Barefoot Business (Club Ichi Caregivers)

 In this episode of the Barefoot Business Podcast, Liz Lathan chats with Katie Sacco about her journey from nonprofit leadership to high-tech event strategy and running her consulting firm. They explore topics like sustainable event practices, building effective RFPs, and advancing careers through understanding data, cross-department collaboration, and strategic mentorship. Katie shares the value of community, citing the transformative connections she made at Liz's Secret Family Reunion. Liz highlights the role of suppliers as career allies and announces her upcoming 7-Minute Demo series for event tech. They emphasize staying open to new experiences, leveraging networks, and fostering innovation in the event industry. 

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

 This episode of the Barefoot Business Podcast features Liz Lathan in conversation with Kyle Morris, diving deep into the intersection of technology, relationships, and community in the event industry. Kyle shares his journey from starting an AV business at 17 to becoming a creative technologist and expert in experiential marketing. They explore how AI can revolutionize event planning by cutting through noise, enhancing engagement, and streamlining processes, while still preserving spontaneity and human connection. Kyle emphasizes the value of community for fostering authentic relationships that lead to business opportunities and mentorship. Liz highlights the importance of peer-to-peer learning in Club Ichi and discusses the future of events as a balance of innovative tech and human interaction. Both underscore how technology can free event professionals to focus on creativity, quality of life, and meaningful connections. 

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

 In this episode of Barefoot Business, Liz Lathan speaks with Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), about her career journey from hospitality student to leading corporate event strategist and CEO. Nicola shares how she transitioned from logistics-focused roles to strategic event marketing, emphasizing the importance of aligning events with business outcomes and leveraging data to drive success. They discuss the power of community in professional growth, including how communities like ELX and Club Ichi foster collaboration, support, and shared learning. Nicola also highlights the value of mentoring younger professionals, embracing generational strengths, and building a clear value proposition for organizations. Together, Liz and Nicola reflect on how collaboration and belonging are key to thriving in the events industry. 

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

In this episode of Barefoot Business, Liz Lathan chats with Dana Ellis, the first Club Ichi insider and founder of Ellis International, about her journey from airport meet-and-greets to running her own event planning and production business. Dana shares insights on thriving as a freelancer, maintaining calm under pressure, and continually delivering value to clients. They discuss the cyclical nature of corporate planning layoffs, the rise of independent planners, and the need for events to rethink engagement and objectives. Dana emphasizes the importance of adaptability, innovation, and building value-driven communities, while also reflecting on the challenges and rewards of evolving with industry trends and generational shifts. 

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

 In this episode of Barefoot Business, Liz Lathan is joined by Tess Vismale, a powerhouse in on-site event execution and event tech facilitation. Tess shares her journey from ballet performances to managing high-profile events like Disney Upfronts and the DNC. Hear how her early experiences behind the scenes at trade shows shaped her career, why she thrives on organized chaos, and how she’s become a trusted name for seamless event operations. Tess also reveals her secret to being calm under pressure (even with celebrities like Kerry Washington!) and discusses the importance of community, trust, and scaling businesses with strategic facilitation.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

In this episode of Barefoot Business, Liz Lathan welcomes event veteran and production specialist Sean Schuette. From his accidental start in events at Target to orchestrating large-scale productions like Firehouse Expo and Disney's California Adventure experiences, Sean shares his journey of creating events that truly change people and environments. Hear his insights on partnering with speakers, navigating high-pressure situations, and finding joy in the chaos of event production. Sean also opens up about freelancing since 2016, offering advice on balancing multiple clients, building collaborative relationships, and setting boundaries to sustain success.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

In this Barefoot Business episode, Liz Lathan chats with Ronnie Anderson, a Philly-based event producer with roots in broadcasting and videography. Ronnie shares her journey from high school party planner to seasoned event pro, creating immersive experiences that engage all five senses. They discuss the balance between freelancing and running your own business, managing feast-or-famine cycles, and setting boundaries to maintain profitability. Ronnie also opens up about her plans to earn her CIS certification and break into the incentive travel industry. Whether it's crafting award-winning team-building activities or embracing adrenaline-fueled live productions, Ronnie’s passion for transforming spaces and minds shines through.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

In this episode of Barefoot Business, Liz Lathan welcomes Paul Tramonte, principal designer of Paul Tremonti Events. Paul's journey in events began with a family tradition of gathering around the table, which evolved into a thriving career rooted in hospitality. Paul shares how his early roles in food service and hotel operations shaped his approach to event design and management, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and creating memorable experiences.

Liz and Paul dive into the distinction between hospitality and service, how to make large corporate events feel intimate, and strategies for managing both the logistics and creative elements of events. Paul also talks about his experience starting his own business during the pandemic, the importance of feedback and reflection after events, and his vision for the future of his company.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

Today's Barefoot Business episode is full of laughter, wild stories, and incredible event adventures with not one, but two Nicoles! Liz Lathan is joined by Nicole Matthews of The Henley Company and Nicole Osibodu. From Bedouin camps in Dubai to Prosecco-fueled moments in Tuscany, the trio relives their most chaotic and joyful travel and event stories.

Nicole Matthews dives into how she built her career, including starting The Henley Company, working at multiple Olympics and Super Bowls, and even writing a book, Permission: Stop Competing and Start Creating Your Own Opportunities. Nicole Osibodu recounts the madness of a secret truffle-hunting think tank trip and a camel disaster!

You'll also hear about dream destinations for future trips (castles in Scotland, New Zealand adventures, and Egyptian safaris, anyone?), the power of creating your own opportunities, and the importance of finding the right people to share the journey with.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

In this episode of Barefoot Business, Liz Lathan chats with MK Granados, the brilliant mind leading sponsorship innovation at Informa Markets. From orchestrating trade shows and brand activations to finding new ways to create meaningful attendee experiences, MK shares stories and strategies that elevate events beyond the basics.

They dive into wild activations, including Samsung battery swaps at SXSW, Deadpool-branded toilet seat covers at Comic-Con, and corgi traffic stoppers in New York City. Liz and MK discuss the importance of breaking free from boring metal-tier sponsorships and embracing creative approaches that are win-win-win: good for the sponsor, the event, and most importantly, the attendees.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

 Liz Lathan is joined by Mark Mohammadpour, founder of Chasing the Sun, to discuss creating a culture of wellbeing in events. Mark shares his journey from PR executive to wellness advocate, offering actionable tips on reducing burnout, setting boundaries, and improving both personal and team health. They cover managing meetings, using multiple workspaces, supporting global teams, and thriving as a solopreneur.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/

Liz Lathan and with Heidi Hiller, founder of Innovative Party Planners, discuss building a successful event business from the ground up. Heidi shares her journey from graphic designer to event mogul, covering topics like scaling a business, managing a team, and the power of networking. They dive into lessons learned through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and how to balance passion for creativity with strategic business growth.

Want to be a guest on the Barefoot Business Podcast? Join Club Ichi as an Insider member today! https://www.weareichi.com/