Podcast Summary: Social Media Decoded

Episode: Behind the Scenes: Planning Elevate & Empower LIVE
Host: Michelle Thames
Date: September 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this candid solo episode, host Michelle Thames takes listeners “behind the scenes” of planning her annual event, Elevate & Empower LIVE (happening November 1st in Chicago). She pulls back the curtain on the realities that entrepreneurs face when organizing in-person experiences—from vendor headaches and contract hassles to the deeper rewards of building community. Michelle’s trademark warmth and authenticity shine as she shares unfiltered lessons, memorable stories, and her “why” for continuing the hard work of event planning.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Messy Reality of Event Planning

• Chasing Vendors and Contracts: Michelle describes the unglamorous side rarely seen on social media.
  • Vendors sometimes don’t respond for days.
  • Contracts can lag for weeks, and unexpected fees pop up.
  • Juggling continuous communications can feel like a full-time job itself.
• Balancing Multiple Roles: Planning events happens alongside coaching clients, supporting her family, and creating content.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Let me keep it all the way real with you, friend. Planning an event is not glamorous... You think you got something locked in and then boom, a new fee pops up that you were not expecting.” — Michelle (01:37)

2. The Transformative Power of Live Events

• Why In-Person Matters:
  • Online communities are powerful, but “the magic happens” face-to-face.
  • These events create real opportunities for collaboration, networking, and meaningful support.
• Personal Story:
  • Michelle recalls being fired at age 30 and, a decade later, now hosting rooms for women to find the support she once needed.
• Memorable Quote:

  “That’s where women meet their next collaborator, their next client, their next accountability partner—or even just get the confidence boost they needed to keep going.” — Michelle (03:41)

3. Lessons Learned from the ‘Messy Middle’

• Growth Out of Challenge:
  • Each challenge is a lesson in persistence, patience, and flexibility.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Follow-up is everything: Don't assume people will deliver just because they said they would.
  • Relationships matter: “How you treat people now will determine who shows up for you later.”
  • Be flexible: Things won’t go as planned; adaptability is a must.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Every single challenge has taught me something. Follow up is everything in events and in business.” — Michelle (04:24)

4. Why Keep Going?

• Gratitude: Michelle expresses deep gratitude for the privilege of creating transformative spaces for women entrepreneurs.
• Community Changes Lives:
  • She’s motivated by the impact these gatherings have, not just in business skills, but in lasting confidence and connections.
• Encouragement to Attend:
  • Final tickets for Elevate & Empower LIVE are still available, and Michelle paints a vibrant picture of what attendees gain.
• Memorable Quote:

  “It’s not just about learning strategies. It’s about stepping into a room where strategy and sisterhood collide.” — Michelle (05:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:37] Michelle on the “unglamorous” reality:

  “Planning an event is not glamorous... You think you got something locked in and then boom, a new fee pops up that you were not expecting.”

• [03:41] On why in-person community is different:

  “That’s where women meet their next collaborator, their next client, their next accountability partner—or even just get the confidence boost they needed to keep going.”

• [04:24] Hard-earned advice:

  “Every single challenge has taught me something. Follow up is everything in events and in business.”

• [05:00] The real promise of the Elevate & Empower event:

  “It’s not just about learning strategies. It’s about stepping into a room where strategy and sisterhood collide.”

Important Timestamps

• 01:00–02:30 – Behind the scenes event headaches: vendors, contracts, fees
• 02:30–03:45 – The reason for pushing through: community, collaboration, and personal story
• 03:45–04:40 – Core lessons learned from event planning challenges
• 04:40–05:00 – Why gratitude and community keep Michelle coming back
• 05:00–05:19 – Encouragement to join Elevate & Empower LIVE; invitation details

Tone & Language

Michelle’s approach is open, real, and encouraging—a blend of tough truths and heartfelt motivation, with a conversational “let’s be real, friend” tone.

Summary Takeaway

If you’re an entrepreneur who thinks flawless event photos on social media tell the whole story, this episode gives you the unscripted, nitty-gritty of building impactful spaces. Michelle Thames doesn’t sugarcoat the stress, but she makes clear how real growth, lasting connections, and genuine community are built not despite the chaos—but because of it. If you’re looking for insight, honesty, and a push to get in the room, this episode is a must-listen.