Elite Insights

Elite Insights

por The Elite Collective
Emprendimiento
Temporada 2

Building a Media Career From The Ground Up with Besa Gordon

What does it take to find your authentic voice in a world full of noise? In this episode of Elite Insights, we sit down with Besa Gordon—one of Seattle’s most vibrant media voices and host of Back to Besa on Fox 13. Besa shares her journey from starting a blog at 18 to becoming a staple in Pacific Northwest media. We dive deep into the importance of uplifting your community, protecting your peace by choosing positive content, and the reality of being a "consummate professional" in a fast-paced industry. #BesaGordon #BackToBesa #EliteInsights #SeattleMedia #ContentCreation #CommunityBuilding #AuthenticVoice #VideoProduction
T2 · E5
18 feb 2026
44:59

Mental Health is a Civil Rights Issue with Ashley McGirt

In this powerful episode of Elite Insights, we sit down with Ashley McGirt-Adair, a renowned psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, and the visionary founder of the Therapy Fund Foundation. Ashley shares her deeply personal journey—from being a nine-year-old child educating her school counselor on race relations to becoming a leading voice in racial trauma and mental health advocacy. Ashley discusses the critical "360-degree" view of community health, emphasizing that mental wellness cannot be fully achieved without first meeting basic needs like housing and food. We dive into the systemic barriers that historically excluded communities face in the healthcare system and how her foundation is working to dismantle them through access to care, education, and peer support. About Our Guest: Ashley McGirt-Adair is a psychotherapist and the founder of the Therapy Fund Foundation. Her work challenges traditional perspectives on mental health and leadership, focusing on how authentic storytelling and trauma-informed care can change the world. #MentalHealth #RacialTrauma #TherapyFund #BIPOCWellness #EliteInsights #AshleyMcGirt #Healing #RepresentationMatters
T2 · E4
18 feb 2026
1:08:21

From Vision to Legacy: Creating Space For Black Art With Jazmyn Scott

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.
T2 · E3
18 feb 2026
1:12:50

Leadership Built on Service and Community with Savannah Walker

"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
T2 · E2
18 feb 2026
32:36

When Culture Leads Innovation: A Conversation with Arif Gursel

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.
T2 · E1
18 feb 2026
1:08:03
Temporada 1

Creating Stages for Our Stories: w/ Michelle Lang of Acts On Stage

🎭 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." — 🎧 Tune in. Be moved. Then go build your own stage. 🔗 Follow @actsonstage + @theelitecollective 📩 Inquiries: hello@elitecollective.co #EliteInsights #ActsOnStage #MichelleLang #BlackTheatre #StorytellingWithPurpose #FaithAndCreativity #VisualStorytelling #CommunityLeadership #AmplifyVoices #ElevateStories #CulturalIntelligence
T1 · E14
5 nov 2025
1:21:31

Designing Events That Feel Like Home — w/ Synchronicity Events | Elite Insights Ep.13

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.’” — 🔗 Watch, share, and subscribe for more purpose-driven stories. 📲 Follow us @theelitecollective 📧 Inquiries: hello@elitecollective.co #EliteInsights #EventProduction #VisualStorytelling #PurposeDrivenEvents #BehindTheScenes #SynchronicityEvents #NonprofitEvents #BlackCreatives #SeattleEvents #AmplifyStories #ElevateVoices
T1 · E13
2 oct 2025
1:32:04

From Vision to Impact: Jasmine RaeLynn on Building Culture-Driven Creative Agencies

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.
T1 · E12
24 sept 2025
51:12

TraeAnna Holliday - From Childhood Filmmaker to Emmy-Winning Changemaker | Elite Insights EP.11

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 — 📌 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. — 🔗 Follow The Elite Collective Website: www.theelitecollective.com Instagram/YouTube: @eliteinsightspodcast #EliteInsights #TreyHolliday #CommunityMedia #VisualStorytelling #BlackExcellence #TheEliteCollective
T1 · E11
17 sept 2025
1:23:56

From Nightlife to Boardrooms: Jason Hicks on Culture, Creativity & Corporate Strategy | Elite Insights EP.10

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
T1 · E10
10 sept 2025
41:57
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