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Would you rather pay more for flexibility or less for certainty?
In today’s corporate environment, that tradeoff is no longer hypothetical.
In this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider, Founder and President of ThinkLab, takes listeners inside a live experiential research event in Chicago where nearly 70 corporate end users, designers, general contractors, manufacturers, and dealers gathered to unpack how corporate decisions for the built environment are really getting made.
What emerged was a clear signal: nearly 90% of participants said they would willingly pay more for the ability to pause, pivot, and restart projects—rather than be locked into rigid timelines and processes. That insight reframes everything we think we know about cost, value, and partnership in today’s corporate sector.
Through live audience polling, candid end-user panel discussions, table-top problem solving, and raw onsite “podcast confessional” reflections, this episode reveals why decision-making feels slower than ever and what the industry can do differently.
You’ll hear from corporate end users Rhonda Green and Frederick Miller, moderated by ThinkLab’s Research & Content Leader Erica Waayenberg. The episode also features perspectives from across the ecosystem, including Caroline Hinrichs, Robert Perri, and Andrew McGregor—each offering unfiltered insight into how corporate projects are unfolding on the ground today.
After listening, you will be able to:
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Explain why decision-making for corporate projects feels slower—and more layered—than ever before
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Identify what corporate end users actually need from product and service partners in a volatile environment
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Understand how cost unpredictability has shifted credibility, risk, and accountability inside organizations
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Recognize why internal influence—not speed or talent—is now one of the biggest bottlenecks
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Apply practical ideas surfaced from cross-functional discussions to reduce friction in your own projects
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Reframe flexibility, empathy, and clarity as strategic advantages—not soft skills
How it Works
If this is your first audio-CEU experience you might have some questions – like, "Can I really get CEU credit for listening to a podcast?" and "How exactly does this whole CEU podcast thing work?" And the answer is yes, you CAN earn CEU credits for tuning in and the process is quick and easy.
Here's how to complete your entire CEU podcast process in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Listen to the episode.
Step 2: Visit this link to take a short, 5 question quiz,
*Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU.
Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion from the CEU provider.
Special thanks to our CEU episode sponsors, Clarus and Shaw, for partnering with us to provide valuable insights on compelling topics for the design industry.
- Download the Podcast Discussion Guide.
- Take the QUIZ, get CEU credits.
- Learn more about End-User Decision Making.
- Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends.
- Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights.
- Join ThinkLab's Research and get paid for your perspective.
Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.
Special thanks to our podcast sponsors, Clarus and Shaw– companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.
Want to sponsor an episode?
Design Nerds Anonymous is the only podcast of its kind – holding an engaged audience of architects, designers, CRE leaders, and end users – and delivering the most insights per minute on the forces shaping the built environment. With over 100K+ downloads, the show features industry powerhouses from brands like Chik-fil-A, Hilton, and StoryBrand, having bold conversations on what’s next in business and design—market shifts, process innovation, and the hidden dynamics driving change.
Learn more about becoming a sponsor.
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