Shows
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: How to Build a Career on Your Terms with Deanna Nwosu: Mentorship, Pivots, and Purpose-Driven Growth in EventsIn this episode of the Convene Podcast, we sit down with Deanna Nwosu, a 25-year industry veteran and internal events strategist at REI, to explore what it really takes to grow a meaningful, purpose-aligned career in the fast-changing world of events. From breaking into the industry to becoming a confident leader, Deanna shares candid insights on mentorship, collaboration, strategic thinking—and why being open to pivots might be your most valuable superpower.Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTube: https://yout...2025-06-1224 min
Dare to InterruptRisk, Reward, Repeat: Choosing Courage Over ComfortSeason 6, Episode 4Featured Guest: Deanna Nwosu, Program Manager, REIWhat would you do if you truly believed you only had one life to live? Deanna Nwosu, Program Manager at REI, shares how she’s learned to take bold risks, embrace fear with courage and grow her confidence.2025-04-2134 min
Planners on Purpose Podcast100 Episodes Strong: Reflections on the Most Heard GemsThis is a celebratory milestone for the Planners on Purpose podcast at which they are celebrating 100 episodes. This episode features the top 5 highest listened-to episodes on the podcast. Naomi shares what impacted her on those episodes and shares her outlook on the podcast moving forward.Links and ResourcesThe Power of Moments, Deanna NwosuTurning Positivity into Criticism, Jordan Kentris3 Keys to Successful TeamsHow to Stay Focused on Your GoalsThe Emotional Side of a Planner's Job, Leah WeinbergPlan Your Year, Annual WorkshopPlanners on Purpose...2023-11-2622 min
Event BrewHow Did You Get Started in the Events Industry?Event professionals can start their career paths in almost any job or industry. This is something the Brew Crew knows well, as today’s hosts share a combined 82 years of industry experience with a wide range of event jobs that led them to where they are today.
In this episode of the Event Brew podcast, Deanna Nwosu, Will Curran, Nick Borelli, and Arianna Black share their career journeys, the event jobs they’ve held, and advice they wish they’d known when first starting their careers. A big shout out to our listener, Kelsey D. Today’s...2022-12-151h 01
Experience JunkiesS2: Episode 12 Resonating Your Positive Energy with Rachel SheerinI am joined by Rachel Sheerin, an award-winning keynote speaker and emcee in today's episode. Rachel’s rocked stages for titans of the industry across the world at annual conferences, summits, and events. She has been passionate about blending positive energy and authentic engagement in her events.
As we dived deeper into the conversation, we talked about her passion for traveling. She also talks about the best place in the world and how traveling can change someone’s perspective in life. Aside from this, she also talks about how to perform at your best even if yo...2022-09-0643 minExperience JunkiesS2: Episode 11 How to Embody Yourself with Amber FortierDo you embody yourself? Well, if not yet, then this episode is for you!
In today’s episode, I am joined by Amber Fortier, an intuitive business and life coach. She helps entrepreneurs own their magic, make more money, and succeed in their businesses. Amber has been passionate about assisting people in activating their gifts and igniting their passion for making it a profitable career.
As we dive deeper into the conversation, we tackle a myriad of topics ranging from her experiences in traveling at a very young age to the importance of aligning your ac...2022-08-2330 minExperience JunkiesS2: Episode 10 The Greatest Value I Learned in the Entertainment Industry With Reena Friedman WattsNormally behind the “host microphone”, today’s guest is none other than Reena Friedman Watts. She is the host of the podcast “Better Call Daddy” and the owner of Megawatt Productions. Reena has also worked on several reality TV shows such as The Jerry Springer Show.
Throughout our conversation, Renna talks about the truth about how she became successful in the production and media industry. We tackled a myriad of other topics ranging from her humble beginnings in the industry to how she coaches entrepreneurs to find their first clients. This episode is chock-full of stories and relatable l...2022-08-0933 minExperience JunkiesS2: Episode 9 Embracing The Highs and Lows of Adventures with Stacy Newman Weldon“Adventure is about taking risks and doing it anyway.”
In today’s episode, I am joined by Stacy Newman Weldon, the CEO of Adventure Wednesdays, a solution to better yourself. A few years ago, Stacey found herself at a crossroads when she was fired just a few months after starting her new job. This made her shift her attitude in life.
As we dive deeper into the conversation, we talk about the truth about how she was able to bring back happiness in her life through the adventures she had experienced. She shar...2022-07-2634 minExperience JunkiesS2: Episode 8 Changes That Cultivated My Path To Success With Anca TrifanIn today’s episode, I am joined by Anca Trifan, who is the founder, creator, and CEO of Tree-Fan Events- a woman-owned boutique technical event planning and production agency that provides strategy, technology, and gear to host a successful virtual or hybrid event. Anca has worked in event productions for almost twenty years and has extensive experience in event planning.
As we dived deeper into our conversation, Anca shared what she has learned in conducting successful hybrid and virtual events. In this episode, she also shared how the drastic changes in her life brought her to the su...2022-07-1241 minExperience JunkiesS2: Episode 7 Celebrating Small Wins with Marisa CieslukThis week, I am joined by Marisa Wheeling Cielsuk, a Transformative Leadership and Executive coach for women. As a lover of the outdoors, Marisa is no stranger to challenges. She faced her profound fear of heights and submitted to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, which eventually helped her to find joy and purpose in her life.
As we dived deeper into the conversation, Marisa shared her journey on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and how it helped her create a new perspective and purpose in life. In this episode, Marisa emphasizes the value and learnings you can get in embracing y...2022-06-2824 minExperience JunkiesS2 Episode 6: Appreciating Every Step Along your Career Journey with John PistottiIn today’s episode, I am joined by John Pistotti who has managed complex events logistics at hotels, universities, convention centers, and outdoor venues. His humble beginnings in the field of hospitality started when he joined the banquets team at the Playboy Mansion. This has led him to many experiences as a technical director which serve as his learning curve to attain the success that he has. John has been passionate about helping with powerful experiences and events.
As we dive deeper into our conversation, John shares how small growth can lead you to success and we al...2022-06-1451 minExperience JunkiesS2 Episode 5: Challenge Yourself to Do Better with Brett MuscoBrett Musco is a Boston-based project manager, triathlete, and long-distance runner who sat down with me to share his story. He began his endurance sports journey in 2017, completing a 1.8 mile open water swim, and has been continuing to seek new adventures ever since, including his first Ironman in 2021.
As we dive into our conversation, Brett shares how he began his triathlete journey and what are the factors that drive him to pursue triathlon. He will also share how having a supportive family and community can help someone be successful in triathlon. Brett shared a lot of gems...2022-05-3130 minExperience JunkiesS2 Episode 4: How To Travel “Better” with Paige McClanahanTravel and tourism can enrich the lives of anyone - if you’re purposeful about your journeys and interactions with the people you encounter.
In today’s episode, I am joined by Paige McClanahan, a travel journalist and podcast host of the “Better Travel Podcast.” She has lived in five countries on two different continents since she left the United States in 2008. Paige has been passionate about inspiring people to travel ever since.
As we dive deeper into our conversation, Paige shares what she learned as a travel journalist and what it means to travel “better”. I...2022-05-1733 minEvent BrewPlanning Events In 2022: The Pandemic Is Over, But Don’t Plan Like It’s 2019As things currently stand in the events industry, we're planning events in 2022 as if the COVID-19 pandemic never existed. The mask mandates are gone and COVID compliance talk has all but disappeared. In-person events are back in all their glory. And to the Event Brew hosts, they often look identical to 2019. But is that a good thing? According to this episode, not so much.
Dustin, Nick, and Will are joined by a very special guest that some might know from #EventIcons: Deanna Nwosu. She notes that, indeed, some events look a lot like 2019 in 2022. But why is...2022-05-1257 minExperience JunkiesS2 Episode 3: Pushing Beyond Boundaries To Innovate with Heidi LegeinThere is no innovation without pushing past fear.
Today, I am joined by Heidi Legein, the founder and the chief executive Guru at the Mice Guru. She is the creator of “The Digital Trip” - a virtual and immersive destination showcase series; and the “Digital Disruptor” an innovative, and transformative hybrid event concept. She is known for her strong will of going beyond the boundaries.
As we dive into the conversation, Heidi and I talk about many important topics ranging from creating amazing experiences to innovating in the workspace. This episode is mainly about not being af...2022-05-0340 min
InEvent TalksGoing Beyond Hospitality in Events with Deanna NwosuIn this episode, we chat with Deanna Nwosu about ways to go beyond hospitality and create truly unforgettable experiences for your guests.
Deanna is a hostess at heart, which birthed a passion for meeting and event planning, allowing her to coordinate countless opportunities to connect with people across all social strata. Taking care of clients and creating an ideal attendee experience is second nature and the driving force behind her work.
Are you curious about what it takes to create world-class events? Then you won’t want to miss this episode of the EventLand podcast. Gr...2022-04-2733 minExperience JunkiesS2 Episode 2: The Beauty in Taking a Career BreakCareer breaks have been such a taboo subject for so many years and today you’ll know why it’s a beautiful thing.
In this episode, I’m joined by Katrina McGhee who is a career break and sabbatical coach and expert. She helps individuals create the break of their dreams even when it feels impossible. The main goal of Katrina is to provide a pathway to creating a life you celebrate, rather than “tolerate”.
As we dive into the conversation, Katrina shares what she learned from stepping away from corporate America and how it changed her...2022-04-1934 minExperience JunkiesS2 Episode 1: Creating Connections that Drive BusinessToday, I am joined by Liz Lathan who is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Haute Companies which is comprised of strategic marketers, problem solvers, brand stewards, innovators and many more. Liz oversees marketing for all of Haute brands.
Liz joined me today to talk about what “Haute” is all about and what it means to be a “Hautie”. In this conversation, listeners will get a glimpse of how they tackle creating experience strategy for campaigns, conferences and other activations. Liz also talked about their groundbreaking research on “Return on Emotion” and the 5 key emotions that...2022-04-0535 minPlanners on Purpose PodcastThe Power of Memories with Deanna NwosuToday's interview feature is with special guest Deanna Nwosu. Deanna is a leader in the meeting and event industry as well as an event emcee, moderator, and speaker that believes that the power of memories is overlooked. We will talk a bit about the power of memories and how important they are, especially with the events that we plan.Episode HighlightsDon't allow fear to prevent you from going after what you want.You can't be your barrier to reaching the things you want to get. There will be plenty of external barriers that g...2022-03-2241 min