Agency Bytes Ep 100 – Debbie Millman – Lessons in Leadership, Design, and Abundance
In the 100th episode of Agency Bytes, I couldn’t think of a more fitting guest to mark this milestone than the legendary Debbie Millman. As a designer, writer, educator, and the pioneering host of Design Matters, Debbie has shaped the creative industry in ways that continue to inspire me and so many others. In this conversation, we dive into her remarkable journey—from leading Sterling Brands to an Omnicom acquisition, to her impact on branding and design education, and even the evolution of her own 20-year podcasting career. She shares invaluable insights on leadership, overcoming rejection, embracing an abundance mindset, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Plus, we discuss her upcoming book Love Letter to a Garden and the deeply personal connection between creativity and growth. It’s an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and a celebration of resilience in the creative industry.
In this episode, we dig into:
• Debbie’s leadership at Sterling Brands and the journey to an Omnicom acquisition
• The evolution of Design Matters and what 20 years of podcasting has taught her
• How an abundance vs. scarcity mindset changed her creative path
• The impact of Milton Glaser’s mentorship and his powerful five-year vision exercise
• Advocating for women in design and her role in Omnicom’s Omniwomen network
• Dealing with rejection, imposter syndrome, and the realities of a creative career
• Her new book Love Letter to a Garden and the inspiration behind it
So, whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re tuning in for the first time, thank you for being part of this journey with me. I sincerely hope you enjoy this special 100th episode of Agency Bytes with the one and only Debbie Millman!
Key Bytes
• Debbie became a shareholder at Sterling Brands in 1998.
• Leadership requires balancing financial acumen with creative passion.
• Debbie's management style was demanding yet fair.
• The acquisition by Omnicom was a pivotal moment for Sterling Brands.
• Debbie actively mentors and advocates for women in the industry.
• Her podcast, Design Matters, has evolved significantly over 20 years.
• Debbie's closing statement reflects her commitment to making a difference.
• The podcast has maintained a loyal audience despite industry changes.
• Debbie's early writing for Armin Vitt's blog sparked her design journey.
• Milton Glaser's teachings on scarcity and abundance were transformative for Debbie.
• Writing a five-year plan helped Debbie visualize her future.
• Debbie emphasizes the importance of teaching and sharing knowledge.
• Rejections are a common experience, and feelings are temporary.
• Travel serves as a major source of inspiration for Debbie's work.
• Debbie's upcoming book combines her love for gardening and visual storytelling.
• Debbie encourages embracing both successes and failures in one's career.
• Believing in oneself is crucial for achieving goals.
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Milestones: The 100th Episode
12:37 Navigating Challenges in a Changing Market
18:06 Empowering Women in Creative Industries
24:42 The Evolution of Design Conversations
33:35 Navigating Rejections and Setbacks
42:05 Upcoming Projects and Personal Growth
Named “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, “one of the most influential designers working today” by GDUSA, and a “Woman of Influence” by Success magazine, Debbie Millman is also an author, educator, designer, and podcast pioneer. Debbie is the host of the Webby and Signal award-winning podcast Design Matters, one of the first and longest-running podcasts in the world; Chair of the first-ever Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts, Co-owner and Editorial Director of PrintMag.com, and the author of seven books on design and branding. Debbie is the recipient of a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and a Lifetime Achievement award from AIGA, the Professional Association for Design. She is currently a Harvard Business School Executive Fellow and was recently invited to the Design Advisory Board of Canva.
Contact Debbie on their website or through the SVA Branding program.