From the Kitchen to the Camera Chef Emily Brubaker never planned to become a celebrity chef. She originally pursued art and computer animation, but found her creative outlet in the kitchen where color, texture, and flavor became her tools. After years in fine dining and a few years devoted to motherhood, she returned to the culinary world and took home the top prize on "Yes, Chef!". What mattered most to her was not the win itself, but the transformation that came with it. Th

Looking Back at Launch Week When Sales Tales launched in October 2021, Mandi was in the thick of pandemic pivots, moving contracts, and navigating the changing business landscape. Though she’d finished the book in 2019, the world had other plans. She delayed her search for a publisher, eventually signing with one in 2021, and then quickly moved into promotion mode. She launched the paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions all at once. But instead of bundling the audiobook w

From Derby Doll to Business Owner Nili Goldfarb never set out to run a roller rink. Her journey began on the track as a roller derby athlete who loved the energy, competition, and camaraderie of the sport. Over time, she moved from player to manager, taking on leadership roles that taught her how to organize events, build teams, and cultivate belonging within a growing community. As she transitioned from skater to general manager, she learned to balance her love for the game

Behind the Scenes at IMEX America 2025 The events industry’s biggest U.S. trade show just wrapped, and your Adventures in Business co-hosts were in the thick of it. IMEX America 2025 boasted record-breaking attendance and a high-energy show floor, and in this minisode, Amani and Mandi reflect on everything from unexpected reunions to wellness-focused activations, packed speaking schedules, and how they’re planning to make next year even more intentional. Mandi’s Week: Full Ca

A Global Lens on Leadership and Service Karen Stephens’ path into hospitality wasn’t a straight line, but it’s that winding journey that makes her perspective so refreshing. As Chief Marketing Officer at Revinate, Karen brings a traveler’s heart, a global mindset, and a deep respect for the craft of hospitality to every conversation she has. In this episode, Karen joins Mandi and Amani to share how her international experiences shaped her approach to leadership, guest experie

As the final quarter of the year kicks off, we’re taking stock of our goals, energy, and plans to end the year strong while setting up for a successful start to 2026. In this mini-episode of Adventures in Business , we share how we navigate one of the busiest times of the year. End the Year Strong in Business For Mandi, who wears many hats between event management, coaching, and speaking, Q4 is all about timing and communication. Hotels are eager to close out business before

What makes a leader truly magnetic? According to Jess Goldberg, Emmy Award-winning journalist turned leadership communication expert, it’s not something you’re born with. It’s something you can build. In her conversation on this episode of Adventures in Business with Amani and Mandi, Jess shares her insights on how anyone can develop the presence, influence, and authenticity that make people want to follow their lead. Meet Jess Goldberg Jess Goldberg is a leadership communic

When it comes to leadership, few skills matter more than decision-making. In this mini-episode of Adventures in Business, Mandi and Amani chat about what it really takes to make confident choices in business and life, from trusting your gut to avoiding analysis paralysis. Decision Making for Leaders Is a Practice Decision making for leaders isn’t a one-and-done skill. It’s something leaders must continually practice and refine. One of the greatest skills you can hone as a le

When it comes to creating a brand that draws people in, it’s not just about great marketing or clever messaging; it’s about authenticity, alignment, and storytelling. That’s what this week’s guest on Adventures in Business, Christy Renee Stehle, is all about. Read on to hear Christy, a storyteller, speaker, and branding expert, explain what makes a brand (and a person) magnetic, why reinvention is essential, and how living your message changes everything. Meet Christy Renee

On this episode of the Adventures in Business podcast, Amani and Mandi sat down with time management expert Alegre Ramos. Whether you think you’ve got time management down or you know your calendar needs serious help, Alegre will be the first to say: we can all fine-tune how we use our time. In this episode, she shares her top time management mistakes to avoid, her favorite time-saving strategies, and how knowing your “chronotype” can completely change your productivity game.

In this mini-episode of Adventures in Business , Amani and Mandi chat about email newsletters for business owners (or, as Mandi prefers...

In this episode of Adventures in Business , Amani and Mandi interview Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia,...

In this mini-episode of Adventures in Business , Amani and Mandi look at a favorite topic of creatives and entrepreneurs alike: the solo...

In this episode of Adventures in Business , Amani and Mandi chat with brand master Robyn Young, founder of Young & Co, to talk about what...

The SXSW Backstory What began as a music festival in Austin in the late 1980s has transformed into a multi-disciplinary mega-event. Mandi...

Have you ever felt totally overwhelmed by the news – so overwhelmed that you decided to disconnect completely from it? You’re not alone,...

Happy 51st birthday to Mandi! As her birthday approaches, Mandi and Amani are reflecting on a goal setting exercise that has been...

If you’ve ever wondered how music, leadership, and neuroscience could fit together in one inspiring conversation, meet Genein Letford –...

In this episode of Adventures in Business , Amani and Mandi chat with Lyndal Larkin, Executive Coach, Speaker, Strategic Offsite...

On this episode of Adventures in Business , Amani and Mandi sit down with Leslee Owen, marketing consultant, mom of four, and co-founder...