In this episode of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Lauren McSorley, co-founder of LMH Experiences, ranked No. 1707 on the Inc. 5000 (2025), about her journey in corporate event planning and building a thriving business by helping leaders focus on strengths. Lauren shares insights on adaptability, creativity, and self-awareness in leadership, especially as the industry evolves toward virtual and hybrid events, and discusses strategies for leadership development, including fostering strong team dynamics, supporting talent through regular check-ins and recognition, and cultivating a high-performing, engaged workforce. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone interested in leadership growth, organizational culture, and leveraging strengths to achieve business success.

Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

7:52 Shifts in the Events Industry 12:51 Finding Your Strengths 14:58 Overcoming Leadership Challenges 16:44 Mistakes in Leadership 19:19 Self-Awareness in Leadership 21:25 Developing Employee Strengths

Passion and Purpose in Event Planning

In this episode of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett interviews Lauren McSorley, co-founder of LMH Experiences, a corporate event planning company specializing in both virtual and in-person events. Lauren shares the driving force behind her work: delivering exceptional experiences for clients while embracing creativity and innovation. She reflects on how the events industry has evolved, particularly post-COVID-19, and how adaptability and a willingness to learn have been essential to keeping her company competitive and relevant.

Leadership Principles and Team Empowerment

Lauren explores the core principles of effective leadership, emphasizing the difference between leading within an organization versus running her own company. She discusses how leaders focus on strengths, both their own and those of their team members, to drive performance, foster collaboration, and build a supportive work environment. By leveraging complementary skills and cultivating self-awareness, Lauren empowers her team to excel in their areas of expertise, reinforcing that strong leadership is grounded in both strategic insight and emotional intelligence.

Adapting to a Dynamic Industry

The conversation turns to the rapidly changing landscape of corporate events, particularly the shift toward virtual and hybrid formats. Lauren shares how LMH Experiences successfully pivoted to virtual events, building trusted vendor networks and creating engaging digital experiences. She also highlights emerging trends, such as balancing in-person and virtual events, and how data-driven decision-making supports effective resource allocation and client satisfaction in a competitive market.

Focusing on Strengths for Sustainable Success

Drawing on her 15 years of experience, Lauren reflects on the value of self-awareness and identifying personal and team strengths. By understanding her own capabilities and delegating strategically, she has cultivated a high-performing team while promoting professional development. Her methods include regular check-ins, performance reviews, and recognition of both individual and collective achievements. This episode demonstrates how leaders focus on strengths to drive growth, build resilience, and create a culture where teams can thrive.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders Focus on Strengths: Learn how Lauren McSorley leverages her own strengths and empowers her team to excel.
• Adaptability in Action: Discover how LMH Experiences pivoted successfully to virtual and hybrid events.
• Creative Leadership: Insights on embracing creativity to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Team Development: Practical strategies for check-ins, recognition, and fostering a high-performing culture.
• Data-Driven Decisions: How balancing virtual and in-person events with smart planning drives success.