Social Media Decoded – Episode Summary

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Host: Michelle Thames
Episode: How I Filled a Room With Leaders (And What It Really Takes Now)
Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Michelle Thames’ recent success in selling out her leadership event—not through traditional advertising or viral content, but through strategic relationship-building, clear vision, and intentional community engagement. Michelle breaks down exactly how she filled the room with aligned leaders, sharing the step-by-step strategies and lessons learned so listeners can replicate her blueprint for event and business growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Debunking the Myth of Selling Out Events

• [00:59 – 01:30]
  • Most believe sold-out events require big ad spends, hustling online, or viral content.
  • Michelle’s event: Only one ticket came from paid ads; the rest resulted from deep trust, consistency, and community engagement.
  • “Selling out isn't magic, it's momentum. And momentum comes from proximity and consistency.” – Michelle Thames (01:29)

2. Blueprint for Filling the Room

• Seeding Before Selling
  • [01:43 – 02:08]
    • Michelle primed her audience long before ticket links went live.
    • Consistent mention and preparation since previous year’s event.
    • “People knew it was coming before I even dropped the link.”
• Vision Over Logistics
  • [02:09 – 02:46]
    • The promise was about transformation and connection, not event agenda or logistics.
    • Michelle prioritized communicating how attendees would feel and grow.
    • “You can’t replicate me...it was the transformation that was going to happen in that room.”
• Activating Relationships
  • [02:53 – 03:47]
    • Focused on genuine relationship-building—invited, not pitched.
    • Reached out to network for last-minute support and sharing.
    • Emphasis on inviting aligned people, not just anyone.
• Documenting the Journey
  • [03:48 – 04:16]
    • Shared behind-the-scenes with her community (venue search, booking speakers, prep).
    • Marketing wasn’t just about promotion, but showing preparation and transparency.

3. Lessons from the Event Room

• Intentional Community
  • [04:17 – 05:14]
    • The energy and value come from inviting the right people, not just anyone.
    • Michelle recognizes her gift for curating exceptional, intentional spaces.
    • “That is my gift, to be able to bring the right people together in the right atmosphere and create an experience for them.”
• Alignment Over Volume
  • [05:15 – 05:44]
    • 40 attendees, all in alignment; quality over quantity.
    • Prefers small, intimate experiences—does not need thousands for impact.
    • “You do not need thousands of people to make a difference. The rooms you build are proof of the brand you’re becoming.”
• Power of Consistency and Authenticity
  • [05:45 – 06:34]
    • Quiet, consistent leaders win over time—no need to be flashy or loud.
    • Michelle sees herself as “the girl next door,” focusing on care and results.
    • “I win in the long term. Always. Because I’m consistent...and I actually do care about this work that I am doing.”

4. Key Takeaways & Action Steps

• Seeding the Next Event Now
  • [06:59 – 07:13]
    • Always start priming your audience for the next thing; share the mission before the link.
    • Directly plugs her upcoming Chicago retreat (Jan 17-19, Hyatt Lodge, Oakbrook).
• Focus on Real Relationships
  • [07:17 – 07:44]
    • Human-first connections matter—Michelle loves using DM voice notes to connect authentically.
    • “I love to send a good DM voice note. Human first. Human first.”
• Build a Pre-Launch Runway
  • [07:45 – 08:20]
    • Allow your audience time to catch the vision; begin selling seats before tickets go live.
    • Michelle offers VIP Day packages to help plan and build strategies.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Selling out isn't magic, it's momentum. And momentum comes from proximity and consistency.” – Michelle Thames (01:29)
• “You can’t replicate me...it was the transformation that was going to happen in that room.” – Michelle Thames (02:29)
• “I am a super connector, and I am leaning into that gift of mine fully this year in 2025. Moving on to 2026.” – Michelle Thames (04:56)
• “You do not need thousands of people to make a difference. The rooms you build are proof of the brand you’re becoming.” – Michelle Thames (05:31)
• “Quiet leaders win long term. I win in the long term. Always. Because I’m consistent...and I actually do care about this work that I am doing.” – Michelle Thames (06:02)
• “I love to send a good DM voice note. Human first. Human first.” – Michelle Thames (07:26)
• “Remember, you don’t need to shout to be seen. What you do need is strategy, community, and alignment.” – Michelle Thames (09:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:59: Michelle introduces the myth about selling out events.
• 01:43: Seeding the event long before tickets go live.
• 02:09: Explaining why vision matters more than logistics.
• 02:53: Relationship activation technique.
• 03:48: Behind-the-scenes: Documenting the event journey.
• 04:17: Lessons from curating the right room.
• 05:15: Importance of alignment and room size.
• 05:45: Consistency and authentic leadership.
• 06:59: Actionable takeaway: Seeding your next thing.
• 07:17: Building true connections through DMs.
• 07:45: Pre-launch runway strategy.
• 09:36: Concluding message on strategy, community, and alignment.

Tone & Style

The episode is honest, practical, and encouraging—Michelle Thames’ approach is warm, direct, and deeply focused on real relationships over “hype” or flashiness. She invites listeners to embrace their own gifts, lean into strategic relationship-building, and take intentional, aligned action for lasting business growth.

In summary:
Michelle pulls back the curtain on what truly fills a room with engaged leaders: long-term nurturing, clarity in vision, and the courage to be authentically yourself—no matter how big (or small) your audience is.