Still on a High: Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025 Recap
In this powerful recap episode, host Michelle L. Thames shares the unforgettable highlights and behind-the-scenes magic from Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025, her signature event for women entrepreneurs and multi-passionate creatives.
From the intimate VIP Dinner to a day full of clarity, connection, and collaboration, Michelle walks you through the moments that made this year’s experience transformational. You’ll hear how women left feeling inspired, full, and ready to take action — plus how strategic sponsors, powerhouse speakers, and intentional planning created an event that truly elevated and empowered.
Michelle also shares lessons on visibility, brand building, and community — along with a special announcement about the upcoming Elevate & Align Retreat happening January 2026 in Chicago.
If you’ve ever wanted to host your own event, attend one that shifts your mindset, or just feel inspired by women building legacy — this episode is for you.
Sponsors Mentioned:
American Family Insurance (Legacy Sponsor)
Shine Pages (Presenting Sponsor)
Dream Rentals Chicago (House Partner)
Pacôme Chicago
WDB Marketing
Kreative Blends Studio
I Choose Me
Kute Cookies
Chicago French Press
Women entrepreneur conference
Business visibility
Personal branding event
Women in business
Entrepreneur mindset
Event recap
Michelle Thames
Social Media Decoded
Elevate and Empower LIVE
Women empowerment events
Learn more about the Elevate & Align Retreat: DM me on Instagram. Let's chat!Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthamesLearn more about the Elevate & Empower Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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From Fired to Featured: Turning My Setback Into My Spotlight
After being fired from her “safe” job in healthcare, host Michelle L. Thames turned her setback into the launchpad for a thriving career in marketing, entrepreneurship, and now authorship.
In this very special episode, Michelle celebrates the release of her brand-new book — From Fired to Featured: A Real-Life Guide to Personal Branding with Purpose.
She shares the behind-the-scenes story of how getting fired changed everything, the lessons she learned about resilience and visibility, and how you can use your own story to build a powerful, profitable personal brand.
If you’ve ever faced rejection, failure, or the fear of starting over — this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over… it’s just getting good.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The pivotal moment that inspired From Fired to Featured
How being fired led Michelle to discover her true purpose
The biggest lessons from her entrepreneurial journey
Why your story is your most powerful marketing tool
How to step into your own “featured” era and build a brand with purpose
Key Quotes
“Being fired was my wake-up call, but being featured became my purpose.”
“Your story — the messy, real parts — is your brand’s greatest strategy.”
“You don’t need to wait for permission to be seen. You just need to start.”
Resources Mentioned
From Fired to Featured: A Real-Life Guide to Personal Branding with Purpose
→ AMAZON
(available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and everywhere books are sold)
Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded
→ bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded
If this episode encouraged you, grab your copy of From Fired to Featured today and start building your brand with purpose.
Then tag @michellelthames on Instagram or LinkedIn and share your “featured” moment — Michelle might shout you out on the next episode! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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How I Turn Podcast Listeners Into Clients
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Michelle Thames reveals exactly how her podcast has quietly become one of the most powerful client-attraction systems in her business.You’ll learn the step-by-step process she uses to transform listeners into paying clients — without chasing, cold DMs, or complicated funnels.
Michelle walks through her 3-Step Podcast-to-Client Framework and shares how intentional content creates connection, not coincidence.
What You’ll Learn
Why your podcast (or YouTube channel) is the most underrated lead magnet you already have.
The 3 phases of Michelle’s visibility funnel: Awareness → Connection → Conversion.
How to map episodes directly to your freebie, community, or offer.
How to use storytelling instead of sales pitches to nurture trust.
The exact method Michelle uses to identify “conversion magnet” episodes.
Resources & Mentions
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: @michelleLthames
Book a VIP Strategy + Implementation Day: DM “VIP” on Instagram
Podcast funnel, marketing strategy, visibility coach, how to get podcast clients, relationship marketing, soft launch strategy, Michelle Thames, Social Media Decoded podcast, visibility funnel, marketing systems Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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How to Get Sponsors for Your Event (Without Begging or Chasing)
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and event host Michelle Thames reveals the relationship-first strategy that helped her attract sponsors like Chicago French Press and ShinePages for her Elevate & Empower LIVE event — without cold pitching or begging.
Michelle breaks down how to build authentic partnerships, structure sponsorship tiers, and pitch your event like a collaboration, not a donation. You’ll learn how to create emotional brand alignment, overdeliver value, and transform one-time sponsors into long-term relationships.
If you’re planning an event or retreat and want to secure sponsors confidently and authentically, this episode is your blueprint.
Listen now to learn how to get sponsors the right way — through connection, storytelling, and strategy.
event sponsorship tips, brand partnerships, relationship marketing, how to get event sponsors, influencer marketing strategy, Michelle Thames podcast, community building, event planning tips, sponsorship proposal ideas
Key Takeaways:
Don’t sell sponsorships — create partnerships.
Relationships build trust faster than pitch decks.
Overdeliver, follow up, and nurture your partners.
Make your sponsors feel part of your mission.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Why Your Event Needs a Community Follow-Up Plan
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the secret to creating lasting impact after your event — a powerful Community Follow-Up Plan.
Most people stop marketing once the event is over, but Michelle shows why the real momentum starts afterward. She breaks down her proven system for keeping attendees connected, engaged, and ready for your next offer.
You’ll hear her step-by-step framework, plus behind-the-scenes insights into how she’s preparing to follow up with guests from her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event.
Listen now to learn how to turn your attendees into loyal community members — and your events into ecosystems.
event follow-up plan, community marketing, post-event strategy, event marketing tips, relationship marketing, visibility coach, Michelle Thames podcast, She Connects, networking strategy, entrepreneur marketing
Key Takeaways:
The event isn’t over when it ends — it’s just beginning.
Nurture attendees while the excitement is high.
Automate touchpoints but personalize the experience.
Use feedback to refine your next event and build loyalty.
Let’s Connect & Get Your Freebie!
Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
Instagram: @michellelthames
Threads: @michellelthames
LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames
YouTube: Michelle L Thames
Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Ready to increase your Visibility? Join the FREE 7-Day Visibility Challenge HERE
Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!
Want my proven story strategy that’s helping women earn $200/day from their audience? DM “STORY” to me on Instagram (@michellelthames) and I’ll send you my favorite visibility and sales framework—free for listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social media, content marketing, and business growth into actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨
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