LytePod

Lytei
LytePod

Learn about lighting and be inspired. The #1 podcast about the people, process, and product of design - all with a little love for light along the way. Featuring creative minds who want to walk into their own story - from designers to manufacturers, innovators, and professors - unpack their vision, ideas, accomplishments, and habits that make it happen!

  1. Human Connection Beyond the Checklist - Paige Donnell

    JUN 5

    Human Connection Beyond the Checklist - Paige Donnell

    Mentorship isn’t a checkbox, a program, or a bullet point on a website—it’s a mindset. In this deeply reflective and energizing episode, Paige Donald joins Sam to challenge everything you think you know about mentoring.They explore what happens when teams build trust, lead with vulnerability, and invest in each other beyond just “doing the job.” You’ll hear how mentorship becomes the engine for creativity, loyalty, and long-term retention—an organic force that shapes culture from the inside out.From powerful real-world stories to actionable ideas, this episode offers a playbook for how to lead, grow, and belong in a team that thrives. Whether you're a leader, a designer, or someone looking to build better relationships at work—this episode will change the way you see mentorship.💬 Topics We Cover:-Why mentorship is more than a program-How vulnerability builds real trust-The difference between coaching and mentorship-Creating feedback loops that go both ways-Aligning teams through shared values-A culture-first approach to employee retention-How to build daily habits of connection-The hidden ROI of human-centered leadership-Real-world examples from SmithGroup’s team dynamics-The power of 10-minute check-ins🛠️ Who This Episode Is For:-Team leaders building long-term culture-Designers and creatives navigating mentorship-HR professionals rethinking retention-Anyone who believes people-process

    38 min
  2. The Rep Explained & Understood - Caitlin Mulligan

    MAY 8

    The Rep Explained & Understood - Caitlin Mulligan

    Why can’t you just get a price for a light fixture? What exactly does a lighting rep do? In this eye-opening episode, Sam sits down with Caitlin Mulligan to break down the architectural sales channel and shed light on the critical but often misunderstood role of manufacturers’ reps in the design and construction industry.From the pricing complexity of architectural products to the behind-the-scenes hustle for every purchase order, Caitlin explains the challenges, responsibilities, and realities of being a rep—and why it matters to designers, architects, and engineers alike. Whether you’re an emerging designer, a seasoned architect, or curious about how materials actually get procured, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the sales process, so you can work smarter and build better relationships with reps. Key Topics Covered: ✅ Why pricing a light fixture is more complex than you think ✅ The role of a manufacturer’s rep in the sales channel ✅ How reps support designers, architects, and engineers ✅ Why reps are tied to specific territories—and how that impacts projects ✅ How reps get compensated (and why they sometimes don’t) ✅ The hidden challenges of getting specified and staying specified ✅ The rep’s role in custom product modifications and technical support ✅ How reps influence product innovation by relaying market needs ✅ Why communication and transparency are key to mutual success

    39 min
4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Learn about lighting and be inspired. The #1 podcast about the people, process, and product of design - all with a little love for light along the way. Featuring creative minds who want to walk into their own story - from designers to manufacturers, innovators, and professors - unpack their vision, ideas, accomplishments, and habits that make it happen!

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