Stefanie Simmons & Thomas Hallin #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen

Stefanie Simmons ( www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniepettigrewsimmons/ , and Thomas Hallin ( www.linkedin.com/in/thomashallin/) discussed with host Ruud Janssen Stefanie is an experienced event designer and meeting planner with various certifications including the CED and EDC MAsterMind. Thomas is a systems thinker, ecosystem builder, and business strategist originally from Sweden based in Los Angeles. Balancing Planning and Spontaneity in Conversations Ruud, Stefanie, and Thomas discuss the importance of not leaving good conversations to chance. Stefanie emphasizes planning and preparation while allowing room for spontaneity. Thomas agrees that planning is essential but also highlights the value of leaving unplanned time for unexpected connections. They reflect on their engaging conversation at IMEX, where they bonded over shared experiences and perspectives on event design despite the distractions of the busy trade show environment. Entrepreneurship's Impact on Personal Growth Stefanie, Ruud, and Thomas discussed the importance of entrepreneurship and its impact on personal and professional growth. Thomas emphasized the growth mindset and soft skills that entrepreneurship provides, as well as the need for financial education from an early age. He also highlighted the various career opportunities that can arise from entrepreneurship, such as event planning. Ruud shared an example of a barista who created value for customers by painting artwork on their coffee cups, making the experience more memorable and unique. The conversation concluded with a suggestion to learn more about the event that showcased this creative approach to customer service. Quality, Performance, and Amplifying Voices Ruud and Stefanie discussed the importance of quality and performance in their respective roles. Stefanie emphasized the value of being known for one's work and the impact it has on others, likening it to a'step and repeat' process. She also shared an anecdote about a successful event where a performer stepped in to save the day, highlighting the importance of behind-the-scenes relationships. Ruud then asked Thomas about how he finds and amplifies the voices of those who are unheard, to which Thomas responded by emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities. Exploring New Opportunities and Experiences Ruud and Thomas discussed the importance of opening up people's minds to new opportunities and experiences. Thomas shared his experience of working with 8th graders, where he introduced them to animatronics, robotics, and other topics, leading to a change in their career aspirations. He emphasized the importance of planning and execution, as well as creating a supportive environment for collaboration and innovation. Ruud agreed, noting the lessons Thomas applied in his work could be applied to executive education in a compressed format. Stefanie then shared her experience of co-creating an onboarding process for a team, which facilitated the introduction of new employees into the company culture. Empowering Innovators and Entrepreneurs In the meeting, Thomas and Stefanie discussed their work with the non-profit organization, Entrepreneurship for Everyone, which aims to empower innovators and entrepreneurs by providing equal access to resources. They also mentioned their involvement in the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum's 10th annual conference in Cape Town and the upcoming Women Entrepreneurship Conference in the United States. Thomas expressed his desire to support youth, at-risk youth, and people with various challenges. Ruud challenged them to return next year to discuss their progress and experiences. The conversation concluded with Ruud inviting them to the backstage area for further discussion.