CYLS 170: Be The Best That You Can Be In Your Own Lane with Yvonne McNair

Episode summary:

Yvonne talks about her entrepreneurial journey, sharing how she used her experiences and her education to become a go-to special event producer in the music industry. She shares inspiration and strategies for navigating negative feedback and holding her own in an industry where women of color are minorities. She also talks about the importance of the behind-the-scenes movers and shakers in all industries: how to value them and how fulfilling a job in that role can be.

About our Guest:

Yvonne McNair is CEO of Captivate Marketing Group. She is a certified and Emmy-nominated special events producer and entertainment marketing professional. She was mentored by Esther Gordy Edwards, Berry’s Gordon’s sister and the creator of Motown Museum. At 22, she was featured on the cover of Crain magazine as someone to watch in the industry. Today, she has 20 years and over 10,000 events under her belt. She has worked with artists big and small, including working with Prince as well as top media companies including the Sundance Film Festival and MTV, among others.

Insights from this episode:

Strategies for continuing to innovate and evolve with your craft

Strategies for cultivating and sustaining relationships

How to play the long game when securing clients

Secrets to mastering your craft

How to show your gratitude for the people in your corner

Strategies for pushing past introversion to network successfully

Strategies for retaining clients year over year

Quotes from the show:

“I wanted to have all those same credentials so there was nothing holding me back.” - Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

On developing strong relationships with clients: “When I’m working with artists, I’m not just gonna hit you up when you’re high.” - Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“I’m the go-to person when people want something a little different. I compete against myself. I want to do better than the last event.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“There are so many things I learned from grad school that I use every day.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

On navigating negative feedback: “I just shake it off. I feel that I’m really strong and I feel that there’s nothing I can’t handle or do, so you know just having strength and believing in yourself.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“I try to go with how a person makes me feel – instinct. If I’m gonna partner with you we gotta both be bringing something to the table.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“Be the best that you can be in your own lane” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #170

On rebuilding her business after moving to New York: “I had to really have the confidence in myself. I had to have a long talk with myself.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“I think it’s so important, especially with things that go on in the world, I’ve lost a couple very close friends – they’ve passed away – so I want my friends to know I love them and I appreciate them because you just never know.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“A plan is not a plan until you write it down.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

“You only have one time, in fact you might have half a time to show me who you are before I believe it. That doesn’t mean that I’m through with you, but I might reposition you.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #170

Resources mentioned:

Keynote

Favorite book:

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

Favorite quote:

“When people show you who they are, believe them.” - Maya Angelou

3 keys to Create Your Best Life:

    Persistence

    Step out of your comfort zone

    Be a risk taker

Stay Connected:

Show Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/

https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin Y Brown:

www.kevinybrown.com

www.instagram.com/kevinybrown

www.twitter.com/kevinybrown

www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Yvonne NcNair:

www.instagram.com/ymcnairasiseeit

https://twitter.com/ymcnair

www.captivatemarketinggroup.com

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify.