The Trend Report

Sid Meadows
  • 5.0 (39)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 10 to Win: The Visibility Problem No One Talks About

    3d ago

    10 to Win: The Visibility Problem No One Talks About

    Send us Fan Mail This week, challenge yourself with one sharp question: if your content disappeared, would your customers even notice?  Sid is breaking down what “adding value” really means in a noisy, AI-fueled content world and sharing simple ways to build trust through clearer, more human content. He's also sharing quick daily habits you can incorporate to make the content creation process easier and more consistent. At the end of the day, your content should help your buyers and dealers answer questions and make decisions. Is that the kind of platform you're building?  References: Theatre of the Mind by Melanie Borden - https://www.amazon.com/Theatre-Mind-Melanie-Borden/dp/B0G4MWZRB6 The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    15 min
  2. Future Ready Learning Environment with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco

    May 18

    Future Ready Learning Environment with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco

    Send us Fan Mail Sid is digging into why the future of learning deserves as much attention as the future of work with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco. They discuss how classrooms quietly shape behavior, connection, and performance for years to come. Along the way, they challenge the “butts in seats” mindset and show how research-backed design moves can make learning spaces more flexible, human, and effective.  References: The Thinking Problem: A Science of Learning Solution for AI in Schools - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403700910_The_Thinking_Problem_A_Science_of_Learning_Solution_for_AI_in_Schools White Papers - Perspectives - https://madebymarco.net/white-papers-perspectives/ Connect with Dr. Lennie: Ask Dr. Lennie - https://madebymarco.net/ask-dr-lennie-april-2026/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennie-scott-webber-phd-2594a912/ Connect with Libby: Marco - www.madebymarco.net LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-ferin-13677911/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    53 min
  3. Hot Takes with Kay Sargent of HOK

    May 11

    Hot Takes with Kay Sargent of HOK

    Send us Fan Mail The Hot Takes Wheel is spinning again! This time Kay Sargent from HOK joins Sid to discuss what is breaking, what is evolving, and what needs to get simpler in the contract interiors world. They dig into dealers, talent, consolidation, and AI, then discuss their favorite questions to ask clients. References: Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment by Kay Sargent - https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Neuroinclusive-Workplaces-Processing-Environment/dp/1394309333 The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods - https://www.amazon.com/AI-Driven-Leader-Harnessing-Smarter-Decisions/dp/B0DB8QL3ZK TheTrend Report Ep 173 - The AI Basics You Need in Your Business with Hunter Jensen - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode173 Connect with Kay: HOK - https://www.hok.com/ Email - Kay.Sargent@HOK.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    36 min
  4. CEO Chat with Chris Hanes of Officeworks

    May 4

    CEO Chat with Chris Hanes of Officeworks

    Send us Fan Mail Sid talks with Officeworks CEO Chris Hanes about leading through consolidation while stepping into a bigger role and keeping the dealer business grounded in trust, process, and people. They dig into coaching, talent development across generations, AI readiness, and what the modern office furniture dealer really delivers for clients.  Connect with Chris: Officeworks - https://www.officeworksinc.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hanes-85b36714/ Email - chanes@officeworksinc.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    48 min
  5. Hot Takes with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network

    Apr 27

    Hot Takes with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network

    Send us Fan Mail Sid spins the Hot Takes Wheel with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network and Catalyst Consulting. They unpack the questions that keep the contract furniture world debating what works. Michelle and Sid get specific about direct sales, hybrid office design, dealer value, and how to make trade shows pay off.  Learn their thoughts on: • when manufacturers should sell direct versus when dealers should lead • why public sector and federal purchasing changes what “direct” means • how the open office shifts toward choice, focus, and collaboration • where dealers act like strategic partners and where execution takes over • what makes trade shows worth the money: targeting, tactics, follow-up, and ROI tracking Connect with Michelle: The Collaborative Network - https://thecollaborative.network/ Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-lynn-warren/ Email - michelle@strategic-catalyst.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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
  6. 3form's New AI Visualization Tool + More with Karli Slocum & Cosmo Kramer

    Apr 20

    3form's New AI Visualization Tool + More with Karli Slocum & Cosmo Kramer

    Send us Fan Mail Sid is digging into what it looks like when AI moves from headlines to real workflow inside a contract interiors manufacturer. Karli Slocum and Cosmo Kramer break down how 3form uses digital visualization and an AI knowledge agent to speed up answers, reduce errors, and capture tribal knowledge without sacrificing accuracy.  Connect with Karli: 3Form - https://3-form.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlislocum/ Connect with Cosmo: Bitreel - https://www.bitreel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmokramer/ Email - Cosmo@bitreel.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    52 min
  7. Hot Takes with Larry Leete of KiSP

    Apr 13

    Hot Takes with Larry Leete of KiSP

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to another Hot Takes episode, this time with Larry Lee of KISP. Sid and Larry trade honest exchanges on what moves the contract furniture industry forward. They dig into why distribution and discoverability can beat “new product” hype, and why real digital strategy means human stories, not endless product posts. Go out there and make today great, and we will see you in the next episode. Connect with Larry: KiSP - https://KiSP.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryleete/ Email - lleete@KiSP.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    27 min
  8. The Future of the Independent Rep with Ed Eisaman

    Apr 6

    The Future of the Independent Rep with Ed Eisaman

    Send us Fan Mail Ed Eisaman joins Sid to talk about how the independent rep model is evolving into a capital-intensive, service-heavy business that still runs on a backbone of relationships. We get specific about what’s working right now, what’s breaking under margin pressure, and the things rep firms and manufacturers can do to keep the channel strong for the next generation. Listen to learn about: • building a modern rep firm around investment, not just relationships  • using showrooms to create product discovery and expand share of project  • vertical selling across furniture, ancillary, and architectural product categories  • getting in earlier in the project through architectural products like demountable walls, casework, raised flooring, acoustics, and signage  • staffing for speed with W-2 teams, design support, CET renderings, and rapid quoting  • using digital marketing and newsletters to stay relevant without wasting attention  • pushing for transparency with manufacturers on cost structure and expectations  • rethinking rep compensation with performance and growth-based incentives  • succession planning, mentorship, and lowering barriers for new reps entering the industry  Connect with Ed: Eisaman Contract Associates - https://www.eisaman.com/ Email - edward@eisaman.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-eisaman-6a255/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edwardeisaman/?hl=en The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. 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/

    40 min
See All (187)

5
out of 5
39 Ratings

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
    187
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Trend Report
  • Show Website
    The Trend Report

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