A Tale of Two Theaters (And Why One Deserves a Standing Ovation)
Here’s why the magic of live digital experiences can’t be faked, filmed, or focus-grouped into existence.
The Server’s Guide to Marketing: Why Your Registration Numbers Are Just Empty Tables
Why your $2 tip taught me more about customer success than your conversion funnel ever will.
Cheers & Tiers: How Victor Davila Leads Five Communities Without Losing His Mind
Sometimes you meet someone who’s involved in so many creative communities that you wonder if they’ve secretly figured out how to clone themselves. Enter Victor Davila—Orlando-based illustrator, UCF professor, AIGA national board member, Creative Mornings host, Giant Illustrators founder, and apparently the human equivalent of a Swiss Army knife for design leadership.
Cheers & Tiers: Community Building & Miami Beds, My Chat with Wendy Quesinberry
Erik Cargill recounts that his episode felt less like a recording and more like swapping stories over drinks...in a Miami bar where beds replaced barstools. That’s exactly what happened when Wendy Quesinberry joined Rachel and me on Cheers & Tiers.
Your Customers Want to Belong, Not Just Buy
Through community-driven events, I’ve watched businesses soar when they stop treating prospects like sales targets and start treating them like humans craving connection. The difference? Night and day.
Archive
Cheers & Tiers: How Victor Davila Leads Five Communities Without Losing His Mind
Sometimes you meet someone who’s involved in so many creative communities that you wonder if they’ve secretly figured out how to clone themselves. Enter Victor Davila—Orlando-based illustrator, UCF professor, AIGA national board member, Creative Mornings host, Giant Illustrators founder, and apparently the human equivalent of a Swiss Army knife for design leadership.
Cheers & Tiers: Community Building & Miami Beds, My Chat with Wendy Quesinberry
Erik Cargill recounts that his episode felt less like a recording and more like swapping stories over drinks...in a Miami bar where beds replaced barstools. That’s exactly what happened when Wendy Quesinberry joined Rachel and me on Cheers & Tiers.
Cheers & Tiers: From Chapter President to Design Champion, a Conversation with Frances Yllana
There’s something special about podcast conversations that flow so naturally you forget you’re recording. That's exactly what happened when Frances Yllana (pronounced: ill-ee-yana) joined Erik and me on the “Cheers & Tiers” podcast.
Community Content That Never Stops
In the world of design and creative leadership, community doesn’t pause between events—it’s always on. In this guest article, Elysia Syriac unpacks what it really takes to keep the momentum going. Drawing from her experience building programs at scale, she makes the case for treating content not as a one-off deliverable, but as an ongoing conversation that builds trust, relevance, and connection long after the lights go down.
Cheers & Tiers: From Complainer to Creative Rebel, The Brian Singer Chronicles
You know you've found a kindred spirit when someone’s claim to fame includes getting death threats for his art. That’s Brian Singer for you—the man who photographed drivers on their phones and put them on billboards, just to see what would happen.
Seamless by Design: The Production Team That Never Missed a Beat
Virtual events can be a nightmare, like building an airplane while you’re already in the air. But not with this crew. We had this beautiful rhythm where everyone played their part perfectly while staying flexible enough to improvise when shit hit the fan.
Cheers & Tiers: Building Ladders, Not Pedestals—Leadership Wisdom from Ashleigh Axios
With her impressive journey from AIGA DC volunteer to White House Creative Director to AIGA National Board President, Ashleigh offered insights that left me inspired and energized about the power of design leadership.