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

2019-05-21

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. Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of ...

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.

Kevin Y. Brown

Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Yvonne McNair

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 the 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, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #170
“There are so many things I learned from grad school that I use every day.” - Yvonne McNair, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #170
“Be the best that you can be in your own lane” - Kevin Y Brown, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #170
“A plan is not a plan until you write it down.” - Yvonne McNair, Create Your Life Series, #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, Create Your Life Series, #170