How Imani Ellis Turned a Living Room Meetup into a Cultural Empire
What does it mean to have true influence, and how can you tap into it?
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Imani Ellis, the mastermind and founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC, about how a few small gatherings in her apartment turned into a massive cultural movement. With years of experience bringing creatives together, Imani opens up about what it really takes to build with intention—without all the noise. She shares her blueprint for staying true to yourself, building real connections, and creating lasting influence in a world that’s often focused on instant attention.
We also talk about…
Imani’s journey from corporate PR to founding CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC
The difference between chasing clout and creating a lasting impact
What it takes to cultivate trust and build real influence in today’s digital age
How to stay true to yourself while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship
Imani’s approach to supporting creatives and fostering a sense of belonging in the industry
The power of community and collaboration in creative spaces
The truth about dating as a successful woman
Chapters:
00:00 Founding CultureCon
05:37 Rethinking Self-Identity Labels
07:35 Influence Built on Trust
09:48 Identifying Growth and Closing Gaps
15:28 Pausing to Regain Control
18:00 Addressing Anxiety Through Reflection
22:25 Discovering My Zone of Genius
23:01 Redefining Talent and Effort
27:44 Driven by Anger for Inclusion
32:02 Having an Ownership Mindset
33:02 Embracing Identity Beyond Career
39:54 Prioritizing Collaboration Over Potential
48:12 Creative Residency Reset
50:01 Embracing Seasonal Self-Discovery
Resources:
Follow Imani on Instagram [@imaniimani](https://www.instagram.com/imaniimani/...)
Follow CultureCon on Instagram [@CultureCon](https://www.instagram.com/culturecon/...) and get details for the CultureCon Conference October 4-5 in Brooklyn at https://theccnyc.com/culturecon
Follow The Creative Collective on Instagram [@theccnyc](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHJbLqigu...)
Check out Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto https://amzn.to/4jwUPnj) by Tricia Hersey
[Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les](https://balancedles.substack.com/)
Check out my new brand [Spacious Rituals](http://spaciousrituals.com/) and get your virtual planner for 2025!
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