New episode of Elite Insights is live.

We’re joined by Jazmyn Scott — Executive Director of Art Noir — for a powerful conversation about building real infrastructure for Black artists, securing ownership as a form of displacement prevention, and creating space that serves the community long-term.

From launching Art Noir as an online magazine to opening a gallery, gift shop, and cultural hub in Seattle’s Central District, Jazmyn shares what it takes to build something rooted in purpose, dignity, and legacy.

"We got 20 days. Can we make it happen?" 🤯

In this episode of Elite Insights, we sit down with Savannah Walker, a "People Operations" powerhouse who transformed a background in admin into a legacy of community-building events for the Muckleshoot Tribe.

From planning massive holiday parties at Emerald Downs to organizing a "Get Out the Vote" campaign that resulted in the highest Native vote turnout in the nation, Savannah shares the reality of strategic event planning. She breaks down how to balance wild creative ideas (like a Prince-themed party or Guava Cake tasting ) with the logistical reality of budgets and standard operating procedures.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from "Human Resources" to "Human Leadership" , or how to grow your career by simply "rolling up your sleeves", this episode is for you.

#EventPlanning #Leadership #PeopleOperations #Muckleshoot #CommunityBuilding #EliteInsights #CareerGrowth #Podcast

In this episode of Elite Insights, Carlos Imani sits down with Arif Gursel for a grounded conversation about what it really takes to build work, spaces, and communities that last.

From his time working on the original Xbox team at Microsoft to building and owning spaces like P.A.C.E., SEA619, and The Union Seattle, Arif breaks down the ideas most people skip: • why systems matter more than hustle

• why ownership changes the rules

• why failure is tuition, not defeat

• why stability can be a strategy

• and why community is infrastructure — not a buzzword

This isn’t a conversation about grinding harder or chasing titles. It’s about design, intention, and building things that still work when you’re not in the room.

🎭 What happens when we stop waiting for a seat at the table—and build the whole stage instead?

In Episode 14 of Elite Insights, we sit down with Michelle Lang, visionary founder of Acts On Stage, to explore how storytelling, faith, and radical creativity can reshape culture from the inside out.

From working with Kirk Franklin to founding one of the few Black-led theater companies in the Northwest, Michelle unpacks her journey of audacity, alignment, and art. This episode is a soulful invitation to move with purpose, trust your assignment, and create space for the stories that rarely get center stage.

🔥 Topics we explore:

• The founding vision behind Acts On Stage
• How faith + art + equity show up in Michelle’s leadership
• What it means to be “called to create”
• Making impact while maintaining integrity
• Why telling our stories matters more than ever

💥 Quote That Resonates: "We’re not just performing—we’re preserving culture, activating purpose, and making room for God to move."

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🎧 Tune in. Be moved. Then go build your own stage.

🔗 Follow @actsonstage + @theelitecollective

📩 Inquiries: [email protected]

#EliteInsights #ActsOnStage #MichelleLang #BlackTheatre #StorytellingWithPurpose #FaithAndCreativity #VisualStorytelling #CommunityLeadership #AmplifyVoices #ElevateStories #CulturalIntelligence

What does it take to create an event that guests feel—not just attend?

In this episode of Elite Insights, we sit down with Alex Martin and Mirabai Tours, the powerhouse duo behind Synchronicity Events, to explore the art and strategy of designing events that resonate deeply and leave lasting impressions.

From sweaty summer festivals to elegant ballroom galas, we trace the journey of building community through intentional design, logistical mastery, and pure joy. Whether you're a planner, producer, or purpose-driven leader—this episode is a masterclass in how alignment, empathy, and cultural intelligence can turn events into movements.

🔊 Topics We Cover:

• How Synchronicity Events came to be
• Creating purpose-filled spaces for nonprofits
• Joy, alignment, and choosing meaning over money
• The power of collaboration between mission-driven teams

💬 Quote we’re still thinking about: "My dream is... you go to brunch and say, ‘That event felt like us.’”

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🔗 Watch, share, and subscribe for more purpose-driven stories. 📲 Follow us @theelitecollective 📧 Inquiries: [email protected]

#EliteInsights #EventProduction #VisualStorytelling #PurposeDrivenEvents #BehindTheScenes #SynchronicityEvents #NonprofitEvents #BlackCreatives #SeattleEvents #AmplifyStories #ElevateVoices

What does it take to grow a creative agency from an idea into a movement? In this episode of Elite Insights, we sit down with Jasmine Rae Lynn, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The Elite Marketing Firm, to explore how brand culture, storytelling, and alignment can fuel both growth and impact.

Jasmine shares her journey of connecting with Elite Collective, the power of social media in building authentic relationships, and what it really means to stay aligned with your mission through every pivot.

✨ You’ll Learn:

• How storytelling and culture create long-term impact for creative businesses.
• The role of social media in building authentic community connections.
• Why alignment and refinement are key to scaling your vision.
• Lessons from Jasmine’s journey as a creative visionary and agency leader.

🔔 Subscribe to Elite Insights for more conversations with visionary leaders shaping culture, creativity, and community.

What does it look like to grow up on camera, rise through the media ranks, and use your voice to lead statewide conversations on equity?

In Episode 11 of Elite Insights, Carlos Imani sits down with Emmy Award-winning producer and community leader TreaAnna Holliday for an unfiltered, heart-centered conversation on legacy, liberation, and showing up for community through media.

📍 From Seattle Central to center stage, Trey’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven storytelling and relentless growth. This episode is packed with game — from behind-the-scenes production memories to navigating motherhood, movement work, and media in real-time.

Whether you’re just getting started or deep in your creative journey, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Topics we explore:

• Early production roots and friendship foundations
• How community shaped Trey’s storytelling style
• Real talk on evolving in public while staying grounded
• Building a platform that centers culture, truth, and brilliance

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📌 About the Series: Elite Insights is where stories rise and purpose leads. Powered by The Elite Collective, we sit down with culture-shifters, creators, and visionaries to elevate voices, amplify missions, and engage with soul.

🖤 Watch. Reflect. Share the brilliance.

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🔗 Follow The Elite Collective

Website: www.theelitecollective.com

Instagram/YouTube: @eliteinsightspodcast

#EliteInsights #TreyHolliday #CommunityMedia #VisualStorytelling #BlackExcellence #TheEliteCollective

What does it look like to move from Atlanta’s nightlife to Amazon boardrooms, from billboards to blending coffee and culture? On Episode 10 of Elite Insights, host Carlos Imani sits down with Jason Hicks — corporate strategist at Amazon, producer of Apple TV’s On the Fly, and co-owner of Seattle’s Blend Coffee & Kicks.

This isn’t just a career path — it’s a masterclass in systems thinking, storytelling, and showing up with purpose.

🎙️ In this episode:

• How the nightlife scene shaped Jason’s creative leadership style
• What it means to bring culture and equity into corporate spaces
• Behind the scenes of producing On the Fly and building a brand with community roots
• Lessons from Atlanta to Seattle on building platforms that resonate

📍 Whether you're a creative, a strategist, or a culture-shifter — this one’s for you.

💬 Favorite Quote: "Juneteenth wasn’t just an event — it was a reminder that storytelling belongs in every space, even boardrooms." – Jason Hicks

🔥 Powered by The Elite Collective At The Elite Collective, we elevate stories, amplify voices, and engage communities through culturally rooted production, visual storytelling, and immersive experiences.

➡️ Subscribe for more episodes: @eliteinsightspodcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @eliteinsightspodcast

💼 Learn more about our work: www.theelitecollective.com

#EliteInsights #JasonHicks #CreativeLeadership #Storytelling #Amazon #OnTheFly #BlendCoffeeAndKicks #CulturalStrategy #Juneteenth #TheEliteCollective #ElevateAmplifyEngage

What makes an event unforgettable? In Episode 9 of Elite Insights, host Carlos Imani sits down with the incomparable Sasha Summer Cousineau—emcee, event strategist, and community connector—to explore the art of holding the mic and mastering the flow of live experiences.

From behind-the-scenes prep to real-time improv, Sasha breaks down what it takes to make events feel seamless, even when chaos strikes. Learn why great hosting is a craft, why the best event tech teams are invisible, and why deep preparation leads to effortless presence.

🔊 In this episode:

• How to handle mic moments with intention
• The power of "invisible" production teams
• Real stories from events with Elite Collective
• Sasha’s journey from planner to powerhouse emcee

🎧 Whether you're a host, planner, or part of the A/V crew, this one’s for anyone committed to creating meaningful, high-impact experiences.

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📌 Subscribe to stay tapped into purpose-driven production and stories that move communities forward.

#EliteInsights #EventProduction #VisualStorytelling #CommunityEvents #SashaSummer #EliteCollective #AVProduction #ImpactEvents

What does it take to serve community with dignity—and reimagine systems rooted in equity?

In Episode 8 of Elite Insights, Carson Amani is joined by Rosy Grand and Jacqueline Hamilton of Byrd Barr Place, one of Seattle’s oldest Black-led community organizations. Together, they reflect on the organization’s transformation, the legacy of civil rights activism, and the everyday work of showing up for neighbors with radical care.

💬 In this episode:

– What it means to serve Black communities from within

– The story behind Byrd Barr Place’s evolution from CAMP

– Navigating systems of power while staying rooted in community

– How storytelling and dignity intersect in service delivery

– The future of belonging, basic needs, and building collective power

This is a conversation about legacy and liberation—grounded in the wisdom of those doing the work, day in and day out.

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Elite Insights is produced by The Elite Collective, a purpose-driven production studio that elevates experiences, amplifies voices, and engages communities through visionary storytelling and design.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives with leaders who are shaping the culture and caring for community.

#EliteInsights #ByrdBarrPlace #CommunityCare #BlackLedOrganizations #SeattleVoices #MutualAid #CivicPower #TheEliteCollective #AmplifyVoices