on the RIGHT WAY to get started. Discover if interior design is the career for you!

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