27: Dee Poku on Creating Empowering Events That Connect Women

A trip to Cuba changed everything for former film marketing executive Dee Poku. While on holiday during a busy, chaotic time for her industry, Dee realized it was time for her to make a transition and strike out on her own, even though she didn't know exactly what that would look like.  Eventually, after being invited to an exclusive event with a room full of powerful women who came together to network, share information and build new relationships, Dee realized she wanted to create a way for all women to have access to such a room. The result? WIE (Women, Inspiration, Enterprise) Network, co-founded in 2010, which hosts symposiums to support ambitious career women, and that has attracted high-caliber speakers, such as Arianna Huffington, Diane Von Furstenberg and Rosario Dawson.

In 2015, after attending a one too many male-heavy music festivals, Dee was struck with another idea and a way to reach a new set of women emerging in the professional space. In order to serve millennials, who are launching their own businesses and embracing entrepreneurship, she created a women-driven music event -- The Other Festival, which held its inaugural event in summer 2016 -- featuring women artists, vendors, makers and more.

In this episode, Dee talks about the evolution of her vision to empower women, how to host a powerful event no matter what scale, what you need to know about African women, and the beauty of being The Other.

On this episode, you'll learn:

The benefits of a gap year.When it comes to your passion you don't have to have it all figured out.The power of content and of cultural leaders to influence when partnered with content.Opportunities come when you're open.What it really takes to be successful.The importance of friends who love you through the highs and the lows without judgement.You'd be surprised who will say yes if you ask in the right way. 

Thank you for listening! And hey, if you love it, click here to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes!

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[Music: “Someone Else’s Memories” by Revolution Void]

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