Why the Best Event Brands Aren’t Playing It Safe Anymore

What if creativity — not perfection — was your most powerful event strategy? In this episode of Beats Working, Libby Sundgren sits down with Michael Huynh, founder of Seattle-based bakery Macadons, to explore how risk-taking, community-first thinking, and a willingness to try (and sometimes fail) can transform a brand into an experience people feel deeply connected to. From leaving a stable career at Boeing to framing cease-and-desist letters as milestones of growth, Michael shares how creativity builds belonging — and why events should feel human, not polished.  Takeaways: Risk is a signal of growth. If no one’s pushing back, you’re probably playing it too safe.  Community beats product. People remember how an experience made them feel — not just what they consumed.  Creativity scales culture. Empowering your team unlocks unexpected leadership and loyalty.  Failure isn’t fatal. It’s often the fastest feedback loop.  Events are emotional ecosystems. Treat them like living, breathing experiences — not checklists.  Timestamps:  [01:03] — Meet Michael Huynh and the story behind Macadons [03:24] — Leaving Boeing: choosing uncertainty over regret  [07:52] — Discovering purpose through hiring and mentorship  [11:40] — Creativity, risk, and the cease-and-desist mindset  [18:10] — Building community through food, culture, and events  Resources & Links: -Michael Huynh: LinkedIn -Macadons: Website, Facebook, Instagram -Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn Connect with Us: -Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com -LinkedIn: @Beats Working Podcast -Instagram: @beatsworkingpodcast -Facebook: @Beats Working -YouTube: @beatsworkingpodcast Follow & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. Send Feedback: If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected].  Beats Working is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.