• Christine Espinosa-Erlanda | Breaking Stereotypes in Architecture | The Designer Recruiter | Ep.12
    Nov 2 2025

    In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Director at Godwin Austen Johnson, to explore her 20-year journey from humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming one of the UAE’s most respected architects.

    Christine opens up about her rise through the ranks, entrepreneurial ventures, leadership lessons, and the biases she’s broken along the way — proving that grit, grace, and purpose can reshape any career.

    You’ll hear:

    • How Christine went from Tondo to top-tier architecture in Dubai
    • The truth about stereotypes facing Filipinos in leadership
    • Lessons on balancing motherhood, creativity, and ambition
    • Insights into company culture, mentoring, and career longevity
    • Why financial literacy and self-belief are crucial for success

    A must-watch for architects, creatives, and women redefining what leadership looks like in the design world.

    👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from design leaders shaping the industry.

    #TheDesignerRecruiter #WomenInArchitecture #FilipinoExcellence #CreativeLeadership #DesignCareers #ArchitectureDubai #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipJourney #InspiringWomen #ChristineEspinosaErlanda #GodwinAustenJohnson

    Keep up with us:
    🌐 Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/
    📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/
    💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

    Follow Christine:
    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-espinosa/

    ⏱ Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Christine Espino
    01:10 Christine's Early Career in the Philippines
    03:29 Transition to Dubai
    07:52 Career Growth at Godwins St. Johnson
    09:19 Balancing Family and Career
    19:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures
    24:07 Financial Literacy and Investments
    24:42 The Green Sanctuary Resort
    28:34 Creative Pursuits and Achievements
    31:34 Managing Work-Life Balance
    33:53 Balancing Family and Work Responsibilities
    34:14 Office Life and Innovation Strategy
    34:37 Leadership and Delegation
    35:50 Breaking Stereotypes About Filipinos
    37:53 Empowering Filipinos in the UAE
    43:22 Facing Discrimination in the Workplace
    48:40 Hiring the Right Candidates
    53:34 Company Culture and Employee Retention
    57:08 Personal Insights and Quickfire Questions
    01:04:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

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    1 Std. und 10 Min.
  • ADHD, Entrepreneurship & Family Life with Kristian Stinson, Co-Founder of FINCH
    Oct 1 2025

    🎙️ This week on The Designer Recruiter, Esther sits down with Kristian Stinson, Co-Founder & Managing Director of FINCH, a Dubai-based design agency working with some of the world’s biggest hospitality and retail brands.

    From his career transition from law to design to building Finch into a creative powerhouse, Kristian shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship, branding, and family life.

    🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
    - How designers can truly win on social media without losing authenticity
    -The realities of hiring, recruitment, and red flags in today’s design industry
    - Kristian’s journey with ADHD and the importance of designing for neurodiversity
    - Balancing entrepreneurship with family and personal priorities
    - Advice for anyone considering a career transition into design

    This conversation is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and lessons from the design industry — perfect for designers, recruiters, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a creative career.

    👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of The Designer Recruiter!


    Keep up with us:
    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

    Follow Kristian:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristianstinson/


    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:59 The Philosophy Behind Finch's Branding
    02:56 The Journey of Authenticity in Business
    04:56 Early Career Struggles and Lessons Learned
    10:53 Transitioning from Law to Design
    18:47 Supporting Maternity Leave in the Workplace
    27:20 Challenges in the Hiring Landscape
    41:58 Employer Expectations and Authentic Interviews
    42:36 A Story of Overcoming Adversity
    45:20 Handling Shyness in Interviews
    49:08 Understanding and Managing ADHD
    56:04 Designing for Neurodiversity
    01:05:27 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
    01:12:52 Quick Fire Questions and Reflections

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    1 Std. und 22 Min.
  • Real Talk on Neurodiverse Parenting, Purpose & People-Led Design: An inside look at Majara DXB
    Jul 25 2025

    In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Nurain Jamal, Co-Founder of Majara DXB, for a powerful and personal conversation about leading with empathy in the architecture and design world.
    Nurain shares her honest take on building a career—and a company—on purpose, flexibility, and inclusion.

    You’ll hear:
    - Why Majara DXB hires for values, not just experience
    - How Nurain balances business and motherhood
    - Real talk on return-to-work moms and flexible work
    - The importance of neurodiversity in design thinking
    - What makes a portfolio stand out more than a CV

    This is a must-watch for creatives, leaders, and anyone rethinking what an inclusive work culture should really look like.

    👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more industry insight, career tips, and real stories from inside the world of design.

    #TheDesignerRecruiter #MajaraDXB #WomenInDesign #InclusiveLeadership #NeurodiversityInDesign #CreativeCareers #DesignStudioLife #MotherhoodAndCareer

    Keep up with us:
    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

    Follow Nurain:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurain-jamal/?originalSubdomain=ae



    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:35 Founding Story of Majara DXB
    01:41 Challenges and Growth in the Design Industry
    02:25 Studio Culture and Hiring Practices
    03:23 Balancing Motherhood and Career
    06:54 Shaping Futures
    12:25 Leadership and Empathy in Design
    17:07 Quick Fire Questions and Personal Insights
    21:35 Closing Remarks

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    22 Min.
  • Building a Business That Puts People First: Hamed Parnian’s Story
    Jul 7 2025

    What if construction leadership put people first?

    In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Hamed Parnian, Managing Director at Vedra, to talk about building more than just spaces—he’s building a values-driven business.

    Hamed shares his journey from corporate frustration to founding Vedra, a boutique consultancy focused on trust, culture, and real relationships. He explains how empathy, clarity, and mindset shape everything he does.

    You’ll hear:
    - Why culture matters more than credentials
    - How to hire for personality, not just skills
    - Building trust with first-time clients
    - The power of branding and authentic leadership

    👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen now on any podcast platform. If it resonated, don’t forget to follow and share the show!



    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Hamed Parnian
    00:41 Founding Vedra: The Journey Begins
    02:10 Building a Human-Centric Company
    02:44 Challenges in Team Management
    04:40 Vedra's Business Model Explained
    08:12 The Origin of the Name 'Vedra'
    10:35 Maintaining a Positive Mindset
    17:09 Values and Hiring Philosophy
    21:48 Interview Process and Company Culture
    23:19 Balancing Empathy and Business Systems
    24:03 Challenges of Scaling a Company
    26:08 Maintaining Human Elements in Processes
    27:12 Staying Positive and Handling Difficult Situations
    31:23 Finding Your Career Path
    34:23 The Importance of Branding and Marketing
    38:49 Quick Fire Hiring Questions
    40:37 Final Thoughts on Personal Development


    Keep up with us:
    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

    Follow Hamed:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamedparnian/?originalSubdomain=ae

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    42 Min.
  • Second Chances, Sales Success & Single Motherhood: Katrina Tasbaz’s Story
    Jun 16 2025

    What happens when you pivot industries, start over in a new country, and raise a child—on your own? In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria speaks with Katrina Tasbaz, a showroom manager at VitrA and board member of Return to Work Mom.

    With over 20 years in the bathroom industry across the UK and UAE, Kathrina opens up about:

    🔹Making the leap from design to sales
    🔹Building credibility in a new market
    🔹Balancing single motherhood with career ambition
    🔹Facing bias in the workplace—and rising above it
    🔹Why “no” doesn’t always mean the end

    Whether you’re changing careers, returning to work, or navigating a challenging season, Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

    🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms
    📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube



    Keep up with us:

    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/


    Follow Katrina:

    Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-tasbaz-91247593/?originalSubdomain=ae




    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Katrina's Journey

    01:15 Early Career and Education

    02:13 Transition to Sales and Specification

    04:14 Roles and Responsibilities in the Bathroom Industry

    06:26 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

    13:53 Balancing Career and Personal Life

    17:47 Return to Work Mom Initiative

    20:02 Quick Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

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    25 Min.
  • Kimberley Dean | Hiring for Culture Fit: The Secret to Long-Term Success
    May 20 2025

    Struggling to stand out in your applications or be confident during interviews? This episode is for you!

    From overcoming shyness to reshaping hiring processes—Kimberley Dean, Associate Director at Bishop Design, shares her personal and professional evolution in this inspiring chat with host Esther Echeverria.

    🎯 In this episode:

    • The LinkedIn strategy that got her hired—no CV needed
    • Why confidence is a skill, not a personality trait
    • The secret to looking natural on camera
    • How to make your social media work like a digital CV
    • Behind the scenes: revamping hiring at Bishop Design
    • What really matters in interviews (hint: not just your portfolio)


    💡 Tune in to The Designer Recruiter to hear why personal presence now matters more than your CV, and how to make it count.

    🎧 Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms!


    Keep up with us:

    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/


    Follow Kimberley:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekdaystil6/



    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction
    01:09 Kimberley's Early Career and Confidence Journey
    06:24 Navigating Social Media and Personal Branding
    11:46 Climbing the Corporate Ladder
    14:56 Career Transitions and Key Roles
    19:12 Interview Experiences and Job Seeking Tips
    21:13 Navigating Job Search Strategies
    21:42 The Importance of Being Prepared for Interviews
    22:34 Advice for Job Seekers: Confidence and Demand
    24:03 Switching to the Interviewer's Perspective
    25:24 Revamping the Interview Process
    28:55 Key Traits of Successful Candidates
    31:54 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
    33:42 The Value of Mentorship and Coaching
    35:27 Quick Fire Questions: Getting to Know Kim
    38:22 Final Thoughts on Career Success

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    40 Min.
  • The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 6 | Architect to Educator: Navigating Design Careers
    Nov 13 2023

    Designers and design students, are you ready for some career insights? In this episode of The Designer Recruiter Podcast, Esther Echeverria delves into the dynamic world of design recruitment, providing valuable tips and inspiration.

    Meet today's guest Juan Roldan, a Spanish architect, designer, and researcher. Currently an associate professor at the American University of Sharjah, Juan brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for design practices in the UAE.

    Here’s what waits for you in this episode:

    Exploring Juan's Journey: From Architecture to Teaching- Learn how our guest seamlessly transitioned from running his firm to becoming a full-time educator. His story is filled with gradual shifts, international experiences, and a perfect blend of academia and practice.

    Securing Internships- Gain insights into securing your first internship and job, and learn from Juan's experiences in balancing practice and academia.

    Riba Gulf Chapter Representation & CID Awards Jury- Explore Juan's role as the Riba Gulf Chapter Representative and his experiences as a jury member for the prestigious CID Awards. Understand the complexities of decision-making in design competitions and the importance of balancing various professional perspectives.

    Networking and Alumni Collaborations- Juan emphasizes the significance of networking and staying connected with alumni. Discover how these connections have translated into collaborations, consultancy opportunities, and even job placements. The power of networking in the design industry is real!

    Career Insights, Regrets & Advice- Juan shares reflections on his career, and the design industry in Dubai. Tune in to hear his advice to aspiring designers.

    Dive deep into the world of design recruitment and architectural insights. Head over to our YouTube channel and catch the full episode with Juan Roldan. Take advantage of the valuable tips and career inspiration waiting for you!

    Tune in and let us help you level up your design career! Subscribe, like, share, and tune in to The Designer Recruiter Podcast. Your journey to success in the design industry starts here!


    For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app!
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-designer-recruiter/id1701423937
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bAfi8Y2EYu9HzNK7oVQu2?si=4e7b34014332402b
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjIxMTQzLnJzcw



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    34 Min.
  • The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 5 | Crafting Your Path: Art, Design, and Interviews
    Oct 17 2023

    Welcome to the latest episode of The Designer Recruiter podcast, where we uncover the mysteries behind why your CV might not be making the cut for interviews or what's causing those post-interview rejections. Join your host, Esther Echeverria, a seasoned recruiter with nearly a decade of experience in Dubai, as she reveals how you can finally get the feedback you've been longing for and discover what truly sets one candidate apart from another.

    🌟 Our special guest today is Rachael Brown, a recognized voice in the role of art in interior design, listed in the Commercial Interior Design Power 50 for three consecutive years. As the co-founder and design director of Capsule Arts, she's a key figure in the Middle East's design industry. Join us as we delve into the niche realm of art and design, something we've not explored much before.

    Here’s what is waiting for you in this episode:

    🎨 Rachael's journey into the world of art began in her schooling days, inspired by a passionate art teacher and the rise of young British artists like Damien Hirst, Tracy Emin, and Sarah Lucas. From a working-class seaside town to the dynamic world of the arts, Rachael's story is a fascinating testament to the impact of inspirational educators and influential artists.

    🌎 Relocating from the UK to Dubai in 2007 presented a unique opportunity to explore diverse countries and cultures through her work. Rachael highlights the vital role of family support on her artistic voyage, shedding light on the challenges that aspiring artists face when their families steer them toward more "conventional" careers.

    🤝 Networking is crucial for connecting with potential employers and colleagues. Rachael highlights the value of preparation before interviews and suggests that candidates should come armed with questions that reflect their research about the company. A strong focus on quality over quantity in hiring is important, especially in specialized fields like art consultancy.

    🌱 Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is a significant decision. Rachael and her co-founder, Deepa, discussed the challenges and opportunities they faced when starting Capsule Art. A defining moment was realizing the need to shift from having a job to owning a business – a pivotal insight for entrepreneurs.

    💼 Rachael shares her tips on balancing work and family life, emphasizing the importance of support, both at home and in the workplace. She encourages a community-based approach to managing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

    💭 Rachael's parting wisdom encourages job seekers in art and design to persevere. If you have a genuine interest in a particular company, don't be discouraged by initial rejection. Seek feedback, keep learning, and consider reapplying when the right opportunity arises. Remember, it's not about what you offer, but how well your skills align with what the company is seeking. Keep your passion for art and design burning, and you'll find your place in this dynamic industry! 🔥🎨

    Join us in our latest episode for more invaluable insights! 🎧


    For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website:
    https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

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    50 Min.