PSM: Professional Services Marketing

Whether you're a Swiftie or not, Taylor Swift's influence on global spending and the marketing strategies behind her success are impossible to ignore.  In this episode, Deirdre Booth and I explore how AEC firms can draw inspiration from Taylor Swift's innovative marketing tactics to create their own opportunities for growth.

AEC marketing and business development are changing fast. In this episode, Deirdre Booth talks with Scott Butcher of Stambaugh Ness about what is reshaping the work today and what leaders need next. They cover the talent crunch, the "missing middle," and why environmental scanning belongs in every plan. They discuss practical uses of AI, how early adopters are already productizing tools, and what happens when firms delay. Scott makes the case for true marketing leadership at the table, not just a new title, and offers a six month playbook that focuses on three use cases for AI, stronger BD and marketing alignment, and a habit of testing and learning. The conversation closes with clear risks of waiting, including loss of relevance and recruiting challenges, and a reminder that agility wins when conditions shift.

Client experience is more than good service. In this episode of the PSM Show, Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth talk with Tim Amos, CPSM and Head of Growth at Client Savvy, about how AEC firms can design and manage client experiences that create measurable business results. Tim shares his journey from in-house marketing to leading CX strategy and explains why repeat business does not always equal loyalty. He introduces practical ways to measure client sentiment, including Net Promoter Score and share of spend, and describes how firms can use feedback to inform go/no-go decisions, increase profitability, and strengthen retention. For marketers, this conversation shows how CX can open the door to leadership. Small wins such as mapping the proposal process or implementing a client feedback program can build momentum and demonstrate the connection between marketing strategy and firm performance. The discussion also highlights findings from the SMPS Foundation's research on CX in the AEC industry. Listeners will gain a clear view of how intentional client experience shapes reputation, growth, and long-term success.

In this episode of The PSM Show, co-host Damion Morris welcomes Allison Tivnon, strategic advisor, author, and City Councilor for Beaverton, Oregon. Allison has spent nearly two decades guiding AEC firms through the complexities of marketing, planning, and leadership. Damion and Allison explore why so many strategic plans lose momentum after the retreat and how to create alignment that lasts. They discuss the importance of involving marketing in the process, the role of a skilled facilitator, and how to make sure vision translates into action. Guest Bio: Allison Tivnon has dedicated her career to city and regional planning, partnering with municipalities, DOTs, and regional governments on behalf of urban planners, transportation engineers, economists, and policy analysts. She presents for SMPS, ACEC, and AGC, and is the author of Marketing at Low Tide: How to Recession-Proof Your Marketing Department. She also serves as a City Councilor for the City of Beaverton, Oregon. Learn more about Allison at AEC Pursuit Strategies or connect with her on LinkedIn.

This week on the PSM Show, we're bringing back one of our most impactful episodes while Deirdre and Damion are out at Amplify AEC. Whether you lead interview prep or support it behind the scenes, this episode offers a powerful mindset shift: coaching is not about directing or fixing. It's about creating emotional safety and helping people shine under pressure. If you've ever coached a must-win team or sat through a feedback session that crushed more than it helped, this one's for you.

Deirdre and Damion are both gearing up for SMPS Amplify, and with Damion serving as one of this year's conference chairs, we're giving them a little breathing room this week.   In the meantime, we're bringing back a listener favorite: "Finding Your Why & Trusting the Process: Rethinking Goals." Originally released in February, it's one of our top-performing episodes—and for good reason.

Your firm's site greets visitors long before a proposal or a handshake. In this episode of the PSM Show, co-hosts Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth sit down with content strategist and copywriter Ben Culbreath to unpack what your homepage is really saying—and why that message may be turning prospects or future hires away.   Ben shares field-tested ways to move a reader from "nice photos" to "let's talk," beginning with a simple litmus test—searching for the word you—and a copy layout known as the F pattern. He explains how clear headlines, client-focused language, and specific calls to action guide visitors through services, culture, and career paths without forcing them to hunt for key details.   The conversation covers: • Positioning your firm through story instead of slogans • Using client interviews to surface authentic phrases that spark attention • Showing the how behind your work to add value and context to price discussions • Turning the careers page into a true recruiting tool that filters fit and boosts retention • Fresh alternatives to the tired "contact us" button that invite low-pressure conversations   Whether your goal is stronger pursuit support, a more magnetic talent funnel, or copy that simply reads like a human wrote it, Ben's advice will help your website start better conversations.   Listen now, then run his quick audits to spot exactly where small edits will create a major impact.

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.

New year, fresh start? Maybe. But let's face it: the pressure to set ambitious resolutions and overhaul your life on January 1st is overwhelming—and often counterproductive. In this episode, hosts Damion and Deirdre take a deep dive into the mindset shift we all need: moving from hustle culture to a life that's fulfilling, intentional, and aligned with what truly matters. Drawing from their personal journeys, the hosts explore why societal expectations around goal-setting can lead to burnout and frustration, and how to approach 2025 with clarity and balance instead. They challenge the conventional "new year, new you" narrative and replace it with a focus on how you want to feel and who you want to become. Whether you're navigating career milestones, striving for personal growth, or simply trying to reclaim some peace in a chaotic world, this episode is filled with inspiration and actionable ideas. The discussion touches on the importance of balance, the value of joy and connection, and how to make progress without losing sight of what truly matters. Damion and Deirdre's warmth, humor, and candid reflections create an engaging space for listeners to rethink their approach to the new year and beyond.Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

This episode marks the transition of longtime co-host Frank Lippert as he steps away to focus on his role as Director of Strategy at Delve Underground. For the past three years, Frank has been a trusted voice for candid, honest conversations about leadership, marketing, and the human side of professional services. His reflections on this journey offer valuable insights on authentic leadership, succession planning, and navigating change — themes that every professional can relate to. But as one chapter closes, another begins. The PSM Show is proud to welcome its new co-host, Damion Morris, a proven marketing leader from PCL Construction known for his innovative thinking, dynamic presence, and ability to spark meaningful conversations. Together with co-host Deirdre, Damion promises to bring fresh energy, bold ideas, and timely discussions on the topics that matter most to today's professionals. Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

In this episode, Deirdre sits down with Uniqueka Walcott, a renowned writer and speaker, to discuss personal branding, career ownership, and workplace culture. Known as the "Billion Dollar Bid Writer," Uniqueka shares her journey of crafting a strong personal brand through strategic communications and offers insights from her experience to help individuals embrace authenticity and boost visibility. The conversation highlights pivotal career moments, emphasizing self-guidance and the importance of a supportive network. Uniqueka addresses challenges in career ownership, including mindset shifts and actionable feedback, and stresses the necessity of recognizing when change is needed. Strategies for overcoming obstacles and cultivating a workplace culture of mutual respect are also explored. Key takeaways include rejecting disrespect, being discerning with feedback, and embracing proactive change, providing listeners with practical insights to advance their personal branding and career growth.   Uniqueka Walcott, CPSM, Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC Uniqueka Walcott is celebrated for her prowess in proposal management and strategic communications. As the founder of Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC, she empowers others to express their authentic selves. Holding a B.A. in journalism with a focus on Public Relations from Georgia State University, Uniqueka has secured over a billion dollars in government contracts and has been featured in the Baltimore Sun. Her Personal Branding Masterclass is instrumental in helping clients boost their visibility and build meaningful connections, paving the way for their growth.     Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com