The Business of Meetings

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Megan Gross On LinkedIn The Bon Soir  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Lucy Giovando Watts On LinkedIn Streamlinevents Email Lucy: Lucy.gw@streamlinevents.com

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram On Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Andrew Coehlo On LinkedIn Monte & Coe Corporate Gifting  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Eli Facenda Freedom Travel Systems On Instagram (@ELITRAVELGUY)

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Moza-Bella Tram On her website LinkedIn  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Nataly Horan On her website LinkedIn Email Nataly: Nataly@authenticmice.com   

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Richard Bliss BlissPoint On LinkedIn Email Richard: rbliss@blisscorp.com   

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Ethan King On his Website LinkedIn  

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Rashmi Airan On her website LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Email: Rashmi@rashmiairan.com 

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Beth Lawrence On her website LinkedIn

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Kate Patay SEARCH Foundation Terramar SEARCH Foundation on Instagram Terramar on LinkedIn Email Kate: kate@katepatay.com or kate@terramardmc.com

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Robert Glazer On his website LinkedIn

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Dr. Chloe Carmichael On LinkedIn

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 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Lisa Gregory Gregory Event Services On LinkedIn