Three threats, commonly found in client contracts, could put you out of business. The good news is: once you know what to look for, you can spot them in seconds.

Why do so many design agency leaders struggle with the commercial side of their business? It’s not just ‘admin’. Nor are they ‘soft skills’ (I hate that term). Most of us were never taught the business side of design – and many still shy away from it. Commercial skills aren't optional extras. They’re the foundation of profitability and growth.

Losing work isn’t failure – it’s unfinished business. “No” doesn’t mean the door is closed. You’ve invested in visibility, trust, and insight – assets your competitors don’t have. Are you using that investment, or walking away? In this article I share why a loss isn’t a dead end – and how to turn it into your next win.

Design agency leaders – is a summer lull making you anxious? July and August go quiet. All you hear is: “We’ll revisit that in September”. Don’t panic, or chase work that isn’t there. Use the downtime to catch up, or get ahead.

Negotiating with clients isn’t about winning. The best outcome is when no one thinks they’ve won – or lost. You have to keep working together. Collaborating. Solving problems. Creating mutual value. The most effective negotiators find the overlap between what both parties need.

Ever walked out of a creds meeting thinking “We nailed that” – then heard nothing? Yeah, me too. We put huge effort into our deck and case studies, then forget the real purpose of a credentials meeting: Showing how we can help. It’s not a presentation. It’s a conversation.

There’s a hidden advantage to qualifying new work. Qualification isn't just about avoiding bad-fit projects. (Though that helps). It’s about how you show up before the work begins.

What’s going on with the next generation of designers? I’ve compiled some themes I observed. Some surprising. Many encouraging. A few a little concerning.

The easiest way to generate leads? You’re probably already doing it. Just not deliberately. Most design businesses rely on word of mouth. But few nurture the relationships that make it happen. That’s a huge missed opportunity.

Friday was a great day for the future of physical product design. New Designers in the afternoon, followed by Design Truth in the evening – to ‘rehydrate’.

Agency leaders – your business development team is closer than you think.

85% of jobs are filled through networking. Graduates – I'd like to help you.