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.
⸻
#TheDesignerRecruiter #DesignIndustry #CreativeLeadership #WomenInDesign #PurposeDrivenDesign #DesignCareers #CreativeStudio #SayStudio #LailaAlYousuf #DesignPodcast
⸻
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

In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Nurain Jamal, Co-Founder of Majara DXB, for a powerful and personal conversation about leading with empathy in the architecture and design world.
Nurain shares her honest take on building a career—and a company—on purpose, flexibility, and inclusion.

You’ll hear:
- Why Majara DXB hires for values, not just experience
- How Nurain balances business and motherhood
- Real talk on return-to-work moms and flexible work
- The importance of neurodiversity in design thinking
- What makes a portfolio stand out more than a CV

This is a must-watch for creatives, leaders, and anyone rethinking what an inclusive work culture should really look like.

👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more industry insight, career tips, and real stories from inside the world of design.

#TheDesignerRecruiter #MajaraDXB #WomenInDesign #InclusiveLeadership #NeurodiversityInDesign #CreativeCareers #DesignStudioLife #MotherhoodAndCareer

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 Nurain:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurain-jamal/?originalSubdomain=ae



Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Founding Story of Majara DXB
01:41 Challenges and Growth in the Design Industry
02:25 Studio Culture and Hiring Practices
03:23 Balancing Motherhood and Career
06:54 Shaping Futures
12:25 Leadership and Empathy in Design
17:07 Quick Fire Questions and Personal Insights
21:35 Closing Remarks

What if construction leadership put people first?

In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Hamed Parnian, Managing Director at Vedra, to talk about building more than just spaces—he’s building a values-driven business.

Hamed shares his journey from corporate frustration to founding Vedra, a boutique consultancy focused on trust, culture, and real relationships. He explains how empathy, clarity, and mindset shape everything he does.

You’ll hear:
- Why culture matters more than credentials
- How to hire for personality, not just skills
- Building trust with first-time clients
- The power of branding and authentic leadership

👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen now on any podcast platform. If it resonated, don’t forget to follow and share the show!



Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Hamed Parnian
00:41 Founding Vedra: The Journey Begins
02:10 Building a Human-Centric Company
02:44 Challenges in Team Management
04:40 Vedra's Business Model Explained
08:12 The Origin of the Name 'Vedra'
10:35 Maintaining a Positive Mindset
17:09 Values and Hiring Philosophy
21:48 Interview Process and Company Culture
23:19 Balancing Empathy and Business Systems
24:03 Challenges of Scaling a Company
26:08 Maintaining Human Elements in Processes
27:12 Staying Positive and Handling Difficult Situations
31:23 Finding Your Career Path
34:23 The Importance of Branding and Marketing
38:49 Quick Fire Hiring Questions
40:37 Final Thoughts on Personal Development


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 Hamed:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamedparnian/?originalSubdomain=ae

What happens when you pivot industries, start over in a new country, and raise a child—on your own? In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria speaks with Katrina Tasbaz, a showroom manager at VitrA and board member of Return to Work Mom.

With over 20 years in the bathroom industry across the UK and UAE, Kathrina opens up about:

🔹Making the leap from design to sales
🔹Building credibility in a new market
🔹Balancing single motherhood with career ambition
🔹Facing bias in the workplace—and rising above it
🔹Why “no” doesn’t always mean the end

Whether you’re changing careers, returning to work, or navigating a challenging season, Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

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 Katrina:

Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-tasbaz-91247593/?originalSubdomain=ae

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Katrina's Journey

01:15 Early Career and Education

02:13 Transition to Sales and Specification

04:14 Roles and Responsibilities in the Bathroom Industry

06:26 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

13:53 Balancing Career and Personal Life

17:47 Return to Work Mom Initiative

20:02 Quick Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Struggling to stand out in your applications or be confident during interviews? This episode is for you!

From overcoming shyness to reshaping hiring processes—Kimberley Dean, Associate Director at Bishop Design, shares her personal and professional evolution in this inspiring chat with host Esther Echeverria.

🎯 In this episode:

• The LinkedIn strategy that got her hired—no CV needed
• Why confidence is a skill, not a personality trait
• The secret to looking natural on camera
• How to make your social media work like a digital CV
• Behind the scenes: revamping hiring at Bishop Design
• What really matters in interviews (hint: not just your portfolio)

💡 Tune in to The Designer Recruiter to hear why personal presence now matters more than your CV, and how to make it count.

🎧 Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms!

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 Kimberley:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekdaystil6/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:09 Kimberley's Early Career and Confidence Journey
06:24 Navigating Social Media and Personal Branding
11:46 Climbing the Corporate Ladder
14:56 Career Transitions and Key Roles
19:12 Interview Experiences and Job Seeking Tips
21:13 Navigating Job Search Strategies
21:42 The Importance of Being Prepared for Interviews
22:34 Advice for Job Seekers: Confidence and Demand
24:03 Switching to the Interviewer's Perspective
25:24 Revamping the Interview Process
28:55 Key Traits of Successful Candidates
31:54 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
33:42 The Value of Mentorship and Coaching
35:27 Quick Fire Questions: Getting to Know Kim
38:22 Final Thoughts on Career Success

Designers and design students, are you ready for some career insights? In this episode of The Designer Recruiter Podcast, Esther Echeverria delves into the dynamic world of design recruitment, providing valuable tips and inspiration.

Meet today's guest Juan Roldan, a Spanish architect, designer, and researcher. Currently an associate professor at the American University of Sharjah, Juan brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for design practices in the UAE.

Here’s what waits for you in this episode:

Exploring Juan's Journey: From Architecture to Teaching- Learn how our guest seamlessly transitioned from running his firm to becoming a full-time educator. His story is filled with gradual shifts, international experiences, and a perfect blend of academia and practice.

Securing Internships- Gain insights into securing your first internship and job, and learn from Juan's experiences in balancing practice and academia.

Riba Gulf Chapter Representation & CID Awards Jury- Explore Juan's role as the Riba Gulf Chapter Representative and his experiences as a jury member for the prestigious CID Awards. Understand the complexities of decision-making in design competitions and the importance of balancing various professional perspectives.

Networking and Alumni Collaborations- Juan emphasizes the significance of networking and staying connected with alumni. Discover how these connections have translated into collaborations, consultancy opportunities, and even job placements. The power of networking in the design industry is real!

Career Insights, Regrets & Advice- Juan shares reflections on his career, and the design industry in Dubai. Tune in to hear his advice to aspiring designers.

Dive deep into the world of design recruitment and architectural insights. Head over to our YouTube channel and catch the full episode with Juan Roldan. Take advantage of the valuable tips and career inspiration waiting for you!

Tune in and let us help you level up your design career! Subscribe, like, share, and tune in to The Designer Recruiter Podcast. Your journey to success in the design industry starts here!

For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app!
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-designer-recruiter/id1701423937
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bAfi8Y2EYu9HzNK7oVQu2?si=4e7b34014332402b
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjIxMTQzLnJzcw