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!

322: It’s All About Relationships: The Real Currency of Business with Eddy Arriola 05/12/2026

322: It’s All About Relationships: The Real Currency of Business with Eddy Arriola We are delighted to welcome Eddy Arriola, a rock-star entrepreneur from South Florida, as today’s guest. Eddy has tons of experience building and scaling businesses, including founding Apollo Bank, and he recently published a book on relationships and the art of relational leadership. Stay tuned for Eddy’s expert insights on how relationships shape leadership, business growth, and long-term success. Eddy’s Journey Born and raised in Miami, Eddy is the son of Cuban immigrants who arrived in the USA after the 1960 revolution. Entrepreneurship is part of Eddy’s DNA, shaped by his father, grandfathers, and community. He never even considered working for anyone else, and he has never experienced a traditional job interview. In 1997, Eddy co-founded Inktel with his brothers. He started Apollo Bank in 2008 by relying on his relationships and persistence, and learning as he went. Entrepreneurial Mindset Eddy explains that your mindset is built by what you see early in life. Eddy grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, so starting a business felt natural. He believes that you improve the world by creating jobs, building a good work environment, and setting an example as a leader. Starting Apollo Bank Eddy launched Apollo Bank without fully understanding the challenges, which helped him move forward. He started just before the 2008 financial crisis, thinking it would be a short recession. His approach was simple- he just kept on going, and through his persistence, he built credibility and trust with investors, regulators, and clients. Relationships Your biggest wins and biggest problems always come down to relationships. Leadership is about getting things done through other people- by managing relationships within your team, building relationships with customers, and within the industry, your community, and your personal life. Building Teams Teams are built through trust and relationships. Eddy reached out to people who believed in him and shared his vision. He focused on finding the right mix, including an integrator to complement his visionary role. Customer Selection Be very specific about the customers you select. By focusing on the right customers, you can deliver an A-plus product. If you try to serve everyone, your quality will drop. Eddy focused on entrepreneurs and built strong relationships through one-on-one conversations. Communities Actively seek out the right communities. Joining EO was one of the most important decisions Eddy ever made. For over 24 years, he has been connecting daily with other members, building meaningful relationships that have shaped his growth- both as a leader and an individual. Writing a Book After selling Apollo Bank, writing a book became Eddy’s goal. He wrote his book for his younger self (as a CEO of a growing business). The lessons he shares can be broadly applied, especially in a time when people tend to underestimate the value of relationships. Relational Leadership Framework Many leaders tend to focus solely on their customers or teams. However, long-term success comes from understanding and working across all your relationship areas, including your relationship with yourself. The CARPE Framework By structuring your approach to relationships using Eddy’s CARPE framework- Connect, Align, Respond, Prioritize, and Evaluate- you will be able to manage your relationships intentionally instead of reacting to situations. Respond vs React Do not react immediately. Instead, take a moment to think about the right response. Quick reactions can create long-term problems, whereas a thoughtful response will help you scale. Evaluating Relationships Step back often and assess your relationships. Loyalty matters, but it can slow you down if it is misplaced. So, make sure your relationships support your goals. Empathy and Understanding Understanding what is going on with the other person helps you respond better. Empathy allows you to align with the other person’s perspective and move forward more effectively. Misaligned Relationships You need to recognize when a relationship cannot be fixed. Some people have patterns or issues that will never change. You may even need to let someone who performs well go to protect the organization. Allocating Time Effectively Spend your time where it has the most impact. Holding on to low-value relationships out of habit or loyalty can slow your growth. Focus your time on relationships that can move your business forward. Building Relationships The best time to build relationships is when you do not need them. Waiting until a critical moment leads to poor decisions. Build connections early so they are in place when you need them. BIO: Eddy Arriola Eddy Arriola is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, board member, and advisor to CEOs, known for building successful companies and guiding leaders through moments of growth, transition, and transformation. He is the founder and former chairman and CEO of Apollo Bank, which launched during the great financial crisis and grew into one of the most respected banks in the Southeast, ultimately completing a successful exit to a publicly traded company. Under his leadership, Apollo Bank earned national recognition for innovation, corporate culture, and service to the community. In addition to founding multiple companies and advising high- growth startups, Eddy has served on the boards of private and public companies across sectors—from fintech and healthcare to banking and real estate. His experience includes board service with gMed (acquired by Modernizing Medicine), TotalBank (acquired by Banco Popular de España), and two SEC-registered institutions: Seacoast Bank (NASDAQ: SBCF) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, as well as Linkvest and Plug&Lend. He also served two terms on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (Miami Branch) and was appointed by President Barack Obama—confirmed by the US Senate—as chairman of the Inter-American Foundation, a position he continued to hold under the Trump and Biden administrations. Eddy is a nationally recognized speaker, author, a longtime member of YPO and EO, and a trusted advisor to private equity firms and executive teams. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, integrity, and helping others grow. Today, he is an active advisor to companies and CEOs who want to become better leaders, scale their businesses, and lead with greater clarity and confidence. Through his firm, Arriola & Co., he advises CEOs and executive teams on leadership, strategy, and culture. He also serves as a trusted coach, helping leaders navigate complex decisions and high-stakes relationships. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and is a graduate of Boston College and Christopher Columbus High School. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Eddy Arriola On his /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/41236420

321: Designing Premium Experiences that Clients Pay For with Jane Burnell-Fraser 05/05/2026

321: Designing Premium Experiences that Clients Pay For with Jane Burnell-Fraser We’re delighted to welcome Jane Burnell-Fraser, a seasoned leader in the global hospitality industry and the founder of Enhance Lux, as our guest today. With a career spanning multiple countries and senior roles across luxury brands, Jane brings practical insight, bold thinking, and a fresh perspective on the future of meetings, incentives, and luxury experiences. Jane’s Journey Jane began her career as a banqueting events coordinator in London, where she developed a deep connection with people and learned the mechanics of running a hotel. She progressed to regional commercial sales and joined Four Seasons early in her career, spending 18 years in senior roles worldwide and contributing to hotel and regional openings. She later moved to Hilton, where she helped create a global luxury sales organization. After years in corporate leadership, driven by a desire to pursue new ideas and create something of her own, she decided to launch Enhance Lux, a consultancy. Entrepreneurship Moving from the corporate world to entrepreneurship allowed Jane to pursue ideas more quickly and with greater flexibility. She highlights the importance of leaving on good terms through open, honest conversations. Her early success came through LinkedIn, where she made several new connections that led directly to her first clients, reinforcing the value of visibility and consistent engagement. Staying Connected Her experience with remote work supported Jane’s transition to working independently. She relies on self-motivation and discipline, applying the same principles she used when leading teams. Luxury Industry Shifts Although luxury, supported by high-net-worth individuals who prioritize travel and experiences, continues to perform strongly, Jane insists that this resilience should not be taken for granted, as changing demographics and expectations are reshaping the landscape. Next Generation of Luxury Consumers The next generation of consumers is redefining luxury. They prefer authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability rather than traditional, formal experiences. They still expect high-quality service but want to feel comfortable, express themselves, and engage in experiences that reflect their values. Changes within the Meetings Industry A risk those in the meetings and incentive industry face is becoming too comfortable with the current model. While the current model was built on strong relationships, expertise, and logistics, hotels and suppliers are increasingly developing their own capabilities. Technology and AI Technology and AI are changing how services are delivered, giving clients more direct access to tools and suppliers and reducing their reliance on intermediaries. Jane emphasizes that this shift cannot be addressed with small adjustments, as it requires clear repositioning of the value being offered. The Human Experience Jane highlights the opportunity to move beyond logistics and focus instead on the human experience. That requires understanding clients’ businesses, culture, and challenges, and designing experiences that support measurable outcomes, such as engagement and performance. Opportunities for Advisors There is now an opportunity for meeting planners and agencies to move beyond a purely logistical role and position themselves as strategic advisors. By engaging more deeply with leadership and organizational goals, they can deliver greater value and demonstrate clear ROI. Balancing AI and Human Connection AI can enhance efficiency and support service delivery, but it cannot replace the human connection. In hospitality, the ability to anticipate needs and create meaningful interactions remains essential, and technology should be used to support that rather than replace it. Future Vision Jane focuses on helping businesses refine and elevate what they already do well. She works with clients globally and is actively involved in mentoring. She aims to make a practical, measurable impact, particularly with smaller businesses where they can implement change quickly and effectively. BIO: Jane Burnell-Fraser Jane Burnell-Fraser is a global luxury & lifestyle hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience driving growth, building high-performing teams, and cultivating strategic partnerships across international markets. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Global Luxury Sales and Executive Director of Global Luxury Partnerships for Hilton’s luxury brands, in which, in addition to building a global luxury sales organization, she led the launch of an innovative global B2B travel-industry loyalty program, delivering increased engagement and measurable revenue growth. She previously held senior strategic commercial roles at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, leading regional commercial sales strategy, supporting international expansion, and strengthening customer engagement across key global markets. Jane is the Founder & Principal of Enhance Lux, a partnership-driven consultancy helping hospitality, travel, lifestyle, and experience-led brands grow and evolve. She works with businesses to accelerate growth through strategic partnerships, build global ecosystems, and refine commercial strategies and brand positioning, delivering meaningful results. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Jane Burnell-Fraser On Email: /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/41066380

320: Inside the Mind of Elite Resilience: Lessons from the Mossad to the Boardroom - Part 2 with Glenn Cohen 04/28/2026

320: Inside the Mind of Elite Resilience: Lessons from the Mossad to the Boardroom - Part 2 with Glenn Cohen Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Glenn Cohen, former head of psychology for the Mossad. In Part 1, we explored how resilience is built and how to prepare yourself before the pressure hits. Today, we take it further. Building resilience is one thing. But most leaders struggle to make clear, effective decisions when everything is on the line, and they’re facing uncertainty, risk, and real consequences. In this episode, Glen explains how elite performers think and act under pressure, how they navigate uncertainty when there are no clear answers, and what you, as a business owner or leader, need to do differently when the stakes are high. Post-Traumatic Growth Trauma does not have to lead to PTSD. Around 70% of people will encounter a traumatic event, but only about 10–15% develop PTSD. Trauma can shake core beliefs or involve extreme threat, but it can also be an opportunity for growth. Knowing this creates strength and shifts expectations. Resilience vs Growth Resilience is the ability to bounce back. Growth is the ability to bounce forward. Rather than simply recovering from a traumatic event and returning to their previous level of functioning, people can develop new meaning, discover capabilities they did not know they had, and build a stronger sense of self. Real transformation happens when you shift from simply recovering to actually growing. Coping Even in extreme situations like captivity, people demonstrate an inherent ability to cope. Some individuals can survive severe physical and psychological trauma and still move forward. Many prove to themselves that they are capable of far more than they imagined, reinforcing a new sense of strength and resilience. Meaning A clear sense of meaning keeps you moving forward, even when everything else is gone. As Viktor Frankl describes in Man's Search for Meaning, those who hold onto a strong why, or something bigger than themselves, are far more able to endure extreme hardship. That sense of purpose does not remove the suffering, but it gives it direction, and, in many cases, that direction becomes more powerful than the physical conditions themselves. Small Wins Small actions build psychological stability and help individuals function under extreme pressure. Finding small wins in uncontrollable situations restores a sense of control. When business leaders track time, create routines, or follow daily patterns, it anchors their identity and reduces chaos. Belief Is the Foundation Belief in oneself, in others, and in something greater is the most important coping mechanism. It drives action, endurance, and recovery. When belief is strong, other capabilities follow. The Stockdale Paradox Balancing realism with hope is essential. Facing brutal facts while maintaining belief in a positive outcome prevents disillusionment. Leaders must avoid unexamined optimism and instead operate with grounded confidence and openness to uncertainty. EQ Over IQ in Leadership Emotional intelligence consistently outweighs IQ in leadership and performance. High EQ enables connection, trust, and motivation. Leaders who rely only on logic and data tend to create disengaged teams, while those who lead with EQ generate commitment and energy. Togetherness and Trust Build togetherness on trust and psychological safety, a concept popularized by Amy Edmondson. Teams perform best when individuals can show vulnerability, admit mistakes, and rely on each other. That level of trust unlocks creativity, collaboration, and resilience. Facing Reality Life includes joy and suffering at the same time. Accepting this duality prepares individuals to handle adversity without becoming destabilized, allowing them to move forward without denial or false expectations. Collective Strength and Resilience Amplify strength through unity. Facing adversity together builds resilience at both the individual and collective levels. Shared belief and connection enable not just survival, but the ability to continue and thrive. BIO: Glenn Cohen Hostage Debrief team leader and former Mossad Chief Psychologist. Born and raised in NYC, he moved to Israel after high school and served for over 30 years as an air force pilot, Mossad officer, special forces psychologist, and IDF hostage negotiator. Since retiring with the equivalent rank of Colonel, Glenn has trained top business and military brass in the five "E.L.I.T.E." keys to resilience and peak performance, which he pioneered during his tenure at Mossad. Glenn Cohen immigrated to Israel from the United States and, as a college basketball player, gave up a scholarship to enlist in the IDF during the 1982 Lebanon War. Against all odds, he fulfilled his dream, and despite a 90% attrition rate, he graduated from the prestigious Israel Air Force Academy and earned his wings as a pilot. After serving for 7 years as a helicopter pilot in the Lebanon war zone, Glenn was recruited into the Mossad and served for over 25 years in various positions, reaching the equivalent rank of colonel as Chief psychologist. In this capacity, he was responsible for selecting and training the elite operatives to believe that there is no such thing as an impossible mission. Glenn accompanied and advised commanders from the cutting-edge units of the defense establishment – Mossad, Shin Bet, “Yamam” SWAT teams in all matters related to resilience and peak performance under extreme conditions. Based on thousands of hours of mentoring combatants and commanders from the most elite units of the defense establishment, Glenn developed the ELITE method for leadership and team building. Since he retired from the Mossad in 2015, Glenn has shared the ELITE method, mentoring and training CEOs and their teams from leading organizations around the world, enabling them to reach their full potential and execute like an ELITE team. Since October 7th, Glenn served for over five months in emergency reserve duty in the IDF Hostage Negotiation Unit, where he was designated to be the first mental health professional to meet the released hostages upon their return to Israel. Subsequently, he wrote the protocol for recovering the returned hostages and led a team of psychologists who debriefed the 168 hostages upon their release. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Glenn Cohen On his /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/41012205

319: Inside the Mind of Elite Resilience: Lessons from the Mossad to the Boardroom - Part 1 with Glenn Cohen 04/21/2026

319: Inside the Mind of Elite Resilience: Lessons from the Mossad to the Boardroom - Part 1 with Glenn Cohen Real resilience is forged when the stakes are high- under pressure, in uncertainty, and when there’s no margin for error. Today, we’re excited to have Glenn Cohen, former head of psychology for the Mossad, joining us for the first part of a two-part series. With years spent in some of the most extreme environments imaginable, Glenn brings a rare understanding of how people think, react, and perform when it matters most. In this episode, he breaks down his elite program for executives, clarifying what it truly takes to build mental strength and how those lessons translate to business owners and leaders. He also shares powerful, previously unspoken insights into what happens to the human mind under extreme pressure, and what enables some people to recover and come back stronger. Glenn’s Journey Glenn was born in New York City to a Swedish mother and an American father who died when he was six. After his father’s death, he cut off his emotions and became “the Ice Man.” His mother raised two children alone and, keeping her promise to provide a proper Jewish education, they returned to New York. Glenn’s original plan to pursue basketball at Brandeis University changed after a year in Israel during the first Lebanon War, which led him to join the IDF. Against all odds, he became an Air Force pilot and served as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, saving lives under fire. He was later recruited by the Mossad, where he spent 25 years and became the Chief psychologist for operational personnel. After retiring, he developed an elite executive program and currently works with corporate teams and executives. Resilience Anyone can become an elite operator and perform on the highest level by learning Glenn’s Elite Method. It starts with having one adult believe in you and combining that with real effort. That creates a sense of responsibility and pushes you to do everything possible to succeed. Hard work and commitment make all the difference! Belief and Effort Being seen as a person rather than just a number changes everything. When someone believes in you, it motivates you to work harder and stay committed. Putting in extra hours and effort is essential, especially when you need to prove that what you have always believed is true. Emotional “Armor” Resilience comes down to managing the thickness of your emotional “armor”- how much you shut down or stay open under pressure. If your armor is too thick, you disconnect from your emotions, making you not aware enough of danger or other people. If it is too thin, you become overly sensitive, anxious, and easily overwhelmed. The goal is to find the right balance so you can stay aware, responsive, and in control in different situations. Emotional Release After intense situations, there has to be a discharge of built-up emotional and physical tension. Holding everything in causes the tension to get stuck, while releasing it allows the body and mind to reset and continue functioning. A short release, such as a “power cry”, helps you restore your energy and enables you to keep performing at a high level. Leadership Leadership is not always inherent. It can be learned. For many leaders, internal pressure feels like an existential threat. Pressure, however, is not just about the external situation. It’s about how it is perceived. Strong leadership comes from managing your emotional world, not just focusing on execution. The Elite Method Framework Everything begins with the emotional world. The E Factor explains that emotions drive execution. However, most decisions are not made rationally. They are made psychologically and emotionally. So, execution is the final step, not the starting point. Emotional Intelligence Your performance improves when you understand what is going on inside you and around you. Leaders need to recognize their emotional needs and respond to them. That awareness allows for better connection, influence, and execution. Tunnel Vision In chaos, most people default to tunnel vision, focusing only on what is directly in front of them. That makes it hard to see the full picture. Effective leadership requires stepping back, thinking broadly, and working with others. Balancing Mission and Humanity High-pressure situations require both execution and sensitivity. It is not enough to focus only on the mission. You also need to take care of people and give them a soft landing. Leadership Influence and Responsibility Everything you do as a leader has an impact. What you say, how you act, and how you show up will influence others. Understanding that requires responsibility, but also gives you the ability to shape your environment and culture. Bias and Human Behavior People look for what they expect to find. Once there is a bias, they tend to interpret everything in ways that support it. That is generally influenced by others and by authority, making it easy for people to believe whatever fits their view. Post-Traumatic Growth Extreme situations not only lead to trauma but can also lead to growth. When people believe they can handle extreme situations, they find a way to move forward and grow from it. BIO: Glenn Cohen Hostage Debrief team leader and former Mossad Chief Psychologist. Born and raised in NYC, he moved to Israel after high school and served for over 30 years as an air force pilot, Mossad officer, special forces psychologist, and IDF hostage negotiator. Since retiring with the equivalent rank of Colonel, Glenn trains top business and military brass with the five "E.L.I.T.E." keys to resilience and peak performance, which he pioneered during his Mossad tenure. Glenn Cohen immigrated to Israel from the United States and gave up a scholarship as a college basketball player in order to enlist in the IDF during the 1982 Lebanon War. Against all odds, he managed to fulfill his dream, and despite a 90% attrition rate, he graduated from the prestigious Israel Air Force Academy and received his wings as a pilot. After serving for 7 years as a helicopter pilot in the Lebanon war zone, Glenn was recruited into the Mossad and served for over 25 years in various positions, reaching the equivalent rank of colonel as Chief psychologist. In this capacity, he was responsible for selecting and training the elite operatives to believe that there is no such thing as mission impossible. Glenn accompanied and advised commanders from the cutting-edge units of the defense establishment – Mossad, Shin Bet, “Yamam” SWAT teams, in all matters related to resilience and peak performance under extreme conditions. Based on thousands of hours of mentoring combatants and commanders from the most elite units of the defense establishment, Glenn developed the ELITE method for leadership and team building. Since he retired from the Mossad in 2015, Glenn has shared the ELITE method, mentoring and training CEOs and their teams from leading organizations around the world, enabling them to reach their full potential and execute like an ELITE team. Since October 7th, Glenn served for over five months in emergency reserve duty in the IDF Hostage Negotiation Unit, where he was designated to be the first mental health professional to meet the released hostages upon their return to Israel. Subsequently, he wrote the protocol for recovering the returned hostages and led a team of psychologists who debriefed the 168 hostages upon their release. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Glenn Cohen On his /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40923435

318: Smarter Events: Where AI Meets Human Judgment with Ashleigh Cook 04/14/2026

318: Smarter Events: Where AI Meets Human Judgment with Ashleigh Cook We are delighted to welcome Ashleigh Cook, the Chief Marketing Officer of RainFocus, as today’s guest. In this episode, Ashleigh focuses on strategy, data, AI, and the aspects of events that must change. Stay tuned to learn how, with the right strategy and data foundation, events can truly become impactful drivers of business growth. Ashleigh’s Journey Ashleigh began her career in the research and advisory space at companies such as Gartner and Forrester, where she managed marketing programs and consistently tracked events that drove the strongest growth. She joined RainFocus in 2020, during the pandemic, inspired by its focus on data and personalization. There, she saw firsthand how virtual events expanded reach and accessibility, and how hybrid experiences strengthened engagement. Today, she collaborates with leading brands to develop event strategies that enhance business outcomes. Events Ashleigh believes that events are one of the most effective ways to bring teams together around the customer experience. They help attract new customers, deepen relationships, and build loyalty. She points out that conversion rates from events are consistently strong, making them a powerful channel when used intentionally. Formatting Events The format of an event should always reflect its goal—virtual works well for reaching wider audiences and delivering content at scale. In-person is more impactful for connection and relationship-building. Hybrid offers flexibility, while roadshows are becoming more common to meet audiences where they are. Clear Intent A key message from Ashleigh is to avoid running events just because they happen each year. She encourages organizations to be clear about what they are trying to achieve, and then design the event around that goal. Beyond Attendance Ashleigh explains that event registrations and attendance only tell part of the story. What really matters is how people engage at events, the sessions they attend, who they meet, and how actively they participate throughout the event. Data Ashleigh emphasizes the importance of event data after the event ends. Teams should focus on follow-up, understanding attendee interests, and tracking how those interactions turn into opportunities, accelerated deals, and long-term relationships. Data Strategy Data should be intentional. Instead of simply collecting information habitually, organizations should consider how they will use it across the entire customer journey, from registration to post-event engagement. Personalization With the right data, events can become far more personalized. Attendees can be guided toward sessions, content, and experiences that match their interests, making their time more valuable and increasing engagement. AI AI helps teams save time and work more efficiently. It supports recommendations, workflows, and analyzing feedback, allowing teams to focus less on logistics and more on creating better experiences. The Human Element While AI is powerful, Ashleigh is clear that it cannot replace human connection. The real value of events lies in relationship building, trust, and in-person interactions. An Ongoing Journey Ashleigh encourages people to think beyond one single event. Events should connect to a broader journey, where each interaction builds on the last and helps teams engage more meaningfully over time. Events Are Growing More organizations are investing in events because they offer a real connection in an increasingly digital world. Events cut through the noise and create lasting impact. Learning and Staying Relevant Keeping up with new tools and trends does not have to be overwhelming. Ashleigh recommends learning from peers, joining professional communities, and experimenting with new technologies to build confidence and improve results. Authenticity Matters Authenticity matters. As more content becomes automated, people are becoming more adept at spotting what feels real. Lasting connections and strong brands come from genuine, human interaction. BIO: Ashleigh Cook, Chief Marketing Officer at RainFocus Ashleigh is an accomplished marketing executive with deep expertise in sales, marketing, and product best practices and technology. She is driven by a passion for helping high-growth companies establish and scale marketing functions to deliver an exceptional customer experience that aligns with rapidly changing expectations and technology advancements. Before RainFocus, Ashleigh led marketing teams spanning GTM strategy, demand generation, ABM, client marketing, and operations at SiriusDecisions and Forrester. Ashleigh holds her BSBA in Marketing from the University of Richmond. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, golfing with her husband, being active with her dog, and traveling. Connect with Eric Rozenberg Connect with Ashleigh Cook On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40777755

317: From Consultant to CEO: How Real Leaders Scale Companies with Natalie De Fazio 04/07/2026

317: From Consultant to CEO: How Real Leaders Scale Companies with Natalie De Fazio We are delighted to welcome Natalie De Fazio, Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Live, as today’s guest. Natalie is a seasoned entrepreneur with a strong background in leadership and consulting, including roles at consulting firms such as KPMG. Over the years, she has collaborated with many leading names in AV production within the meetings and events industry and is now focused on building and growing her new brand. Stay tuned to hear Natalie’s story and the insights she shares today. Natalie’s Journey Natalie began her career in consulting after studying business and economics, working across multiple industries and building expertise in strategy, analysis, and leadership. After working at several firms, including KPMG, she became an independent consultant and soon realized the value of bringing a fresh perspective to organizations. Her work with Freeman introduced her to the events space, where she fell in love with the people and the experiences they offered. She went on to co-found Pinnacle Live in 2021. A Customized Experience Pinnacle Live was created to fill a gap in the audiovisual services space within hotels. They focus on delivering a more customized, higher-touch experience rather than trying to be everything to everyone. This positioning enables the company to serve venues that require a more customized solution, while maintaining a strong emphasis on relationships, service quality, and consistency. An Outside Perspective Pinnacle Live’s key advantage comes from not being originally rooted in the events space. Questioning “why” and challenging the way things have always been done opens the door to new ways of thinking. Bringing in ideas from other industries helps avoid an echo chamber and encourages innovation, curiosity, and solutions more closely aligned with customer needs. Innovation Natalie believes that innovation is about trying new things that actually drive value, rather than simply changing for the sake of change. Creating a culture where people are willing to try and fail fast opens the door to better ideas. Maintaining a smaller-company feel while growing allows every voice to be heard and ideas to flow freely, regardless of role or title. Data Data highlights trends, indicators, and direction, but it does not tell the whole story. Combining data with anecdotes and opinions creates a far more complete picture. Clear KPIs across leadership, regular review, and accountability ensure alignment, while avoiding overreaction to short-term fluctuations. Transparency A high level of transparency around financials, performance, and goals helps employees understand the bigger picture and their role within it. Sharing both positive and bad results builds trust, encourages ownership, and creates a more engaged workforce. Natalie applies the same transparent philosophy to her customers. Hiring For Natalie, recruiting is about more than competencies and professional experience. She looks for people who believe in the vision, feel fulfilled by the work, and are excited to be part of building something. It has to be a match because even highly capable people won’t perform at their best if they’re not genuinely invested in the role and the company’s direction. Creating Experiences Events are no longer just about sitting in a room and watching presentations. People want immersion and a sense of belonging. The role of an AV and production partner is to understand the objectives and bring creative ideas to life through sound, light, and visuals, creating a feeling and environment that delivers on those goals. Trust Establishing trust is paramount for Natalie. Communication, proactive planning, and reliability are essential for delivering a seamless experience. The best feedback comes from being easy to work with, dependable, and consistently delivering on expectations, driven entirely by people who are both passionate and well-trained. AI Natalie feels that AI saves time and removes manual work. That gives teams more time to focus on more valuable work, such as working with customers, innovating, and developing better experiences. However, human input remains essential to ensure it is thoughtful, strategic, and correct. In-Person Experiences Still Matter Natalie believes that people still want to connect, collaborate, and share their experiences. Virtual and hybrid events have their place, but they are not quite the same. When people come together, their experience must feel intentional and immersive, and be something they are part of rather than just watching. Maintaining Quality While Scaling Natalie wants to ensure that Pinnacle Live continues to deliver high-touch services, tailored solutions, and real relationships. For her, that means constantly asking how to improve the experience and making sure her team fully understands the required standard. Looking Ahead Natalie wants Pinnacle Live to continue delivering consistently for clients and continue building strong relationships with hotel partners. She also sees growth in the broader production space, expanding beyond hotels into more complex production work. Her goal is to continue building the business while staying true to its founding goals. BIO: Natalie De Fazio Natalie De Fazio is the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Live, a leading provider of premium event technology and production services. A seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in strategy consulting, operations, and corporate leadership, Natalie specializes in transforming organizations, building high-performing teams, and driving sustainable growth. Before becoming CEO, Natalie served as Founding President of Pinnacle Live, where she played a central role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, expanding capabilities, and strengthening its people-first culture. Prior to founding Pinnacle Live, she served as Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Freeman Company and was a member of the Executive Committee at Encore Event Technologies. Earlier in her career, Natalie held leadership and consulting roles at KPMG, Stax Inc., Aon Hewitt, and Accretive Health, and founded her own consulting firm, NMD Strategy. Known for her pragmatic, data-informed leadership style and passion for innovation, Natalie is committed to elevating live event experiences and advancing an industry built on meaningful human connection. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Natalie De Fazio On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40730415

316: The Goal Is Not Better Events, It’s a Business That Works Without You, with Eric Rozenberg 03/31/2026

316: The Goal Is Not Better Events, It’s a Business That Works Without You, with Eric Rozenberg Today, we’re taking a closer look at what it truly means to build a business that works. We’re moving beyond the notion of being busy, booked, and indispensable, and instead focusing on how to create a business that delivers real value. Stay tuned as we explore why so many business owners still operate like highly paid freelancers, and what needs to shift to build something scalable, transferable, and sustainable. Busy and Booked If your business stops when you stop, you own a job, not a business. Being busy and booked does not mean you’re successful. Revenue is not the same as business value, and strong client reliance on you could indicate that the business is fragile, as it depends on your direct involvement. The Biggest Industry Lie The industry glorifies and rewards hustle, hero mode, last-minute problem-solving, and being indispensable, even though it often leads to stress and burnout. The more indispensable you are, the less valuable your business becomes to a potential buyer. A business built on dependency is not a company, because you, as the owner, are the system. Transferability The goal is transferability, not performance. A real business can operate without you. If someone else cannot sell, deliver, manage clients, and make decisions, you don’t have a business asset. Your focus needs to shift from creating amazing events to making them repeatable without you. The Hero Trap The Hero Trap stems from the belief that nobody can do it better than you. You become the fixer, the closer, the savior. It feels rewarding, but it makes the business entirely dependent on you. The Customization Trap Each client is different. Your offers should be tailored, and your client's needs must be understood, yet there must still be a repeatable process. Without standardization, customization kills scalability and limits growth. The Control Trap Believing that things will not be done right unless you do them yourself keeps you involved in everything. That notion is usually driven by perfectionism and fear of delegating. It leaves you stuck and repeating the same patterns, which prevents business growth. A Real Business A real business has defined offers, not random services. It has a sales process and a clear sales playbook that enable others to sell consistently. It has delivery systems and documented workflows. It also has a team, where people can make decisions within a clear framework without constantly requiring approval. Documentation If something lives in your head, it does not exist. Documentation allows you to train others, delegate effectively, and create consistency. It also creates the highest value for your business. From Operator to Architect Operators solve problems, architects eliminate them. The operator mindset focuses on getting things done, fixing problems, and personally delivering outcomes, whereas the architect mindset focuses on designing systems. So, instead of doing everything themselves, those with the architect mindset assign ownership to others. Practical Steps Start by identifying where the business depends on you. It could be sales, client relationships, delivery, or perhaps even decision-making. Then systemize one area at a time, ideally starting with sales or delivery. Create a sales playbook that includes questions, objections, and answers. Document everything before delegating to avoid chaos. Finally, build ownership by making your team responsible for outcomes. Building A Scalable Business The ultimate goal is a business that can run independently of you. Ask whether the business could operate for 30 days without your involvement. Consider whether someone else can close deals, deliver projects at your standard, and manage clients. If you cannot step away, you cannot scale, and you cannot sell the business. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40638790

315: Something Big Is Happening, with Eric Rozenberg 03/24/2026

315: Something Big Is Happening, with Eric Rozenberg AI is no longer just a tool. It is changing how we work, how we deliver value, and how we run our businesses. In this episode, Eric discusses a major shift happening in our industry. He breaks down what is really happening and how you, as a business owner, can remain relevant and competitive. Major Change We are in a period of significant change. This shift is not only about technology. It’s about the value we bring and who will capture that value moving forward. It brings both opportunities and challenges. Beyond Assistance In the past, AI mainly assisted with small tasks. Now, it is executing. It can complete entire processes, not just support them. This simplifies many activities and dramatically increases their execution speed. Acceleration AI is now helping to build better AI. That creates a cycle of continuous improvement, which is why everything is accelerating so quickly right now. Replicable Tasks Much of the work done in business today, such as proposals, RFP responses, presentations, and client communication, can now be handled by AI. While not perfect, it is fast enough to change expectations and reduce the time required. Changing Expectations Tasks that previously took hours can now be completed in minutes. This is forcing business owners to reconsider their productivity, pricing, and service delivery. Human Value Human connection remains a key part of doing business. AI is not replacing people. Clients continue to buy from people they trust because they value their relationships, judgment calls, and outcomes. A Role Shift The role of professionals is changing. Instead of focusing on execution, they can now focus on defining problems, designing solutions, and coordinating tools. AI supports the execution layer. Levels of Adoption Business owners are responding to AI in different ways. Some ignore it, some use it occasionally, and others fully integrate it into their operations. Those who build systems and use AI strategically will gain the most advantage. Smaller Teams AI enables businesses to scale more efficiently. With the right systems and tools, small teams can now achieve results that previously required much larger organizations. Daily Use Using AI occasionally is not enough. Regular, daily use is required to understand its capabilities and integrate it effectively into your workflow. Overwhelm With many different AI tools available, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The best approach is to focus on a few tools, learn them well, and then apply them to your work. Workflows Instead of focusing on individual tasks, it is important to map out your workflows. That will help you identify where to apply automation and improve your use of AI. Evaluate Business owners should assess their activities and decide what can be automated, what should remain human, and where they add the most value. It is advisable to focus on areas that AI cannot replace. Leadership Although AI is taking over execution, leadership remains human. Decision-making, ownership, and strategic thinking remain the responsibilities of business owners. Practical Steps Start immediately. Set aside time to explore AI, test various tools, and begin automating repetitive tasks. A Unique Opportunity Despite all the uncertainty, this is one of the best times to own a business. Those who can adapt, learn, and take action will benefit the most from all the available opportunities. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40564535

314: The 3 Wake-Up Calls Every Event Business Owner Eventually Faces with Eric Rozenberg 03/17/2026

314: The 3 Wake-Up Calls Every Event Business Owner Eventually Faces with Eric Rozenberg Building a successful business can be an exciting, energizing, and deeply rewarding experience. But it often comes with unexpected lessons. In this episode, Eric shares three pivotal moments that profoundly shaped his entrepreneurial journey. If you’re an entrepreneur building, growing, or scaling a business, these insights will help you understand why you must stop trying to do everything yourself and, instead, start leading and building structured systems that will allow your business to grow. A Trap In the early years of building a business, success can feel exciting and validating. However, when the business owner tries to do too much personally without delegating or implementing systems, success can quickly become exhausting. Constant pressure, no real time off, and daily operational issues can turn growth into a trap rather than an advantage. The Bottleneck Without structure and delegation, the business owner becomes a bottleneck in the company. The turning point comes when the owner finally realizes that instead of building the business around themselves, they must create a business that can scale, with proper systems, structure, and the right people in place. A Stressful Situation One project nearly put Eric’s company out of business when a trusted industry contact claimed to have access to sought-after FIFA World Cup tickets. After Eric’s client wired the money and he transferred the funds, it became clear the tickets likely did not exist. After weeks of intense work, Eric ultimately secured the tickets and delivered the project successfully. That experience exposed just how fragile his business was without proper checks, verification, and systems in place. Reality Check A wake-up moment often occurs for business owners when an opportunity arises to sell their business. Many owners believe their company is worth far more than what buyers are actually willing to pay. Passion, creativity, reputation, and great clients feel incredibly valuable to the person who built the business. However, buyers tend to evaluate companies with an entirely different set of criteria. What Buyers Actually Evaluate Buyers tend to focus on recurring revenue, systems, leadership, and consider whether the owner is a bottleneck or if they have a trusted team already in place. They also examine client diversification and the overall structure of the business. Those elements determine how sustainable and scalable the business truly is, which ultimately influences its valuation. Wake-Up Moments Wake-up moments are essential for business owners to become psychologically open to change. Before experiencing wake-up moments, advice about systems, structure, strategy, or leadership tends to feel abstract to most business owners. After a wake-up moment, however, they usually become far more receptive to rebuilding aspects of their company and ensuring the right systems are in place. The Cycle Many Business Owners Experience The entrepreneurial journey often begins with excitement. While building something new, the business grows, clients are happy, and the reputation increases. Over time, however, complications arise, and the business owner becomes overwhelmed. Eventually, they realize that the business model and structure must change for the company to move forward. Evolving The next phase of the business requires a stronger structure, clearer strategy, leadership evolution, and delegation. Most importantly, it requires a change in the owner’s mindset. For that to happen, business owners must stop trying to handle everything themselves and start building a structured business that can operate effectively. Mentors and Coaches Investing in personal and professional growth helps entrepreneurs to avoid repeating the same patterns and reach the next stage of their journey. Talking to successful and experienced business owners can make an enormous difference. Mentors and coaches help entrepreneurs see what needs to change in their business and how to move forward. Building a Business The goal of every entrepreneur should be to move from constantly reacting and solving problems to running a structured company with proper systems and leadership in place. When business owners are no longer the bottleneck, they can finally build a business that is stronger, more valuable, and better positioned for long-term success. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40458245

313: Leading Through Uncertainty: How Event Business Owners Take Back Control with Eric Rozenberg 03/10/2026

313: Leading Through Uncertainty: How Event Business Owners Take Back Control with Eric Rozenberg Today, Eric addresses the uncertainty we’re experiencing in the world. Uncertainty has become the new normal, and our industry has shifted fundamentally with buyers being more cautious, procurement tighter than ever, and AI reshaping how we work. However, that uncertainty also provides opportunities. Our Industry Has Changed Permanently You must be cautious about every buying decision. Procurement teams are asking tougher questions. AI is transforming how work gets done. At the same time, as technology increases, so does the desire for real human connection. With many owners retiring and no clear successors in place, consolidation is creating space for those who are prepared. There is disruption, but there are also real opportunities. A Fragile Business If everything in your business relies on you, the business is vulnerable. Tough markets reveal when revenue is inconsistent, messaging is unclear, or too much income depends on one client. They also show when the owner has become the bottleneck. A business that can perform well only when conditions are easy is not well-structured. It is running on momentum. Building it as if you might sell it one day forces you to delegate, build stronger systems, and create long-term stability. Clarity Clarity is your competitive advantage. Uncertain times expose weak positioning, unclear offers, revenue concentration, and emotional decision-making. If you cannot quickly explain who you serve, the problem you solve, and why you’re different, you will struggle when budgets tighten. Emotional Reactions Undermine Growth When pressure rises, it’s easy to react. Panic marketing, heavy discounting, agreeing to everything, overworking, or avoiding financial reviews may feel productive, but they erode value. Operating in survival mode replaces strategy with short-term fixes. And hope, no matter how positive, is not a viable financial plan. Five Non-Negotiables Five areas deserve consistent attention: financial clarity, focused positioning, a predictable revenue engine, disciplined time management, and emotional control. Those are leadership fundamentals, and when they are strong, uncertainty becomes manageable. Financial Clarity Know your monthly break-even. Know your six-month runway. Understand your cash flow forecast and your pipeline. Review your KPIs weekly. You don’t have to prepare every report yourself, but you must understand the numbers. When you know where you stand, uncertainty loses much of its power. Focused Positioning Generalists struggle in tight markets. Be clear about who you serve, the problems you solve, and why your experience makes you the right choice. If you can explain your positioning confidently in 30 seconds, you’re already ahead. Clear positioning attracts the right clients and filters out the wrong ones. A Predictable Revenue Engine Referrals are valuable, but they are not enough for consistent growth. Track your indicators, your calls, meetings, proposals, conversion rates, and follow-ups. Put simple systems in place so the business does not rely solely on your personal energy. The less the day-to-day business operations depend on you, the more valuable and sustainable the business becomes. Blocking Time Block time for revenue-generating work. Block time for strategic thinking. Block time to review your numbers. Block time for team alignment and mentorship. If growth matters, it needs space in your calendar. Calm Is Contagious Your team and clients take their cues from you. When you remain calm and steady, they feel reassured. When you react emotionally, your instability spreads. Entrepreneurship will always have its highs and lows. Calm, steady leadership creates confidence in any situation. A 30-Day Reset Audit your financial runway. Clean your pipeline and assign realistic probabilities. Clarify your core offer in one sentence. Remove at least one low-margin distraction. Schedule weekly CEO time. Small, consistent structure creates meaningful momentum. Conclusion Uncertainty is a reality, and consolidation is accelerating. Those with structure, clarity, and discipline will benefit; those without them will struggle. Whether you run a solo business or lead a large team, processes, financial visibility, and calm leadership are essential. Focus on what you can control, build the structure, and keep moving forward. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40348430

312: From Vegas Nights to VC Dinners: Building Rooms that Move Capital with Megan Gross 03/03/2026

312: From Vegas Nights to VC Dinners: Building Rooms that Move Capital with Megan Gross Today, we are excited to welcome entrepreneur Megan Gross, founder of The Bonsoir, a boutique events firm that curates high-touch small events to bring startups and investors together. Megan is currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is expanding into South Florida. In this episode, she shares her journey, highlighting small, personalized events as the future of business relationships. Megan’s Journey After college, Megan moved to Las Vegas to work for nightclubs, restaurants, and a major pool party. Drawn by a lifelong dream to live in Paris, she worked at the exclusive club Matignon near the Champs-Élysées as a VIP host. Although it failed to unfold as planned, it redirected her to the Bay Area, where she immersed herself in the startup ecosystem. After working on a platform of extraordinary experiences and then at Mastercard, she launched The Bonsoir as a niche, designing intimate gatherings for founders and investors, blending hospitality and bold creativity. Bold Risks Megan believes in trusting her instincts and taking big risks, even without every detail in place. Her move to Paris and then into entrepreneurship were not calculated step-by-step strategies. They were decisions rooted in her conviction. Things did not always work out as expected, but each step redirected her toward something more aligned with her. A Competitive Advantage From the years she spent working at nightclubs, restaurants, and large-scale pool parties, Megan learned relationship skills that corporate settings seldom provide. Reading a room, remembering names, managing personalities, and creating the right energy are all directly applicable to business. As technology and automation grow, these human-centered skills become even more valuable in a digital-first world, where authentic connections truly stand out. Building Without Traditional Frameworks Launching her company without agency or corporate training forced Megan to create her own systems. Although it initially felt like a disadvantage, it allowed her to innovate beyond standard industry templates. She sources vendors from unexpected places, leverages global relationships, and builds unconventional events. The Purpose–People–Process Framework Connection can be engineered when purpose, people, and processes align. Purpose defines the specific goal of the gathering. People determine who must be in the room—and who should not. The process covers every touchpoint, from invitation wording to seating charts to follow-up. When those circles intersect, connections form intentionally rather than by accident. The Gather Method Megan’s GATHER method is an acronym for her six event strategy components: Guest List, Atmosphere, Timing, High Touch, End Game, and Relationships. The Guest List is the most critical decision. Atmosphere sets the emotional tone. Timing ensures real interaction, and High Touch keeps her experiences personal and intentional. The End Game clarifies measurable outcomes, and Relationships are Megan’s ultimate objective, with the event serving as the vehicle instead of the destination. Why Smaller Is More Powerful Megan believes intimacy drives impact. Her ideal event has fewer than 20 people, as that allows depth of conversation and meaningful follow-ups. Instead of a massive gathering, she recommends smaller, recurring events that build layered relationships over time. Scarcity and selectivity tend to elevate perceived value and strengthen engagement. Scaling a High-Touch Business Scaling micro-events presents unique challenges. Megan addressed this by productizing her dinner format, standardizing structure while keeping personalization intact. She built operational systems and hired leadership support, even when stepping away from production felt difficult. Delegation allowed her to grow without compromising on quality. Why AI Increases the Demand for In-Person Events As AI accelerates digital interaction, in-person gatherings become more valuable. When it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish what is real online, physical presence can build trust. Technology may automate communication, but it cannot replicate a shared human experience. BIO: Megan Gross is the founder of The Bon Soir, a boutique events firm that brings together investors and startups through smart, high-touch events that build trust and accelerate deal flow. Her training comes from running high-pressure nightclubs in Las Vegas. She later worked at a unicorn startup acquired by Mastercard, helped launch Mastercard’s global Priceless Experiences platform, led a global community dining initiative at Airbnb, and built The Bon Soir into a go-to event partner for venture firms. She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, hosts The Supper Club in San Francisco, curates private dinners for funds, and produces one of the largest events in the VC platform community. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Megan Gross On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40231890

311: Overwhelmed is Not a Time Problem, It Is a Leadership Problem! 02/24/2026

311: Overwhelmed is Not a Time Problem, It Is a Leadership Problem! As a business owner, are you feeling overwhelmed? Eric believes that overwhelm is seldom about having too much to do. It happens when business owners fail to structure their time as a CEO should and instead react emotionally rather than lead strategically. Overwhelm Overwhelm often comes from reacting instead of leading. Jumping in to fix problems, answer clients, and put out fires feels productive, but it keeps you stuck working in the business instead of on it. Responsiveness is often mistaken for leadership, but constant firefighting is not a strategic approach to leading a team. Role Confusion As a business owner, you wear multiple hats. Without clearly defining which role you are playing at any given time, your brain never switches off. Constant mental switching is unsustainable. Blocking time for specific responsibilities will reduce mental clutter and restore focus. Decisions Not Made Unmade decisions accumulate over time. Niche, service scope, pricing, team expectations, and client expectations all require clarity. When they are not addressed at the right time, they pile up. Constantly facing all the decisions that need to be made saps your energy and heightens overwhelm. Doubt Amplification Revenue is a rollercoaster, not a straight line. When challenges arise, doubt surfaces. Questions like “Am I good enough?” or “What if this doesn’t work?” begin to amplify. Every entrepreneur faces doubt, but it becomes dangerous when it takes over and paralyses you. Priority Integrity The issue is not time management but priority integrity. Without clear priorities, confusion grows. Business owners have three levels of work: survival work for their clients, stability work on their systems and financial clarity, and growth work on their marketing, sales pipelines, team development, and scalability. Most business owners tend to get stuck at the survival level. Building Value and Freedom Long-term value is created by focusing on growth and building a scalable model. The less involved you are in daily activities, the higher the value of your business. A transferable business must be structured and team-based, rather than relying on a single person to manage all the chaos. Time Blocking Decide what truly matters over the next 90 days, choose one objective that will make your revenue more predictable, and focus on it. Then, create some non-negotiable CEO time- at least two 90-minute blocks per week, with no interruptions. Use that time to strategize, review your pipeline, refine your pricing, design systems, and prepare playbooks. And every night, define three meaningful outcomes for the next day. Remember to focus on the outcomes, not the tasks. Creating Clarity Doubt often shows up when you raise prices, invest in support, delegate responsibility, or start saying no. Growth is uncomfortable, and that discomfort can easily be misinterpreted as a sign that something is wrong. The key is to separate emotion from evidence. Instead of relying on how things feel, look at the data: the size of your pipeline, your conversion rate, your margins, client retention, and your key performance indicators. Build a dashboard, review it consistently, and let the facts guide you. Clarity comes from evidence, not emotion. Energy and Leadership Overwhelm is often a sign that your energy is depleted. Sleep, training, learning, and setting aside uninterrupted focus time are essential. Constant accessibility destroys your ability to think strategically. If you do not have time to think, you will not have time to lead. Practical Actions to Reduce Overwhelm Block your time and focus on priorities. Create a list with five activities to eliminate and three to delegate within 30 days. Build systems for predictable revenue across sales and execution. Focus on what you should delegate so that you can focus on representing the business and maintaining client relationships. Create accountability with your peers through coaching or with a structured review. Overwhelm is often the byproduct of avoiding leadership. Always remember that high performers don’t do it alone. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40187215

310: Build It to Sell It — Even if You Never Will with Eric Rozenberg 02/17/2026

310: Build It to Sell It — Even if You Never Will with Eric Rozenberg Today, we’re talking about ways to structure your business to be sold, even if you’re not actively thinking of selling. In this episode, Eric breaks down the five critical elements you need to consider to make a business sellable. Stay tuned for five game-changing elements that will help you build a valuable and scalable business that runs successfully, with or without you. Can It Be Sold? If your business cannot be sold, you don’t own a business — you own a job. The real test is simple: what happens if you disappear for 90 days? A true business will survive your absence. That standard forces you to build something transferable, stable, and valuable. Predictable Revenue Creates Stability You need clear visibility into where your future income will come from. Contracted recurring revenue is the gold standard, and repeat clients follow closely behind that. Revenue predictability allows you to plan investments, manage your cash flow, and reduce risk. Diverse Client Base Avoid over-relying on any single client. Overreliance on a single client erodes a business's value and increases its vulnerability. It’s best to diversify your client base so that no single client accounts for more than 20% of your profit. Documenting Processes Document everything. If your systems are not documented, the company has little transferable value. A sales playbook defines your positioning, messaging, objections, and communication style. Standard operating procedures outline your service delivery. Onboarding systems create consistency for clients and vendors. Financial dashboards track KPIs, leading indicators, and lagging indicators. Strong Leadership A business that depends entirely on you is fragile, whereas a business supported by capable people is resilient. Delegation increases your business’s scalability and protects you from burnout. If no one else can run your sales, operations, or administration, you become a bottleneck. Strong leadership involves building a team that can take on the business's responsibilities. Clean Financials Buyers look for clarity, transparency, and realistic compensation structures. Messy books reduce confidence and valuation. Always separate your personal expenses from your professional expenses. Maintain a clean profit and loss for the last three years, at least. Understand your margins per project. Create cash flow plans for every confirmed project and consolidate them into a company-wide forecast. Strategic Positioning Know your niche. Be clear on how you differentiate yourself. A “me too” business competes on price, and a strategically positioned business competes on value. Brand equity, specialization, and a clear point of difference will increase your profitability and make your business more attractive to buyers. Freedom The less the business depends on you, the more valuable it becomes, and the more leverage you gain to shape your future. A sellable business gives you the freedom to focus on what you do best. It reduces stress, allowing you to work on the business instead of constantly working in it. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40106295

309: Leaning In when You Don’t Have the Map: Lucy Giovando Watts on Entrepreneurship & Serendipity 02/10/2026

309: Leaning In when You Don’t Have the Map: Lucy Giovando Watts on Entrepreneurship & Serendipity We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the remarkable Lucy Giovando Watts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Streamlinevents, as today’s guest. Stay tuned as Lucy shares her journey, offers insights from her work at Streamlinevents, and tells us why serendipity often matters more than we realize. Streamlinevents Streamlinevents is a full-service corporate event agency in Emeryville, California, with over 24 years of industry experience. The team partners with corporate clients on sales kickoffs, incentive programs, user conferences, and complex meetings. The company is powered by the best-of-the-best event managers, technologists, creatives, and sourcing experts who thrive in an industry defined by constant motion. Lucy’s Journey Lucy began her career in politics, working for a member of Congress and supporting political events, where she discovered her passion for live experiences. She then joined the tech sector in Silicon Valley, rising from event manager to Global Events Director, where she produced worldwide events. After that, she founded her own boutique event management company, which she ran for over 13 years, and later co-founded an event technology startup. Lucy briefly worked in association management before joining Streamline Events as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Entrepreneurship and Getting Comfortable With Discomfort Building businesses taught Lucy that growth occurs outside of our comfort zones. For her, launching a startup meant daily exposure to sales, pitching, demos, and investors, along with the risk of failure. Over time, discomfort became normal, and fear was no longer a signal to stop. Instead, it became proof of forward motion. The Power of Saying Yes Lucy’s decision to attend a reception she considered missing set off a chain reaction that led to pitch competitions, partnerships, press coverage, integrations, and ultimately an acquisition offer for her startup. That experience reinforced the value of openness and action, even when confidence lags behind opportunity, proving that even small yeses can unlock outcomes no amount of planning could ever predict. Serendipity Openness to chance encounters, conversations, and unplanned moments can play a role in one’s career and in a company's growth. Serendipity does not replace preparation, but it rewards those who show up, engage, and are willing to act before they feel fully ready. Imposter Syndrome Lucy highlights how the perfectionistic mindset and people-pleasing culture in the hospitality industry can amplify imposter syndrome, particularly for women. Experience taught her that waiting to feel “ready enough” can become a barrier. Momentum comes from acting before you’re certain and recognizing that doubt does not disqualify your capability. Creativity Lucy reframed her identity by finding areas of creativity in problem-solving, strategy, leadership, and idea synthesis. Creativity blossoms when people allow time for mental space, pull inspiration from unexpected sources, and disconnect from constant digital noise. Human Connection in an AI-Driven World Technology and AI can enhance efficiency, but they cannot replace in-person connection. Conferences, incentives, and live events fulfill a fundamental human need for belonging, trust, and spontaneous interaction. As digital tools expand, the value of face-to-face experiences continues to strengthen rather than diminish. Leadership, Safety Nets, and Being Bold Strong leadership creates safety nets that empower teams to take risks. When people know their leaders have their backs, they are more willing to experiment, speak up, and innovate. At Streamline Events, leaders encourage bold thinking, creative exploration, and professional visibility through speaking, writing, and idea-sharing, while modeling that same courage themselves. Bio: Lucy Giovando Watts Lucy Giovando Watts is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Streamlinevents, a woman-and minority-owned events agency delivering innovative, sustainable, and inclusive events worldwide. With over 20 years of experience leading global teams, managing event companies, and founding her own event tech startup, Lucy brings deep expertise in strategy, operations, and financial management. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Lucy Giovando Watts On Email Lucy: /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/40002065

308: “I win, Google me!” - What Business Owners Should Learn from Coach Cignetti 02/03/2026

308: “I win, Google me!” - What Business Owners Should Learn from Coach Cignetti Two years ago, the Hoosiers of Indiana University were losing every game. Then, in January this year, something remarkable happened - they became the 2025–26 College Football Playoff National Champions! Eric has been inspired by this incredible transformation, guided by Coach Cignetti's leadership. What stood out for him was the total absence of hype, excuses, or a victim mentality. Instead, Coach Cignetti relies on three pillars: standards, preparation, and accountability—the very principles that drive success for any business owner, and yet, they are often the things we neglect. So, inspired by the Hoosiers’ journey, Eric shares five ideas today- not to challenge you, but to inspire you and get you thinking. The Anti-Excuse Philosophy Winners don’t explain—they execute. Slow markets, price-sensitive clients, societal shifts, and global events will always exist and cannot be controlled. What you can control is how you react to them. When finding excuses becomes a habit, the excuse itself starts to function as the business model. So, instead, focus on moving forward, facing reality, and finding new opportunities. Standards Are Not Aspirations Standards are practical, not theoretical. They are evident in the business's day-to-day operations. They define what “good” means, how fast you respond, what quality looks like, which clients you accept, and how disciplined you are financially. Values only matter if they are lived and enforced. So, if you’re tolerating average behavior, you are actively training your business to lose. Preparation Beats Motivation Preparation matters more than motivation. High performers rely on repetition, fundamentals, and systems rather than waiting for inspiration. Reviewing the basics, using checklists, and showing up consistently will reduce stress and improve your ability to react when the unexpected happens. Readiness comes from preparation, not from waiting for perfect conditions. Confidence is built through daily repetition, not excitement. Culture Is What You Allow A business's culture is defined by what you allow, who you promote, and the behavior you either allow or ignore. Allowing toxic behavior, even once, sets a standard. Culture is also reflected in boundaries, pricing, calendars, and the willingness to say no. If a business feels chaotic, it is because chaos is being allowed and rewarded. The Scoreboard Never Lies Results tell the truth. Your revenue and margins matter, but so does your energy, health, client quality, and sanity. Being busy is not the same as winning. The market does not reward effort. It rewards outcomes. So, if the scoreboard says you’re losing, it is time to change how you’re playing the game. Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric Rozenberg is a business coach and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively designed to help business owners in the meetings and events industry grow and scale sustainably. He has guided thousands of entrepreneurs to improve operations, gain clarity, and achieve lasting results. Before launching his coaching business, Eric spent over 20 years producing award-winning events—sales meetings, incentive trips, and conferences—for Fortune 500 companies in more than 50 countries. He hosts The Business of Meetings, the industry's first and largest podcast focused on business ownership, featuring over 250 episodes with top leaders and experts. Eric made history as the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of MPI (Meetings Professionals International). He is also the author of two books: Meeting at C-Level, endorsed by 20 influential industry leaders, and Before It’s Too Late, a powerful memoir about grit, family, and his journey to America. Eric lives in South Florida and enjoys pickleball, tennis, and Krav Maga. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39948365

307: If You're Feeling Stuck, You're Not Alone - But Here's What Actually Works with Eric Rozenberg 01/27/2026

307: If You're Feeling Stuck, You're Not Alone - But Here's What Actually Works with Eric Rozenberg Today, we’re exploring the resilience entrepreneurs need to navigate the uncertainty we’re all experiencing right now. In this episode, Eric explains that navigating uncertainty requires resilience, which is strengthened by taking action, embracing continuous learning, and serving others. He shares personal stories to illustrate that every business or career inevitably faces doubt, setbacks, and challenges. Tune in to discover how you can keep moving forward, even when everything feels unpredictable. Starting a Business Requires Action, Not Certainty When launching a business, there are no guarantees. Belief matters, but execution matters more. Progress comes from putting your head down, working consistently, and surrounding yourself with people who are honest, supportive, and willing to challenge you rather than flatter you. Complacency Growth stops the moment complacency begins. Staying slightly uncomfortable keeps you alert, curious, and engaged. Continuous effort and self-reflection are essential for staying sharp and avoiding stagnation. Crisis Exposes Character Coming close to losing everything during a significant event because of someone else’s dishonesty was a hard lesson for Eric. What saved the situation wasn’t luck or wishful thinking, but taking responsibility, being honest with his clients, and moving fast. Problem-Solving No major project ever goes exactly as planned. The ability to respond, adapt, and find solutions is not an exception in this industry. It is the job. Those who enjoy action under pressure are the ones who last. Economic Crises During downturns, survival depends on protecting top talent, staying visible, and actively maintaining relationships. Retreating increases risk. Engagement builds resilience even when timelines and recovery remain uncertain. Adaptation Is a Strategic Skill Every crisis requires assessing the environment, forming hypotheses, taking action, and adjusting along the way. Waiting for perfect information only prolongs uncertainty. Decisions create clarity. Learning Growth requires deliberate, consistent learning. Times like COVID revealed how little time most professionals dedicate to learning. Skill development, deep thinking, and education matter more than passive exposure to occasional industry content. Focus on What You Can Control We cannot control geopolitics, tariffs, and global instability. Action, learning, and contribution can. Progress comes from directing your energy toward improvement, simplification, and making a meaningful impact rather than speculation. Technology as a Tool for Growth, Not Fear AI and automation create uncertainty, but also opportunity. The goal is not to resist change, but to allow technology to simplify your processes, operate more effectively, and serve people better. The Three Anchors in Uncertainty Taking action, learning continuously, and helping others will create stability even when the world remains unpredictable. Those habits don’t remove uncertainty, but they will make it more manageable. A Growth Mindset Changes Everything A growth mindset turns challenges into fuel rather than barriers. Stress, change, and disruption always bring opportunities for those willing to adapt and stay curious. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39822250

306: Bootstrapping, Breakthroughs, and Belief: Launching a Business in the Meetings & Events Industry with Andrew Coelho 01/20/2026

306: Bootstrapping, Breakthroughs, and Belief: Launching a Business in the Meetings & Events Industry with Andrew Coelho We are delighted to welcome another incredible entrepreneur from our industry today. Andrew Coehlo, co-founder of Monte & Coe, joins us to share the fantastic story of his journey into corporate gifting. Stay tuned to hear about Andrew’s entrepreneurial journey, his experiences, and the insight he has to share. Andrew’s Journey into Entrepreneurship After beginning his career in corporate finance, Andrew realized the environment did not suit his creative nature. Bureaucracy, resistance to change, and working in isolation drained his energy. And then, a confidence issue with an unattractive gym bag sparked the idea that eventually became Monty & Coe. With his wife's support and inspired by entrepreneurs around him, Andrew left the corporate world at 30 to focus on his business. High-quality Corporate Products The brand began with the singular purpose of creating products that make people feel confident and proud. Early designs were rough, but the intent was genuine. They committed to excellent craftsmanship, using only high-quality, authentic, natural, and sustainable materials. Crowdfunding In 2015, the company launched a crowdfunding campaign, raising $80,000 while Andrew was still employed. The campaign validated both the product and people's willingness to buy premium goods online. It also taught their team how to market, sell, and distribute directly to customers. Shifting to Corporate Gifting Corporate interest emerged organically as companies began requesting gifts for executives and teams. Although he was initially hesitant, Andrew recognized how impersonal, generic, and disconnected from effort or achievement most corporate gifting felt. So his brand pivoted toward elevating corporate gifting into something meaningful and memorable. Turning Gifting Into an Experience The business evolved from selling products to selling experiences, focusing on personalization, choice, and emotional impact. They made gifting less about logos and more about how recipients felt, aligning perfectly with the brand’s original mission of confidence and appreciation. Taking the Leap Andrew eventually left his corporate job. His decision was not impulsive as it was backed by savings, planning, and lifestyle adjustments. Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship brought constant pressure for Andrew, even during the company’s strongest years. Cash flow scares, late payments, and the responsibility of supporting a growing team created intense stress. His role as a founder became more about solving new problems every single day. Why Cash Flow and Margins Matter More Than Revenue Revenue alone does not sustain a business. Cash flow determines whether you survive, and margins determine how sustainably you can grow. Examining businesses across various industries, Andrew saw that smaller, higher-margin companies often outperform larger, volume-driven ones. Adopting systems like Profit First brought structure and discipline to his money management. Community and Long-Term Perspective The events and incentives industry proved far more supportive and relationship-driven than Andrew expected. Rather than being cutthroat, people were open, generous, and willing to collaborate. The company’s long-term success was built on a foundation of trust, consistent service, and a commitment to delivering quality rather than chasing quick wins. Bio: Andrew Coelho is the co-founder of Monte & Coe, a luxury accessories brand redefining what corporate gifting can be. After years in the corporate world receiving forgettable, logo-first gifts, Andrew began questioning why gifting at scale felt so impersonal, wasteful, and disconnected from the people it was meant to recognize. What started as a side hustle became a full-time pursuit after Andrew famously resigned from his corporate role on his honeymoon in Tokyo. Since then, he has focused on applying direct-to-consumer standards, craftsmanship, and intentional design to an industry that often prioritizes convenience and budget over meaning. Andrew believes that gifting is not about products, but about moments, memories, and respect. His work challenges leaders to rethink how appreciation shows up in their organizations, shifting gifting from a transactional expense to a strategic signal of values. Through Monte & Coe, Andrew helps companies move beyond generic swag and toward gifting experiences that people actually keep, use, and remember. His perspective sits at the intersection of brand, leadership, and human connection, making him a sought-after voice on modern workplace culture, thoughtful design, and the hidden impact of well-executed small decisions. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Andrew Coehlo On /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39780230

305: When You Board the International Plane, Always Turn Left! with Eli Facenda 01/13/2026

305: When You Board the International Plane, Always Turn Left! with Eli Facenda Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Eli Facenda, founder and CEO of Freedom Travel Systems. Known as The Travel Guy, Eli helps entrepreneurs turn everyday spending into first-class travel experiences. Join us as Eli breaks down what to do with the points you earn, how upgrades really work, and how first-class flights and luxury suites around the world are far more attainable than most people think. Eli’s Journey Eli’s career began in 2015 after graduating with a degree in finance and joining the travel industry through an international sports tour company. A trip to the Dominican Republic when he was 16 sparked his passion for travel and shaped his desire to build a life driven by curiosity rather than convention. Over time, he developed skills in group travel, logistics, and credit card points. That eventually evolved into a business helping entrepreneurs travel better by leveraging the systems they already have in place. Why Uncertainty Matters Eli believes uncertainty is essential for passion and fulfillment. Playing it safe may feel comfortable, but it often limits growth and experience. The willingness to take risks, follow curiosity, and act before everything feels certain has been a consistent driver in both his life and business. Turning Crisis into Opportunity When COVID disrupted the travel industry, it forced Eli’s tour business into survival mode. Rather than freezing, he pivoted by launching a points-based consulting business that offered more control and scalability. How Points Unlock Disproportionate Value Eli discovered the power of points when he flew business class on a ticket worth thousands of dollars for only a few dollars in taxes. That experience revealed how strategic point redemptions could create massive leverage, turning ordinary spending into extraordinary travel experiences. Why Loyalty Isn’t Always Logical Airline loyalty and elite status often come with high opportunity costs. Transferable bank points typically provide more flexibility, higher redemption value, and better travel outcomes than committing to a single airline, especially for globally mobile travelers. Experience vs. Redemption Strategy The best airline experience does not always align with the best points value. Some airlines offer superior products but poor redemption efficiency. Understanding alliances, partner transfers, and award availability allows travelers to optimize both comfort and value. Redeeming Points the Right Way The biggest mistake most people make is redeeming points through bank travel portals. Transferring points to airline partners can multiply their value several times over, but availability must always be confirmed before transferring, as transfers are irreversible. Cards, Hotels, and Priorities For business owners, Eli recommends prioritizing international premium flights for personal and family travel due to the quality and tax advantages. Hotel points usually offer lower value than airline redemptions, but elite hotel status can still deliver meaningful perks when earned strategically. Base your card selection on spending patterns, travel goals, and location—not card prestige. Experiential Wealth Eli frames success around “experiential wealth”—the memories, relationships, and moments that create fulfillment. Business growth matters, but experiences, not just achievements measure a well-lived life. Eli Facenda: Speaker Bio Eli “The Travel Guy” Facenda is the Founder and CEO of Freedom Travel Systems. He and his team help entrepreneurs maximize the money they are already spending so they can unlock bucket-list travel experiences and an upgraded first-class travel lifestyle entirely on points. Almost every entrepreneur spends money and travels, yet very few know how to do so efficiently. Eli has spent nine years in the travel industry, has traveled to 42 countries, and averages over $100,000 per year in free travel using points. His biggest passion is helping others come alive through travel and adventure while sharing strategies that make first-class travel easily attainable at a fraction of the cost. His team works with hundreds of entrepreneurs across all industries, including world-renowned business leaders such as Dan Martell, Cameron Herold, Karlton Dennis, Amber Spears, Tai Lopez, and others. Eli brings a unique perspective to business speaking engagements and podcasts. As an industry leader in a blue-ocean market, his talks, workshops, and interviews are highly engaging and actionable for entrepreneurial audiences. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On Connect with Eli Facenda On (@ELITRAVELGUY) /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39680930

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39609080

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: /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39561495

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: /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39479665

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39365710

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: /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39264195

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39202715

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39099705

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/39004480

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/38929160

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/38819800

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/38733590

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 /episode/index/show/thebusinessofmeetings/id/38589265

The Business of Meetings

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