In this episode of the Venue Masterclass Series, Dana sits down with Daniela Justus and Whitney Hodges, co-founders of LeadLock, a lead management software built specifically for wedding venues and wedding professionals. Together, they pull back the curtain on what's actually happening between the moment a lead comes in and the moment someone books — and why that gap is costing venue owners more than they realize.

They dig into why automation doesn't have to feel cold, how to stop writing off leads too early based on budget, what it actually takes to build a system your sales team can run without you, and why every investment you make — even the ones that don't go as planned — is just data pointing you in the right direction.

If you're an owner operator wearing all the hats, running high inquiry volume, or just ready to stop managing leads out of a spreadsheet — this one's for you.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

When I asked her why she ignored her gut instinct in certain situations, her answer was simple:

Empathy.

That answer opened up a much bigger conversation about the moments in our lives when we know something doesn't feel right—but we explain it away, make excuses, or convince ourselves that someone else's needs matter more than our own instincts.

In this Quick Chat, I'm reflecting on the cost of not trusting myself, the difference between empathy and self-abandonment, and what happens when you spend so much time questioning your instincts that you stop believing them altogether.

After navigating one of the hardest seasons of my life, I found myself struggling to trust what I felt, what I knew, and even what was right in front of me. But healing has looked a lot like learning to listen to that inner voice again—and realizing it was trying to protect me all along.

If you've ever ignored a red flag, talked yourself out of what you knew to be true, or found yourself questioning your own reality, this conversation is for you.

Because sometimes the hardest relationship to rebuild is the one you have with yourself.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

What if I fail?

And then, just as quickly:

Then I'll start something new.

In this Quick Chat, I'm reflecting on why those words hit so close to home. From selling The Bradford and navigating one of the hardest seasons of my life to taking the leap into owning two new venues, I've spent a lot of time wrestling with fear, uncertainty, and the pressure to get it right.

But somewhere along the way, I realized something important: my success was never tied to a building, a business, or a specific path. It was tied to what I had learned, what I had built, and who I had become.

We talk a lot about success in entrepreneurship, but we don't talk nearly enough about the fear of failure—or the freedom that comes when failure stops having the final say.

If you've ever found yourself lying awake wondering if you're making the right decision, questioning your next step, or feeling stuck between playing it safe and taking the leap, this conversation is for you.

Because sometimes the question isn't What if I fail?

Sometimes the better question is: What if I'll be okay either way?

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

Kelsey shares her journey from event planner to venue operator, how she convinced a hesitant ownership group to trust her vision, and the risks she took to help transform the property into a thriving wedding venue. From rebranding and rebuilding systems to taking catering in-house and creating an intentional guest experience, Kelsey offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a venue from the inside out.

This conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, trusting your instincts, and the realities of building a business when there is no guaranteed path forward.

Whether you're a venue owner, event professional, or someone dreaming about taking the leap into business ownership, Kelsey's story is full of practical insights and inspiration.

Check Out Kelsey's Amazing Property:

The Floriana
Also make sure you are following them on Instagram @florianaipswich

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

In this episode of Gathered Here, Dana sits down with Mitchell Busse, the driving force behind Event Guard  - the first AI-powered event insurance platform in the United States -  to talk about the realities of risk, liability, cancellations, and the misconceptions that venue owners and couples still have about wedding insurance.

From frozen florals and missing vendors to hurricane season and “friendors,” this conversation dives into the real-life scenarios that can completely derail an event, and how the right insurance coverage can protect not only the couple, but the venue, vendors, and the overall guest experience.

Dana and Mitchell also unpack:

• The difference between liability and cancellation insurance
• Why more venues are requiring cancellation coverage
• The biggest insurance misconceptions in the wedding industry
• What venue owners think they’re protected against (but aren’t)
• Why small weddings still carry big risks
• How insurance actually helps preserve client relationships during stressful moments

Whether you’re a venue owner, planner, vendor, or engaged couple, this episode is a practical and eye-opening conversation about the part of weddings nobody thinks about — but everyone should.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

In this very first edition of AITVA (Am I The Vendor Asshole?), Dana is joined by wedding planner and designer Irene of Irene & Co Events to unpack one very heated Reddit thread: a bride questioning whether she really needed to tip her wedding vendors 20%… including a $6,000 gratuity for catering staff.

From tip jars at wedding bars to service fees, self-employed vendors, bad DJs, and the pressure couples feel to tip everyone — nothing is off limits in this conversation.

Together, Dana and Irene dive into:

• Whether self-employed vendors should expect tips
• The difference between gratuity and service fees
• Why transparency matters more than ever
• How venues and vendors should educate clients
• Why handwritten notes and reviews often mean more than cash
• And whether tipping culture has officially gone too far

Funny, honest, slightly unhinged, and packed with real industry insight — this episode is for vendors, couples, planners, and anyone who has ever felt personally attacked by the iPad tip screen.

So… is the client the asshole here?

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

Dana sits down with venue consultant and sales strategist Adrienne Gardner to talk about diversification, burnout, staffing realities, and the pressure venue owners feel to become the “top wedding venue” in their market. Together, they unpack why more weddings are not always the answer — and how corporate events, galas, proms, celebrations of life, and repeat community partnerships can create more stability, better staffing balance, and a healthier business overall.

From honest conversations about ego and profitability to practical strategies for creating recurring revenue, this episode is a reminder that there is no single blueprint for success in the venue world.

If you’ve ever questioned whether the traditional wedding-only model is sustainable, this conversation is for you.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

In this Quick Chat, I’m reflecting on one of the biggest leadership lessons that’s been sitting with me since my conversation with Anthony Lambatos—and honestly, it hit deeper than I expected.

We talk a lot about team culture, hiring the right people, and building something meaningful. But what happens when someone who was the right person… isn’t anymore?

In this episode, I’m unpacking:

• The shift from “dream employee” to someone who no longer believes in the vision
• The leadership mistakes I didn’t see in real time (but see so clearly now)
• Why not everyone is meant to stay forever—and why that’s not always a failure
• And the mindset shift that’s changing everything for me right now: if you look for the good, you’ll find it

This one is honest. A little uncomfortable. And a reminder that even in the hard seasons—especially in the hard seasons—there’s something worth holding onto.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Aisle Planner
Wedding Pro

Brite Biz

Lead Lock

Releventful

Event Guard
VenueX AI

Interested in learning more about The Venue Masterclass?

Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more here: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

In this Quick Chat, I’m reflecting on my conversation with Anthony Lambatos—and more importantly, what it brought up for me as I step into building new teams and new venues.

We talk a lot about company culture in this industry, but what happens when you realize… you didn’t get the core right?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the three things that actually define culture:

• People doing work they’re good at
• Understanding the purpose behind the work
• And building relationships rooted in love, trust, and respect

But more than that, I’m sharing where I got it wrong.

From misaligned roles and burnout… to losing the “why” behind the work… to unintentionally creating a culture that felt more transactional than meaningful.

This is an honest look at what I’ve learned, what I would do differently, and how I’m approaching leadership as I build again.

Because culture doesn’t just happen.
It’s built—intentionally, daily, and often through failure first.

In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Lambatos to talk about what it actually looks like to build a people-first business—and why so many leaders get it wrong.

Anthony shares how he transformed his family’s catering company by focusing on one simple goal: create a great place to work. What followed? Increased revenue, stronger retention, and a team that shows up when it matters most.

We get into:

• Why culture isn’t perks, ping pong tables, or beer carts
• The difference between generosity and just spending money
• How to identify (and handle) “red dot” employees before they derail your team
• Why burnout has less to do with hours—and more to do with the work itself
• And how to build a team that protects your culture even when you’re not in the room

If you’ve ever felt the tension between being a good leader and running a profitable business… this episode will challenge the way you think about both.

Show Notes:

To Follow Anthony and all his hustles: @footerscatering, @social_capitol_events

This Episode's Sponsors:
Information on Brite Biz
Information on Lead Lock

In Previous Episodes:
Event Guard
Releventful
Wedding Pro
Venue X AI
Aisle Planner

Are you the Vendor Asshole:
Submit your story here

Want to be a Judge or a Podcast Guest?
Fill out this form here

Want more information on The Venue Masterclass?
Join us February 21-24 in Tampa, Florida.
Learn more here

With over 17 years in the events industry, Sarah has seen it all—from catering and venue management to leading a global software platform. And her message is clear: growth doesn’t happen by accident.

This conversation dives deep into:

• Why “taking every client” can actually hurt your brand
• The difference between working in your business vs. on it
• How to think about ROI beyond just dollars (hint: your time matters more than you think)
• Why tech, systems, and processes aren’t optional—they’re the foundation
• And the hard truth about what’s really keeping most venue owners stuck

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overworked, or unsure where your next level of growth comes from—this episode will challenge the way you think about your business.

Because success isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing the right things, on purpose.

Show Notes:

Follow Aisle Planner on Instagram: @aisleplannerpo
Schedule a demo: https://www.aisleplanner.com/

Our Advertisers:

Info on Event Guard: https://eventguard.ai/
Info on Venuex AI: https://venuexai.com/

Info on The Venue Masterclass Can be found: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com

For years, I told other people’s stories.
This time, I’m telling my own.

This is the story of The Bradford—the dream that started on a napkin, the risk that changed everything, and the journey that shaped who I am today.

From building a venue with no money… to living on-site with our families… to navigating the pressure, the partnership, and the moments no one talks about—this is the full story.

Not the gossip. Not the headlines.
But the truth of what it takes to build something from nothing—and what it costs along the way.

This episode is about more than a venue.
It’s about identity, growth, letting go, and realizing that the thing you thought was the end… was never the end at all.

Show Notes:

Information on Aisle Planner: https://www.aisleplanner.com/
Information on Wedding Pro: https://pros.weddingpro.com/

Follow my new ventures:

https://mcalisterleftwich.com/
https://thegrahammill.com/

In this heartfelt quick chat, Dana dives into the quiet sacrifices that come with ambition — the missed moments, the guilt that lingers, and the constant tug between what we want to build and who we want to be there for. Drawing inspiration from Brittany’s story of saying yes to her calling and no to everything that didn’t align, Dana shares her own journey of learning that every yes carries a no.

From coaching her daughter’s basketball team to redefining what balance looks like, this conversation is an honest look at how we can honor our dreams and our boundaries. Because the goal isn’t to do it all — it’s to say yes to what truly matters.

For More Info on Brittany and The Colonial at Sunset:
Website:https://thecolonialatsunset.com/
Instagram: @colonialatsunset

For More info on Dana and her Hustles:
Instagram: @hustleandgather & @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Consulting: https://www.hustleandgather.com/
Speaking: https://www.danakadwell.com/speaking

In this episode of Gathered Here, Dana shares her own experiences of staying too long at the wrong tables, the fear of leaving, and the freedom that comes when you finally decide to walk away. Together with Brittany’s story, this conversation explores:

• The courage it takes to recognize when you’re not valued
• Why heartbreak can be the foundation of resilience
• The importance of not silencing the dreams that refuse to let go
• How “no” often becomes the path to a deeper “yes”

For More Info on Brittany and The Colonial at Sunset:
Website:https://thecolonialatsunset.com/
Instagram: @colonialatsunset

For More info on Dana and her Hustles:
Instagram: @hustleandgather & @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Consulting: https://www.hustleandgather.com/
Speaking: https://www.danakadwell.com/speaking

In this episode, Dana sits down with Brittany Schrader, owner of The Colonial at Sunset, to hear how she turned years of setbacks, heartbreaks, and hard lessons into the foundation for her ultimate “yes.”

From her start in sports management to nearly giving up on the industry altogether, Brittany’s story is one of grit, resilience, and listening to the pull of a dream that wouldn’t quit. Together, Dana and Brittany talk about the messy middle of venue ownership, the sacrifices behind the pretty pictures, and the courage it takes to walk away from the wrong tables in order to build your own.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will remind you that every “no” might just be laying the groundwork for your biggest “yes.”

For More Info on Brittany and The Colonial at Sunset:
Website:https://thecolonialatsunset.com/
Instagram: @colonialatsunset

For More info on Dana and her Hustles:
Instagram: @hustleandgather & @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Consulting: https://www.hustleandgather.com/
Speaking: https://www.danakadwell.com/speaking

In this episode, Dana shares reflections inspired by her conversation with Leah from The Historic Ashland. From the weight of making an impact, to reframing the “value” of our work, to the radical reminder that weddings — and the work behind them — are about people, not perfection.

Listen in as Dana talks about the banner she forgot to hang, what her AP chemistry teacher taught her about true care, and why approaching each other with charitable assumptions might just change everything.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not perfect — we’re people.

For More Info on Leah and The Historic Ashland:
Website: https://historicashlandevents.com/
Instagram: @historicashland

For More info on Dana and her Hustles:
Instagram: @hustleandgather & @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Consulting: https://www.hustleandgather.com/
Speaking: https://www.danakadwell.com/speaking

I reflect on lessons from my past, the struggles of balancing care for others while neglecting our own needs, and how asking for help isn’t a weakness—it can actually be a sign of strength, connection, and humanity. This episode is about vulnerability, self-reflection, and the courage to let people in, even when it feels terrifying.

For More Info on Leah and The Historic Ashland:
Website: https://historicashlandevents.com/
Instagram: @historicashland

For More info on Dana and her Hustles:
Instagram: @hustleandgather & @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Consulting: https://www.hustleandgather.com/
Speaking: https://www.danakadwell.com/speaking

For More Info on Leah and The Historic Ashland:
Website: https://historicashlandevents.com/
Instagram: @historicashland

For More info on Dana and her Hustles:
Instagram: @hustleandgather & @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Consulting: https://www.hustleandgather.com/
Speaking: https://www.danakadwell.com/speaking

These experiences reveal a profound truth: showing up for others can restore, teach, and guide us—even through the hardest moments. Dana also dives into practical ways to cultivate empathy, including the transformative idea of “charitable assumption,” and reflects on how hospitality has become both her purpose and her North Star.

If you’ve ever wondered how kindness, understanding, and empathy can shape not just the people around you but also yourself, this episode will leave you inspired to show up, serve, and heal—one moment at a time.

Learn more about Kate:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalitymarketingsolutions/

Learn more about us:

The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredherepodcast/

Dana shares honest stories from her own experience, from the times she neglected networking and personal connections, to the moments she realized that surface-level interactions weren’t enough. She talks about the pep talks in elevators, the shift toward authentic relationship-building, and how being intentional about connection opened doors in both her venue business and her wider community.

This episode is for anyone who’s struggled to stay engaged, felt drained by networking, or wondered how to cultivate real, lasting relationships. Beyond strategy and operations, Dana reminds us that progress in business — and in life — is powered by the people we connect with.

Learn more about Kate:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalitymarketingsolutions/

Learn more about us:

The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredherepodcast/

Sometimes hospitality is more than just events — it’s survival, it’s healing, and it’s the heart that keeps us moving forward.

Kate Foster’s story is proof of that. From her early career in politics to planning over 500 weddings, opening multimillion-dollar venues, and now training hospitality sales teams across North America, her journey is anything but ordinary. Along the way, she learned lessons venue owners often discover the hard way: why opening day is never the finish line, how complacency can quietly destroy a business, and why adaptability is everything.

In this episode, Kate also opens up about the deeply personal story of how hospitality quite literally saved her life — and why empathy remains at the center of everything she does.

This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have the fortitude to keep going, and a reminder that while the work is hard, hospitality has a way of healing us, too.

Learn more about Kate:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalitymarketingsolutions/

Learn more about us:
The Venue Masterclass: https://www.thevenuemasterclass.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatheredherepodcast/

In this deeply honest solo episode, Dana Kadwell reflects on a powerful moment from her interview with Dixie Bagley: the idea that every entrepreneur pays a price to lead.

From burnout and resentment to health scares and missed time with family, Dana shares how even when you love your work — really love it — there are moments when the business you built starts to break you.

This is a conversation about the pressure of being the decision-maker, the weight of responsibility, and the reckoning that comes when your body (and your heart) starts saying, enough.

Follow Dixie:
Instagram: @dixiedoesweddings and @thefarmromegaweddins
Website: The Farm Rome Georgia | European Style Barn Wedding Venue

Follow Us!
Instagram: @hustleandgather and @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: The Venue Masterclass
Hustle and Gather: Events & Trainings for Event Professionals | Hustle & Gather

In this solo quick chat, Dana Kadwell unpacks a vulnerable truth sparked by last week’s conversation with Dixie Bagley: not every goal deserves to be chased to the end. Dana shares her personal struggle with goal-setting, the fear of failure that’s shaped her choices, and the surprising realization that sometimes sinking isn’t the loss we think it is — it’s actually the win.

Follow Dixie:
Instagram: @dixiedoesweddings and @thefarmromegaweddins
Website: The Farm Rome Georgia | European Style Barn Wedding Venue

Follow Us!
Instagram: @hustleandgather and @gatheredherepodcast
The Venue Masterclass: The Venue Masterclass
Hustle and Gather: Events & Trainings for Event Professionals | Hustle & Gather

If you’ve ever built something by accident — or by sheer force of will — this one’s for you.

Follow Dixie:
Instagram: @dixiedoesweddings and @thefarmromegaweddings
Website: The Farm Rome Georgia | European Style Barn Wedding Venue

Follow Hustle and Gather:
Instagram: @hustleandgather and @thegatheredherepodcast
Website: The Venue Masterclass and Events & Trainings for Event Professionals | Hustle & Gather

In this solo episode, Dana reflects on a powerful conversation with Sarah Narcus of Olio—and how it unearthed something deeply personal: the quiet but profound joy of sharing your vision, your excitement, and your heart with someone who really sees it.

From early sales missteps to rediscovering what it means to genuinely connect with a potential client, Dana dives into what it looks like to lose your spark... and then find it again—in the most surprising of places.

Follow Olio on Instagram: @oliopeabody
Follow us! @gatheredherepodcast, @hustleandgather

Info on The Venue Masterclass: The Venue Masterclass

This episode is a reflection on the power (and cost) of authenticity in life and business—and a reminder that if your whole heart and whole truth aren’t in it… what’s the point?

Follow Olio on Instagram: @oliopeabody
Follow us: @gatheredherepodcast, @hustleandgather 

Info on The Venue Masterclass: The Venue Masterclass

Follow Olio on Instagram @oliopeabody
Visit their site: https://www.oliopeabody.com/

This week’s episode is about those moments—when you’re holding tight to the vision, but every direction feels blocked.

It’s about staying with it. Getting creative. And believing that yes is still possible—even if it doesn’t come the way you expected.

Follow Kim on Instagram  @estateatriverrun
Check out The Estate: https://theestateatriverrun.com/

Follow Kim on Instagram  @estateatriverrun
Check out The Estate: https://theestateatriverrun.com/

Follow Kim on Instagram  @estateatriverrun
Check out The Estate: https://theestateatriverrun.com/