Send us a text Welcome to Day 5 of the Christmas Advent Calendar podcast, and we are bringing another inspiring episode with another fabulous guest. I’m your host, Lisa-Marie Elkhadraoui, Business coach and mentor, empowering women through business strategy and soulful mindset work, and today we’re diving into a conversation that every designer, whether you’re just starting or scaling your studio, truly needs to hear. Joining me is the brilliant Elizabeth Kelly, a respected voice in the interiors industry who brings a wealth of insight on what it really takes to stay ahead in a field that evolves so quickly. Elizabeth is passionate about the importance of trade shows, supplier relationships, and ongoing professional development especially through procurement and she’s here to share exactly why showing up matters. In this episode, Elizabeth and I explore: Why attending trade shows is one of the smartest investments you can make as a designer How face-to-face networking with suppliers can open doors, deepen trust, and fast-track your business growth The value of seeing products firsthand so you can specify with confidence Why continuous learning and professional curiosity are non-negotiables in a competitive design landscape How engaging with account managers gives you insider knowledge, trend awareness, and new opportunities And why making time for the industry, even when your schedule is full, pays off tenfold in credibility, expertise, and client results This conversation is a reminder that the most successful designers aren’t just creative, they are informed, connected, and proactive. The relationships you build, the products you understand, and the suppliers you trust become part of your professional foundation. Dive into Elizabeth’s website and world HERE Follow The Procurement Studio Instagram page HERE Join Lisa-marie and the women in the Design Boss Diary family, follow on Instagram HERE and find more about how you can work with Lisa in 2026. Join me in Birmingham on Friday 23th & Saturday 24th January 2026 for a luxury two-day retreat, Strategy & Soul . Two days that will prepare you for your most powerful year yet. Find out more HERE This and other episodes are on our YouTube channel HERE Our Christmas Giveaway To celebrate Season 2 of the Advent Calendar Podcast, I’m giving away six incredible prizes: • 4 women will join me in London for a private in-person strategy session + lunch in an exclusive location (worth £1,000 each) • 2 women will receive a fully-paid ticket to The Visionary event in Birmingham (worth £540 each) To enter: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Screenshot your review Share it on your Instagram Stories and tag @Design_Boss_Diary Every review + share counts as an additional entry — no limits. This is your chance to begin 2026 with clarity, strategy, and a powerful reset. And as always if you have loved this episode we would love for you to leave a review and if you screenshot this podcast and share it on your socials, tagging @Design_Boss_Diary in then we have a special gift waiting just for you. See you in the next episode you lovely lot! x
