EP 010 | Avoiding Burnout in Your Interior Design Business with Ellen Walker and Dr. Ganz Ferrance

May 23, 2017

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Have you ever felt like walking away from your design business?

One day everything is running smoothly, and the next you’re overwhelmed by mistakes, client complaints, project challenges, and mounting pressure. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores the realities of burnout with interior designer Ellen Walker and psychologist Dr. Ganz Ferrance. Together, they discuss how burnout develops, how to recognize the warning signs, and what you can do before reaching a breaking point.

For interior designers navigating the demands of running a business, this episode offers practical insights on maintaining perspective, protecting your well-being, and building a more sustainable career.

In this episode, we learn:
• The common factors that contribute to burnout in design businesses
• How to recognize the signs that you’re approaching—or have already hit—the wall
• Strategies for slowing down and making adjustments before burnout takes hold
• Why self-awareness is critical to long-term success and satisfaction
• Practical advice from Dr. Ganz Ferrance on preventing and managing burnout
• How even successful business owners experience periods of frustration, overwhelm, and doubt

Bonus: Kimberley shares her own experience with burnout and the surprising thoughts that accompanied it, reminding us that even seasoned professionals can reach a breaking point—and recover from it.

 

Take Aways

Quick Methods to Reset your Productivity Mode

  1. Stop. Sit still. Close your eyes. Take 10 deep breaths and reset.
  2. Do something fun every day.
  3. Get some exercise.
  4. Step into nature.

 

Ellen Walker knows great design. Her award-winning, full service design firm, Ellen Walker Design Group (EWDG) has serviced satisfied clients across western Canada for over 20 years. Their office is based in Red Deer, Alberta. Specializing in residential, vacation properties and commercial projects, EWDG’s focus is to create function, flow and beauty. Their client list includes medical and legal professionals, business executives, entrepreneurs, restaurant owners and professional athletes. Her design team proudly supports ergonomic health, wellness and sustainable design in all projects.

Ellen Walker Design Group saves you time, money and headaches by providing a “one-stop shop” of design services ranging from project management/space planning to colour consultations to furnishings and flooring selection. Their extensive trade team includes some of Alberta’s foremost contractors, painters, drapery specialists, upholsterers, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals—with numerous vendors and suppliers throughout North America. They provide a white-glove, turn-key service, where the client “doesn’t have to lift a finger”. Projects are completed on time and on budget.

Ellen Walker is regularly an expert guest on television and radio. She is also a popular presenter at the annual Red Deer Home Show. To encourage support and professional development within the local design community, Ellen is the proud founder of a monthly networking group called “Designer’s Circle”.

www.ellenwalkerdesign.com

 

About Dr. Ganz

Dr. Ganz Ferrance holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and an M.A. in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Andrews University in Michigan. In addition, he is the former Public Education Coordinator as well as the former Vice-President of the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta. For over 25 years he has been helping individuals, couples, families, and corporations reduce their stress, improve their relationships and enjoy more success.

“Dr. Ganz” is a favorite of the media and over the past 12 years has been interviewed by The Edmonton Journal, CBC Radio, 630 CHED, Good Morning Canada, CTV News, Psychology Today, Ebony Magazine and many more media outlets.  He has also been a regular “Health and Lifestyle” panel expert on Alberta Primetime for over 5 years. His deep belief in “positive psychology” helps you be your very best. Dr. Ganz presents his information in a straight-forward, down-to-earth, no-nonsense way.

Dr. Ganz prides himself on being a fellow “work-in-progress” and does not presenting anything that he has not personally put his blood, sweat and tears into. This approach has made him a sought-after public speaker—with audiences in the United States and Canada enjoying his fun, engaging, and life-changing presentations on beating stress and building superior relationships.

www.doctorganz.com

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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.

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