On Election Day Eve, I’m reflecting on the incredible insights from PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) "Behind the Scenes: 2024 DNC" event at Willis Tower's Skydeck. This exclusive event offered a fascinating look into the meticulous planning that made the Democratic National Convention a huge success.Highlights from the Event:📸 Photos at The Ledge: We captured amazing shots with the stunning Chicago skyline as our backdrop.🗣️In-Depth Panel Discussion: The panel featured key leaders from the DNC, including the Executive Director and Senior Director of the Chicago DNC Host Committee, the Executive Director of the DNCC, top representatives from Choose Chicago, and the President & CEO of Show Strategy. They shared insights on the security, logistics, and specialized planning required for a convention of this scale.🍷Networking Reception: The event wrapped up with a fun networking reception, complete with delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks. The highlight for me was connecting with Glenn Charles, Jr., President & CEO of Show Strategy—the first Black-owned company to play a major role in any national party convention. Their groundbreaking work included building the media compounds and furnishing fixtures, as well as preparing the United Center for the DNC's historic speeches. Conversing with Glenn provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of managing such a monumental event. The PCMA team also surprised us with exclusive DNC memorabilia—signs, shirts, United Center passes, and more—that added a special touch to the experience. This event didn’t just showcase the complexities of planning a major convention but highlighted the collaboration and expertise required to make it world-class. As an event nerd, I definitely geeked out as I was in my element. 🤓
Meet Our Panelist: Danette "Danni" Buie, CEO of Thrive Limitlessly
Join us at this month’s virtual L’ Shanell Boss Round Table:
Mastering the Art of Delegation: How to Reclaim Your Time
Danette Buie serves as a Diversity Coach, Talent Development Strategist, Life and Wellness Architect, and Systems Thinker and Leader. Danette is a Techie-Mompreneur, who most recently was appointed to the new Community Advisory Board for Wonder Women Tech and was selected as one of Culture Amp's 25 Emerging Culture Creators for 2024 for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion! Danette has completed Harvard University’s Executive Institute for Women in Leadership Program and Howard University’s Executive Diversity Coaching Program, while also founding, Thrive Limitlessly, a one-stop shop consultancy for career changers and culture makers.
🔗 Learn More + Register: lshanell.co/events
During the 2016 election year, I was part of the planning team that organized an international convention for a service employees union in Detroit, MI, attended by 3,000+ union members. The organization had previously endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who was the keynote speaker. Planning and managing conventions demands an intense level of attention to detail.
Attending the DNC for the first time was a remarkable experience. From participating in a radio interview to being in rooms filled with influential leaders, the atmosphere was electric. I had the honor of attending impactful discussions and the Presidential Nominee Watch Party hosted by Democracy House. Proudly representing my brand, Culture Boss, I distributed our VOTE kits, shared our mission, and wore our merchandise throughout the week. Some of my favorite moments at DemPalooza included supporting local businesses at the small business expo, writing out postcards, attending caucus meetings, and meeting inspiring changemakers. The time spent at the Win With Black Women's Sisterhood Lounge was particularly empowering due to our meaningful discussions. The DNC experience reignited my passion to serve and advance democracy. Check out the highlights of my experience by clicking on the video below.
Meet Our Panelist: Alice Foy, CEO of The Digital Jane
Join us at this month's virtual L' Shanell Boss Round Table:
"Mastering the Art of Delegation: How to Reclaim Your Time"
🔗 Learn More + Register: www.lshanell.co/events
Alice Foy is a Chicago native with a 10-year background in event production. She has worked with notable corporations such as Nike, Adidas, and TEDx, as well as various celebrity and community organizations.
Alice first earned her stripes at the Parkway Ballroom in Chicago, where she oversaw venue sales, catering, staffing, and logistics for over 200 events per year under the leadership of Chef Cliff Rome.
In 2016, Alice relocated to Los Angeles and joined the Schools Not Prisons multi-city tour organized by Revolve Impact. The tour aimed to raise awareness about mass incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline. It featured musicians such as Common, Miguel, and Ty Dolla Sign. The tour held twelve festivals in twelve cities over thirteen weeks, receiving national press coverage.
Alice was involved in groundbreaking initiatives such as embRACE LA, founded by Council President Herb Wesson, and the Nike LBJ16 x Harlem Fashion Row collaboration, which celebrated influential women in Los Angeles.
In 2018, backed by her expertise and unique ability to create cohesion in systems and processes, Alice launched The Digital Jane driven by her passion for supporting Black women as the fastest-growing, but the least supported group of entrepreneurs.
TDJ was created to provide women founders with the necessary support to improve operational efficiencies and facilitate effective teamwork. By implementing TDJ, Alice creates purposeful strategies to help teams work better together and improve overall operational efficiencies.
To date, The Digital Jane has served over 40 teams and partnered with top software solutions to offer workshops and training opportunities.
🔗 Learn More + Register: www.lshanell.co/events
🎙 Call for Speakers! Ready to share your expertise and boost your brand? Lady Boss Round Table (LBRT) is seeking dynamic speakers for our 2024 events. LBRT is more than just a network; it’s a vibrant community of purpose-driven women CEOs. 📣Our 2024 Focus Areas include: 🔘How to Set Up a Business Correctly 🔘 Sales and Customer Acquisition 🔘 Marketing and Branding 🔘 #MomBoss (Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship) 🔘 Finances and Funding 🔘 Delegation, Leadership & Productivity 🔘 Self-Care and Wellness 🔘 Business Preparation for the Holidays 🔘 The Winning CEO Mindset 🔘Year-End Review and Planning 📣Why Speak at LBRT? Boost brand visibility, Expand your audience, Network with entrepreneurs, Showcase your services, Enhance credibility 📣If you’re ready to inspire and educate, we invite you to complete the LBRT Speaker Interest Form and be part of our exciting events.👉 https://bit.ly/LBRT2024SPEAKERS
2023 Reflection: Wins & Lessons
As we bid farewell to 2023 and countdown to 2024, it's an important time for personal and professional reflection. I believe in the power of introspection to not only celebrate successes but also to learn from challenges. This year has undoubtedly presented a unique blend of both. I've compiled a series of reflective questions designed to offer you a deeper understanding of your business journey over the past year.
Consider taking some quiet time to ponder the below questions:
🔘Challenges: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your business this year?
🔘Lessons Learned: What's the most valuable business lesson you learned?
🔘Journey in a Word: In one word, how would you describe your business journey?
🔘Risks and Outcomes: What was a significant risk you took in your business this year, and what was the outcome?
🔘Impactful Strategies: What strategies did you implement this year that had the most positive impact on your business?
🔘Achieved Goals: Name one goal you accomplished this year.
🔘Significant Achievements: What was your most significant business achievement this year?
🔘Reflective Changes: Looking back at this year, what is something you would do differently in your business, and why?
🔘Self-Care and Responsibility: How did you prioritize self-care while managing your business responsibilities?
🔘Rewards of Entrepreneurship: What was the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur this year?
🔘Skills and Knowledge: What new skills or knowledge did you acquire this year and how did they impact your business?
🔘Marketing Strategies: What was your most effective marketing strategy this year?
🔘Technology Investments: In what ways did you invest in technology or digital tools, and how did they impact your business operations?
🔘Customer Feedback: What feedback did you receive from clients or customers this year that had a significant impact on your business?
🔘Managing Stress: How did yo
