"Are you ready for this?? I think you are! My contention is designers do not hire soon enough. They are driving the boat trying to navigating the rough currents alone.  Don't let this be you--Look for an integrator to climb into the boat with you. ( And if you are an integrator and need the visionary to get you onto a bigger boat--well that can happen too! )    If so, consider bringing an Integrator on board! Cheryl and Liz delve into an Integrator's pivotal role in this episode. Cheryl characterizes an Integrator as a collaborative partner, working alongside her “in the boat.”  Cheryl also assists listeners in recognizing whether they might benefit from having an Integrator by posing questions such as: Are you grappling with wearing all the hats?  Do you feel like your business is running you instead of vice versa?    Are you encountering challenges in achieving the growth you envisioned? If your response to these questions is affirmative, the missing piece may be an integrator. Stay to the end for Cheryl’s Damn Good Truth as is the most important lesson she has learned in 23 years!    IN THIS EPISODE:   [00:28] Cheryl shares how she and Liz spend their day and how they describe an integrator  [07:30] Cheryl explains why everyone should have their own role and responsibilities  [13:58] Cheryl describes the role and skills of an integrator [25:19] Liz talks about growing professionally in her role [28:08] Are you an integrator or a visionary? [29:27] Cheryl and Liz each share what their roles are and what the other team members do [37:46] What bugs Cheryl and Liz about each other, and what do they love [44:11] Cheryl’s damn good truth for this episode    KEY TAKEAWAYS:   You must stay in your lane—and collaborate together. Let the integrator do their job and manage! Visionaries need their jamba juice for the big ideas and problem solving.  Once you reach half a million dollars in sales, you will benefit from an integrator to reach your first million. Often, employees will follow the visionary, even if the visionary is down a rabbit hole , and it takes an integrator to pull everyone back on track and refocus and make time to follow the visionary!  RESOURCE LINKS: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters   Damn Good Designer - Website The Interior Design Paradigm - Website The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, 12 written 300+ page workbooks, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs.