In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Laila Al-Yousuf, Creative Director and Partner at Say Studio, to explore her journey through the design industry from purpose led creativity to building a studio that stands for more than just aesthetics.

Laila shares honest reflections on what it really takes to grow in the design world, the myths young designers often believe, and why finding purpose is just as important as building a portfolio. She opens up about starting a studio without having everything figured out, navigating uncertainty, and redefining success beyond traditional career paths.

This episode is a must-watch for designers, creatives, and anyone questioning how to build a meaningful career in a fast-paced industry.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
•⁠ ⁠Why purpose matters more than projects in design
•⁠ ⁠The reality of starting a creative studio before feeling “ready”
•⁠ ⁠Common myths about the design industry, and the truth behind them
•⁠ ⁠Why there’s no single path to success in design
•⁠ ⁠Advice every young designer needs to hear today
•⁠ ⁠The importance of staying curious, grounded, and authentic

Whether you’re a student, an early-career designer, or a creative leader, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and inspiration.

👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with design leaders shaping the industry.
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#TheDesignerRecruiter #DesignIndustry #CreativeLeadership #WomenInDesign #PurposeDrivenDesign #DesignCareers #CreativeStudio #SayStudio #LailaAlYousuf #DesignPodcast
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Keep up with us:
🌐 Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/
📸 Instagram: /lcrecruitment
💼 LinkedIn: /the-designer-recruiter

Follow Laila:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/laila-al-yousuf-601006165
🔗 Say Studio: https://www.saystudio.com/

In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Director at Godwin Austen Johnson, to explore her 20-year journey from humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming one of the UAE’s most respected architects.

Christine opens up about her rise through the ranks, entrepreneurial ventures, leadership lessons, and the biases she’s broken along the way — proving that grit, grace, and purpose can reshape any career.

You’ll hear:

• How Christine went from Tondo to top-tier architecture in Dubai
• The truth about stereotypes facing Filipinos in leadership
• Lessons on balancing motherhood, creativity, and ambition
• Insights into company culture, mentoring, and career longevity
• Why financial literacy and self-belief are crucial for success

A must-watch for architects, creatives, and women redefining what leadership looks like in the design world.

👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from design leaders shaping the industry.

#TheDesignerRecruiter #WomenInArchitecture #FilipinoExcellence #CreativeLeadership #DesignCareers #ArchitectureDubai #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipJourney #InspiringWomen #ChristineEspinosaErlanda #GodwinAustenJohnson

Keep up with us:
🌐 Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

Follow Christine:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-espinosa/

⏱ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Christine Espino
01:10 Christine's Early Career in the Philippines
03:29 Transition to Dubai
07:52 Career Growth at Godwins St. Johnson
09:19 Balancing Family and Career
19:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures
24:07 Financial Literacy and Investments
24:42 The Green Sanctuary Resort
28:34 Creative Pursuits and Achievements
31:34 Managing Work-Life Balance
33:53 Balancing Family and Work Responsibilities
34:14 Office Life and Innovation Strategy
34:37 Leadership and Delegation
35:50 Breaking Stereotypes About Filipinos
37:53 Empowering Filipinos in the UAE
43:22 Facing Discrimination in the Workplace
48:40 Hiring the Right Candidates
53:34 Company Culture and Employee Retention
57:08 Personal Insights and Quickfire Questions
01:04:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

🎙️ This week on The Designer Recruiter, Esther sits down with Kristian Stinson, Co-Founder & Managing Director of FINCH, a Dubai-based design agency working with some of the world’s biggest hospitality and retail brands.

From his career transition from law to design to building Finch into a creative powerhouse, Kristian shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship, branding, and family life.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How designers can truly win on social media without losing authenticity
-The realities of hiring, recruitment, and red flags in today’s design industry
- Kristian’s journey with ADHD and the importance of designing for neurodiversity
- Balancing entrepreneurship with family and personal priorities
- Advice for anyone considering a career transition into design

This conversation is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and lessons from the design industry — perfect for designers, recruiters, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a creative career.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of The Designer Recruiter!

Keep up with us:
Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

Follow Kristian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristianstinson/


Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:59 The Philosophy Behind Finch's Branding
02:56 The Journey of Authenticity in Business
04:56 Early Career Struggles and Lessons Learned
10:53 Transitioning from Law to Design
18:47 Supporting Maternity Leave in the Workplace
27:20 Challenges in the Hiring Landscape
41:58 Employer Expectations and Authentic Interviews
42:36 A Story of Overcoming Adversity
45:20 Handling Shyness in Interviews
49:08 Understanding and Managing ADHD
56:04 Designing for Neurodiversity
01:05:27 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
01:12:52 Quick Fire Questions and Reflections