EP 440 | Handling Difficult Clients with Confidence: Interior Design Strategies That Work with Dr. Ganz

August 5, 2025

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This episode originally aired as Episode 002 on March 28, 2017.

Every interior designer eventually encounters a difficult client or an uncomfortable conversation—but how you handle those moments can either erode trust or strengthen it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Dr. Ganz to share a simple, effective technique for diffusing tense situations and regaining control—without confrontation, defensiveness, or emotional fallout.

Using a surprisingly memorable 90’s action-hero metaphor, Dr. Ganz explains how designers can stay calm under pressure, de-escalate escalating conversations, and turn challenging interactions into productive, relationship-building moments. The best part? This approach works just as well with colleagues, friends, and family.

If you want to show up with authority, protect your energy, and stop letting difficult clients rattle your confidence, this episode delivers practical tools you can use immediately.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to calmly diffuse a situation that’s escalating
  • Stress-reducing strategies that help you stay grounded during challenging client interactions
  • Why working with a coach or psychologist is a sign of strength—not weakness
  • How emotional regulation supports better leadership and decision-making
  • Five compelling reasons interior designers should charge more for their expertise

 

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About Dr. Ganz Ferrance

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 30 years he has been helping individuals, couples, families, and corporations reduce their stress, improve their relationships and enjoy more success.

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.askdrganz.com

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Aquavato!

Aquavato is a trade-focused plumbing showroom in Toronto designed to support interior designers with expert product guidance, educational support, and concierge level service. Inside, the House of Rohl Studio has curated selections of Perrin & Rowe, Rohl, Shaws, Victoria + Albert, Emtek & Schaub.

Learn more about the Aquavato Trade Program at aquavato.com.

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.

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