Design Nerds Anonymous

ThinkLab and SURROUND
  • 4.9 (64)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Design Nerds Anonymous is a podcast about what’s next, shaped by design, human behavior, and data.

  1. The New Rules to Recruit and Retain

    6D AGO

    The New Rules to Recruit and Retain

    In Season 10, Episode 3 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider builds on last week’s trust conversation by tackling the next logical shift: recruitment and retention. She’s joined by two voices with beautifully opposing (and complementary) lenses: Grace Snelling, editorial assistant at Fast Company covering design, branding, and cultural shifts with a front-row Gen Z perspective, and Megan Detratto, partner and co-founder of TOKONEXT who’s spent 20+ years advising AEC firms on talent acquisition, succession, and next-gen leadership.  Together, they explore why “less loyal” may be the wrong diagnosis, how cynicism is rising across generations, and what it looks like to design organizations people want to grow inside—not escape from.    Links Mentioned:  Grab your copy of Work for What's Next. Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends.  Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights. Book Amanda to speak   This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial, THE MART & NeoCon, and The Mav Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    42 min
  2. Digital Sparks, Human Sticks: Trust & Connection in the Phygital Future

    APR 2

    Digital Sparks, Human Sticks: Trust & Connection in the Phygital Future

    In Season 10, Episode 2 of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider continues the season inspired by her new book, Work for What’s Next, with Eric Termuende, bestselling author and keynote speaker who’s delivered 500+ talks worldwide on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Together, they dig into one of the most foundational shifts in the book: trust and connection—why we’re more connected than ever, yet somehow feel more disconnected at the same time. Expect practical, human-first strategies for building trust without shortcuts, a nuanced take on authenticity, and a surprisingly perfect metaphor involving gas station sushi.  Links Mentioned:  Grab your copy of Work for What's Next. Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends.  Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights. Book Amanda to speak    This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial, THE MART & NeoCon, and The Mav Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min
  3. Why Fixing Work Fixes Everything

    MAR 26

    Why Fixing Work Fixes Everything

    In the Season 10 premiere of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider kicks off a season built around the ideas inside her upcoming book, Work for What’s Next, with a guest who lives at the intersection of innovation, risk, and human potential: Deb Golden, Deloitte’s US Chief Innovation Officer. Together, they unpack a core tension shaping work right now: companies keep trying to fix a software problem (culture, trust, systems) with hardware (office mandates). The result is a conversation about the trust gap, unlearning outdated rules, and what it takes to design workplaces that become magnets—not mandates.  Links Mentioned:  Grab your copy of Work for What's Next. Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends.  Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights. Book Amanda to speak   This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial, THE MART & NeoCon, and The Mav Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    40 min
  4. Education Decision Making in Practice LIVE from EdSpaces in Columbus

    FEB 5

    Education Decision Making in Practice LIVE from EdSpaces in Columbus

    Recorded live at the EDspaces conference in Columbus, this episode explores how education leaders are navigating high-stakes decisions under unforgiving timelines. Hear why trust, clarity, and early alignment matter more than ever, what’s slowing education projects down, and how partners can help schools move forward with confidence and credibility.    LINKS:   End-User Decision Making  Join Thinklab’s research  Podcast Discussion Guide   5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits  Thank you to our episode sponsors: Shaw Contract and Haworth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    32 min
  5. What Shapes Hospitality Decisions Behind the Scenes: Behind Thinklab’s Private Research

    JAN 29

    What Shapes Hospitality Decisions Behind the Scenes: Behind Thinklab’s Private Research

    In this episode, ThinkLab’s hospitality research takes center stage as Amanda Schneider and Erica Waayenberg unpack how decision-making is shifting across hotel and hospitality projects. From rising risk aversion and burnout to growing expectations around business acumen and the practical role of AI, this episode explores what hospitality end users need most right now and how teams can move forward with more clarity and confidence.    LINKS:   End-User Decision Making  Join Thinklab’s research  Podcast Discussion Guide  5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits  Thank you to our episode sponsor: Mohawk See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min
  6. What Drives Healthcare Design Decisions Today: LIVE from HCD in KC

    JAN 22

    What Drives Healthcare Design Decisions Today: LIVE from HCD in KC

    Live from the Healthcare Design Conference in Kansas City, this episode explores how healthcare end users are navigating increasingly complex decisions for the built environment. Hear why early problem-spotting beats crisis response, what’s breaking alignment at the start of projects, and how clearer communication and stronger partnerships can help healthcare teams move faster with more confidence.  LINKS:   End-User Decision Making Join Thinklab’s research Podcast Discussion Guide   5 Question Quiz for CEU Credits Thank you to our episode sponsors: Haworth and Clarus. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    32 min
  7. Inside Corporate Decisions for the Built Environment: LIVE from Chicago

    JAN 15

    Inside Corporate Decisions for the Built Environment: LIVE from Chicago

    Live from Chicago, this episode dives into how corporate end users are making decisions differently in today’s built environment. Hear real conversations straight from ThinkLab’s Corporate Hackathon on why flexibility matters more than cost, what’s slowing projects down, and how clearer, more empathetic partnerships can move work forward faster. LINKS:   End-User Decision Making Join Thinklab’s research Podcast Discussion Guide 5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits Thank you to our episode sponsors: Shaw Contract and Clarus.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min
  8. Radical Futures: What Could 2040 Really Look Like?

    10/23/2025

    Radical Futures: What Could 2040 Really Look Like?

    What will life look like in 2040? In this special season finale, we fast-forward to the future and ask our guests to share their most radical—but entirely possible—predictions for what’s ahead.  From breakthroughs in design and technology to shifts in culture, climate, and the way we live, these ideas push the boundaries of what we think is possible. Some will inspire you. Some might shock you. All will make you see the future in a new way.  This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International. Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    29 min
See All (93)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Design Nerds Anonymous is a podcast about what’s next, shaped by design, human behavior, and data.

Information

  • Creator
    ThinkLab and SURROUND
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Copyright
    © SANDOW DESIGN GROUP
  • Show Website
    Design Nerds Anonymous

You Might Also Like