The Business of Meetings

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