The Courage to Be Direct: Building Confidence Through Candor and Difficult Conversations

Season 7, Episode 11 Guest: Dee Mittman, National Multicultural & Business Development Sales Manager, Visit Virginia BeachDee Mittman, national multicultural and business development sales manager at Visit Virginia Beach and board member of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about self-advocacy, mentorship and the power of community. Together, they explore why women need to ask for advice, advocate for themselves and create opportunities for one another, along with the importance of understanding how politics and policy impact the meetings and events industry. 

Season 7, Episode 10 Guests:Amber Sheerin, Program and Event Director, MichiganLibrary AssociationAshley Builta, Director of Meetings and Education,Michigan Pharmacists AssociationClarissa Lange, Director of Sales and Marketing,DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-RiverfrontAmber Sheerin, program and event director at the Michigan Library Association; Ashley Builta, director of meetings and education at the Michigan Pharmacists Association; and Clarissa Lange, director of sales and marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront, join host Courtney Stanley for a live conversation about leadership, confidence, and self advocacy. Together, they challenge traditional ideas of leadership, unpack imposter syndrome and the importance of setting boundaries, and share perspectives on navigating an ADHD diagnosis, communicating needs and creating the conditions to thrive professionally.

Season 7, Episode 9 Kim Napolitano, executive director of global industry relations at Hilton, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about growth, boundaries and the relationships that shape us. Together, they explore ways to stay grounded in stressful moments, the value of getting comfortable with discomfort, and why curiosity can open the door to meaningful growth.

Season 7, Episode 8 Guest: Rachel Andrews, Global Head of Meetings & Events, CventRachel Andrews, global head of meetings and events at Cvent, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about leadership, curiosity and navigating a rapidly changing industry. Together, they explore Rachel’s leadership journey, the evolving impact of AI on meetings and events, and why staying curious is essential to growing, adapting and leading in an ever-changing industry.

Season 7, Episode 7 Guest: Natalia Roblero, Director of Groups & Incentives, Memorable DMC Costa Rica, Panamá, Belize Natalia Roblero, director of groups and incentives sales at Memorable Travel Group, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about ambition, resilience and the realities of building a meaningful career as a single mom. Together, they explore what it means to lead with courage, navigate impostor syndrome and self-doubt, give yourself grace through life's changing seasons, and learn to believe the good things others see in you.

Season 7, Episode 6 Guest: Leslie Blye, Chief Revenue Officer, AnseraLeslie Blye, chief revenue officer for Ansera, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about leadership, confidence and the courage to have difficult conversations.Together, they explore what it means to lead through change, how confidence is built through experience and candor, and the difference between managing a team and truly developing people.

Season 7, Episode 5 Guest: Melissa Majors, Inspirer, Storyteller, Author and Coach, Melissa Majors ConsultingMelissa Majors, speaker, author and leadership coach, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about the growing need for human connection in today’s world and what it means to lead with empathy, intention and community.Together, they explore the unspoken pressures many women are carrying right now, the importance of rewriting the narrative around how women support one another, and why meaningful connection and belonging matter more than ever in both life and leadership.

Season 7, Episode 4Guest: Carly Silberstein, Event Entrepreneur, Cielle & Co.Carly Silberstein, event entrepreneur at Cielle & Co, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about what it takes to build, evolve and lead in a rapidly changing events industry.Together, they explore why some of the biggest opportunities come before you feel ready, how Carly is investing in the future through event technology and emerging talent, and what it means to make bold, aligned decisions about where to focus your time and energy. They also unpack the realities of navigating growth, making high-stakes decisions and stepping into what’s next with clarity and conviction.

Season 7, Episode 3Guest: Princess Castleberry, Global Keynote Speaker & Leadership Capacity Strategist, Castleberry GlobalPrincess Castleberry, leadership capacity strategist, global keynote speaker, and author of The Truth Is in the Trigger™, joins host Courtney Stanley for a conversation about the growing leadership capacity crisis and what it takes to stay effective in high-pressure, fast-changing environments. Together, they explore why triggers are powerful signals—not weaknesses—how leaders can decode them to improve judgment and resilience, and what it really means to stay on your “A-Game” in today’s complex world.

Season 7, Episode 2Guest: Ashlee Livingstone, Personal Growth Coach and Breathwork FacilitatorAshlee Livingstone is a personal growth coach and breathwork facilitator who helps achieving women manage their stress, improve their mental & emotional wellness, and find more harmony in everyday life. She’s the Founder of The Mental Fitness Club, co-host of The Calm Collective podcast, and a trusted speaker and coach. Ashlee’s approachable and practical style helps her clients feel grounded, focused, and empowered to thrive—both at work and beyond.