The Power of Design

Building a custom home is a multi-year journey, and most people start it without a map. Jack Ossa sits down again with Toby Witte, Principal and Founder of Wittehaus, to talk through what really happens before, during and after a custom home is built. In this episode: - Toby's path from drafting apprentice in Germany to founding Wittehaus - Why truly custom homes sit outside what banks and the market will value - What Supersizing Bliss says about why we build the houses we build - A diagnostic-first design process, VR walkthroughs and 1:1 floor plan projections - Craft builders vs. spreadsheet builders - Why architecture firms struggle, and why revenue comes from sales - How Ossa Studio is using AI, from its Maestro operating system to its first AI agent Links: Episode Page: https://www.ossastudio.com/thepowerofdesignpodcast/toby-witte-building-a-custom-home Youtube: https://youtu.be/czOD7CR8juc Wittehaus: https://www.witteha.us/ Wittehaus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wittehaus/ Wittehaus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wittehaus/ Supersizing Bliss (book): http://www.supersizingbliss.com

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Jack Ossa speaks with Dani Chesson, Founder & Director of Design Thinker Institute, about using design thinking to help leaders get unstuck. Dani shares how a career that began in graphic design led her into banking, transformation, behavioral design, and organizational change. Together, they explore why successful change depends on understanding people, context, and the experience of adoption, not simply implementing a new framework or technology. They also discuss how to use AI thoughtfully while preserving the critical thinking and human judgment that meaningful progress requires. Episode Page Dani Chesson on Linkedin Design Thinker Institute on Linkedin Jack Ossa

The Power of Design Podcast - Episode 117 UK-US Professional Licensing | Daniel Parry & Sarah Peeler Professional licensing can determine whether global expertise stays on the sidelines or reaches the projects that need it. In this conversation, Jack Ossa welcomes Daniel Parry, Chief Executive Officer of Civex Consulting Group, and Sarah Peeler, Executive Director of the British American Business Council, Carolinas, to discuss UK US professional reciprocity. They explore talent mobility, progressive infrastructure delivery, cross border partnerships, and the practical hurdles firms must navigate when bringing architects and engineers into a new market. Daniel Parry on LinkedIn Sarah Peeler on LinkedIn Visit Civex Consulting Group Visit British American Business Council, Carolinas Episode Page

What happens when branding, sales, marketing, and AI all start with the same question: what does the customer actually need? Ian Cromie, President of Breeez, joins Jack Ossa to discuss the connection between customer understanding and sustainable business growth. Ian shares his journey from accounting into sales and entrepreneurship and explains how years of working directly with customers shaped his approach to marketing. The conversation explores why branding must establish trust quickly, why businesses should understand the customer journey before designing a website, and why generating leads is only the beginning. Ian also explains how Breeez uses technology and AI to analyze customer conversations, improve lead handling, identify patterns, and uncover information businesses can use to make better decisions. Jack and Ian discuss industry specialization, referrals, sales, customer retention, and a practical philosophy for adopting AI: identify the business problem first and then determine how technology can help solve it. Ian Cromie Breeez Epsideo Page

Mike Buccialia built his career by repeatedly stepping into unfamiliar environments. From a call center at Frontier Airlines to international technology roles, enterprise sales, and executive coaching, his path reveals what can happen when curiosity meets a willingness to begin again. In this conversation with Jack Ossa, Mike explains his framework of courage, compassion, and commitment. They explore why courage requires fear, how compassion helps people recover from difficult moments, and why commitment matters when growth takes longer than expected. Mike also shares how genuine curiosity shaped his approach to sales and how he now helps executives, founders, and business owners recognize the beliefs that keep them stuck. The discussion connects mindset with design, showing how both internal beliefs and physical spaces influence human experience. It is a thoughtful conversation about relationships, self awareness, reinvention, and moving through uncertainty with greater intention. Guest: Mike Buccialia Position: Collective Chief Soul Officer | Founder Company: Mindworx Collective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebuccialia/ Website: https://mymindworx.com/ Episode Page

Building Smart, AI, Design & Leadership With Christopher LaPata #114 In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Jack Ossa sits down with Christopher LaPata, commercial real estate leader at Walter P. Moore, to explore how diagnostic engineering , adaptive reuse , and AI are reshaping the built environment. Discover how trust, empathy, and smart innovation drive success in design and sales. Don't miss this conversation. Christopher LaPata Linkedin Walter P. Moore Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Christianna Williams shares her journey in corporate real estate and explains how workplace strategy, office design, and business goals must align to create successful environments. Learn how companies are rethinking space, culture, and employee experience in a changing market. Discover how to make smarter real estate decisions that support long-term growth. Christianna Williams Linkedin Corporate Real Estate Advisory Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Tatiana Mozerova shares how design can influence the way people feel, think, and experience spaces. From lighting and colors to nature and comfort, discover how architecture can improve wellness, productivity, and human connection. Listen now to explore how better spaces can create better lives. Tatiana Mozerova Linkedin Soma Design Studio Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Monika Nessbach shares her journey from Germany to Charlotte, building designbar, and creating interior design experiences where brand, space, and emotion connect. Listen to discover how thoughtful design can transform business, creativity, and client relationships. Monika Nessbach Linkedin Designbar Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, we sit down with John Martin to explore leadership, business growth, and culture in the construction industry. John shares insights on building strong teams, client trust, and long term success through intentional processes and values driven construction. Tune in to learn how culture becomes a competitive advantage. John Martin Linkedin Fourth Elm Construction Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Mike Moore shares how his journey from residential work to leading commercial projects shaped his philosophy of planning, clarity, and disciplined construction management. His approach shows how technology, detailed budgeting, and transparent communication elevate project outcomes. Let his story inspire you to build with intention and lead with excellence. Mike Moore Linkedin M C Moore Construction Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast , Adam Hawthorne reflects on his journey from engineering intern to business development leader at a 100% employee-owned construction firm. He shares how genuine relationships, a give-first mindset, and real jobsite experience shape long-term success. Listen in and discover why there are no shortcuts to meaningful impact. Adam Hawthorne Linkedin Choate Construction Company Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Kristina Held shares how her multicultural education across Belgrade, Germany and the United States shaped her foundation in technical design and construction. She reflects on her commitment to sustainable architecture, her preference for Passive House over LEED and her unique ability to bridge art and engineering. Listen to discover how structure, intention and innovation can elevate every design decision. Kristina Held Linkedin Held Architecturet Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Mark R. LePage returns to the show to talk about the evolution of EntreArchitect, the lessons learned throughout his career, and the importance of understanding both design and business in architecture. He reflects on community, leadership, and the ideas that inspire architects to grow and make a greater impact. Mark R. LePage Linkedin EntreArchitect™ Gābl Media Group, Inc. Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Alaa BouGhanem reflects on building a strong team and leading with purpose. He shares insights about mentorship, business growth, real estate investment, and the power of collaboration across every trade that brings a building to life. Alaa also opens up about personal decisions, balance, and finding happiness through meaningful work. Alaa BouGhanem Linkedin AB Group Cribia Capital Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Craig Dunn, Managing Partner at Carolina Office Solutions, shares how he transformed a small side hustle into a 25-year business redefining office furniture. From starting with just $150 to navigating recessions and building a resilient company, Craig reveals lessons in leadership, intuition, and staying true to your vision Craig Dunn Linkedin Carolina Office Solutions Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

Today's guest is Aleksandra Degernes a leader reshaping how international talent connects with opportunity in the U.S. As founder of the Eastern European Business Network, she champions economic integration, workforce development, and immigrant entrepreneurship. Her journey of reinvention shows the power of community, grit, and bold leadership to transform entire regions. Aleksandra Degernes Linkedin Eastern European Business Network Episode Page Podcast Page Ossa Studio Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, we sit down with fellow podcaster Patrick MacIsaac with Roby Commercial Construction, we explore how storytelling, leadership, and branding shape the built environment. From radio shows to podcasting to strategic communication, this conversation uncovers key lessons for creative entrepreneurs. Tune in to rethink how you share your voice. Patrick MacIsaac Linkedin The Roby Family of Companies Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube Podcast Page Podcast Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Ossa Studio Instagram

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Clayton Sealey shares how his passion for design, urban planning, and the arts shapes the future of Charlotte. From CLT Development to his role at the Mint Museum and Charlotte's Planning Commission, Clayton reveals what it takes to create inclusive, connected cities. Discover how cultural vision drives real change. Clayton Sealey Linkedin The Mint Museum Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube Podcast Page Podcast Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Ossa Studio Instagram

In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, we celebrate our 100th episode with the incredible Mary Anna Ossa, co-founder of Partners and Grapes. We dive into creative courage, branding through storytelling, and building a purpose-driven business. Don't miss this milestone moment tune in and celebrate creativity and community with us!. Mary Anna Ossa Linkedin Partners and Grapes Linkedin Spotify Apple Podcast Amazon Music YouTube Podcast Page Podcast Instagram Jack Ossa Instagram Ossa Studio Instagram