Career Anthropology and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Executive presence might sound like a buzzword, but in this episode of the PSM Show, Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth get to the heart of what it really means. They break it down into practical, learnable elements: composure, communication, and appearance. Through honest conversation and real examples, they show how presence is not about being polished or loud—it’s about showing up with consistency, clarity, and intention. They explore how poise under pressure signals confidence, why language shapes perception, and how your physical presence—including in virtual meetings—affects how others receive you. Deirdre shares insights from coaching leaders across the AEC space and offers advice for those navigating early leadership roles, especially women and introverts. This episode also touches on personal branding, emotional regulation, and the mindset shifts that help professionals move from reacting to leading. Whether you’re already in a leadership seat or aiming for one, this conversation offers guidance on how to carry yourself in a way that builds trust, influence, and long-term impact.

What does it take to lead with purpose, authenticity, and impact in the AEC industry? In this special episode of The PSM Show, co-host Damien Morris reflects on receiving the 2025 Leonardo Award from SMPS Los Angeles—a prestigious honor recognizing a career built on vision, creativity, and service. Joined by co-host Deirdre Booth, Damien shares the personal and professional milestones that shaped his leadership journey, the mentors who inspired him, and the importance of lifting others along the way. From finding your strengths to building engaged teams, mentoring with intention, and creating meaningful change in your firm, this episode is full of real talk and practical insights for marketers at every stage of their careers.

What does it take to move from marketing manager to CMO in the AEC industry? In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Haferbecker, founder of On Your Market Set Go, about the mindset shifts, strategic thinking, and evolving expectations that shape today’s marketing leaders. Jennifer shares how marketing teams can support firm growth, influence business decisions, and build internal alignment—especially during times of change. We also explore the rise of the fractional CMO model, the expanding role of marketing in mergers and acquisitions, and the importance of showing up as a strategic partner at every level. Whether you’re leading a team or looking to grow into your next role, this conversation offers real guidance for building a meaningful and future-ready career.

What if your biggest career breakthrough isn’t about a title or a checklist, but about learning to observe and adapt? In this episode, we talk with Joanna Kozłowski, strategist, coach, and founder of Resolute Consulting, about how to take charge of your own growth—even when no one’s handing you the playbook. Joanna shares what it means to become an anthropologist of your own career, how to decode workplace culture, and why marketers need to connect professional development to business outcomes. With roots in adult education and a deep background in AEC marketing and BD, Joanna brings sharp insights and plenty of real-world advice for building confidence, telling better stories, and showing up with purpose.

Coaching a team for interviews is about more than polishing presentations. It is about protecting confidence, creating emotional safety, and helping people show up as the best version of themselves. In this episode, Deirdre Booth and Damien Morris dive into how to coach the coaches by training leaders to give feedback that grows people instead of tearing them down. They explore what it means to coach with empathy, how to time feedback for maximum impact, and how to adapt coaching styles to different personalities. Whether you are leading interview prep or stepping into coaching for the first time, this conversation will give you fresh tools to support your teams when it matters most.

Let’s get real—shortlist interviews are high-pressure, high-stakes moments where everything you’ve built—your strategy, story, and team—comes down to one shot. In this episode, Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth unpack what it really takes to show up in the room and deliver. This isn’t a conversation about perfect slide decks or canned responses. It’s about the human side of the interview—the mindset, the chemistry, and the culture that drives real connection. From frameworks and firm culture to the psychology of safety and the power of storytelling, Damion and Deirdre get into the details of how great teams prep—and why preparation isn’t just logistics, it’s leadership. You’ll hear practical strategies for coaching, team building, and managing competing priorities. You’ll learn why slides shouldn’t be your crutch, how to help technical staff feel safe and confident, and why Q&A is often the make-or-break moment. And yes, you’ll hear what happens when the wheels fall off—and what it takes to get them back on. Whether you’re building a pursuit team, stepping into your first interview, or trying to elevate how your firm shows up when it matters most, this episode is packed with stories, tactics, and hard-won insights you can put to work right away.

In this episode of The PSM Show, Deirdre Booth goes one-on-one with longtime friend and bold brand-builder Nicole Posten, founder and principal of On Point Architecture. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Nicole launched her firm while on maternity leave—baby on one hip, CAD drawings on the screen, and zero interest in playing it safe. Nicole brings the same energy to her marketing as she does to her design work: unapologetically real, fiercely professional, and refreshingly human. From naming her firm “On Point” to embracing a brand voice that’s quirky, brassy, and undeniably her, Nicole shares how authenticity has been the not-so-secret weapon behind her 75% repeat client rate and year-over-year business growth.   This is a masterclass in doing business your way—and making no apologies for it. If you’ve ever struggled to find your brand voice or felt the pressure to blend in, Nicole’s story is your permission slip to stand out.

Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. In this episode, Deirdre Booth sits down with Rachel Charlton, founder of Sticky Communications, to explore seven lessons she wished she had learned sooner in her AEC career. They break down the power of taking initiative, how to lead with purpose, and why understanding the why behind your work can shape both your career and workplace relationships. Rachel also shares how young professionals can navigate challenges like balancing expectations, avoiding burnout, and using data-driven insights to gain influence. Beyond career strategy, they dig into the mindset shifts that can make all the difference—how to advocate for yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and turn rejection into redirection. Whether you’re new to AEC or looking to take your career to the next level, this episode offers real-world advice to help you grow and succeed.

Sticking to goals is easy when motivation is high—but what happens when that initial spark fades? In the third installment of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion explore how to stay connected to your goals by digging into the why behind them. They discuss the difference between setting goals for external validation versus personal fulfillment and how aligning with your deeper purpose leads to lasting progress. They also break down the role of self-awareness in navigating change and how external feedback can reveal blind spots, strengths, and unexpected opportunities. By paying attention to both internal motivation and outside perspective, you can gain a clearer picture of what truly matters and adjust your path with confidence. Finally, they discuss the art of letting go—learning to trust the bigger picture, even when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re questioning a goal or facing setbacks, this episode offers a refreshing take on staying flexible, focused, and connected to what really drives you.

In the second episode of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion rethink traditional success by shifting the focus from achievement to transformation. Instead of chasing goals for the sake of external recognition, they explore how goals should serve as stepping stones toward personal growth. They introduce the NICE goal framework as an alternative to traditional SMART goals, highlighting the importance of setting goals that align with personal values and long-term vision. Through personal stories and practical strategies, they share how discipline and consistency play different roles in success, why sustainable progress matters more than rigid perfectionism, and how self-awareness can reshape the way we set and pursue goals. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on goal setting, emphasizing who you become in the process—not just what you accomplish.