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

Season3 : Episode 3 – Finding Your Why & Trusting the Process: Rethinking Goals for a Meaningful 2025

Sticking to goals is easy when motivation is high—but what happens when that initial spark fades? In the third installment of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion explore how to stay connected to your goals by digging into the why behind them. They discuss the difference between setting goals for external validation versus personal fulfillment and how aligning with your deeper purpose leads to lasting progress.

They also break down the role of self-awareness in navigating change and how external feedback can reveal blind spots, strengths, and unexpected opportunities. By paying attention to both internal motivation and outside perspective, you can gain a clearer picture of what truly matters and adjust your path with confidence.

Finally, they discuss the art of letting go—learning to trust the bigger picture, even when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re questioning a goal or facing setbacks, this episode offers a refreshing take on staying flexible, focused, and connected to what really drives you.

Season 3 – Episode 2: Becoming vs. Achieving: A New Take on Goal Setting

In the second episode of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion rethink traditional success by shifting the focus from achievement to transformation. Instead of chasing goals for the sake of external recognition, they explore how goals should serve as stepping stones toward personal growth.

They introduce the NICE goal framework as an alternative to traditional SMART goals, highlighting the importance of setting goals that align with personal values and long-term vision. Through personal stories and practical strategies, they share how discipline and consistency play different roles in success, why sustainable progress matters more than rigid perfectionism, and how self-awareness can reshape the way we set and pursue goals. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on goal setting, emphasizing who you become in the process—not just what you accomplish.

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Season 3 – Episode 1: Rethinking Resolutions: From Hustle to Harmony

New year, fresh start? Maybe. But let’s face it: the pressure to set ambitious resolutions and overhaul your life on January 1st is overwhelming—and often counterproductive. In this episode, hosts Damion and Deirdre take a deep dive into the mindset shift we all need: moving from hustle culture to a life that’s fulfilling, intentional, and aligned with what truly matters.

Drawing from their personal journeys, the hosts explore why societal expectations around goal-setting can lead to burnout and frustration, and how to approach 2025 with clarity and balance instead. They challenge the conventional “new year, new you” narrative and replace it with a focus on how you want to feel and who you want to become.

Whether you’re navigating career milestones, striving for personal growth, or simply trying to reclaim some peace in a chaotic world, this episode is filled with inspiration and actionable ideas. The discussion touches on the importance of balance, the value of joy and connection, and how to make progress without losing sight of what truly matters. Damion and Deirdre’s warmth, humor, and candid reflections create an engaging space for listeners to rethink their approach to the new year and beyond.

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277: Passing the Torch: Reflections, Lessons, and a New Era for the PSM Show

277: Passing the Torch: Reflections, Lessons, and a New Era for the PSM Show

This episode marks the transition of longtime co-host Frank Lippert as he steps away to focus on his role as Director of Strategy at Delve Underground. For the past three years, Frank has been a trusted voice for candid, honest conversations about leadership, marketing, and the human side of professional services. His reflections on this journey offer valuable insights on authentic leadership, succession planning, and navigating change — themes that every professional can relate to.

But as one chapter closes, another begins. The PSM Show is proud to welcome its new co-host, Damion Morris, a proven marketing leader from PCL Construction known for his innovative thinking, dynamic presence, and ability to spark meaningful conversations. Together with co-host Deirdre, Damion promises to bring fresh energy, bold ideas, and timely discussions on the topics that matter most to today’s professionals.

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

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276: Crafting Success: Uniqueka Walcott on Branding and Career Mastery

In this episode, Deirdre sits down with Uniqueka Walcott, a renowned writer and speaker, to discuss personal branding, career ownership, and workplace culture. Known as the “Billion Dollar Bid Writer,” Uniqueka shares her journey of crafting a strong personal brand through strategic communications and offers insights from her experience to help individuals embrace authenticity and boost visibility. The conversation highlights pivotal career moments, emphasizing self-guidance and the importance of a supportive network. Uniqueka addresses challenges in career ownership, including mindset shifts and actionable feedback, and stresses the necessity of recognizing when change is needed. Strategies for overcoming obstacles and cultivating a workplace culture of mutual respect are also explored. Key takeaways include rejecting disrespect, being discerning with feedback, and embracing proactive change, providing listeners with practical insights to advance their personal branding and career growth.

 

Uniqueka Walcott, CPSM, Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC

Uniqueka Walcott is celebrated for her prowess in proposal management and strategic communications. As the founder of Uniqueka Walcott Communications LLC, she empowers others to express their authentic selves. Holding a B.A. in journalism with a focus on Public Relations from Georgia State University, Uniqueka has secured over a billion dollars in government contracts and has been featured in the Baltimore Sun. Her Personal Branding Masterclass is instrumental in helping clients boost their visibility and build meaningful connections, paving the way for their growth.

 

Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com

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Let us know what you think about this episode. Should we do more interviews? Or, would you prefer just Frank and Deirdre (no guests)? Use the form on our homepage to let us know.

 

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