The Design Imposter

By: Monique Jenkins & Jessica Valis
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  • Summary

  • ”The Design Imposter” podcast, hosted by Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins, is your go-to resource for creative professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to conquer self-doubt and imposter syndrome in the world of visual design, branding, marketing, communication, social media, and beyond. Join us, the co-founders of The Creative Circle Collective, as we delve into candid conversations about graphic design, freelancing, entrepreneurship, agency ownership, pricing strategies, logo design, branding, UX & website design, social media, education, careers, and the ever-present imposter syndrome. In each episode, we get real, vulnerable, and share our own struggles as entrepreneurs, offering practical tools and strategies to help you build confidence in your creative abilities. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business, growing your freelance career, or taking your creative ventures to the next level, this podcast is for you. Tune in to ”The Design Imposter” and learn how to silence the nagging voice of doubt, embrace your true potential, and build the empire of your dreams. It’s time to step into your power and thrive in the creative industry.
    Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • #32: From RFP to Proposal: Tips for New Agencies and Freelancers

    #32: From RFP to Proposal: Tips for New Agencies and Freelancers
    Jun 24 2024
    Is your RFP proposal process overwhelming and fruitless? Discover the strategy to secure more wins!

    Delve into the intricate world of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in this episode of "The Design Imposter," with Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis.

    If you've ever wondered how successful agencies secure new clients, this episode is a must-listen. Monique and Jessica share their tried-and-true strategies for crafting compelling proposals that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

    From understanding the client's needs to presenting your agency's unique value, they cover every aspect of the RFP process. You'll learn how to prepare effectively, structure your proposal, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or leading a large agency, their insights will help you refine your approach and increase your chances of success.

    But it's not all about the technical details. Monique and Jessica also discuss the importance of creativity and personal touch in your proposals. They emphasize the value of a well-designed presentation and how to showcase your agency's strengths authentically. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap for developing winning proposals and taking your business to the next level.

    Want to learn more about a topic?

    • hello@designimposterpodcast.com
    • designimposterpodcast.com
    • Follow Us on LinkedIn
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    Learn about our agency: The Creative Circle Collective.
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    42 mins
  • #31: Navigating Race, Parenthood, and Professional Support

    #31: Navigating Race, Parenthood, and Professional Support
    Jun 10 2024
    Do you feel alone and underrepresented at your job? Join us as we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation about the intersection of race, parenthood, and professional life in a post-COVID world. Black UX Labs founder Amber Fields joins Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins. Together they share personal stories and candid reflections on the unique challenges and triumphs they face as Black women in their careers and as mothers. Amber shares her journey through various cities and industries, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s authentic voice and perspective to stand out in a competitive job market. Monique and Jessica reflect on their own experiences with feeling isolated and the necessity of creating supportive communities where they can thrive. The conversation takes a poignant turn as the hosts discuss the impact of societal expectations on their roles as mothers. They explore the challenges of managing work and childcare, especially in a society that often lacks empathy for working mothers. The discussion also touches on the systemic barriers that Black professionals face, with Amber highlighting historical parallels and the ongoing struggle for representation and inclusion in industries like UX design. Listeners will be inspired by the hosts’ resilience and determination to create spaces where they and others like them can succeed. The episode underscores the importance of mental health, self-care, and community support in navigating these complex intersections of race, gender, and professional life. By sharing their stories, Jessica, Amber, and Monique provide valuable insights and actionable advice for those facing similar challenges. Want to learn more about a topic?
    • hello@designimposterpodcast.com
    • designimposterpodcast.com
    • Follow Us on LinkedIn
    • Follow Us on Instagram
    • Follow Us on TikTok
    Learn about our agency: The Creative Circle Collective. #designimposter #impostersyndrome #empowerment #websitedesign #creatives #ux #designers #agency #entrepreneurship #womenintech #blackwomen #blackux #inclusivity #diversity #community #authenticity #liveauthentically

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • #30: Hiring & Firing: A Manager’s Perspective

    #30: Hiring & Firing: A Manager’s Perspective
    May 27 2024
    How many strikes are too many before it’s time to let someone go? Dive into the tough decisions behind hiring and firing from a manager's perspective in this episode of The Design Impostor. We discuss the ups and downs of building and maintaining a team, from interns to business partners. Tune in for a candid conversation that every manager and aspiring professional needs to hear! In this episode of The Design Impostor, hosts Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis tackle the complex and often emotional process of hiring and firing from a manager’s perspective. They discuss the excitement of bringing new talent into a team, as well as the heartbreak and challenges that come with letting someone go. From interns and contractors to full-time employees and business partners, Monique and Jessica share their experiences and insights on what it takes to build and maintain a successful team. Monique highlights the importance of aligning new hires with the team’s culture and work ethic, sharing stories from her mentoring experiences with design students. Jessica provides practical advice on what she looks for in an intern's portfolio and how she gauges their potential during the hiring process. Together, they emphasize the significance of curiosity, coachability, and clear communication in fostering a productive work environment. The discussion then shifts to the often overlooked but critical aspect of letting someone go. Monique and Jessica recount their personal experiences, from dealing with absenteeism to managing personality clashes that can disrupt team dynamics. They offer valuable tips on how to handle performance improvement plans and the tough conversations that come with terminating an employee. Finally, the hosts delve into the nuances of working with contractors and maintaining business partnerships. They share their strategies for vetting potential partners and ensuring that everyone on the team is aligned with the company’s goals. Throughout the episode, Monique and Jessica provide actionable advice and real-world examples, making this a must-listen for anyone involved in hiring and team management. Action Items for Managers and Leaders
    1. Evaluate Your Hiring Process: Reflect on your current hiring practices. Are you thoroughly vetting candidates to ensure they fit your team’s culture and work ethic? Consider implementing new strategies shared in the episode.
    2. Enhance Communication: Whether it's with employees, interns, or contractors, clear and open communication is key. Schedule regular check-ins and provide constructive feedback to help your team grow.
    3. Set Clear Expectations: For both new hires and existing team members, make sure everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the company’s core values. This can prevent misunderstandings and improve overall performance.
    4. Plan for Tough Conversations: Prepare for the difficult discussions that come with managing performance and, if necessary, termination. Approach these conversations with empathy and a clear action plan to support those involved.
    5. Leverage Mentorship: If you’re in a leadership role, take the time to mentor your team members. Sharing your knowledge and experience can significantly impact their career development and your team’s success.
    By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with practical tips and insights to enhance your hiring process, improve team dynamics, and handle the tough decisions with confidence. Press play and join Monique and Jessica as they navigate the intricate world of team management. Want to learn more about a topic?
    • hello@designimposterpodcast.com
    • designimposterpodcast.com
    • Follow Us on LinkedIn
    • Follow Us on Instagram
    • Follow Us on TikTok
    Learn about our agency: The Creative Circle Collective. #designimposter #impostersyndrome #empowerment #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #hr #management #businessowners #hiring #firing #businesspartners #contractors #interns #internships
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    1 hr and 19 mins

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