If you’re running a business, conflict isn’t a sign that something’s wrong. It’s proof that you’re growing.

That’s one of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Borja Cuan, a digital marketing strategist who’s worked across industries and knows firsthand what it takes to build strong teams and sustainable growth.

We dive into why conflict at work is inevitable, and how learning to navigate it with intention can actually strengthen your team, your client relationships, and ultimately your business.

Borja also shares why entrepreneurs need to embrace delegation as more than just time management. It’s about trusting others to carry your vision forward. And in marketing, especially, patience and testing are essential. Quick wins might feel good, but long-term strategies are what create lasting results.

Another theme we unpack is employee well-being. Your people are your biggest asset, and the way you support them will ripple through your culture and your outcomes. And yes, we touch on AI, not as a replacement, but as a tool to help people work smarter.

Key Takeaways:

The biggest barrier to growth is trying to do everything yourself.

Strategic delegation can lead to breakthrough growth.

Effective communication is crucial for client relationships.

Understanding client expectations is key to success.

Patience and testing are essential in digital marketing.

Employee well-being impacts overall business performance.

Conflict can be healthy and necessary in business.

Connect with Borja:

Website: https://four15digital.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/borjacuan

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Ever struggled to get your message across with someone from a different culture?

On this episode of Building Thinkers, I’m sitting down with Anita Anthonj, the founder of Talaera, a platform that helps professionals communicate confidently and effectively across languages and cultures. We dive into why active listening is one of the most underrated skills, how language learning and cultural nuances go hand in hand, and what it actually looks like to build confidence when you’re not a native English speaker.

We also talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including the myth of “having it all,” and why small wins (and even mistakes!) are such powerful tools for growth.

Key Takeaways

Effective communication goes beyond perfect grammar.

Active listening is crucial for building connections.

Understanding cultural nuances can enhance communication.

Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.

Empowerment comes from recognizing choices in life design.

Asking for help can open new opportunities.

Cultural differences in parenting can provide valuable insights.

Connect with Anita:

Website: https://www.talaera.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaanthonj/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

What if design isn’t just about making things look good, but about holding everything together?

I’m joined by Nick Cawthon in this week’s episode of Building Thinkers to talk about something that impacts all of us whether we realize it or not.. design. Nick has such a unique way of framing design as the glue that holds organizations together, and we dig into what that really looks like in practice.

We also talk about the fear that comes with change (because let’s be real, we’ve all felt it), and why keeping humans in the loop matters more than ever in a world that’s moving fast with AI. Nick shares his thoughts on what we hope our kids are learning, the value of trying and failing, and how our definitions of success shift over time.

This conversation left me thinking about how I define success for myself, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

Key Takeaways:

Building consensus is crucial in design processes to mitigate risks and enhance collaboration.

Fear can hinder adaptation to new technologies and processes in design.

The human element in design is essential for understanding emotions and user experiences.

Learning agility is vital for adapting to rapid changes in the design landscape.

Success is not just about big names but also about personal fulfillment and boundaries.

Creation should be prioritized over consumption to foster critical thinking and innovation.

Resources Mentioned:

Take the AI Maturity Assessment Here: ⁠https://retrain.gauge.io/⁠

Connect with Nick:

Website: ⁠gauge.io⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/⁠

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.