Elevating Experience: The Skill of Empowering Others and Leaning into Beauty

Introducing Skill Set!: What are the skills that inform your work, your life, your direction? Call them street smarts, emotional intelligence, soft skills, or pure grit: beyond the degrees, certifications, and resume items lies a different — perhaps more important — world of abilities. These are the skills that truly make us good at what we do, and offer clues to who we are and where we might be headed. Host Cheryl S. Durst, Executive VP, and CEO of the International Interior Design Association has spent a lifetime fascinated by the backstories that reveal where those foundational skills come from. With SkillSet, she taps into those stories to uncover the not-so-apparent abilities that power success. Ever wonder what a NASCAR pit crew chief, an orchestra conductor and a surgeon have in common? Pondering how to tap your team’s hidden talents? Considering whether your own skills might equip you for a whole other career (or a whole other life)? SkillSet explores the fascinating lan by The Skill Set

13 min listen

Calm Under Pressure: The Skill of Steady Hands and Stage Presence: At first glance, Dr. David Langer and Allison Asarch have very little in common—David is a neurosurgeon and Allison is an aspiring country music star. But through a thoughtful discussion about what skills are necessary to be successful in each of their careers, I uncovered a unique quality they share: an aura of calmness that makes them popular with both patients and fans alike. In this month's episode, I explore what it takes to be confident and collected, even under the most intense circumstances. by The Skill Set

40 min listen

Tattoo Artistry: The Skill of Purpose, Precision, and Expression: Tattoo Artistry: The Skill of Purpose, Precision and Expression Steph Tamez is more than just a tattoo artist — they are an anthropologist, historian and expressionist using the art of tattooing to bring culture to skin and help people tell their story. Through this unique art form, Steph has earned a vulnerable sense of trust with their clients through a technique that is both marvelous and methodical. In this episode, Steph and I discuss the meaning of tattoos in society and the skill of focusing on the journey rather than the destination. by The Skill Set

43 min listen

Courageous Resilience: The Skill of True Grit and Translation: Manny Hernandez and Colleen Mullen both seek to help others. As doctors—Colleen a small animal veterinarian and Manny as a healthcare design consultant and physician—they exercise an abiding sense of awareness as they seek to meet the needs of their patients. Through a warm and insightful conversation, we hear their perspectives on how curiosity, grit, and seeking the “why” translates into their work with others. In this month's episode, I explore the unique ability to see beyond who people (and animals) are to discover what they need. by The Skill Set

43 min listen

Connection: The Skill of Preparedness and Reading the Room: Connection: The Skill of Preparedness and Reading the Room As Director of Strategic Sales for IIDA, Tracey Thomas’ career is built on connections—whether with customers or peers or even just her personal relationships, she uses her intentionality and acute emotional intelligence to make people comfortable without compromising herself. She has mastered the art of observing subtlety while also teaching others to take up space and stay curious. Through my conversation with Tracey, we uncover the importance of nuance and the joy of living in the nonverbals of life. by The Skill Set

27 min listen

Mastering Mindfulness: The Skill of Focus and Being Present: A modern-day Hercules, air traffic controller, Navy veteran, and world record holder, Mike McCastle seems to exist at the convergence of concentration and clarity. Although incredibly authentic and down-to-earth, he demonstrates superhuman strength when it comes to his capacity to tune out the noise and keep all the balls in the air. This month, I dive deep into Mike's strong sense of purpose that manifests in his demigod-like ability to focus on solving whatever challenges come his way. by The Skill Set

47 min listen

Igniting Passion: The Skill of Lifelong Learning and Intuition: In celebration of National Back To School Month, I host third grade teacher and summer-camp innovator, Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. With an almost-evangelical commitment to building lifelong learners, he shows us how authenticity and the practice of honoring others where they are could be the most important skills to develop as leaders and mentors. In this episode, we discover the gift of enthusiasm and commitment to lifelong learning and investigate the skills needed to teach, mentor and nurture young learners. by The Skill Set

33 min listen

The Skill Set Studio: Bucket List: The Skill Set Studio: Bucket List My producers Doug and Adriana join me for a special episode in which I share my learnings from a recent keynote speaker and dive deep into bucket lists and their connection to our skill sets. by The Skill Set

23 min listen

Storytelling: The Skill of Creativity, Self-Assuredness and Peacemaking: Storytelling: The Skill of Creativity, Self-Assuredness and Peacemaking J.D. Netto is what I would describe as a multiplicity of beautiful things — he is a best-selling author, artist, entrepreneur and so much more. J.D. firmly believes that art releases us to our destinies and he has used this admirable ideal to connect with those who may feel like misfits or outsiders as well as to discover and become more comfortable with himself. Through this conversation, J.D. and I discuss his life as a gay man and how it connects to his work as well as the importance of recognizing a person before recognizing their skillset. by The Skill Set

44 min listen

The Top Floor: A Skill Set Vignette: In this short episode, which I like to call a "slice of life," I share a very personal story from my childhood that shaped who I am today and informed both my dignity and my defiance. by The Skill Set

8 min listen

The Skill Set Studio: The Stuff: I am joined once again by my producers, Adriana and Doug, to talk about “stuff” — the skills, experiences, memories and more accumulated over our lifetimes that give us purpose and mold us into who we are. by The Skill Set

28 min listen

Elevating Experience: The Skill of Empowering Others and Leaning into Beauty: I am so honored to have had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Walker and learn from her directly about her experience as a writer, feminist, and activist as well as the influence her parents had on her love of art, craft, and memorializing a life well-lived. In this poetic conversation, Rebecca Walker invites us to lean into beauty and to help empower others to use their voice to instigate change. Drawing from the rich lessons of the past, Rebecca reminds us to believe in people, the power of legacy and to stay curious. Always. Quote: “I like to be part of the creation of beautiful things.” -Rebecca Walker by The Skill Set

51 min listen

Legacy-Keeping: The Skill of Preservation and Curation: I’m honored and proud to call Llisa Demetrios — grandaughter of influential designers Ray and Charles Eames — a friend and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to learn more about her upbringing and how having access to such iconic industry changemakers impacted her experience and shaped her unique skill set. In this conversation, we discuss the skill of legacy-keeping as well the importance of “the finial” and keeping up the quality in our work. by The Skill Set

28 min listen

Seat 6A, Traveling While Black: A Skill Set Vignette: What happens when your ability to live your life is questioned? When simply to authentically exist in places where other’s limited imaginations won’t allow the reality of “you”? Welcome aboard a Skill Set Vignette that details an ordinary business trip that required extraordinary grace, calm and sense of self. Join me for “Seat 6A, Traveling While Black”. by The Skill Set

7 min listen

Change-Making: The Skill of Overcoming the Odds and Discovering Yourself: In many ways, Pierre Jean Gonzalez surpasses expectations, and has done so his entire life. From beating the odds of his social circumstances to coming out as queer amidst prejudice to eventually appearing as the acclaimed Alexander Hamilton in the national touring company of the renowned musical, “Hamilton”, Pierre is truly non-stop. Tune in to hear our discussion on being a change-maker and the power of nourishing hearts and souls through art. by The Skill Set

47 min listen

Conservation: The Skill of Stewardship and Advocacy: People, paperwork and polar bears — Nicki Boyd’s career revolves around these three things and much more. As the curator of applied behavior at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, she is responsible for educating and advocating for the animals and programs under her care. In this conversation, we discuss the characteristics of “the modern zoo” as well as what it means to build trust and be a steward of life. by The Skill Set

37 min listen

Living in the Moment: The Skill of Perpetual Motion and Grace: An Olympian, a writer, a public speaker — Winter Vinecki has done it all. From a very early age, she has been in constant motion, pushing herself to be the best she can be and pursuing life’s next challenge. In addition to competing all over the world, she somehow manages to find the time to advocate and share her father’s legacy. Listen to Cheryl as she discusses Winter's perfectly appropriate name for a Winter Olympian, as well as her story and advice on how we can all be more present while practicing grace and composure. by The Skill Set

45 min listen

Behavioral Profiling: The Skill of Mindhunting and Analytical Logic: Why are we as humans so fascinated by true crime and programs like “Criminal Minds” and “Mindhunter,”? Complex criminal behavior and understanding the “why” and the “who” behind violent crime, led me to an intriguing opportunity to talk with former FBI criminal profiler Mark Safarik. Now the president of his own behavioral science consulting firm, Mark has had a unique career with over 30 years of experience in criminal justice and law enforcement, analyzing the criminal mindset and helping to bring resolution to victims and their families. In this episode, Mark and I discuss the difficult nature of his work as well the skills required to explore and assess some of the darkest minds in history. by The Skill Set

52 min listen

The Skill Set Studio: Your questions get answers: In this special episode host Cheryl Durst and executive producer Adriana Morton listen to voicemails left by attendees for Cheryl during NeoCon 2023 in the OFS showroom. Cheryl answers questions on topics like staying inspired as a designer, the future of the workplace, and the difference between interior design and interior architecture. Tune in to hear Cheryl's in-depth responses these questions and many more! by The Skill Set

35 min listen

Sneaker Design: The Skill of Aesthetic Storytelling and Cultural Interpretation: Cheryl Durst’s latest conversation is with Solomon Renfro, a talented sneaker designer at New Balance, who shares his unique journey from studying interior architecture to becoming a footwear visionary. Solomon and Cheryl dig into the psychology behind fashion choices and the cultural significance of sneakers. With keen observations on trends, human behavior, and the art of design, Solomon offers insights into the creative process of crafting sneakers that resonate with diverse audiences. From dissecting iconic styles to exploring the subtleties of materiality and color, this episode unveils the meticulous skill required to tell compelling stories through design. Join Cheryl and Solomon as they unravel the layers of meaning woven into every sneaker, celebrating the craft of transforming functional footwear into cultural emblems. by The Skill Set

64 min listen

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Elevating Experience: The Skill of Empowering Others and Leaning into Beauty

Elevating Experience: The Skill of Empowering Others and Leaning into Beauty

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