loader from loading.io

292: From Iran to Inner Freedom: Women's Voices, Breathwork, and Plant Medicine with Sepideh Eivazi

The Business of Meetings

Release Date: 10/14/2025

308: “I win, Google me!” - What Business Owners Should Learn from Coach Cignetti show art 308: “I win, Google me!” - What Business Owners Should Learn from Coach Cignetti

The Business of Meetings

Two years ago, the Hoosiers of Indiana University were losing every game. Then, in January this year, something remarkable happened - they became the 2025–26 College Football Playoff National Champions! Eric has been inspired by this incredible transformation, guided by Coach Cignetti's leadership. What stood out for him was the total absence of hype, excuses, or a victim mentality. Instead, Coach Cignetti relies on three pillars: standards, preparation, and accountability—the very principles that drive success for any business owner, and yet, they are often the things we neglect. ...

info_outline
307: If You're Feeling Stuck, You're Not Alone - But Here's What Actually Works with Eric Rozenberg show art 307: If You're Feeling Stuck, You're Not Alone - But Here's What Actually Works with Eric Rozenberg

The Business of Meetings

Today, we’re exploring the resilience entrepreneurs need to navigate the uncertainty we’re all experiencing right now. In this episode, Eric explains that navigating uncertainty requires resilience, which is strengthened by taking action, embracing continuous learning, and serving others. He shares personal stories to illustrate that every business or career inevitably faces doubt, setbacks, and challenges. Tune in to discover how you can keep moving forward, even when everything feels unpredictable. Starting a Business Requires Action, Not Certainty When launching a business,...

info_outline
306: Bootstrapping, Breakthroughs, and Belief: Launching a Business in the Meetings & Events Industry with Andrew Coelho show art 306: Bootstrapping, Breakthroughs, and Belief: Launching a Business in the Meetings & Events Industry with Andrew Coelho

The Business of Meetings

We are delighted to welcome another incredible entrepreneur from our industry today. Andrew Coehlo, co-founder of Monte & Coe, joins us to share the fantastic story of his journey into corporate gifting. Stay tuned to hear about Andrew’s entrepreneurial journey, his experiences, and the insight he has to share.   Andrew’s Journey into Entrepreneurship After beginning his career in corporate finance, Andrew realized the environment did not suit his creative nature. Bureaucracy, resistance to change, and working in isolation drained his energy. And then, a confidence...

info_outline
305: When You Board the International Plane, Always Turn Left! with Eli Facenda show art 305: When You Board the International Plane, Always Turn Left! with Eli Facenda

The Business of Meetings

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Eli Facenda, founder and CEO of Freedom Travel Systems. Known as The Travel Guy, Eli helps entrepreneurs turn everyday spending into first-class travel experiences. Join us as Eli breaks down what to do with the points you earn, how upgrades really work, and how first-class flights and luxury suites around the world are far more attainable than most people think. Eli’s Journey Eli’s career began in 2015 after graduating with a degree in finance and joining the travel industry through an international sports tour company. A trip to the Dominican...

info_outline
304: How to Lead with Creative Courage with Moza-Bella Tram show art 304: How to Lead with Creative Courage with Moza-Bella Tram

The Business of Meetings

Today, we’re delighted to speak with entrepreneur Moza-Bella Tram, CEO and founder of Moza-Bella LLC. Moza-Bella is an immigrant with a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. She is a TEDx speaker, a mentor, a business consultant, and has written several books, including the bestseller Powerful Female Immigrants, which she co-authored. She is also the host of the digital TV show Lessons from Failures. Stay tuned as we explore Moza-Bella’s fascinating journey and the experiences that have shaped her work. Moza-Bella’s Journey Moz-Bella was born in Vietnam shortly after the...

info_outline
303: Behind the Scenes of Sourcing: Nataly Horan’s Authentic Take show art 303: Behind the Scenes of Sourcing: Nataly Horan’s Authentic Take

The Business of Meetings

Today, we are thrilled to welcome another entrepreneur from our industry. Nataly Horan is the founder and CEO of Authentic Meetings and Incentives. With experience across several ventures, she joins us to share her journey, the challenges she has faced within the industry, and her hopes and dreams for what lies ahead. Nataly’s Journey Nataly entered the meetings and incentives industry quite unexpectedly. She trained as an interior designer at the University of Florida, then moved into the space after helping with graphic design, quickly connecting with the people and energy of live...

info_outline
302: The Event Planner’s Edge: Social Selling that Drives Real Business with Richard Bliss show art 302: The Event Planner’s Edge: Social Selling that Drives Real Business with Richard Bliss

The Business of Meetings

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Richard Bliss, the founder and CEO of BlissPoint Consulting, as today’s guest. Richard has focused his entire career on helping people with their social selling behavior. He is well-known both inside and outside of our industry as a LinkedIn Top Voices Influencer and an experienced executive communications leader. Stay tuned as Richard shares his story and offers practical insights on social selling, executive communication, and what truly builds influence on LinkedIn. Richard’s Journey Richard began his career with 14 years in the National...

info_outline
301: Stop Guessing, Start Automating: AI Strategies for Event Pros with Ethan King show art 301: Stop Guessing, Start Automating: AI Strategies for Event Pros with Ethan King

The Business of Meetings

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Ethan King as our guest. Ethan is an entrepreneur and author who coaches individuals on AI through the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He joins us today to share insights on entrepreneurship, books, and life. He also explains how small business owners can implement AI. Stay tuned as Ethan breaks down practical AI strategies that any entrepreneur can start using today. Ethan’s Journey Ethan has been an entrepreneur for 25 years. He began with a passion for art and a pivot into graphic design. While in college, a class project evolved into a real...

info_outline
300: When Accountability Becomes Power: Rashmi Airan’s Story of Resilience show art 300: When Accountability Becomes Power: Rashmi Airan’s Story of Resilience

The Business of Meetings

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rashmi Airan as our guest today! Rashmi is an extraordinary human being with remarkable depth of character, and as an ex-felon and former lawyer turned keynote speaker, her journey has been truly unique. She is an unapologetic truth-teller, prison chocolatier, and a champion of growth through struggle. She’s also a Bollywood dance aficionado, a singer, a corporate change leader, and an endurance athlete. Tune in to hear Rashmi’s powerful story about ethics, accountability, and leadership forged through adversity. Rashmi’s Early Journey and...

info_outline
299: From Layoff to Lift-Off: How Beth Lawrence Became an Event Business Entrepreneur show art 299: From Layoff to Lift-Off: How Beth Lawrence Became an Event Business Entrepreneur

The Business of Meetings

Today, we are excited to welcome Beth Lawrence as our guest. Over the past 20 years, Beth has seen the highs and lows of building and growing a business. Join us as she shares her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. Beth’s Journey  Beth began college aiming to become a writer or professor, but she quickly realized the academic path was not for her, and pivoted. When she discovered event planning, it clicked instantly. She graduated during the 2008–2009 recession and built her career step by step, seizing each available stable opportunity, from...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

We are delighted to welcome the inspiring Sepideh Eivazi as our guest today.

Sepideh is on a mission to move everyone she encounters, leaving them changed and feeling seen. She is a 2025 inductee of the Smart Meetings Hall of Fame, a Smart Speaker, a 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2025 Meetings Today Trendsetter. Her powerful TED Talk, Breath as an Act of Rebellion, has inspired audiences around the world. 

She joins us today to share her journey and insights.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any plant medicine

Sepideh’s Journey

Sepideh Eivazi grew up in Iran, navigating a life constrained by societal and political limitations. At the age of 20, she moved to the United States with her younger sister in search of freedom and opportunity. Starting from scratch, she worked in hospitality in Las Vegas, learning about the event industry from the ground up, embracing mentorship, and observing inspiring and cautionary examples of leadership. Eventually, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she joined Elevated Meeting Solutions and later launched her own wellness platform, Dawn of the Earth, which integrates tea culture, somatic breathwork, nervous system regulation, and psychedelic integration practices. Her work focuses on conscious leadership, healing trauma, and empowering others, bridging both Eastern and Western wellness traditions.

Freedom and Feminism

Sepideh shares the challenges Iranian women face under restrictive societal norms, particularly the compulsory wearing of a veil. She emphasizes the importance of personal choice, freedom, and human qualities over appearance or imposed rules. 

Singing as Healing and Expression

Reclaiming her voice through singing became an emotional and symbolic act of empowerment, connecting Sepideh to her heritage and generations of suppressed women in Iran. She views singing as both a personal healing practice and a form of standing for those who cannot freely express themselves.

Mentorship and Community

Sepideh credits several mentors and supportive figures for her growth. She emphasizes the importance of showing up for others, paying support forward, and nurturing a sense of community.

Leading Beyond Burnout

Burnout is a result of prolonged stress, fight, flight, freeze responses, and neglecting emotional and physical health. Sepideh utilizes somatic breathwork to help leaders and employees regulate their nervous systems, process suppressed emotions, and create safe spaces for vulnerability and healing. She explains that burnout is preventable when organizations and individuals prioritize conscious, holistic self-care.

Plant Medicine and Integration

Sepideh views plant medicine as a tool for mental health and emotional integration, highlighting it as a catalyst for self-awareness rather than a recreational high. She works with clients to integrate insights from plant medicine into daily life, cultivating emotional intelligence, forgiveness, and presence. Her approach combines body awareness, somatic practices, and intentional reflections.

Performance, Presence, and Ritual

In high-performance industries, constant productivity and measurement can undermine confidence and well-being. Sepideh advocates rituals and presence-based practices, such as mindful breathing, sensory activation, and slowing down during daily activities, to reconnect with oneself and cultivate sustainable performance without anxiety or self-judgment.

Future Vision and Celebration

Sepideh measures success through progress and the ability to give back to humanity. She values learning, growth, and curiosity over rigid goals or timelines, viewing each step forward as a meaningful achievement for herself and others.

Connect with Eric Rozenberg

On LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast

Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter

Connect with Sepideh Eivazi

On her website

LinkedIn

Sepideh's TED Talk, Breath as an Act of Rebellion