The World's Largest Women-Owned Lighting Design Firm, Built on Empathy & Cluture - Teal Brogden HLB

What does it take to build a career shaped by deep listening, quiet confidence, and the courage to lead without losing yourself in the process? In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Teal Brogden, co-leader of HLB Lighting Design, one of the world's most influential architectural lighting design firms, to unpack what it really means to lead with empathy, curiosity, and panache. This isn't a conversation about portfolio highlights or business metrics. It's a candid, deeply human look at the philosophy, instincts, and people-first mindset that transformed a young engineer with a love for storytelling into one of the industry's most respected leaders. Teal reveals why listening with empathy is the foundation of great design, why presence matters more than perfection, and why the best measure of success isn't the rendering or the award—it's the window washer who feels honored to work on a building because it means something to the community. She walks through the art of asking the right questions, the courage it takes to say yes to adventure while staying grounded in technical rigor, and why collaboration isn't just working together—it's creating space for others to shine and trusting that what you give out is what you get back. 💡 Key topics explored: • Why deep listening and empathy are the foundation of every great design decision—and how presence shapes outcomes • The importance of letting people try, fail, and learn—and why trust creates better leaders than protection ever could • How storytelling and technical rigor work together—and why confidence without arrogance requires doing the work • The art of reflecting back what you've heard before presenting—and why staying open to pivoting in the moment matters • Why lighting design requires empathy for architecture, people, budgets, and the generations who will experience the space • How to move a client from fixture picker to co-conspirator—and why earning trust over time transforms relationships • The courage it takes to have vulnerable conversations with clients when things aren't working—and why business success matters as much as design excellence • Why cultural context matters—and when swagger is required versus when curiosity opens doors • How early mentors like Paul Moranse and Barbara Horton shaped Teal's philosophy—and why playfulness and mystery create space for collaboration • Why people are the biggest asset of any design firm—and how human connection fuels creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resonance • The window washer story that reminds us why architecture matters—and why the most meaningful validation comes from people experiencing the space • What Teal would tell her 24-year-old self: trust yourself, go for it, you got this Whether you're a designer wondering how to lead with confidence without arrogance, a young professional trying to figure out what comes next, or anyone curious about what it takes to build a career rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the courage to show up—this conversation offers a rare, honest look at the instincts, values, and human connections that shape a life in design. Listen now to discover why great leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about listening deeply, trusting yourself, and creating space for others to thrive. ❤️ Big appreciation for the partners who support this work and trust the vision. They believe in thoughtful conversations, strong community, and letting designers' voices lead. Grateful to build this together. 1️⃣ Mark Lighting - https://watch.lytei.com/mark 2️⃣ Kelvix - https://watch.lytei.com/Kelvix 3️⃣ LEDflex - https://watch.lytei.com/LEDFLEX 4️⃣ Diode LED - https://watch.lytei.com/diode 5️⃣ Targetti USA - https://bit.ly/targettiusa