EP 197 | Should Interior Designers Say “I” or “We”? with Nikki Rausch
Do you say “we” when talking about your interior design business — even when the work was primarily yours?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores a surprisingly important communication habit that affects confidence, credibility, and leadership for interior designers. Joined by sales expert Nikki Rausch, Kimberley discusses why many women instinctively use “we” language, how it impacts client perception, and when designers should confidently take ownership of their expertise.
The way you speak about your work influences how clients, collaborators, and industry peers see your authority and value. Kimberley and Nikki unpack how language choices can either diminish or strengthen your professional presence.
In this episode, we learn:
• Why women often say “we” when discussing their work while men more frequently say “I”
• How deflecting personal praise can unintentionally signal a lack of confidence
• Why confidently owning your expertise strengthens client trust
• How language choices shape leadership presence and authority
• Why giving appropriate credit and taking ownership can coexist
• How intentional communication helps interior designers feel more empowered and visible
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ready to turn insight into action?
The Business of Design® Signature Programs are our flagship, proven systems for interior designers who want structure, profitability, and confidence—without burnout. Built on 30+ years of real-world experience, it gives you the exact framework to run a successful design firm.
Stop guessing. Start leading.
Enroll now and build the business your talent deserves >>
About Nikki Rausch
After 25 years’ experience selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA, Nikki Rausch decided to trade in her road warrior status so she could help entrepreneurs sell in a way that builds relationships, creates true connection, and results in more closed deals and long-term clients. Now, as a sales coach, author, speaker, podcast host and founder of Sales Maven, Nikki transforms the misunderstood process of “selling” into techniques, tools, and tips that can be successfully incorporated into a process replicable by anyone whose livelihood relies on selling a product, a service, or themselves. When she’s not helping business owners move their clients along the ‘Selling Staircase’, Nikki enjoys taking in all the beauty that living in the Pacific Northwest affords her.
🎙️ SUBSCRIBE to the Business of Design® Podcast
Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Music | SoundCloud
Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
BOD™ Pricing Playbook
Get the exact pricing strategy that helped 1,000s of designers grow profitable, client-aligned businesses (without burnout), delivered right to your inbox.
No spam. Just support and helpful tips from Business of Design®. Unsubscribe anytime.
