The Business of Meetings
If you are an independent business owner in the meeting and event space, this podcast is for you! Your host, Eric Rozenberg has created this show to bring you strategies, tips, and tactics to help your business grow. With more than 20 years in the event industry and planning events for Fortune 100 companies, Eric is prepared to let you in on the insider tactics so you can be successful too!
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304: How to Lead with Creative Courage with Moza-Bella Tram
01/06/2026
304: How to Lead with Creative Courage with Moza-Bella Tram
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 Vietnam War. She came to the U.S. as an adult immigrant 25 years ago, leaving behind family, familiarity, and certainty. Her experience was similar to that of many immigrants- the unknown, limited support, and the pressure to succeed, for herself, and for her family. She was told she was too old to learn English fluently, but she pushed forward anyway, focusing on clear communication rather than perfection, and using frustration as motivation to grow. Early Career and Foundations in Hospitality Before immigrating, Moza-Bella worked in Vietnam’s hospitality industry at Omni Saigon and later Sofitel Saigon, where she developed an appreciation for professionalism, service, and strategic promotions. Working in public relations exposed her to branding, credibility, and global perspectives, and hospitality became her first window into the world beyond Vietnam’s borders. Education, Resistance, and Choosing Her Own Path After arriving in the U.S., Moza-Bella encountered skepticism and prejudice and was discouraged from pursuing higher education. Despite that, she earned her MBA in Marketing from the University of Hartford, driven by her parents’ sacrifices and her belief in the right to choose her own future. Her early ambition was to build a global hospitality career, but over time, new opportunities and realities reshaped her direction. Adaptation, Grit, and Multiple Careers Moza-Bella supported herself through school and beyond by working in nail salons, restaurants, interpretation services, construction-related marketing, network marketing, real estate, and, eventually, nursing after the 2008 financial crisis. Each role added to her skills, perspective, and resilience. Redefining Success and Time Freedom Moza-Bella wanted the flexibility to care for her parents and shape her own life, so she chose to become an entrepreneur. She invested heavily in personal development and coaching, believing that free information offers knowledge, but paid learning creates transformation. Building a Consulting Business with Purpose Over the last five years, Moza-Bella built Moza-Bella LLC into a business consulting company with a growing team. Her mission is to help strong entrepreneurs become well-known in their industries, allowing them to create meaningful impact. She believes that change happens one person at a time, through a ripple effect of shared growth and visibility. Lessons from Failures and Shared Wisdom Through her digital TV show, Lessons from Failures, Moza-Bella highlights the realities behind success stories. Entrepreneurs, doctors, and professionals from many fields share how hardship shaped their decisions, often after years of trial and error. She emphasizes the value of learning lessons sooner, challenging entrenched systems, and prioritizing growth while time is still on your side. Meaning Behind the Name Moza-Bella The name “Moza” means mother of pearl, representing an oyster that transforms pain into something valuable by embracing it rather than resisting it. For Moza-Bella, that symbolizes human potential, cultivating adversity into wisdom, then opening oneself to share it with others. Bio: Moza-Bella Tram Founder and CEO, TEDx Speaker, Author, Mentor, Business Consultant Moza-Bella is an international speaker, author, and CEO dedicated to helping professionals find authentic fulfillment and success. She has over 15 years of experience in healthcare and more than 20 years in business development. She produces and hosts the digital TV show “Lessons from Failures,” airing on FOX5 and PIX11 New York. She has been featured in Forbes and Yahoo Finance and is the author of “Luxury in YOU.” She partners with Grant Cardone in the 10X movement in Vietnam. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Moza-Bella Tram On her
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303: Behind the Scenes of Sourcing: Nataly Horan’s Authentic Take
12/30/2025
303: Behind the Scenes of Sourcing: Nataly Horan’s Authentic Take
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 events. She eventually stepped away from interior design, moving entirely into conference planning and developing a unique perspective by working closely with both suppliers and buyers. Building Authentic Meetings and Incentives Authentic Meetings and Incentives focuses on sourcing and supplier visibility. Nataly supports planners with cruise and venue sourcing while helping suppliers, particularly cruise lines, reach North American planners through social media and email. Her growing online presence bridges the gap between limited in-person events and complete year-round visibility. Choosing Entrepreneurship Nataly reached a point where her growth within someone else’s company felt capped. Buyers were already coming to her for sourcing support, making the transition to her own business a natural step rather than a risky leap. Early Focus and Mindset In the early months, Nataly avoided long-term pressure by setting short-term, achievable goals. Focusing on weekly progress kept the business manageable and prevented overwhelm. Vision and Personal Goals Rather than focusing on rigid industry forecasts, Nataly prioritizes her personal goals, such as living in Italy and potentially pursuing a full-time career as an artist. With AI rapidly transforming the industry, staying adaptable is more important for her than long-term predictions. LinkedIn Nataly built her LinkedIn following organically by sharing what she was learning as a newcomer. Her honest, behind-the-scenes insights resonated, turning LinkedIn into a powerful marketing tool with strong ROI. Sourcing, Relationships, and Cruises Nataly’s sourcing work emphasizes fit, reliability, and simplicity, particularly through cruise programs and charters. Nataly explains that in-person relationships remain critical for large-group events, where trust and quick problem-solving can make or break the experience. AI, Delegation, and Sustainability Nataly strongly believes in delegation, using a virtual assistant and systems like Canva to scale sustainably while avoiding burnout. AI acts as an assistant, streamlining RFPs and marketing content without replacing human judgment. Creativity Beyond Business Alongside running her company and raising two children, Nataly enjoys painting. Her personal goal for the year is to exhibit her art in a gallery, something she values as much as professional success. Bio: Nataly Horan Nataly Horan leads AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® as its Founder and CEO, steering cruise lines and destinations toward the audiences that shape the North American MICE market. Her background from the University of Florida and her work across sourcing and brand storytelling inform AUTHENTIC’s signature point of view, seen in series such as MICE Bites® and In Good Company. She also serves as Vice President of SITE Florida & Caribbean. Away from the office, Nataly is a visual artist, creating work that echoes the themes she champions in travel: intention, culture, and human connection. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Nataly Horan On her Email Nataly:
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302: The Event Planner’s Edge: Social Selling that Drives Real Business with Richard Bliss
12/23/2025
302: The Event Planner’s Edge: Social Selling that Drives Real Business with Richard Bliss
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 Guard, earning the rank of Captain, before moving into early enterprise technology in the late 1900s. He became a global evangelist during the rise of email as a business platform, emerging as a leading voice in email security when internet-based threats first appeared. He has spoken in 22 countries, hosted international technology conferences, and built a reputation for helping individuals and organizations understand how fast-moving technologies affect both work and life. Reinvention After Richard served as Chief Marketing Officer and helped the startup grow from under $1 million in revenue to more than $10 million, the company abruptly let him go. That forced him to rebuild from scratch, relying on his personal brand rather than a company title. He launched a long-running podcast, self-published a book, taught himself about social media, and reframed LinkedIn as a business media platform rather than a social one. A pivotal $800-a-month consulting role with a senior NetApp executive reopened doors that ultimately led to Richard founding his own company. Creating Opportunity Richard believes opportunity comes from deliberately placing yourself where it can find you. What others might view as setbacks, he sees as sequences that lead to better outcomes. Modern Credibility In today’s digital-first world, people build credibility online long before they meet in person. Audiences constantly evaluate LinkedIn profiles, even when owners remain inactive. They judge professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness based on what they see, which makes visibility unavoidable rather than optional. Small Businesses Have an Advantage Small business owners often outperform large organizations online because they speak in their own authentic voice. Without layers of corporate filtering, they can tell clear, personal stories and connect directly with their audience. With LinkedIn and generative AI, they can reach customers without gatekeepers, large budgets, or traditional media exposure. LinkedIn LinkedIn works best when treated as an ongoing conversation rather than a static profile or sales funnel. Profiles and posts should focus on the audience’s problems and opportunities, rather than one’s personal history. Forming Relationships Cold outreach and instant pitching undermine trust. Relationships form when value is given initially through attention, insight, and engagement. Comments, referrals, and thoughtful interaction create a natural sense of reciprocity, opening the door to future business conversations. Building Real Engagement Artificial engagement pods violate LinkedIn’s rules, so they are increasingly penalized. Genuine collaboration comes from consistent, meaningful interaction with customers, partners, and peers. Thoughtful comments on others’ posts help establish topic authority and increase visibility organically. Using AI Generative AI is most effective as a support tool, not a replacement for a human voice. While AI can help shape ideas and drafts, comments and conversations must remain personal. LinkedIn prioritizes authentic, real-time engagement and increasingly suppresses purely AI-generated content. Practical LinkedIn Rhythm That Actually Works Sustainable success on LinkedIn requires modest, consistent effort. A small number of meaningful comments each day and one to three posts per week outperform high-volume posting. Conversations should be allowed to develop fully before starting new ones, aligning with how LinkedIn distributes content. Events, AI, and the Power of In-Person Connection Despite advances in AI, live events remain irreplaceable. Shared physical experiences, eye contact, and informal conversations build trust in ways digital tools cannot. Competent professionals prepare for events by engaging attendees online beforehand, without pitching, so that in-person meetings feel like natural continuations of existing relationships. Connect with Eric Rozenberg Connect with Richard Bliss On Email Richard:
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301: Stop Guessing, Start Automating: AI Strategies for Event Pros with Ethan King
12/16/2025
301: Stop Guessing, Start Automating: AI Strategies for Event Pros with Ethan King
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 e-commerce business supplying fraternity and sorority gear. Over time, he expanded into Zeus Closet, a retail and custom apparel business serving entertainment, corporate, and educational markets. Starting with only $700 alongside his future wife and business partner, Ethan emphasizes creative problem-solving and simplicity in business. His focus on automation began in 2011 and eventually evolved into AI, which he has been teaching and applying in practical ways across his businesses for the past three years. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and Accelerator Ethan considers EO and its Accelerator program his practical MBA. After joining EO in 2014, he applied systems and frameworks to scale his businesses, focusing on people, cash, strategy, and execution. Since then, he has coached other entrepreneurs through the Accelerator program, helping them reach the million-dollar revenue milestone. He highlights the value of peer learning, mentorship, and surrounding oneself with a like-minded community as essential elements for business growth. Wealth Beyond Money In his book Wealth Beyond Money, Ethan introduces his six dimensions of success: spirituality, intellect, money, physical presence, love, and entertainment, spelling SIMPLE. He recommends constant calibration across those areas, rather than balance. The book, inspired by a TEDx-style talk in 2014, became a bestseller in multiple categories. The AI Evolution After his wife introduced him to ChatGPT in 2022, Ethan immediately implemented it in his businesses and demonstrated its power to other EO marketing chairs. Recognizing the demand, he began teaching AI strategies to business owners and wrote ChatGPT to Double Your Business in 90 Days. He updates the book continuously, providing readers with fresh content and practical tools for implementing AI efficiently. Implementing AI in Business Ethan used AI in his own business as a testing ground before he began teaching others, applying tools like voice agents, social media automation, and custom AI solutions to improve efficiency and scale operations with minimal resources. His approach focuses on practicality, so he only teaches methods that genuinely benefit everyday business owners in B2B and B2C contexts. Perspective on AI Adoption Ethan has noticed that most entrepreneurs are aware of AI but are barely scratching the surface. Experts using AI are rare, while some people remain resistant. He highlights proactive learning, noting that AI will replace jobs for those who ignore it, but can create opportunities for those who embrace it. He draws parallels to past technological shifts to illustrate the transformative potential of AI. Work-Life Integration and Partnership Ethan explains that working with his wife in business has strengthened their relationship. She handles operational responsibilities while he focuses on vision and creativity. He stresses the importance of shared goals and complementary roles, describing their partnership as a battlefield collaboration that builds resilience and alignment. Year-End Advice for Small Business Owners Ethan recommends three key actions: invest in AI learning and team training, upgrade necessary equipment and software, and intentionally reflect and plan for the upcoming year. He encourages people to create vision movies as a tool to emotionally engage with people’s personal and business goals, integrating reflection and planning into a meaningful process that drives results. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Ethan King On his
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300: When Accountability Becomes Power: Rashmi Airan’s Story of Resilience
12/09/2025
300: When Accountability Becomes Power: Rashmi Airan’s Story of Resilience
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 Identity Growing up in South Florida as the daughter of Indian immigrants, Rashmi internalized the pressure to be the perfect little girl. Her identity became tied to her achievements, as she believed success meant making others proud through grades, elite schools, and financial stability. She built a strong academic and professional foundation, eventually opening her own real estate law practice while raising two young children. Career Success, Overwork, and a Critical Decision As the real estate market boomed in 2007, Rashmi hustled nonstop, juggling motherhood, a struggling marriage, and a solo legal practice. In that stressed state, she met a developer who presented “creative” buyer incentive deals. Although her gut signaled something was wrong, she convinced herself it would be fine because so many others were doing it. She moved forward without digging deeper, worked with the client for 15 months, and then moved on. The FBI Investigation and Legal Fallout Four years later, the FBI appeared at her door. Believing she had done nothing wrong, she spoke to them without legal counsel, answering aggressively from memory. Two years after that, she received a grand jury subpoena and was soon after indicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and 24 counts of bank fraud tied to transactions she handled. Seven years after she met the client, she faced the collapse of the entire identity she had built around perfection and achievement. Owning Responsibility and Choosing Accountability Rashmi’s attorney revealed the truth she had been avoiding, that she had a duty to ask herself hard questions, listen to her inner voice, and walk away when things felt wrong. Even though she had not intended to do anything wrong, she had failed to uphold that fiduciary responsibility. Pleading guilty was the hardest decision of her life, but she chose radical accountability, calling 200 people in her community to tell them personally before anything appeared publicly. Instead of rejection, she received compassion and forgiveness, which began her healing process. Prison, Fear, and Inner Strength Rashmi surrendered on August 17, 2015. Terrified of the unknown and heartbroken to leave her children, she walked into prison with no control over safety, environment, or routine. Processing, strip searches, and entering a floor of strangers amplified her fear. Yet she was sustained by her faith and the story of how her grandfather got imprisoned as a revolutionary alongside Gandhi in India. Remembering his strength reminded her that she could endure her own trial. Healing, Forgiveness, and Spiritual Growth While serving her sentence, Rashmi confronted her shame, fear, and anger. After forgiving herself, she eventually forgave the developer, who never got indicted. She realized that harboring anger was harming her more than the injustice itself, and she came to believe her experience served a larger spiritual purpose- to evolve into someone capable of helping others through struggle and uncertainty. Emerging as a Speaker and Guide After her release, people encouraged Rashmi to share her story due to the grace and integrity with which she had navigated her ordeal. She began speaking, hoping to help others avoid similar mistakes. Over time, her message expanded into resilience, values, integrity, and navigating uncertainty. Her work now focuses on keynotes, workshops, coaching, and leadership retreats that teach her methodology for moving through adversity. A Framework for Navigating Uncertainty Rashmi points out that everyone faces struggles, whether legal, medical, financial, emotional, or spiritual. Her core message is that you cannot rise above hardship by pushing harder. Growth comes from feeling the pain, reframing it, grounding yourself in values, surrendering ego and control, and evolving into a better version of yourself. This framework especially applies to solopreneurs and small business owners who juggle endless decisions and pressure. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Rashmi Airan On her , , and Email:
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299: From Layoff to Lift-Off: How Beth Lawrence Became an Event Business Entrepreneur
12/02/2025
299: From Layoff to Lift-Off: How Beth Lawrence Became an Event Business Entrepreneur
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 property management to luxury catering, restaurants, startups, and volunteer roles. She created her own non-linear education, intentionally collecting skills from every job she did, no matter how small. That combination of creative, logistical, operational, and strategic strengths now defines her. Grit and Curiosity Beth treated every role as an opportunity to learn and grow. Administrative jobs, car dealerships, part-time shifts, internships, event operations, and volunteer work all became training grounds. That mindset, coupled with an overachieving work ethic, shaped her as a multidimensional strategist rather than a single-lane planner. Discovering Her Entrepreneurial Drive Beth always felt pulled toward entrepreneurship. After years of gaining experience across various organizations, she found a startup role that excited her. When she was unexpectedly laid off, her husband's encouragement motivated her to launch her own business. Her family and friends supported her decision, recognizing her determination and her ability to succeed. Uncertainty and Early Mistakes Beth acknowledges the uncertainty of entrepreneurship and explains how companies often use that as a lever to keep employees in place. She made plenty of mistakes in her early years but reframes them as essential lessons, embracing the mindset that every failure provides data and every misstep informs the next decision. She still relies on her career mementos file, which contains cards, testimonials, and small wins, to recalibrate during moments of self-doubt. Imposter Syndrome and Growth Even though imposter syndrome still surfaces at unexpected moments, she has overcome much of it by recognizing that rooms full of accomplished people include her for the unique value she brings. Her Niche: Event Logistics and Stakeholder Experience Beth specializes in strategy-driven events for nonprofits, associations, and foundations. Her work spans the entire United States and extends into Canada. She builds long-term partnerships, guiding organizations from pre-event strategy to post-event analysis and year-over-year improvement. Her philosophy is that events must both inspire and deliver measurable results because inspiration without outcomes means the event did not achieve its purpose. How She Advises Clients and Protects Their Vision Beth enjoys creative ideation but also brings realism to her work. She helps clients distinguish between dreams and feasibility and is not afraid to say when plans, timelines, resources, or goals do not align well. Her guidance prevents budget issues, poor attendance, sponsor shortages, and rushed events that fail to achieve their intended impact. She sees her role as equal parts strategist, realist, and protector of long-term outcomes. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Beth Lawrence On her
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298: Surviving, Serving, and Leading: Kate Patay’s Journey with the Search Foundation
11/25/2025
298: Surviving, Serving, and Leading: Kate Patay’s Journey with the Search Foundation
We are truly honored to speak with Kate Patay today. Kate is a true leader in our industry who excels professionally and consistently gives back in meaningful ways. She is a media engagement strategist, event design and production expert, international speaker, mentor, connector, and travel enthusiast who serves as the Vice President of Global Engagement at Terramar, a DCM company, and chairwoman of the SEARCH Foundation. She is also a proud Swiftie! Stay tuned to hear about her remarkable journey and the insights she’s gained along the way. Kate’s Path Into the Events Industry Kate stumbled into the events world expecting to pursue a different career, but quickly realized that the work was in her blood. She began in food and beverage, moved through catering, hotels, and vendor roles, and ultimately launched her own firm, where she specialized in strategy and growth for small businesses and built a trusted global network. After collaborating with Terramar for years, the company invited her to join the team. The role aligned perfectly with her values, and three-and-a-half years later, she still feels deeply fulfilled, energized, and grateful to be part of a team that makes her smile every day. Joining Terramar Kate emphasizes the importance of values alignment, shared commitment to service, and honest conversations about expectations. For her, the biggest hurdle was navigating change management, but she believes that when change is rooted in doing the right thing, people ultimately get on board. Embracing Change Growth only happens when we step beyond comfort and into uncertainty. Kate describes fear as a signal that something bigger is coming. She explains that transformation lives just beyond the point of discomfort. Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Journey Kate pushed for additional testing after receiving a clear mammogram. Doctors found two cancerous masses, leading to a double mastectomy and multiple follow-up surgeries due to complications, and a third surgery, which required traveling to a specialist with only 96 hours’ notice. Thirteen days later, she stepped onto the IMEX stage to present. Her cancer is now clear, and she awaits final confirmation in January to officially begin her cancer-free countdown. Mindset, Support, and Self-Care Kate highlights the importance of putting yourself first. She encourages regular checkups, not dismissing symptoms, and making your health a priority. Support systems mattered a lot to her in her healing process, with colleagues who protected her privacy, stepped in to help, and ensured her work never suffered while she recovered. The SEARCH Foundation The SEARCH Foundation supports meeting and event professionals experiencing catastrophic illness, natural disasters, and other crises. The foundation began in 1997 during the AIDS epidemic and has expanded globally. Kate has served as board chair for six years and has recommitted for a third term because she sees so many lives transformed by this safety net. SEARCH is funded entirely by industry professionals, from monthly donors to students contributing just a few dollars. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Kate Patay Email Kate: or
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297: Leading Without Losing Yourself: The Compass Within for Entrepreneurs & Event Leaders with Robert Glazer
11/18/2025
297: Leading Without Losing Yourself: The Compass Within for Entrepreneurs & Event Leaders with Robert Glazer
Today, we are thrilled to welcome entrepreneur, philosopher, writer, podcaster, and author Robert Glazer as our guest. Robert truly understands how values shape company culture. In his latest book, The Compass Within, he explores how values guide both personal and organizational success. Join us to discover how strong values lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Robert’s Journey Robert founded Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency that became one of the first fully remote companies long before remote work became common. What began as an internal email to his team evolved into Friday Forward, a leadership newsletter with more than 120,000 readers. Writing became a parallel career for him, leading to several bestselling books, including his latest, a parable on personal and company values. As he stepped back from day-to-day business operations, Robert focused on helping people and organizations build capacity, lead better, and live by their core values. His mission now centers on leadership as the most powerful lever for meaningful change in companies and society. Core Values Robert developed a framework to help people identify personal core values. His philosophy is that people lead from their values consciously or unconsciously, so awareness is essential. The framework grew into a course and then a book, designed to make the process engaging and practical. Values are actionable principles, not one-word ideals, and their opposites should trigger discomfort to confirm their importance. Teaching Leadership Through Fiction Robert notes that leadership problems often arise from misaligned incentives rather than malice. In his latest book, The Compass Within, he combines fiction and nonfiction to make lessons relatable. Through the story, readers can see how misaligned values create frustration at work and in relationships. The main character embarks on a journey of self-discovery to reveal how value alignment influences experiences. Alignment in Work and Relationships Shared values need not be identical, but they must be harmonious. Misaligned value systems create constant conflict. Early life experiences shape our core beliefs, which can later clash with or harmonize with those of others. In any setting, alignment drives trust and long-term success. Without it, relationships and organizations often fracture. Competition and External Validation Robert understands how some cultures pressure people into constant competition and comparison. Many people never stop to ask why they do what they do. True contentment begins when people stop chasing external approval and start to define success by their own standards. Building The Compass Within The Compass Within offers a step-by-step approach for discovering actionable values. It begins with six reflective questions that explore life's highs and lows. Patterns in those answers form value statements that guide decisions. The opposite test (if the opposite of a value makes you cringe, it’s genuine) ensures the values are real. Creating a Values-Based Company Culture The company culture of entrepreneurs should evolve from the founder's authentic values, and must be collective. Effective values are actionable and measurable, not vague statements like “Integrity” or “Diversity.” They should naturally arise in conversation and be evident in daily organizational behavior. Writing, Leadership, and Legacy Robert believes that leadership lies at the root of organizational change. Companies do not act. People do. When leaders understand and embody their values, their organizations thrive. His writing reflects his mission, offering practical tools to help people lead with authenticity and purpose. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Robert Glazer On his
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296: Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly with Dr. Chloe Carmichael
11/11/2025
296: Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly with Dr. Chloe Carmichael
We are excited to welcome clinical psychologist and USA Today bestselling author, Dr. Chloe Carmichael, today. Chloe wrote Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety, which Deepak Chopra endorsed. Her latest book, Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly prompted Eric to reach out to her. That book received recommendations from Dr. Phil McGraw, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Patrick Bet-David, and various other thought leaders. She joins us to explore mental health, the importance of free speech, and what goes on within corporate organizations. Chloe’s Journey Dr. Chloe Carmichael built her career as a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, blending academic insight with real-world experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has a private practice in New York City. Her background as a yoga teacher and her fascination with mindfulness shaped her approach to emotional regulation and performance, and she has worked extensively with high-achieving professionals. Over time, her work has evolved from traditional therapy into coaching, corporate consulting, and thought leadership, bridging the gap between psychology and practical success strategies. Productive Anxiety Chloe explains that anxiety, when understood and managed, can be a powerful motivational tool because the physiological arousal associated with anxiety is similar to the energy needed for preparation and action. Productive anxiety becomes maladaptive only when paired with avoidance or self-criticism. Instead of suppressing it, people can use that energy to plan, anticipate, and perform better. Recognizing that anxiety is a natural human function helps people shift from fear-based reactions to constructive responses. High Achievers and Self-Regulation When anxiety gets reframed as preparation rather than panic, it becomes an ally in achieving excellence. High performers often experience elevated anxiety because they set ambitious goals and carry heavy responsibilities. The challenge is not to eliminate anxiety but to regulate it. Practices such as self-awareness, structured planning, and mindfulness help individuals to harness their natural drive without burning out. Emotional Awareness Tuning into emotional cues can offer valuable feedback rather than distractions. Emotions signal what matters most, and ignoring them can lead to misalignment or poor decisions. Identifying the underlying messages (fear of failure, desire for growth, or need for control) allows people to channel those feelings into intentional actions rather than reactive ones. Boundaries and Self-Validation Boundaries are essential, especially for those who seek their validation externally. Many high achievers rely on the approval of others, which can increase anxiety when feedback is inconsistent or negative. Chloe encourages the development of self-validation skills and acknowledging one’s own efforts and internal standards. Setting emotional and time boundaries helps maintain focus, energy, and confidence, even in competitive environments. Practical Tools for Managing Anxiety Chloe offers practical strategies for turning anxiety into productive energy. She recommends setting clear, achievable goals and using visualization to stay focused on positive outcomes. Scheduling dedicated worry time helps contain overthinking, while separating problem-solving from emotional processing prevents downward spiraling. Reframing self-talk from “what if I fail?” to “how can I prepare?” will turn fear into action and build confidence. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques Mindfulness is essential for calming the nervous system and being grounded. Deep breathing, guided meditation, and journaling slow the mind and create distance from anxious thoughts. Chloe points out that mindfulness does not eliminate anxiety. It helps the mind engage with it objectively, cultivating emotional resilience and better decision-making. Leadership and Psychological Safety Chloe highlights the importance of creating environments where people feel psychologically safe to express their ideas and concerns. Leaders who model calm, reflective behavior encourage teams to think critically rather than reacting emotionally. Leaders will also benefit from acknowledging their own anxieties, as that normalizes stress and builds trust within teams. Balancing Ambition and Well-being Ambition and mental health are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Sustainable success requires the balancing of drive with recovery. High performers should schedule rest, physical movement, and meaningful personal time to prevent chronic stress. Integrating Psychology into Everyday Life Chloe views psychology as a proactive skill set that helps people live with intention rather than reaction. She encourages listeners to use psychological tools in everyday life, not just in therapy or moments of crisis. Emotional tracking, mindfulness, and self-compassion can strengthen relationships, sharpen leadership, and boost creativity. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Dr. Chloe Carmichael On
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295: Back-of-House Brilliance: Scaling an Event Services Powerhouse with Lisa Gregory
11/04/2025
295: Back-of-House Brilliance: Scaling an Event Services Powerhouse with Lisa Gregory
Today, we are delighted to welcome Lisa Gregory, the founder and CEO of Gregory Event Services. As a dynamic entrepreneur with an impressive career, Lisa understands the highs and challenges of running a business, from sleepless nights to navigating the unexpected with determination and grace. She joins us today to share her journey, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Lisa’s Journey Fueled by a passion for purposeful leadership and continuous growth, Lisa built her career in the events and marketing industry. Her company initially focused on events and marketing, but is rapidly evolving into an AI-driven business. Guided by a commitment to innovation, culture, and purposeful service, Lisa has grown her global team across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She balances strategic vision with a hands-on approach, emphasizing culture fit, skill alignment, and sustainable growth. She also founded the Event Professionals Network, a free global community connecting over 900 event professionals to share knowledge and support one another. The Power of Complementary Teams Lisa believes that a successful business requires a team with complementary skill sets rather than one entrepreneur trying to do everything alone. While many entrepreneurs struggle to delegate due to financial or ego-related fears, she stresses that sustainable growth comes from shared responsibility and clear role definitions. Her success grew from learning to focus on her strengths while trusting others to manage daily operations. Transitioning to an AI-Driven Future Lisa’s company is transforming from a traditional events firm into one that actively integrates artificial intelligence. She urges professionals to embrace AI responsibly and purposefully to stay relevant. The goal is to use AI to enhance strategy, not replace human creativity or connection. Why Human Connection Still Matters While AI is revolutionizing workflows, Lisa points out that human connection remains irreplaceable. The most meaningful industry trends are toward smaller, regional events that prioritize face-to-face interaction, shared learning, and relationship building. She views this era as one where people crave authenticity, trusting personal experiences over digital marketing claims. Building a Strong Global Culture Lisa’s leadership philosophy centers on culture fit as the foundation of a thriving company. The first step in her hiring process is to continuously assess alignment with company values before evaluating skills. Her employees undergo skill-based training and are carefully matched to clients based on personality and expertise. Continuous feedback and alignment calls keep everyone on track, fostering transparency and mutual respect across diverse teams and time zones. Growth Through Purposeful Leadership Lisa is committed to scaling at a pace that supports both excellence and employee well-being. Her company now includes an operations manager, a chief of staff, and an executive assistant to ensure accountability and maintain quality. She is willing to decline projects if her team cannot deliver 110% and prioritize sustainability over expansion. Elevating Customer Service Customer satisfaction is central to Lisa’s business model. Her company uses NPS scores, client surveys, and monthly check-ins to assess performance. Every feedback cycle is built into the client’s project schedule to ensure accountability. She views exceptional service and strong client relationships as the most powerful engines for long-term growth. Looking Ahead In the next decade, Lisa envisions stepping back from the center of her company while strengthening middle management and refining internal systems. Her ultimate goal is to remain in the experiential and production side of the business, possibly integrating AI into large-scale creative projects. She hopes to sustain a culture that balances ambition with team health, reducing burnout and promoting longevity in the events industry. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Lisa Gregory On
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294: Reimagining Events with Digital Twins: Tech, Safety, and Storytelling with Iain Morrison
10/28/2025
294: Reimagining Events with Digital Twins: Tech, Safety, and Storytelling with Iain Morrison
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the incredible Iain Morrison today! Iain has spent years working behind the scenes to help global superstars bring their spectacular shows to Australian audiences. Several years ago, he launched his company, The Imagination Collaborative. He joins us today to share his journey and insights from his remarkable career in the events industry. Iain’s Journey Iain built his career behind the scenes of the world’s biggest concerts, working with global stars like Pink, the Foo Fighters, U2, Taylor Swift, and Adele. After decades of running large-scale productions and managing hundreds of people, he founded The Imagination Collaborative, a company that uses advanced digital technology to plan and visualize major events. His shift from being constantly on the road to leading a remote, tech-driven business reflects both the evolution of the events industry and his own desire for a balanced, meaningful lifestyle. Precision and Planning with Digital Technology Iain’s company uses 3D modeling and digital twins to map out event infrastructure with extreme accuracy, reducing costs, saving labor, and improving efficiency, especially for large outdoor venues where terrains vary. Shifting from Onsite Chaos to Remote Work After years of managing massive productions, Iain now relies on digital connectivity, operating primarily from his home. While he appreciates the quiet and flexibility, he sometimes misses the high-energy, in-person collaboration of event sites. To stay connected, he plans to visit more live events this year and reconnect with the colleagues who have been part of his professional life for decades. Balancing Work and Lifestyle Iain designed his business around the life he chose to live, not the other way around. He and his wife have embraced remote work, even traveling across Australia in their caravan while managing operations. For them, success means sustainability, freedom, and presence rather than building the biggest company possible. Life Lessons and Priorities The sudden passing of a colleague prompted Iain to reassess his priorities. He realized that waiting to enjoy life after years of overwork is a dangerous gamble. He now focuses on being fully present, spending time with family —especially his new grandchild —and creating a business that supports a fulfilling life rather than consuming it. Defining Success on His Own Terms The Imagination Collaborative is thriving financially and creatively, but Iain measures his success by its alignment with his values. His goal for the next decade is to collaborate with people who are passionate about technology and purpose-driven event creation. For him, growth is secondary to quality of life, enjoyment, and meaningful relationships. Lessons from a Year of Growth Iain admits that the first year of running his company was exhausting due to global clients and time zone challenges. Yet it taught him valuable lessons about boundaries, clarity, and vision. He and his wife now focus on refining their goals and using what they have learned to make their second year more balanced and efficient. Technology and a Changing Industry Iain credits modern connectivity, particularly innovations like Starlink, for making his lifestyle possible. With advanced processing power, cloud rendering, and real-time visualization tools, remote collaboration has become seamless. Iain believes his generation has been fortunate to witness and adapt to technological revolutions that continually open new opportunities. The Future of The Imagination Collaborative Looking ahead, Iain intends to continue working with top venues and event teams worldwide, helping them visualize and deliver world-class experiences. His priority is helping the right people create the right events while maintaining integrity and staying true to his values of balance and authenticity. Bio: Iain Morrison Iain Morrison is the straight-talking CEO of The Imagination Collaborative and one of the most trusted voices in the global event industry. With over 35 years of experience leading large-scale productions, Iain is known for his humor, honesty, and no-nonsense insights on creativity, leadership, and burnout. Ranked in the Top 1% of LinkedIn creators worldwide, his posts reach thousands who appreciate his blend of real talk, empathy, and practical wisdom. Iain’s influence spans brands like Adobe, Canva, and Zoom, making him a leading advocate for authentic, human-centered innovation in event management. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Iain Morrison On
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293: Exceptional Experiences: Where Luxury Meets Loyalty with Neen James
10/21/2025
293: Exceptional Experiences: Where Luxury Meets Loyalty with Neen James
We are thrilled to welcome Neen James, the expert on luxury experiences, back on the show today! Neen is currently releasing her fourth book, Exceptional Experiences. She is one of the brightest and most data-driven thinkers in the events business, and everything she does and writes about is grounded in research. She joins us today to share her insights on luxury experiences and discuss Mark Cuban’s thought-provoking notion that AI will encourage people to connect more in-person and enjoy exceptional human experiences more than ever before. Neen’s Journey Neen began her career exploring how attention, focus, and productivity impact leadership and influence. Over time, her work expanded to helping leaders design exceptional experiences through intentional thoughtfulness. After years of speaking and consulting around the world, she shifted her focus to understanding what makes interactions unforgettable, drawing inspiration from luxury brands and their mastery of creating value and connection. That research now informs her mission to help organizations and individuals apply those principles to elevate everyday business and leadership. The Power of Attention in Leadership and Business Attention is the new currency of leadership. Intentional focus on people, priorities, and productivity drives engagement and results. Leaders who are fully present notice others, allowing them to build stronger connections and evoke more trust and influence. Why Focus and Clarity Matter Neen believes that distraction is one of the biggest productivity killers in modern business. She likes to clarify her daily priorities, align her actions with her goals, and remove any unnecessary noise. Her approach to productivity is about doing what matters most rather than doing more. By setting boundaries around attention, professionals can increase both efficiency and fulfillment. The Role of Connection and Belonging People crave genuine connection, whether in business meetings or personal interactions. Neen explains that even small gestures of recognition can have a profound emotional impact. When leaders personalize communication and make individuals feel part of something meaningful, it creates loyalty and emotional investment that no financial incentive can replace. Creativity and Customization in Event Design Neen has observed a growing shift toward personalization and creativity within the meetings and events industry. Instead of over-catering or offering generic experiences, event planners are focusing on customized, high-quality touches. Rethinking Corporate Gifting Neen challenges traditional corporate gifting practices, urging professionals to move away from branded merchandise and instead offer experiences or gifts that truly delight recipients. Leveraging AI Neen describes how artificial intelligence can enhance personalization and streamline business operations. She prefers using AI tools like Claude and Fathom to summarize meetings, craft custom proposals, and gather insights about clients before meetings. By combining AI’s analytical capabilities with genuine empathy, professionals can deepen relationships and deliver more meaningful experiences. Systemized Thoughtfulness Neen’s concept of systemized thoughtfulness involves using technology to remember and act on the small details that make people feel special. She illustrates how simple, inexpensive gestures can create lifelong loyalty. The key, she says, is using data not to automate relationships, but to enhance human connection. Integrating AI Into the Guest Experience Neen encourages organizations to leverage AI for every phase of guest engagement. Beforehand, AI can help personalize outreach; during, it can enhance service customization; afterward, it can collect insights and generate detailed ROI reports. This full-circle approach can help teams to continually refine their experiences while maintaining the warmth of a personal touch. Embracing Change and Creative Problem Solving Neen calls for boldness and experimentation in the hospitality and events industries. With rising costs and changing expectations, she urges professionals to collaborate across departments, rethink menus, and adopt sustainable, creative solutions. Humanity as the Ultimate Luxury For Neen, luxury is not about price. It’s about care, personalization, and emotional resonance. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a remembered detail, or a perfectly timed mocktail, luxury lives in the moments that make guests feel seen and special. While technology can support this, it should never replace it. The goal, she insists, is to use AI to be more human, not less. Bio: Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and the upcoming Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders, helping them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication, and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, James has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. She empowers individuals to prioritize what matters most so they can create exceptional experiences that drive results and foster lasting connections. Originally from Australia, James is now living her best life in Tampa, Florida. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Neen James On her
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292: From Iran to Inner Freedom: Women's Voices, Breathwork, and Plant Medicine with Sepideh Eivazi
10/14/2025
292: From Iran to Inner Freedom: Women's Voices, Breathwork, and Plant Medicine with Sepideh Eivazi
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 Connect with Sepideh Eivazi On her Sepideh's TED Talk,
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291: Walking the Walk: From Catwalk Model to World-Class Emcee with Shannon Thaler Cherry
10/07/2025
291: Walking the Walk: From Catwalk Model to World-Class Emcee with Shannon Thaler Cherry
Today, Eric is thrilled to welcome Shannon Thaler Cherry as his guest. Shannon began her career as a model before pivoting to become a successful journalist, emcee, and host. She now leads content sessions at trade shows, corporate events, webinars, awards shows, and other events. Tune in as she shares her journey and the nuances and facets of the dynamic career she has built. Bio: Shannon Thaler Cherry At just 26, Shannon Thaler Cherry has already built over a decade of professional experience. Today, she works as a full-time content specialist, out of NYC, contributing to leading outlets including A Media Operator, BizBash, Corporate Event News, Trade Show News Network, and Vendelux, among others. Beyond writing, Shannon is also an experienced moderator, host, and emcee, leading content sessions at trade shows, corporate events, webinars, awards shows, and more. Shannon's career began on a very different stage: as a model, traveling the world for brands like Reebok, Louis Vuitton, Sally Hansen, and Colgate, and appearing in the pages of Glamour, Teen Vogue, and Seventeen Magazine. She later shifted her creative focus to journalism, sharpening her craft as a breaking news reporter at the Daily Mail and business reporter at The New York Post, before stepping into the specialized world of events media, where she continues to blend storytelling, performance, and industry insight. Connect with Eric Rozenberg Connect with Shannon Thaler Cherry Email Shannon:
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290: From Ideas to Action: How to Win your Final Quarter with Eric Rozenberg
09/30/2025
290: From Ideas to Action: How to Win your Final Quarter with Eric Rozenberg
When Eric did his very first public speaking experience, he almost became paralyzed with fear. But that moment also taught him a lasting lesson. Tune in today to hear what happened and how Eric discovered an antidote to fear and procrastination. Taking the First Step When you have done something once, the second time becomes easier. Action is the antidote to fear and procrastination. Procrastination vs. Action Planning and scheduling may feel productive, but without action, nothing changes. Many of us hide behind learning and preparation, but progress only comes when we move from thinking to doing. Accountability as a Success Driver Having someone to keep you accountable helps you to follow through. An accountability partner helps ensure that your goals translate into daily actions. Leading vs. Lagging Indicators Lagging indicators measure outcomes after the fact (like annual revenue), while leading indicators are daily actions that move results forward. Your success lies in identifying and consistently practicing those leading indicators. The Daily Three Each evening, Eric identifies three key tasks for the next day. These are small but meaningful steps that move the needle and ensure his steady progress toward bigger goals. The Urgency of Time Setting two or three main priorities toward the end of each year will help you to finish strong. Narrowing your focus will increase the likelihood of a meaningful achievement before the year closes. Preparing for the Next Year Planning for 2026 begins now, not after the holidays. Writing down your priorities early allows you time for reflection, adjustment, and clarity, and ensures your preparation for the coming year. The Power of Focus Distractions like webinars, AI trends, events, and opportunities will always be there, but results come from focusing on what truly matters. Constantly ask yourself, “Does this action move me closer to my main goals?” Realistic and Optimistic Goal-Setting We often overestimate our short-term capacity but underestimate our long-term potential. Being realistic yet staying optimistic helps you balance pressure with perspective. Doing Over Learning Eric loves learning, but he emphasizes that results come only when knowledge is applied. “Doing” transforms ideas into tangible outcomes. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On
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289: Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance: How to Build Purpose-Driven Events with Melva LaJoy Legrand
09/23/2025
289: Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance: How to Build Purpose-Driven Events with Melva LaJoy Legrand
Today, Eric is delighted to welcome Melva LaJoy Legrand as his guest. Melva is an icon in our industry, having built an impressive career that spans the US, France, and Europe, earning numerous recognitions along the way. In this episode, she shares her journey and discusses the honors she received within the industry, offering inspiration and insights for solopreneurs and small business owners. Her Journey Melva began her career as a teacher, but her creative spark kept pulling her in a different direction. A volunteering stint at a radio station one summer introduced her to concerts, festivals, and events, and she discovered her true calling. With the unwavering support of her parents, she stepped into event planning, starting at the bottom, and soaking up every lesson she learned along the way. With the help of her mentors, she managed to overcome her fear, learn about leadership, and shape her emotional intelligence. With perseverance, faith, and resilience, Melva built her own business, LaJoy Creative, weaving together her professional achievements and her personal trials. Her Early Career Melva describes her early years as a "preparation season”, where she embraced every small task with humility, absorbing lessons from behind the scenes. That shaped her professional values, helping her decide the kind of leader she wanted to become. Mentorship and Growth Melva had several mentors who were all central to her development. One of her mentors encouraged her toward a leadership position at a major festival, creating a breakthrough moment where she discovered her own capacity to lead. This experience highlighted the importance of humility, teachability, and persistence in building effective mentor relationships. Building Confidence and Starting Over Melva restarted her business in 2019 during a deeply challenging period while caring for her ailing father. His encouragement gave her the courage to relaunch her business, and she also received additional confirmation from her mentors and unexpected encounters, fueling her belief that her business was her purpose. Overcoming Trauma and Anchoring in Faith As a survivor of abuse and trauma, Melva knows that therapy, faith, support groups, and resilience are an essential part of the healing process. Her faith and clarity about her values have shaped her leadership and business decisions, ensuring she only accepts work that aligns with her principles. Awards and Recognition Melva has received numerous honors, including recognition for organizing survivor-focused events, being named a Top Female Founder 500, and winning Silver for International Event Agency of the Year. Those awards affirm her parents’ belief that the world would always make room for her. She also takes pride in recent collaborations, including honoring cultural icons at a major beauty and artistry event. Cultural Perspective: US vs France Living between the US and France has given Melva unique insight into the work-life balance. She contrasts the American culture of overwork with the French emphasis on rest and leisure. While she acknowledges higher US salaries, she credits her best creative breakthroughs to the mental clarity she gained during her time abroad. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Melva LaJoy Legrand On
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288: Pause to Perform: Breath, Stress & Eventpreneur Resilience with Megan Nolan
09/16/2025
288: Pause to Perform: Breath, Stress & Eventpreneur Resilience with Megan Nolan
Today, Eric is excited to welcome Megan Nolan, the founder of Vitality Wellness in Maui. With extensive experience in yoga, mental health, and wellbeing, Megan brings powerful tools to support small business owners and professionals within the meetings and events industry. About Megan Nolan Megan Nolan is a yoga teacher and personal trainer based in Maui. She combines movement, mindfulness, and strength training to help people improve their posture, energy, and mental focus. Beyond individual sessions, she specializes in bringing wellness into the conference and events industry by leading yoga, breathwork, and “power pauses” that energize participants and boost engagement. Her mission is to make healthy habits accessible, fun, and sustainable, whether for individuals, teams, or large audiences. Generational Awareness of Health Younger generations are highly aware of their mental and physical health. They openly communicate about emotions, seek out wellness tools, and tune into their bodies. Older generations, by contrast, often adapt more slowly. Technology and Posture Today’s youth are growing up with devices in their hands, and it shows in their posture. Postures previously associated with aging are now common, even in children, driven by extended hours of sitting and screen use. Preventing and Correcting Rounded Posture Megan highlights that a rounded posture is preventable and, to some extent, correctable at any age. Even into the 90s, the body is capable of gaining bone density and muscle strength. Through neuroplasticity, the body can adapt when weak muscles are strengthened and tight tissues are stretched. While skeletal issues may limit the degree of improvement, regular movement and targeted exercises can restore alignment and function. The Toll of Sitting Sitting for eight to ten hours a day quickly reshapes the body. Extended events or workdays often leave people feeling one with the chair, collapsing into poor posture. That reduces energy, focus, and creativity. Megan recommends taking short breaks to stand up, stretch, or strike a power pose to instantly improve attention, boost creative thinking, and sustain productivity. Hot Yoga: Trend or Health Tool? Practiced in rooms heated to about 105°F, hot yoga can help soften tissues and deepen flexibility. However, Megan cautions that most people are dehydrated, and the extreme heat places extra strain on the heart. Without strong body awareness, participants may overstretch tendons and ligaments. For those who are healthy, hydrated, and experienced, hot yoga can be beneficial. For most others, Megan recommends warm yoga as a safer alternative. Power Pauses and Adult Recess Megan has developed the concept of power pauses, short, intentional breaks for breathwork, stretching, or light movement. These re-energize participants during long events, especially after meals. She frames them as “adult recess,” making wellness fun, inclusive, and highly effective for engagement and focus. Wellness at Events Megan integrates yoga, breathwork, and energizing breaks into conferences and events, both in Maui and virtually. She often starts mornings with grounding practices, weaves in power pauses throughout the agenda, and closes with mindful exercises. Her keynote, Habits of a Happy Human: Small Shifts for a Chaotic World, adds another layer of impact, helping participants stay engaged, energized, and connected. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Megan Nolan On
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287: Fall Reads: Five Game-Changing Books for Small Business Owners with Eric Rozenberg
09/09/2025
287: Fall Reads: Five Game-Changing Books for Small Business Owners with Eric Rozenberg
Today, Eric shares five standout books he read this summer. As a passionate reader of 25–30 books a year, he found these books particularly impactful for both business and life. The Last Lecture — Randy Pausch & Jeffrey Zaslow This moving and timeless book was written by computer science professor Randy Pausch, as his final lecture after getting a terminal diagnosis. It blends philosophy, practical wisdom, and personal stories, offering lessons on living with purpose, nurturing relationships, and leaving a legacy. It is a book to hold onto for life, and to pass on to the next generation. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals — Oliver Burkeman Burkeman reframes time management by reminding us we only have about 4,000 weeks on earth. Instead of chasing endless productivity, he shows how to prioritize what truly matters. The book combines humor, philosophy, and practical tools for blocking, organizing, and auditing time. It is valuable for both business and personal life. Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet — Jesse Itzler In this book, entrepreneur Jesse Itzler recounts a month of intense training with a Navy SEAL. His experience is raw, funny, and motivating, pushing readers to go beyond excuses and embrace discipline, resilience, and grit. It is a high-energy reminder that we are capable of far more than we think. Make Your Own Luck: Success Tactics You Won’t Learn in Business School — Peter Kash Written by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Kash, this book explores how to create luck by preparing, persevering, and being open to opportunity. Through vivid personal stories, he shows how readiness and mindset can transform challenges into breakthroughs. It is a guide to moving forward, even in uncertain times. Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry — Kelly Richmond Pope In this book, forensic accounting professor Kelly Richmond Pope reveals the hidden world of fraud, from small-town scandals to billion-dollar schemes. Drawing on her TED Talk and Netflix documentary All the Queen’s Horses, she highlights the risks of misplaced trust and the importance of vigilance in business. It is an eye-opening and essential read for entrepreneurs. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Book links:
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286: PR Parenting: Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Event Leaders with Marjie Hadad
09/02/2025
286: PR Parenting: Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Event Leaders with Marjie Hadad
Today, we are delighted to welcome Marjie Hadad as our guest. Marjie is a PR expert who has spent the last 4 decades working in media and public relations in various countries. She currently assists private individuals and individual business owners. Marjie joins us today to share her insights and experience. Tune in to find out how to become more successful in your business and at home. Marjie’s Journey Marjie has spent 40 years in media and public relations, working as a reporter, anchor, and producer, and she even won an Emmy Award. She later became an agent in the modeling industry before launching her PR career. For the past 25 years, she has run her own firm, working with clients globally and specializing in medical and venture capital. Speaking and Training Today, Marjie focuses on professional speaking and leadership training. Her work focuses on teaching individuals and companies to use communication and PR skills strategically to achieve their goals. Internal and External PR Marjie explains that PR applies internally and externally, and that success comes from clear, strategic communication on both levels. Internally, leaders must communicate a vision to inspire their teams. Externally, they should craft and share important messages with their target audience to build partnerships, launch products, or raise funds. Winning Clients Through Communication For small businesses, everything starts with the unmet needs of the client. Good communication begins with listening, then positioning your expertise as the solution. Your key messages should reflect how you want people to remember you after the conversation. Marjie recommends going beyond talk and showing your potential clients what you can deliver. Handling Social Media and Cancel Culture For adverse online reactions, Marjie advises people to remain positive and professional. She explains that every comment does not require a reply, and sometimes, the best move is to stay silent. If you do engage, keep it respectful and professional, addressing disrespect calmly, deleting toxic remarks, or inviting the person to continue the conversation privately. The key is to remain composed and protect your reputation while deciding which approach best fits the situation. Building Company Culture Constructive guidance, support, and recognition foster loyalty and performance. Leaders within organizations should rally their teams around a shared vision and show how their contributions matter. They should also view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than reasons to humiliate people. Utilizing her PR Skills Marjie has even applied PR strategies in her family life, which she detailed in her book, The Power of PR Parenting. She applied communication tools, such as crisis management, presentations, and constructive contracts, to raise her children into confident, resilient adults. Her mistakes became lessons, and she reinforced her expectations with agreements. Communication Across Generations When it comes to younger generations and technology, Marjie does not see texting as a threat but rather as another mode of communication with its own language. She stresses the importance of giving children real-life opportunities to practice social and communication skills so technology becomes an addition rather than a replacement for human interaction. Bio: Marjie Hadad Marjie Hadad has been in media and public relations for 40 years. She is a globally recognized public relations expert, a former television news journalist, an award-winning television producer, and an award-winning author. Specializing in medical and venture capital PR, she designs strategic programs to support the business, clinical, and personal objectives of her clients. A dynamic professional speaker and executive coach, Marjie empowers teams to use THEIR public relations skills to solve various problems and achieve organizational, professional, and personal goals. Her diverse career includes roles as an agent at Ford Model Management in Boston and a media liaison for the Consulate General of Israel to New England. She is the founder of Must Have Communications and Consulting. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Marjie Hadad On her
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285: What Buffett Never Said (But Every Small Business Owner Must Hear Before 2025 Ends)
08/26/2025
285: What Buffett Never Said (But Every Small Business Owner Must Hear Before 2025 Ends)
Now is a great time to reflect on both personal milestones and business goals! Planning your priorities now can set you up for a strong finish to this year and prepare you for a successful start to 2026. Transitions and Emotional Awareness When your children start school or college, it can be emotionally intense as it reminds you how quickly time passes. Embracing the emotions of those moments can help you process change while you focus on other areas of life. Planning Your Year-End Goals With roughly 85 working days left in the year, it is essential to define what you want to accomplish before this year comes to an end. You should also start thinking about next year. Using Mind Maps Effectively Mind maps make it easier to translate abstract ideas into actionable steps. They can help you organize your ideas, set your priorities, and clarify your objectives. Mind mapping is a technique popularized by Tony Buzan that visually allows you to structure ideas around a central topic. Mapping your thoughts for the rest of this year and next will help you to identify your priorities and avoid distractions. The 25-5 Rule Prioritization is the key. Identify your top 25 goals first, then select the five of your most critical objectives. Focus on those five, and deliberately avoid distractions from the remaining 20. That will ensure your energy goes toward what truly matters. Eric explains that even if the famous Warren Buffett story about this method is unverified, the principle of disciplined prioritization is still powerful. Action and Focus Once you have set your priorities, dedicate your energy to achieving your top goals. The rest of the year will go quickly, so focus on what matters most to determine your success, both personally and professionally. Preparing now will set the stage for a productive and fulfilling year-end and a strong start to 2026. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On On
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284: Beyond Logistics: How to Create the World’s Most Welcoming Events with Kelly Knowlen
08/19/2025
284: Beyond Logistics: How to Create the World’s Most Welcoming Events with Kelly Knowlen
We are delighted to welcome Kelly Knowlen, currently the Vice President of Sales Engagement and Special Events at Hilton, as our guest today. Kelly joins us today to share her career journey and talk about her work in the meetings and events industry. This episode will be of particular interest to event planners who own their businesses and want to increase their engagement, using events as a strategic tool for their organizations. Bio: Kelly Knowlen Kelly Knowlen is a dynamic leader in the global hospitality industry with over 30 years of experience at Hilton, where she currently serves as Vice President, Sales Engagement and Special Events. In this role, she leads the execution and strategic priorities of Hilton Worldwide Sales customer events, industry events, and internal conferences for the Americas. Under her leadership, Hilton has launched groundbreaking initiatives such as the World’s Most Welcoming Events campaign, which leverages original research to unveil the future of the meetings and events industry. In recent years, Knowlen led the commercial workstreams to create and launch Hilton EventReady with CleanStay and the EventReady Playbook, a proprietary tool providing curated resources for teams and event planner customers. Before her current role, she spearheaded the launch of Global Week of Sales and Ready to Rise, two global initiatives focused on increasing sales engagement across the enterprise. Beginning her Hilton career as a Sales Manager at DoubleTree Concourse in Atlanta, Knowlen has since held more than 10 key positions, including Director of Sales and Marketing at several Hilton properties. Her journey continued as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing and into critical roles at Hilton Corporate, working in sales operations, global engagement, and events. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Kelly Knowlen On Email Kelly Knowlen:
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283: Beyond the Next Event: How to Grow a Business That Lasts with Eric Rozenberg
08/12/2025
283: Beyond the Next Event: How to Grow a Business That Lasts with Eric Rozenberg
Today, Eric shares a recent coaching experience he had with an entrepreneur who was hesitant to grow her business because she was happy with her current setup and did not feel the need to expand. Stay tuned as Eric takes a closer look at whether or not that way of working is, in fact, sustainable. Growth Can Create Freedom Staying small might feel comfortable, but constantly jumping from one project to the next leaves little room for personal time or long-term progress. Growth allows business owners to step back from their daily tasks and invest their time where it truly matters- on clients, strategy, and the parts of the business they enjoy most. Delegation Is Essential Delegating is about sustainability rather than relinquishing control. Many entrepreneurs wait too long before trusting someone else with parts of their business, which often leads to burnout. Delegation makes space for high-level focus and prevents the business from becoming overwhelming. Representation The most valuable contribution a business owner can make is representing the company and nurturing relationships, which includes sales, brand presence, and staying in touch with clients and prospects. Those are all time-consuming tasks, and the only way to prioritize them is by letting go of lower-level responsibilities. 80 Percent Is Good Enough Client satisfaction should guide your decisions around delegation, not perfectionism. No one will do things exactly the way you do. So, even if someone can only deliver 80 percent of your standard on your behalf, and the client is still satisfied, that is okay. Personal Lessons from Early Burnout In the early years of his corporate events business, Eric believed no one could serve his clients as well as he could. So, he avoided delegating, fearing it would compromise his brand. This mindset led to exhaustion, and he nearly burned out. Only after hiring a project manager did he realize clients were happy even without his constant presence. That allowed him to build systems and focus on growth. Start with a Long-Term Vision You cannot make aligned decisions without a long-term vision. Defining what you want your life and business to look like in 10 years will give you the clarity to act with purpose. That clarity is also the foundation of strategic growth. Develop the Right Mindset Entrepreneurship is not linear. It is a rollercoaster of unpredictable challenges. To be successful, you must be mentally prepared, able to manage stress and stay focused on the reason you started. Surrounding yourself with the right kind of support and using tools like journaling and meditation can help you remain grounded. Manage the Chaos Running a business means juggling high-level strategy with everyday tasks. Unpredictable factors add to the stress, especially in fast-moving industries. Learning to navigate the chaos is essential for staying grounded and moving forward. Stay Consistent Progress comes from steady effort, not big leaps. Small, repeated actions will create meaningful change over time. Even when momentum feels slow, doing a little bit every day will impact your long-term results and the growth of your business. Sustainable Growth Requires All Three By combining your long-term vision with a strong mindset and daily consistency, you can create a foundation for healthy, sustainable business growth. Without those, it becomes much harder to build something lasting and fulfilling. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On
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282: The Art of Saying No: How to Ditch Bad Clients and Attract Better Ones with Eric Rozenberg
08/05/2025
282: The Art of Saying No: How to Ditch Bad Clients and Attract Better Ones with Eric Rozenberg
Have you ever felt that a client was not the right fit for you, yet you ignored your gut feeling and worked with them anyway? In this episode, Eric shares two examples of similar situations he experienced in his professional journey, explaining how he handled them and what he learned along the way. Trust Your Instincts It is essential to recognize when a potential client or project does not align with your values, standards, or business model. Ignoring your instincts when your gut tells you a client is not the right fit will likely lead to lots of frustration down the line. Know Your Worth Never compromise your pricing just to win business. If a client pressures you to reduce your fees, always stand firm when you know your pricing is fair and reflects the quality of your work. Let Go When Respect Isn’t Mutual Walk away from clients who fail to respect your work. Even though it may feel risky, it will protect your integrity and lead to better opportunities. Set Clear Boundaries Define the kind of clients you want to work with and the fees you need to sustain your business. By filtering out unsuitable clients, you ensure your business remains profitable and focused. Deliver Exceptional Work When you commit to a client, always over-deliver as your excellence will earn trust and repeat business. Long-Term Thinking Prioritize sustainable relationships over quick wins. You may miss some deals that way, but you will build a stronger and more respected business over time. Understand Your Clients Take the time to understand your client’s needs, goals, and expectations. Always ask the right questions upfront to ensure your offer aligns with their objectives and avoid future misunderstandings. Communicate Your Values Be clear about how you work, your expectations, and what your clients can count on. Transparency helps to establish trust and discourages potential clients unaligned with your approach. There Are Always Better Clients Do not hold on to difficult or undervaluing clients out of fear. There are many respectful and collaborative clients out there who are willing to pay fair rates. When you are clear about the type of clients you want to attract and learn to say no to those who are not the right fit, you create space to find partners who truly support your values. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On
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281: Time, Solitude, and Sanity with Eric Rozenberg
07/29/2025
281: Time, Solitude, and Sanity with Eric Rozenberg
Life as an entrepreneur can often feel lonely. Being a solopreneur or small business owner in the meetings and events industry is a wonderful experience. However, with all the stress and challenges entrepreneurs face, they often find themselves alone, with no one to share their wins, doubts, and fears with. In this episode, Eric reads an excerpt from the book he is currently reading and shares some valuable tips to help entrepreneurs avoid loneliness. Digital Nomads Unlike traditional nomads who rely on each other, digital nomads often go it alone. In his book 4000 Weeks, Oliver Burkeman explains that digital nomads, despite the appealing lifestyle, can feel lonely. They travel the world but miss the shared routines that create strong relationships. Remote Work Without casual, in-person conversations, those who work remotely miss out on spontaneous connections. So entrepreneurs need to be intentional about meeting others and making space for interaction. Build a Circle of Advisors or Join a Community One solution is to create a board of advisors for your business. They should be people you trust and respect, and those you can share authentically with about the highs and lows of your business. You can also join a community of other entrepreneurs. The key is to make it a regular habit because if it is not on your calendar, it is unlikely to happen. Reconnect With What Matters Take time to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you. Ensure your daily actions are moving your business in the right direction, and keep your long-term vision in focus to remain grounded. Stay Flexible and Open Growth requires curiosity and adaptability. As a business owner, you must be willing to try new tools, adopt new services, and explore different ways of working. Keep Your Vision in Focus Regularly check in with your long-term goals. Stay open to learning and be willing to embrace new tools, services, and ways of working that support that vision. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Book Mentioned: by Oliver Burkeman
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280: Adapt or Get Left Behind: Why Tech is Non-Negotiable for Small Businesses with Eric Rozenberg
07/22/2025
280: Adapt or Get Left Behind: Why Tech is Non-Negotiable for Small Businesses with Eric Rozenberg
Technology is no longer just a helpful tool for running small businesses. It has become the lifeline for small business success. In this episode, Eric clarifies why technology is now non-negotiable when running a successful small business. Tune in to learn why, as a small business owner, you must either evolve and adapt or risk getting left behind. AI Blackmail An article on Entropic described a test scenario where AI named specific (fictional) people and made a blackmail demand. Even though the situation was fabricated for testing purposes, it highlighted the potential dangers of advanced AI behavior. A Double-Edged Sword Every major invention in history has had the potential for great harm and tremendous benefit. The outcome depends entirely on how humans choose to use these tools. AI is no exception. It represents a societal shift similar to the Industrial Revolution, with its presence growing across all industries. Today, adaptation is essential, especially in the meetings and events space, where technology is now deeply integrated. Those who ignore it risk becoming irrelevant. From Fax Machines to Automation During his early business days in Brussels, Eric used to manually collect faxed proposals in the evenings after doing sales visits by day. Now, 70% of that work can be automated. Standard proposals and client-facing documents can now be systematized using technology, drastically reducing the time and effort required. People vs. Tech In the past, hiring a high-level executive assistant in Belgium came at a significant cost to Eric due to their high social security contributions. Today, however, business owners can find skilled virtual assistants anywhere in the world for a fraction of the cost. Smarter Prospecting with AI Aspects of prospecting that used to take hours of manual outreach before can now be streamlined with CRM systems and AI. By scanning the online presence of a prospect through their LinkedIn profile, AI can recommend tailored messaging and communication strategies, making outreach faster, more personal, and far more effective. Embrace AI Now Now is the time to embrace AI and new technologies. Those who do so will be better positioned for success. So, whether you are starting a new business or evolving an existing one, tech literacy is a must. Face-to-Face Is Still Irreplaceable Even with the rise of AI, the human connection is likely to become more valuable, not less, as people always crave genuine, in-person experiences. Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric is a business builder and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively dedicated to helping and supporting business owners in the Meetings & Events Industry. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses better. For two decades in a previous life, Eric has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and produced award-winning sales meetings, incentive trips, product launches, and conferences in more than 50 countries across diverse industries. His podcast "The Business of Meetings" is the first podcast in the Meetings & Events Industry dedicated to business owners and the largest source of free information, with over 240 episodes and fabulous guests. His first book, Meeting at C-Level, is the first book on the « Why? » of a meeting. It has been endorsed by 20 of the most influential leaders from the corporate and association worlds. His second book, Before It’s Too Late, A Love Letter to My Daughters and America, is a story of grit, perseverance, and courage. It describes why and how he and his wife brought their daughters to America and why it is the greatest country on Earth. Eric was the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Connect with Eric Rozenberg On
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279: Pause, Recharge, Thrive: Why Breaks Are Good for Business
07/15/2025
279: Pause, Recharge, Thrive: Why Breaks Are Good for Business
Eric knows that taking three weeks off each year is a European concept, yet he believes that it is up to each entrepreneur to decide for themselves when and how they choose to switch off. In this episode, he explains that it is not just about the time you take off, but rather about being intentional with how you recharge. He also shares the playful out-of-office email message he set up during the three weeks he recently spent in North Carolina. Decide How You Disconnect As an entrepreneur, you get to choose how and when you disconnect. Some people prefer complete time off, while others are okay with handling a few urgent tasks here and there. What matters is being intentional about taking breaks and allowing yourself the time to recharge and connect with your loved ones. No Need to Wait for Holidays Without regular rest, your creativity, focus, and overall effectiveness will gradually decline. However, there is no need to wait for holidays to recharge. Skipping work on Saturdays, setting aside time to meditate, and taking short breaks during the week can help you stay focused and energized. You Are Not Always Needed With the right systems and support in place, your constant presence is not necessary as an entrepreneur. You may feel you need to stay connected initially, but over time, you will see that taking a step back does not mean that everything falls apart. It is also essential to understand that if a client cannot respect the time you take off, they may not be the right client for you. Protect Your Time Make a habit of scheduling time for yourself each day and week, and switch off completely during holidays. Spending time with the people you care about and doing the things that energize you while giving your mind a break from business concerns is the best way to recharge. Out-of-Office Message During his recent time off, Eric set up a creative and funny out-of-office email response. In it, he explained that he was away, offered a contact for urgent matters, and encouraged senders to imagine where he might be. The message reflected his personality while setting clear boundaries, showing that it is possible to unplug without being dull or overly formal. Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric is a business builder and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively dedicated to helping and supporting business owners in the Meetings & Events Industry. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses better. For two decades in a previous life, Eric has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and produced award-winning sales meetings, incentive trips, product launches, and conferences in more than 50 countries across diverse industries. His podcast "The Business of Meetings" is the first podcast in the Meetings & Events Industry dedicated to business owners and the largest source of free information, with over 240 episodes and fabulous guests. His first book, Meeting at C-Level, is the first book on the « Why? » of a meeting. It has been endorsed by 20 of the most influential leaders from the corporate and association worlds. His second book, Before It’s Too Late, A Love Letter to My Daughters and America, is a story of grit, perseverance, and courage. It describes why and how he and his wife brought their daughters to America and why it is the greatest country on Earth. Eric was the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Connect with Eric Rozenberg On
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278: Your Hard Work Might be Hurting Your Business… Not Just your Personal Life and Health with Bill Gallagher
07/08/2025
278: Your Hard Work Might be Hurting Your Business… Not Just your Personal Life and Health with Bill Gallagher
We are thrilled to welcome rockstar business coach Bill Gallagher, the founder of Scaling Coach, as our guest. Bill has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs organize their lives, refine their leadership skills, and elevate their performance. He joins us today to share his journey, insights, and the story behind his impressive startup success. Tune in to learn the strategies that have helped countless leaders scale with confidence, clarity, and purpose! io: Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher is a highly rated business coach whose passion is helping CEOs and entrepreneurs manage growth more effectively, restore order and sanity to their lives, and achieve greater growth or faster growth. With over 40 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience and 20 years of coaching and training leaders seeking to enhance their leadership and performance, he now works with leaders and teams in more than 31 cities across 15 countries. He has led four companies as CEO/owner and was a partner/executive in two others as they grew from startup to more than $550 million in annual revenue. A former DJ and radio executive, Bill hosts the Scaling Up Podcast. In his free time, he is an avid surfer, sailor, skateboarder, pilot, scuba enthusiast, and recovering triathlete. Happily married for 30 years, he and his wife, Lori, live in the Oakland Hills and are parents to two very successful young adult entrepreneurs. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Bill Gallagher On his (Podcast) Email:
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277: Turning Pain Points into Profits: Lil Roberts’ Founder Journey with Lil Roberts
07/01/2025
277: Turning Pain Points into Profits: Lil Roberts’ Founder Journey with Lil Roberts
We are excited to welcome Lil Roberts, the Founder of Xendoo, as our guest today. Lil is an exceptional entrepreneur with a sharp instinct for people and the confidence to speak the truth. She has served as President of the South Florida chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and recently published a book called Small Business Defined: The Ultimate Guide for Small Business Owners. Stay tuned to hear about her inspiring journey and learn how Xendoo makes accounting easier for small business owners. Connect with Eric Rozenberg Connect with Lil Roberts On
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276: Certainty in Uncertain Times: Focus on What You Can Control with Eric Rozenberg
06/24/2025
276: Certainty in Uncertain Times: Focus on What You Can Control with Eric Rozenberg
Today, Eric tackles the truth about uncertainty. Many business owners and entrepreneurs find uncertainty unbearable. Eric points out that if you, as a business owner, do not learn the art of navigating uncertain times, you may need to reconsider whether it is genuinely the right industry for you. Uncertainty Feels Tougher Without a Plan A friend of Eric, living in Israel, recently made the striking observation that he finds frequent missile alerts easier to handle than the uncertainty of running a business. That is because he has prepared himself for those situations. So, when an alarm sounds, he knows exactly what to do. However, navigating uncertainty in business is much harder because there is no clear structure or step-by-step plan to follow. The truth is that uncertainty becomes far more manageable when you have a plan. Nothing Ever Goes According to Plan With decades of experience running meetings and events worldwide, the constant that always stands out to Eric is that things never go exactly as planned, and disruptions are the norm. So, even though we cannot control everything, we can always control how we respond to it. When we learn to adapt and prepare ourselves with alternative plans, it makes all the difference! Focus on What You Can Control Control is not about fixing every problem. It is about identifying the next best step you can take. When unexpected challenges arise, the solution lies in focusing on controllable factors. Proactive problem-solving, negotiation, and networking help us create viable paths forward. Keep Perspective During Chaos When stress builds, especially in uncertain times, return to your values, your purpose, and the progress you have made. Uncertainty will always exist, but so will your capacity to adapt, find solutions, and do what truly matters. That is often the only certainty you will need. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On On
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275: Unplug to Reconnect: Rethinking Hospitality and Unique Experiences with Eric Moeller
06/17/2025
275: Unplug to Reconnect: Rethinking Hospitality and Unique Experiences with Eric Moeller
We are delighted to have Eric Moeller, the founder of Freewyld, joining us today. Known for his clear mind and sharp perspective, Eric has never been afraid to challenge the status quo of big corporations or industry transformations. Join us to hear about Eric’s impressive career journey and the bold steps he is taking to revolutionize the hospitality industry. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Eric Moeller On
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