Yvonne McNair is a veteran event producer and behind-the-scenes leader shaping high-stakes live experiences across entertainment and culture. As Founder and Executive Producer of Captivate Productions, she brings over 20 years of experience navigating complex productions, high-pressure environments, and the realities that live behind the curtain. A two-time Emmy-nominated producer, Yvonne is known for her operational rigor, calm leadership, and ability to carry ambitious visions through uncertainty with integrity.

This episode we discuss:

• Yvonne’s path into live production and the moments that shaped her leadership style.
• What really goes into producing large-scale cultural events beyond the creative vision.
• Why learning when to say no is critical to risk management and long-term sustainability.
• Navigating financial exposure, stakeholder pressure, and public scrutiny.
• The emotional labor of leadership in experiential production and how to recover after setbacks.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:
https://www.markstephenagency.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Allie Galloway is a global event leader shaping how major brands show up in culture. As Senior Director of Global Events at Yahoo, she oversees the strategy and execution behind high-impact brand moments—from Cannes Lions to international tentpoles—bringing together storytelling, innovation, and operational precision. With experience across agencies and in-house teams, Allie is known for transforming complex ideas into experiences that resonate, scale, and deliver real business value.

This episode we discuss:

• Allie’s path from agency life to leading global events—and the skills that shaped her approach to creativity and leadership.
• How she designs standout brand activations in competitive environments like Cannes Lions.
• Building alignment inside large organizations and communicating the why behind experiential decisions.
• Navigating pressure, expectations, and the emotional labor of producing high-stakes events.
• What makes agency–client partnerships work: trust, transparency, and shared clarity.
• Lessons from producing international events and managing teams across cultures and time zones.
• Why understanding human behavior is the foundation of great experiential design.
• The future of brand experiences: personalization, community-building, and moments that extend beyond the event.
• Mark and Allie’s reflections on burnout, boundaries, and sustaining creativity in a demanding industry.
• The daily habits and leadership practices Allie uses to stay grounded and inspired.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:
https://www.markstephenagency.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends precision, empathy, and strategy to build platforms where purpose meets performance. As founder of his namesake agency and coaching practice, he’s partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and cultural innovators—from Coca-Cola and Allergan to Clutch Coffee Bar and SeedLegals—bridging culture, commerce, and impact through authentic storytelling. A speaker, author, and men’s mental health advocate, he co-founded Gents Journey, hosts the hit podcast Wolves Among Us, and brings generosity, grit, and humor to every room—a Philly-raised #GirlDad who believes great leadership starts with listening.

This episode we discuss:

• Steven’s journey from engineer to actor to agency founder — and how each phase shaped his approach to leadership and storytelling.
• How growing up as a “people pleaser” led him to understand the power of connection — and what it means to recover from that tendency while still caring deeply about clients.
• The importance of setting clear boundaries in creative and service-driven industries to protect both integrity and outcomes.
• Why “connection is currency,” and how meaningful relationships drive business, creativity, and fulfillment.
• How Steven blends left-brain strategy with right-brain creativity to help brands and leaders tell authentic stories.
• Lessons from coaching CEOs and founders on vulnerability, alignment, and leading with purpose.
• The creation of The Gents Journey — a community helping men reconnect with themselves, their families, and their purpose through shared stories.
• Mark and Steven’s candid reflections on anxiety, resilience, and redefining success beyond constant hustle.
• Daily habits and frameworks — like “Eat Your Morning PIES” — to build focus, gratitude, and balance as a creative leader.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/