EP 490 | AI, Delegation, and Hiring an Assistant for Your Interior Design Business with Gina Cotner

July 21, 2026

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Are you trying to do everything yourself in your interior design business?

As AI tools become more powerful, many designers are wondering whether they still need an assistant or additional support. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to discuss why delegation remains one of the most important strategies for growing a profitable interior design business.

Together, they explore how AI is changing the role of executive assistants, why accountability matters, and how the right support can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work only you can do.

If you’ve ever said, “It’s faster if I just do it myself,” this episode is for you.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why AI won’t replace great assistants in an interior design business
  • How to know when it’s time to hire support for your design firm
  • Why delegation is essential for scaling your business and reducing overwhelm
  • How to create accountability without micromanaging your team
  • Questions that help employees and contractors think like leaders
  • Why giving work away creates more freedom, profitability, and growth

Special for listeners of Business of Design!
Receive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services (AES)—a $275 value! Just mention this offer during your first call with us.

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Give it away.

Start saying yes to help. Delegate one task or project—even if it’s small. The more you practice letting go, the better you’ll become at building support and creating time for the work only you can do.

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

About Gina Cotner

Gina Cotner is the founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, one of the top virtual assistant firms in the U.S. AES pairs highly skilled Executive Assistants across the country with swamped and successful entrepreneurs. Gina’s team of elite EAs takes ownership of key processes and projects, freeing business owners to focus their time and energy where it matters most. Gina is also a dynamic speaker and workshop facilitator, known for her practical, engaging approach to delegation. Through immersive, collaborative experiences, she helps leaders confidently hand off the “heavy lifting” and build teams rooted in clarity, accountability, and trust.

www.athenaexecutiveservices.com

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!

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Visit danielhouse.club/bod and use code BOD2026 to save on your Signature Membership.

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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.