Design from the Heart with Jenn Zella

Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.

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Jenn Zella is the Co-Founding Principal and Chief Visionary Officer of CID Design Group, an intentional design firm that creates authentic interiors and inspired brands that engage, elevate, and endure. With a deep-rooted passion for collaboration, the creative process, and what she terms Conscious Design, Jenn believes in the power of design to make the world a happier, healthier, and more beautiful place.

With over 25 years of experience and stemming from a long family legacy of design, architecture, development, and construction, Jenn has been a catalyst for CID’s growth and evolution, earning recognition as one of the Top 100 design firms by Interior Design Magazine for eight consecutive years.

As a thought leader and creative visionary, Jenn frequently speaks nationally, sharing insights on future-forward and human-centric design, leading with heart and purpose, building a culture of trust, and coaching creativity. She has championed the intersection of design and well-being, creating spaces that support individuals in becoming their best selves. She also embodies this philosophy by integrating well-being into CID’s Blue Zone Certified workplace, including a dedicated Wellness Studio that prioritizes holistic health, mindful movement, and self-care.

With a team based in 11 states and 30 cities, CID has taken a bold approach in the design industry, embracing a predominantly virtual creative workplace, redefining how we design, collaborate, and fuel culture leveraging deep tech and high trust.

Jenn believes in leading and creating with love, with an open mind, and in collaboration with others. None of us are as smart as all of us.

A Few Quotes From This Episode

• “Having fun is elemental to being our best and to enjoying the journey together.”
• “Engage, elevate, endure—that’s our mantra for everything we create.”
• “Physical presence in a seat at a desk does not equate to accountability.”

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Book: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!

About Scott J. Allen

• Website
• Weekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for Leaders
• Blog

My Approach to Hosting

• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can

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챕터

1. Welcome to Practical Wisdom for Leaders (00:00:00)

2. CID Design: Engage, Elevate, Endure (00:04:54)

3. Experimentation and Culture Building (00:07:54)

4. Remote Work: Solving for Talent (00:12:27)

5. Leading with Heart (00:17:42)

6. Creative Process and Frequency Music (00:22:04)