Season3: Episode 5 – Bold, Scrappy, and On Point featuring Nicole Posten

In this episode of The PSM Show, Deirdre Booth goes one-on-one with longtime friend and bold brand-builder Nicole Posten, founder and principal of On Point Architecture. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Nicole launched her firm while on maternity leave—baby on one hip, CAD drawings on the screen, and zero interest in playing it safe.

Nicole brings the same energy to her marketing as she does to her design work: unapologetically real, fiercely professional, and refreshingly human. From naming her firm “On Point” to embracing a brand voice that’s quirky, brassy, and undeniably her, Nicole shares how authenticity has been the not-so-secret weapon behind her 75% repeat client rate and year-over-year business growth.

This is a masterclass in doing business your way—and making no apologies for it. If you’ve ever struggled to find your brand voice or felt the pressure to blend in, Nicole’s story is your permission slip to stand out.

Nicole Posten, AIA is the founder and principal of OnPoint Architecture, a woman-owned firm based in Mesa, Arizona. Known for her bold, scrappy, and resourceful approach, Nicole launched her firm in 2016 with a clear mission: to deliver thoughtful, high-performing architecture with zero fluff and full authenticity.

A licensed architect with roots in Ohio and a love for the desert sun, Nicole brings a fearless, no-nonsense energy to every project. Her work spans millions of dollars in built construction and a client base that returns again and again—thanks to her sharp design instincts, high standards, and refreshingly human communication style.

Whether she’s advocating for her clients in front of city officials or writing her popular monthly newsletter (yes, it’s that good), Nicole leads with purpose, personality, and just the right amount of sass.

 

WEBSITE: www.onpointarchitecture.com

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/onpointarchitecture_az/#

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/onpointarchitecture/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-point-architecture-llc/

Season3 : Episode 4 – 7 Career Lessons to Fast-Track Your Growth : Feat. Rachel Charlton

Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. In this episode, Deirdre Booth sits down with Rachel Charlton, founder of Sticky Communications, to explore seven lessons she wished she had learned sooner in her AEC career.

They break down the power of taking initiative, how to lead with purpose, and why understanding the why behind your work can shape both your career and workplace relationships. Rachel also shares how young professionals can navigate challenges like balancing expectations, avoiding burnout, and using data-driven insights to gain influence.

Beyond career strategy, they dig into the mindset shifts that can make all the difference—how to advocate for yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and turn rejection into redirection. Whether you’re new to AEC or looking to take your career to the next level, this episode offers real-world advice to help you grow and succeed.

🎯 Rachel Charlton is the founder of Sticky Communications—and a self-proclaimed marketing unicorn with over 12 years of cross-functional experience, mostly in the AEC realm, but she’s never been one to stay in just one lane. Rachel champions strategic sales enablement, helping clients optimize pursuit processes, uncover the heart of their brand story, and craft presentations that genuinely connect with audiences.

🪄 Her superpower? Infusing resonance into facts and data through storytelling techniques that bridge the gap between technical jargon and human connection—perfectly complementing her clients’ strategic marketing and business development goals.

📚 Rachel is a passionate advocate for harnessing the power of story for good, whether she’s elevating a client’s brand or weaving a compelling narrative into a must-win pitch. In her world, creativity and strategy are never at odds—they’re partners in crime, fueling each project with equal parts logic and magic.

✨ When she’s off the clock, Rachel feeds her imagination with crafting, ambitious baking ventures, and reviving and instilling cozy into her 1945 Portland home. During the long, sun-kissed days of summer in the Pacific Northwest, you can find her and her husband sailing, paddle boarding, or taking their Airstream on the road—often in the rowdy company of their three spirited miniature schnauzers: Bentley, Dash, and Magnus.

Resonate – Nancy Duarte

DataStory – Nancy Duarte

TEDxEast – Nancy Duarte