Stand Out NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals)

We’re all familiar with the phrase, “Good enough is good enough,” but today’s guest is here to share some wisdom around why good enough isn’t just good enough, it’s perfect. KC Davis is a therapist, author (of How to Keep House While Drowning, which we highly recommend), and mother of two, who also recently became a TikTok sensation for her open and honest accounts of her home life during the pandemic and her approach to dealing with a messy household. Struggling with postpartum depression during nationwide lockdowns, KC came to the life-altering realization that not folding her kids’ clothes didn’t make her a bad mother and that it’s unrealistic to expect a lived-in home to look fit for the cover of a magazine. She has since come up with practical strategies to help people concurrently look after their mental health and their home environment, which she shares with us today. Sometimes we get too caught up in society’s expectations of us and we forget what’s really important; so if you’re needing some perspective, you’ve come to the right place!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
Introducing today’s guest, KC Davis. [00:01:51]. KC’s accidental journey to becoming internet-famous, and how it has changed her life and continues to change the lives of many others. [00:03:06]. The mindset shift required to make dealing with a messy house more manageable. [00:08:07]. How KC’s relationship with the phrase “do your best” has evolved over time. [00:10:11]. KC explains the concept of moral neutrality, and how it can be applied to so many areas of our lives. [00:15:15]. Why embracing imperfection is the key to living a full and happy life. [00:17:54]. A household task that KC struggled with when she had postpartum depression, and the ‘adaptive imperfection’ solution she came up with to manage it. [00:19:55]. The three layers of function that KC has developed as a way to help people manage their household tasks. [00:26:14]. An explanation of KC’s 9 square matrix for setting priorities. [00:28:27].   
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Struggle Care — https://www.strugglecare.com/
How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis — https://www.amazon.com/Keep-House-While-Drowning
KC Davis on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters
NAPO — http://napo.net/join
NAPO Podcast — napopodcast.com

“When you think about it, our day starts and it ends in our closet.” These are the words of today’s guest Naeemah Ford Goldson, who joins us as we delve into the world of closets! Naeemah is a NAPO member, the proud owner of Restore Order Professional Organizing, and the host of her own podcast Organize Me! Radio. She's also a member of the ICD and the founder of NABPO which is the National Association of Black Professional Organizers, a non-profit that seeks to empower BIPOC Professional Organizers. Naeemah joins us to help us get a current take on what's hot in the land of closets! She explains why closets are so important, why they should be customized, and how our individual sizes and shapes affect the way we should design them. We discuss how putting things away affects the design of the closet, why it’s so important for the hamper to be convenient and functional, and how to design a closet for two people with different organizing styles. To discover valuable tips for organizing professionals who are looking for closet solutions for their clients, and what is currently trending in design finishes and colors, tune in today!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
Naeemah Ford Goldson’s thoughts on why closets should be customized. [00:02:52]. How our sizes and shapes affect the way we design closets. [00:04:42]. Other things to consider when customizing closet space. [00:05:53]. Why you should edit your closet content before you do inventory. [00:07:40]. How putting things away affects the design of the closet. [00:09:25]. The importance of the hamper being convenient and functional. [00:10:50]. Tips on how to design a closet for two people with different organizing styles.[00:11:50]. Naeemah’s favorite thing to use in a closet: a valet rod. [00:13:06]. Tips for organizing professionals looking for closet solutions for their clients [00:14:27]. Whether or not you should factor kickbacks into your fee. [00:15:14]. How Naeemah goes about designing a closet using graphing paper. [00:19:09]. Insight into what is currently trending in design finishes and colors. [00:22:19]. One of Naeemah’s favorite closet organizing products: the shelf divider. [00:24:49].  
 
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Restore Order — https://restoreordernow.com/
Naeemah Ford Goldson on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/naeemah-ford-goldson
Institute for Challenging Disorganization — https://icdorg.memberclicks.net/
National Association of Black Professional Organizers — https://nabpo.org/
Organize Me! Radio — https://restoreordernow.com/organize-me-radio
Restore Order on Twitter — https://twitter.com/RestoreOrder
Restore Order on Facebook — https://facebook.com/RestoreOrderNow/
Restore Order on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/restore_order_now/
Restore Order with Naeemah on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/user/RestoreOrderNow
NAPO — http://napo.net/join
NAPO Podcast — napopodcast.com

After years of struggling with clutter, today’s guest realized something that would change her life forever; she didn’t organize in the traditional way. Cassandra Aarssen discovered that there are, in fact, four different organizing styles. Once she knew her style, Cassandra (or Cass, as she is affectionately known) was finally able to design a system that worked for her and stay organized for good! She’s now on a mission to spread the Clutterbug Organizing Philosophy and help other families who struggle with disorganization and clutter. You may have seen her hosting Hot Mess House on HGTV, although she also offers free education and ideas through her YouTube videos, podcasts, and her amazing online Facebook support group. In today’s episode, she shares why she believes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for organization, and the four different organizing types that Cass calls Clutterbugs; Ladybug, Bee, Cricket, and Butterfly. We also discuss how differing organizing styles can co-exist under the same roof, and how you can encourage your children to develop their own relationships with things. Cass gives advice for listeners who are considering a less organized approach, and so much more! Tune in today to find out how Cass has been able to help millions of families transform their lives through organization and how you can do the same!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
Cass shares her personal struggle with clutter that drove her to start Clutterbugs [00:02:26]. Why a particular organizing system works for one person and not another [00:04:30]. Your guide to understanding different organizing styles [00:06:04]. Where you can take the Clutterbug Quiz and why you should answer honestly [00:09:38]. Why Cass believes that self-confidence is half the battle when it comes to clutter [00:10:37]. Breaking down the four Clutterbug styles: Butterfly, Bee, Ladybug, and Cricket [00:11:00]. What’s on the horizon for Cass, including product development for each style [00:14:16]. The trap that she sees professional organizers fall into with their clients [00:15:55]. How differing organizing styles can live together under the same roof [00:18:05]. How you can encourage your children to discover their relationship with things [00:26:17]. Insight into Hot Mess House and the principles that Cass brought to the show [00:27:20]. Her advice for listeners: it’s okay to take a less organized approach! [00:32:20]  
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Cassandra Aarssen on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-aarssen-5bbba22b/
Cassandra Aarssen on Twitter — https://twitter.com/Clutterbug_Me
Clutterbug — https://clutterbug.me/
Clutterbug on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/
Clutterbug on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/clutterbug.me/
Clutterbug on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/user/OrganizedClutterbug
NAPO — http://napo.net/join

Over the last few decades, the organizing industry has progressed in almost indescribable ways and our guest today, Dorothy Breininger, has witnessed many of these changes, having built an amazing career along the way. Dorothy joins us on the show today to talk about this wonderful journey that she has been on, what got her started, and her thoughts on the current landscape of organizing. She has some truly inspiring messages for all of our listeners around working with your circumstance, staying generous, and how curiosity and volunteering can serve you and your business in positive and unexpected ways. In our chat, Dorothy reflects on her first connection with NAPO, and how she went about building her business before we talk about the organizing community and the explosion of the industry that we have seen more recently. We also get into the appearances that Dorothy has made across many popular TV shows and how she learned to bring her authentic self to her brand. This is a truly unmissable episode, so join us to get it all!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
[00:01:27] Looking back at Dorothy's history in the world of organizing up to this point. [00:06:15] Memories of connecting with NAPO and what the organizing profession looked like at the start of Dorothy's career. [00:08:34] Building her own business and the resources that helped Dorothy expand. [00:13:08] The need for community and how Dorothy learned to collaborate and share with others. [00:14:49] Dorothy's reflections on the last few years, and the current moment in the industry. [00:16:49] How the different skills are opening up new avenues in the industry. [00:19:33] Current challenges in the organizing industry and Dorothy's positive spin on things! [00:22:20] Cultural perceptions of organizing and the progress that has been made in awareness. [00:23:18] Escaping the shame and the normalization of the common needs for assistance. [00:25:12] Considerations around the environment and the move to more minimal materialism. [00:27:28] Dorothy's personal practice of eliminating unnecessary possessions. [00:28:13] The spirit of performance and fun; how Dorothy has built her career on TV. [00:30:12] Closing remarks from Dorothy and her message to the organizing community!  
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
NAPO — http://napo.net/join
Dorothy Breininger — https://www.dorothytheorganizer.com/
Dorothy Breininger on Twitter — https://twitter.com/DORTHYtheORGNZR
The Cancer Concierge — http://thecancerconcierge.org/
Hoarders — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1497563/
Wall Street Journal — https://www.wsj.com/
Forbes — https://www.forbes.com/
O Magazine — https://www.oprah.com/app/o-magazine.html
Today Show — https://www.today.com/
Dr. Phil Show — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0329824/
The View — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0123366/
The Doctors — https://www.thedoctorstv.com/
UCLA — https://www.ucla.edu/
LA County Hoarding Task Force — http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dmh/216946_Guidebookforonline.pdf
LA Times — https://www.latimes.com/
Marie Kondo — https://konmari.com/
Spark Joy — https://www.amazon.com/Spark-Joy-Illustrated-Organizing-Changing/dp/1607749726
Cass Aarssen's Clutterbug — https://clutterbug.me/
Hot Mess House — https://www.hgtv.com/shows/hot-mess-house
Elon Musk — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elon-Musk
Clare Kumar — https://clarekumar.com/
 

The past two years have reshaped the way we communicate with each other, and today we’re going to be tackling the hyper-relevant topic of Zoom Doom! Our principal point of connection these days is through a screen and many of us are simply exhausted by it. The phenomenon of virtual communication isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and joining us today to dissect the causes and provide solutions for the dreaded Zoom fatigue is communication expert, Lauren Sergy. Lauren has recently published a new book, Unmute!: How to Master Virtual Meetings and Reclaim Your Sanity, and today she shares her findings with us, as well as some astute advice for navigating the world through your webcam. In this episode, we delve into how we should be showing up in a virtual space and how to manage our energy so that we can show up for others and maintain connections. We find out how we can use the medium to its full potential, acknowledge its distinctions, and ensure that it is approached with intentionality and inclusivity.
Lauren comments on the emotional nimbleness required to read the virtual room, and gives us a succinct, straightforward answer to the great question of our age: cameras on or cameras off? Tune in for some great tips on how to breed consistency, prioritize your viewer, and generally ensure a painless virtual interaction!  
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
What Zoom fatigue is, what causes it, and what to do about it! [00:03:39] The importance of eye-to-eye contact in our culture, and the lack thereof on Zoom. [00:06:39] How to make intentional eye contact easier via virtual communication. [00:08:26] The difficulty for those with introverted temperaments! [00:10:23] The issue of physical orientation when one uses multiple monitors. [00:11:10] How to protect your energy to maintain connection in virtual interactions. [00:12:57] The tendency to be too static in a virtual communication environment. [00:14:33] When to look to camera and when to observe in different contexts. [00:16:20] The value of the virtual communication medium! [00:19:36] The distinct nature of the medium and how to facilitate intentionality and inclusivity. [00:19:59] How we shrink our facial expressions on camera and why we should dial it up. [00:24:37] Why virtual interactions require emotional nimbleness. [00:26:29] Cameras on or cameras off? How to optimize the experience for everyone. [00:27:02] How to accommodate neurodiversity and ensure consistent communication. [00:33:53] The importance of showing up and following in-person etiquette! [00:36:09]  
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Lauren Sergy
Lauren Sergy on LinkedIn
Lauren Sergy on Twitter
Lauren Sergy on Facebook
Lauren Sergy on YouTube
The Handy Communication Answer Book
Unmute!: How to Master Virtual Meetings and Reclaim Your Sanity
NAPO — http://napo.net/join
NAPO on Instagram
Clare Kumar on LinkedIn
 

Emotional labor as Regina Lark describes it is the unseen, unnoticed, unwaged, unwritten, and unanticipated work women do at home. Gender inequity is an age-old issue that women still bear the brunt of and Regina joins us today to break down why it is that we are dumped with the job of homemaking, regardless of how our brains are hardwired, and why we feel such a deep sense of shame if we can’t stay on top of the mess! With a doctorate in women’s history and years of experience as a professional organizer, Regina has married her expertise to write Emotional Labor: Why a Woman’s Work Is Never Done and What To Do About It. In our conversation, we learn how Regina’s male and female clients tend to have a different relationship with mess and how same-sex relationships differ from heterosexual relationships in terms of emotional labor. We discuss wages for housework campaigns and homemaking strikes over the course of history, and how the delegation model in the modern home needs to change! Tune in to find out how strategically stopping your household tasks can work to enforce equity in the home and discover a neat tip to measure labor equity and prove what your work is worth!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
Introducing Regina Lark and the important work she does in the world! [00:00:33] How her Ph.D. in women’s history and experience as a professional organizer prompted her to write Emotional Labor. [00:03:59] How ADHD was only diagnosed in men and the impact on ADHD women. [00:08:06] Regina’s profound definition of emotional labor and how she landed on it. [00:09:29] The different relationships Regina’s male and female clients have with mess. [00:13:22] What a professional organizer’s responsibility to the client involves. [00:14:04] Who Judith Kolberg is and how she helped Regina in the book-writing process. [00:16:14] How the household delegation model needs to change and why. [00:17:31] Clare shares how she strategically stopped doing household tasks to enforce equity in her home. [00:18:51] How to measure equity in the home and prove what your work is worth! [00:22:12] What wages for housework campaigns are and where and when they started. [00:23:53] The women’s strike from homemaking and sex in Iceland and the resultant gender equity there today. [00:24:35] How same-sex and heterosexual relationships differ in terms of emotional labor. [00:26:45] Anticipating changes with the emotional labor lifecycle. [00:28:50]  
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Regina Lark on LinkedIn
Regina Lark on Twitter
Regina Lark on Facebook
Regina Lark on Youtube
Emotional Labor
Breaking Down Patriarchy Podcast
Judith Kolberg
Tend
Clare Kumar
NAPO