💡“Excellence isn’t glamorous. It’s boring.” — Brian Bartes

In this powerful episode, bestselling author, professional coach, and speaker Brian Bartes joins me to unpack thediscipline, intentionality, and purpose behind sustained excellence. From early-morning writing sessions to Olympic-level commitment, Brian shares what it really takes to bridge the gap between where you are—and where you want tobe.

🔥 In this episode Brian and I discuss:

• Why excellence is the work no one sees
• The mundanity of greatness

• Goal setting that actually works

• Why action beats intention

• Building the “bridge” from vision to execution

If you’ve ever asked yourself how to get unstuck or level up your performance—in life, business, or leadership—this isyour episode.

🎧 Listen now and let us know what excellence means to you.

#Leadership #Excellence #PersonalDevelopment #Coaching #GoalSetting #Podcast #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #ScottCatallo #BrianBartes #LifeExcellence

🎙 New Episode Drop: The (Possible) Conclusion of the Design Methodology Series

Where Do We Go from Here? with Scott Catallo

What happens when designers from radically different disciplines all sit down and unpack how they work? Over fourincredible episodes, we explored just that—getting inside the creative process with:

🏢 Jim Merideth (Workplace Strategy)

🪑 John Kalustian (Furniture Design)

👗 Tracy Reese (Fashion & Sustainability)

📸 Steve Rost (Photography & Graphic Arts)

Now in this final (maybe?) installment, I recap the most powerful insights from the series—like why some designers swear by research and others run from it—and then I share some of my own personal thoughts surrounding a bit of my design philosophy forged through 30 years of experience in design, mentorship, engineering, and music.

Tune in to learn:

🔎 Why have I always had the word “WHY” pinned above my design/drafting board?

🎸 What do jazz improvisation and building projects have in common?

💡 And why have I come to believe that design is not about the project—it’s about the people?

If you're a designer, creative, strategist—or just someone obsessed with how ideas become real—this is the episode and series for you !

📩 And all you designers I want to hear from you! Start the conversation here or email me at catalloscott@gmail.com with your thoughts or show ideas

🔗 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#DesignThinking #Architecture #CreativeProcess #Podcast #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #ScottCatallo #DesignMethodology #Leadership #Mentorship #CreativeIndustries #DesignPhilosophy #HumanCenteredDesign

🎙 New Episode Out Now – Where Do We Go From Here? with Scott Catallo

In this episode, I sit down with designer, artist, and educator Steven Rost for a deeply reflective conversation on design thinking, intuition, and the creative process, together we discuss topics such as:

🛠 What is “good design”?

🎨 How do we learn through making?

🤖 Where does AI fit in a world shaped by human experience?

Steven brings a unique voice shaped by decades of design teaching. From crafting sculpture to reflecting on the role of mentorship, he reminds us that discovery, memory, and experience remain at the heart of design—no matter the tools.

Some important take-a-ways from this episode

💡 “Design should surprise you. It should be something you want to experience again and again—and share with others.”

💡 “Be open to change . . your initial career path may not be where your journey finishes.”

💡 Each design challenge often requires a different path or approach each time

💡 Life experiences are paramount for design creativity

💡Sometimes research can hinder sense of originality

👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#Podcast #DesignThinking #art #ScottCatallo #CreativeProcess #Design #Innovation #AIEthics #HumanCenteredDesign #sculpture

In this powerful conversation, fashion icon Tracy Reese shares her journey from Detroit to New York, building a globally recognized brand, and ultimately returning home to launch Hope for Flowers — a sustainable fashion business with deep community roots. From developing prints by hand to designing for real bodies and real lives, Tracy opens up about the values driving her brand Hope for Flowers sustainability, longevity, and beauty that lasts.

Did you know: 80% of garment workers are women—and 80% of them live below the poverty line. Tracy doesn’t just talk about fashion. She’s working to change its systems from the inside out.

Learn how she balances artistry and business, the quiet resistance of rejecting fast fashion, and what circular design can teach us about the future of making.

Hear Tracy reflect on:

• Her Detroit upbringing and the influence of her creative family
• Navigating and challenging the fast fashion industry
• Building an ethical, community-driven design company

• Her design methodology and mission to empower the next generation through arts and sustainability education Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or just curious about what truly ethical fashion looks like—you don’t want to miss this one.

Special thanks to Ashley Green and Design Core Detroit for making this connection possible. If you haven’t already, check out the incredible work Design Core is doing for the Detroit design community right here on LinkedIn.

🌱 “It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’sabout refining it with purpose.”

👗 Learn how she balances artistry and business, the quiet resistance of rejecting fast fashion, and what circular design can teach us about the future of making.

#Podcast#FashionDesign #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #DesignThinking #HopeForFlowers#TracyReese #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #ScottCatallo #LinkedInAudio #EthicalFashion#Entrepreneurship #WomenInDesign

Exciting News for Designers and Creatives!

In episode 2 in my Design Methodology Series—I sit down with furniture designer John Kaloustian to explore his uniqueapproach to design, balancing creativity and practicality, and the evolving landscape of sustainable and functional furniture.

Key points discussed in this episode are:

🔹 How do designers navigate client needs and manufacturing constraints?

🔹 What’s the secret to creating timeless, user-friendly designs?

🔹 Where does inspiration truly come from?

John shares firsthand insights on developing innovative yet practical pieces, the importance of understanding materials and production, and why travel and exploration are key to staying inspired.

🎧 Tune in to learn from some of the most talented thinkers and designers and elevate your design approach!

#DesignThinking #Creativity #PodcastSeries#FurnitureDesign #Innovation #SustainableDesign

Are you passionate about design, strategy, and the evolution of creative thinking? Then don’t miss the latest episode series on Where Do We Go From Here with Scott Catallo—a podcast exploring the minds shaping the future of design.

In this first episode of my “Design Methodology” series, I sit down with Jim Meredith, a seasoned leader in practice and design strategy. We dive into the intricate layers of design methodology, research, and strategic execution—unpacking how great design is defined and realized.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The Role of Research in Design – How market insights, client needs, and cultural shifts shape design decisions.

Conceptual vs. Pragmatic Thinking – Finding the balance between big ideas and real-world execution

Defining Good Design – Why great design is contextual, adaptive, and boundary-pushing.

The Evolution of the Workplace – What’s next for office spaces and why traditional models are being reimagined.

Whether you’re a designer, architect, strategist, or creative thinker, this conversation is packed with insights that will challenge and inspire you.

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and join me as we explore Where Do We Go From Here?

#Podcast#DesignThinking #Strategy #CreativeLeadership #Architecture #Innovation

🎙️ Unlock the Future with AI Agents! 🎙️

Ever wondered how AI is reshaping your world—right under your nose? In this episode of Where Do We Go From Here, with Scott Catallo I dive into the groundbreaking topic, "Living with AI Agents: Friends, Tools, or Threats?"

From the chatbots in customer service to the virtual assistants in your pocket, AI agents are transforming how we live, work, and connect.

But with these advancements come questions:

Don't miss out on the following episode topics:

✔️ A breakdown of reactive vs. proactive AI agents.
✔️ Insights into their role in personal productivity, entertainment, and mental health.
✔️ The double-edged sword of AI’s power: convenience vs. dependency.
✔️ A bold look at the ethical challenges of an AI-driven future.

Join the conversation and get ahead of the curve—because the future isn’t waiting, and neither should you.

🎙️ Tune in to Where Do We Go From Here on your favorite podcast platform today! 🚀

#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Podcast #TechFuture #Innovation

"Where Do We Go From Here?" with Scott Catallo is back with an inspiring new episode: "Communications & Personal Branding with Michelle Gilbert."

In this episode, I down with Michelle Gilbert, founder of Purple Engine Coaching, to discuss the power of communication and personal branding. Michelle shares insights from her 30+ years in corporate communications and her journey to becoming a sought-after career coach for young professionals and emerging leaders.

Episode Highlights You Won't Want to Miss:

• Building a Personal Brand: Michelle explains why a strong personal brand is essential—not just in your career, but in life.

• Effective Communication Tips: Learn Michelle's top three tips—preparation, active listening, and brevity—to boost your professional credibility.

• Managing Up and Down: Understand the value of fostering positive relationships with both your managers and teams.

• Embracing Feedback: Discover why feedback, even when tough, is a powerful tool for growth and alignment.

• Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Michelle’s advice on authentic communication and confidence-building will resonate with you.

Michelle’s information and links can be found here:

Company

https://www.purpleenginecoaching.com/

E-Mail

michelle@purpleenginecoaching.com

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebgilbert/

🎧 Tune in now to "Where Do We Go From Here?" on your favorite streaming platform and transform your approach to personal branding and communication!

#PersonalBranding #CareerGrowth #CommunicationSkills #Podcast #Leadership