Sideways Rain

The industry treats the last 48 hours before an event like a war story. The 3 a.m. rebuild. The no-sleep show day. The save. We've all got those stories, and we need to stop telling them like they're flexes. If you're in survival mode the week of show, something already broke six months ago.This week, no guest. Just JR and Kris, no filter, putting six things the events industry doesn't talk about straight on the table:The last-minute chaos myth, and why "two weeks out" should be the line every team holds.What clients are actually paying for (hint: it's not the gear, it's the person picking up the phone).The planner with no power. Positional authority, show-week changes, and the cost when nobody backs them up.Vendor red flags, the "hard no" that kills relationships, and the trick of pricing yourself out instead of saying it.AI in events. Where it's actually useful, where it's just an LLM in a dress, and why we're in a "lazy AI era" right now.The room that looked right on paper, and why JR says 75% of events get sourced wrong before the contract is even signed.Plus a lightning round on what the production industry needs to stop doing, the most underrated event city in America, and one piece of advice each for anyone early in their career.If you're a first-year planner who made it to the end of this episode, JR's giving you a year of WIFT for free. Send him a DM.New episodes weekly. Hit follow, share with somebody who needs to hear it, and we'll see you next week.

What happens when an AV vendor cancels 72 hours before a half-million-dollar international event and the audience never knows? In this episode of Sideways Rain, JR sits down with Toronto-based event leader Evan Babins to unpack one of the wildest behind-the-scenes storms you’ll hear in the meetings and events world. Evan shares how a last-minute vendor collapse over the Atlantic forced him into instant problem-solving, why relationships saved the show, and what that experience taught him about due diligence, calm under pressure, and the long game in business. The conversation also goes beyond the story itself into what it really means to elevate the craft in this industry. JR and Evan get into personal brand, collaboration versus gatekeeping, talent versus technology, and where AI is actually useful for event professionals right now. It’s a conversation about the hidden work below the surface, the value of real networks, and why the best operators make chaos look seamless.Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanbabins/

In this episode of Sideways Rain, JR and Kris sit down with Shanondoah Nicholson, a corporate event planner turned full time freelancer and the host of Beyond the BEO. Together, they tackle the “capacity lie,” why hotel capacity numbers often collapse the moment you add real world productionneeds, and how planners can get to a faster yes or no before they sign. Shanondoah also drops a career resiliency mindset that every event pro needs: keep your bag packed, keep your network active, and make it easy for people to help you when the wind shifts. You will also hear her lightning round picks, including two must read books for event professionals: The Art of Gathering and Unreasonable Hospitality. Links and referencesShanondoah’s podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0l3OjPoH7xMGc3GRiPfoav?si=43785f9408f444adShanondoah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanondoahnicholson/Book mentioned: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Gathering-How-Meet-Matters/dp/1594634939/Book mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality: https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573/

In this JR and Kris episode of Sideways Rain, we open with a scar we have seen for 20 years. Teams contract space based on a capacity number, then production shows up and the room is suddenly too small once you account for stage, screens, FOH, camera lanes, backstage, ADA, and real egress. No one is trying to mess it up, but the math is wrong, the data gets repeated like truth, and planners get stuck holding the bag.We get opinionated about why most event tech fails. Suite bloat turns tools into admin jobs. Training becomes a tax on bad design. Workflows still depend on waiting days for PDFs and humans to confirm what should be obvious. Then we talk about why Cvent has such a massive foothold and why dominance does not equal good enough when the real job is confidence, not complexity.Finally, we lay out the clear skies. WIFT is not a platform to manage. It is a Yes or No engine. A production aware fit check that gives you an answer in about five seconds, with a layout you can share immediately, with zero training. If you are a corporate planner, hotel CSM, or sourcing manager, this one is for you.Subscribe for updates at wift.ai and get the behind the scenes series on how to stop guessing and start making space decisions with certainty.

Michael C. Clark thought the path was clear: leave investment banking in NYC, stop his life, and chase a lifelong goal—law school—while married with two little kids. Then the plan didn’t end the way he expected.In this episode, Michael walks us through what that kind of pivot does to your identity, your confidence, and your definition of success—and how he reframed the whole thing from “a title” to “a purpose.” We get into why hustle culture keeps people stuck, why real progress usually requires support, and why AI can be an accelerator… but it can’t replace judgment.We also break down Michael’s practical framework Attract–Connect–Close for leaders trying to move from “good to know” to “good to do”—whether you’re pitching, fundraising, selling, or just trying to walk into bigger rooms with more confidence.In this episode:The sideways-rain moment: when the dream doesn’t go how you plannedHow to separate purpose from packagingWhy “doing it alone” is the silent growth killerAI as a tool, not a substitute for perspective and accountabilityA simple framework to communicate clearly and close with confidenceIf you want a description that’s shorter (2–3 sentences) or more punchy for LinkedIn, tell me which title you choose and I’ll match the tone.

Anthony Cortes started Motion Flix in the middle of the pandemic with a simple idea: outdoor movie nights that let people gather safely. Then the first “neighborhood promo” turned into a perfect storm: a popcorn machine fire, power loss, and an inflatable screen collapsing mid Toy Story.Instead of quitting, Anthony and his partner learned fast and kept saying yes. Today Motion Flix runs 20 to 40 events a month and has expanded from Florida into major markets like LA, Miami, Vegas and beyond. We talk about what really separates them from “screen pop up” vendors: experience design, deep customization, sponsor strategy, licensing done the right way, and even silent disco headphones for residential spaces.Anthony also shares the real scaling challenge: how to systemize custom experiences without losing the magic. Plus a few founder truths he lives by: be your own biggest fan, take the opportunity, and keep building when the weather turns.Motion Flix on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motion.flix/Anthony Cortes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonycortes8/

Everybody loves January because it feels like a clean slate — like clear skies are guaranteed. But if you’ve lived any amount of life (or built anything), you already know the wind shifts whenever it wants. So this is not a “resolutions” episode. It’s a weather strategy episode: how to build umbrellas that work when the rain comes sideways — and how to stack the deck for more clear days in 2026.JR and Kris break down the real storms that derail New Year momentum: false optimism, too many priorities (which turns into none done), and the constant noise of scrolling and reacting. Then they get practical: pick one thing for Q1, build a “Not List” to protect it, run a weekly Friday “weather report,” and adopt a calmer, more powerful version of “Be the Duck” — fewer words, fewer decisions, slower pace, stronger strokes.And to make it stupid simple, we end with a step-by-step 7-Day Clear Skies Challenge you can complete in 7 minutes a day — including a scorecard on Day 7 to lock it in and repeat weekly.7-Day Clear Skies Challenge (fillable PDF)

What happens when you walk away from a company you co-founded, right after your first child is born… and then a global pandemic wipes out your pipeline? In this episode of Sideways Rain, Brian Samson talks about leaving a misaligned investor-backed startup, betting on himself with just a couple thousand dollars, and eventually building Plugg — a nearshore staffingfirm connecting U.S. companies with top talent across Latin America while he raises his family in Hawaii.  Brian breaks downthe real differences between offshore and nearshore, why “talent pockets”across LATAM matter, and how culture, time zones, and trust can make or breakyour global hiring strategy. He’s candid about the rookie mistakes he made withpartners, the ego boost of landing big-name clients during the VC boom, andwhat happens when the market tightens and your model suddenly stops working. If you’re a founder,agency owner, or hiring manager who’s nearshore-curious — or you’re in themiddle of your own investor or co-founder storm — this one will hit home.You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to think about LATAM talent, what alignment with investors and partners actually looks like, and why nobody is coming to save you… but that’s not a bad thing. You can find Brian on LinkedIn, Plugg's website, and his "TheNearshore Café" podcast.

Event tech leader Chris Donaldson joins JR and Kris to talk about what happens when you stop being a cog in someone else’s wheel and bet on yourself instead. Chris shares how sobriety, burnout, and a lack of real impact pushed him out of a “safe” full time role and into launching his own event tech business right as Covid hit. He gets into where event tech has fallen behind, how customization and AI are finally catching up to how audiences actually consume content, and why he builds his company as a contractor first community where people see the true fruits of their labor. They dig into trust, emotional management, and leading with transparency so your team actually feels invested, not just employed. Plus, a lightning round on watch collections, dream cars, and bold Super Bowl predictions.

In this unplanned but powerfully real episode, J.R. and Kris tackle a modern sideways rain — our collective addiction to social media. What started as a simple mic check turned into a raw conversation about authenticity online, the illusion of influence, and how algorithms quietly shape what we see and believe. They question whether posting has become a necessary chore for legitimacy, dig into the blurred line between connection and manipulation, and share candid reflections on what it means to “own your data” in a world that profits from your attention.

When keynote speaker and emotional intelligence expert Rich Bracken was let go from a job he loved, while doing great work, it could’ve been the end of his story. Instead, it became the beginning of something bigger.In this episode, J.R. talks with Rich about the moment that changed everything: losing security, rebuilding confidence, and learning how to manage emotions instead of being ruled by them. From anxiety-driven hustle culture to the myth of “always on,” they explore what it really means to lead with EQ, and why kindness, awareness, and self-reflection might just be the ultimate competitive edge.Key topics:How emotional intelligence transforms setbacks into growthWhy rejection is often redirectionManaging self-doubt in high-performance environmentsThe danger of hustle culture and the myth of constant motionThe role of empathy in leadership and lifeLearn more about Rich:🌐 Website: www.richbracken.com💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rich-brackenListen if you’ve ever felt the storm, and needed to remember that sometimes the rain is what makes you grow.

Founder of Game On Nation, Steve Shenbaum, joins Sideways Rain to unpack why great intentions and catchy ideas aren’t enough—and how turning “good to know” into “good to do” changes rooms, teams, and results. Steve walks through his storm of authentically marketing a communication firm, the pivot to tight internal alignment on what/how/why, and the hard-won lesson to hire his weaknesses. We dig into practical behaviors leaders can apply tomorrow—own it don’t wear it, after-action honesty, and designing moments that show the doing, not just the telling. Steve also shares his “Rest, Fuel, Move” foundation and a simple micro-drill you can test in your next meeting. Clear skies come from reps, not rhetoric.

Chris Hall spent more than 15 years inside global organizations leading a team that produced thousands of events and grew to about 60 people. Earlier this year he was let go. Instead of chasing another title he launched Middlehall Collective with a laptop, a plan, and a new definition of success. In this one-on-one conversation with JR, Chris walks through the storm of losing identity to roles, the quiet doubt of the first month, and the moment he chose alignment over optics.He breaks down the umbrella that carried him forward. Perspective came first. Success meant creating value while being present for his family. Then he added structure. Clear service models, simple pricing, and an operating rhythm that made the business look and feel real. He resisted the urge to buy heavy tools and proved that disciplined spreadsheets and consistent follow up can beat a shiny platform. Finally he invested in Centers of Influence, one coffee at a time, asking questions like “What keeps you up at night” and “What would make your business one percent better.”Chris shares fast lessons leaders can use today. Process beats heroics. Hiring is a business strategy, especially when you scale across borders. Change management works when you lead with clarity and empathy and invite ownership. He talks about finding traction in financial services, why a solid batting average is a more honest goal than perfection, and how the first retainer and a sustainable weekly cadence signaled clear skies. The best review came at home when his wife said “You are back.”We close with what is next for the industry. AI is a tool, not a replacement. Relationships and soft skills are rising. Chris leaves practical advice for early career pros. Do the blocking and tackling. Build structure before you think you need it. Invest in people who think differently than you do. Keep walking through the sideways rain.

JR and Kris compress the IMEX learning curve into one fast listen: why the show matters, a plain-English breakdown of registration types, first-timer tips (buffers, water, sneakers), floor-flow at Mandalay Bay, Smart Monday picks, how to pace Tues–Thurs, the 30/5/5 meeting cadence, which evening invites to choose (one!), plus the top mistakes to avoid and three things to do today before wheels-up.

Howard Givner cuts through the buzzwords to explain ROI as an actual calculation—“was the juice worth the squeeze?”—and how to frame results with stakeholders before the show even starts. We get into relative ROI (why a good event can still lose to a better alternative), the “Camp Groupon” lesson, and the slow but real shift from sales-led to marketing-led data. Howard also riffs on why face-to-face remains a high-trust channel in an AI world, how festivalization is changing event DNA, and what distributed workforces really need from meetings. He closes with three personal tenets that carried him through cancer—control what you can, practice gratitude, and ask for help—bringing the episode back to measurable impact and perseverance.

When the pandemic shut down the meetings and events industry overnight, Jack DeVries, President of Showcore, had a choice: freeze or adapt. In this episode, Jack shares how he pushed himself to learn as much as possible about every corner of his business, led his team through massive uncertainty, and discovered the “secret science” behind live events. From building resilience to empowering people to see capabilities they didn’t know they had, Jack offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to lead when the playbook disappears.Listeners will walk away with insights on moving faster with confidence, finding strength in community, and why sometimes the best career advice is the simplest: just go do it.

Season 2 kicks off with big energy as JR and Kris bring on startup and corporate attorney Pranav Gangele to talk about his sideways rain moment — leaving the comfort of Big Law to bet on himself at a smaller shop.Pranav opens up about the golden handcuffs of guaranteed salary, the anxiety of taking risks, and the importance of support systems when the storm hits. He shares candid insights on what founders get wrong about legal work, why the billable hour is broken, and how tech is reshaping the future of law.We also get into family life, real talk on networking, and yes — the eternal debate: corn dog vs. Pronto Pup.Whether you’re a founder, a lawyer, or just someone navigating your own sideways rain, this episode is a reminder that the umbrella is often closer than you think.

In Episode 16 of Sideways Rain, JR and Kris sit down with Ben Illies, Senior Manager of Events at Polygon Labs, to talk about what it really means to build events inside an industry that’s constantly shifting.Ben reflects on his move from leading shows at The 180 Group—including time in the pharma space—to the wild, unpredictable world of blockchain and Web3. What he found was a different pace, a different kind of audience, and a whole new way of measuring success.This episode is a deep dive into:The volatility of tech budgets—and how to stay grounded when everything changes overnightWhat it means to produce with purpose and how to create real impact for the communities you serveThe surprising differences between traditional corporate events and blockchain activationsWhy soft skills, flexibility, and empathy are the real power tools in today’s events landscapeHow Ben has kept evolving his mindset while staying true to what he learned in his early days at 180Whether you're navigating a career pivot, trying to find stability in chaos, or just wondering what blockchain events actually look like—this one’s packed with perspective, humility, and a few laughs along the way.#SidewaysRain #EventProduction #Web3Events #PolygonLabs #CareerPivots #StartupLife #PharmaVsBlockchain #EventProfs

How do you market a product that isn’t done yet—without misleading your audience or giving your competitors a head start? In this episode, JR and Kris get honest about what it means to market WIFT while still deep in development. They talk through the tension between transparency and strategy, the lessons they’ve learned from over-sharing, and why marketing early (with care) is essential. Whether you’re building tech or launching anything new, this one’s for the builders navigating the unknown.

In Episode 14 of Sideways Rain, JR and Kris sit down with product manager Kenny Corum (formerly of Axios, now at Oura) to unpack the reality of working in product—and what it really takes to break in.From walking away from a steady job to building trust with skeptical customers, Kenny shares the twists, pivots, and risks that shaped his journey. They dive deep into the importance of listening, honest feedback, scope creep, and how customer success skills can become the backbone of a great product career.Whether you’re in tech, building a startup, or just figuring out your next move, this one’s for you.Topics include:Why Kenny quit without another job—and what happened nextProduct management vs. customer successThe power of listening and honest user feedbackDealing with ambiguity, scope creep, and tough pivotsWhat makes a great PM (and why it’s not what you think)Lessons from building WIFT, Oura Ring, and beyondLinks:Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-corumProduct Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-product-podcast/id1219400787Oura: https://ouraring.com/Lucky Buns: https://www.luckybuns.com/location/union-market-location-lucky-buns/

On Episode 13 of Sideways Rain, JR and Kris sit down for a raw, reflective, and at times surprising look back at the two-year journey of building WIFT—from a casual birthday-day LinkedIn message to beta pilots, tough pivots, missed timelines, surprise wins, and the resilience it takes to keep going.They talk about what sparked the idea, the decision to go with a barber-recommended developer (yes, really), the highs of IMEX 2024, the sting of rejection from a major player, and why humility, patience, and persistence matter more than any pitch deck.This one’s for anyone who's ever tried to build something from scratch—and kept going even when the shine wore off.Topics covered:How WIFT started (and why it wasn’t supposed to be a tech company)Choosing the right partners (and what makes someone trustworthy)MVP missteps and how much it really costsThe power of listening to your marketLearning to celebrate wins—without getting too comfortable

In this special episode of Sideways Rain, we step away from entrepreneurship and tech to focus on producing with heart.Recorded onsite at the Make-A-Wish Minnesota Wish Ball, JR sits down with Sydney Long, graphics producer at The 180 Group and sibling of a former Wish Kid, to talk about what it means to create an event that hits close to home.Sydney shares their family’s Make-A-Wish story, the full-circle journey of giving back, and how personal connection can elevate not just the work, but the entire purpose behind it. Together, they explore the balance between professional execution and emotional investment, and why finding meaning in your work matters more than ever.This one’s about hope, purpose, and producing with heart. No rain today. The sun is out.Connect with Sydney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sslyy/Donate to Make-A-Wish MN: https://wish.org/minnesota

This week on Sideways Rain, we sit down with Darryl Appiah, a small business loan officer with CDC Small Business Finance and Momentus Capital, to break down one of the most stressful (and misunderstood) parts of building a business: getting funding.But this isn’t just a conversation about spreadsheets and credit scores — it’s about people. Darryl shares how his team looks beyond the numbers to understand the entrepreneur behind the idea, especially for first-time founders, startups, and those stuck between bootstrapping and scaling.From building your first financials to why you shouldn’t write everything off on your taxes, this episode is packed with insights, education, and encouragement for anyone chasing a dream with limited resources.Key Takeaways:What lenders really look for (and what they don’t)How to prepare a business plan and projections that get attentionCommon misconceptions first-time founders have about small business loansWhy separating personal and business finances is non-negotiableHow to build a financial “paper trail” even if you’re just getting startedCDC Small Business Finance Loan Highlights:No minimum credit scoreLoans from $30,000 to $350,000Startups only require 5% borrower injectionNo collateral required10-year term, no prepayment penaltyAvailable nationwideAcceptable use: working capital, equipment, debt refi, tenant improvements, inventory, commercial real estate (25-year term)📞 Contact Darryl Appiah:Loan Officer, CDC Small Business Finance / Momentus Capital📍 Based in Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia📧 [email protected]📞 571-541-0283🌐 cdcloans.com

This week on Sideways Rain, we welcome Mary Bellettieri—events industry veteran turned self-published author. Mary opens up about her bold mid-career pivot into writing, what it really takes to bring a book to life without a publishing deal, and why chasing your dreams isn’t just for 20-somethings.We explore the creative process, imposter syndrome, and how her professional background in events helped shape her storytelling journey. Whether you’re dreaming of writing your own book, making a career leap, or just need a shot of inspiration—this episode is for you.📚 Check out Mary’s work:Website: marybellebooks.comAmazon: Bella VitaKickstarter: Is Today Tomorrow?Instagram: @mary.belle.booksTikTok: @mary.belle.booksIllustrator's Instagram: @loubydoobie_illustrator

In this episode, Kris and J.R. break down the often-overlooked phase of startup life: what happens after you launch your MVP (Minimum Viable Product). They dive into the real challenges of raising capital without revenue, building traction, and proving market fit—not just product viability. From managing feedback loops and investor expectations to getting into the right rooms and balancing multiple roles, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons and actionable insights for founders navigating the "funding desert." Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or deep into your own startup grind, this episode offers relatable advice and a dose of reality.

This week, we sit down with McKenna Dressel, Associate Director of Global Meetings & Conventions – Ophthalmology at Regeneron, to talk about her journey from chemistry and manufacturing to high-stakes global event planning. She shares how managing teams on the production floor shaped her approach to leading cross-functional meeting teams, driving decisions without formal authority, and juggling logistics on a global scale. We get into the realities of event planning—leadership without titles, managing multiple personalities, setting expectations, and why planes are her sacred space. Packed with practical advice and real talk, this is one every planner, producer, and strategic partner should hear.Connect with McKenna on LinkedIn

In this episode of Sideways Rain, we sit down with Naomi Tucker, strategic events consultant, high-performance coach, and founder of Planners on Purpose. Naomi shares her expertise on managing stress, avoiding burnout, and finding joy in the demanding world of event planning.We discuss the struggles of balancing perfectionism with efficiency, why self-care is critical for high performance, and how event professionals can set boundaries while still delivering top-tier service. Naomi also shares insights on leading with curiosity, managing client expectations, and why leadership mindset makes all the difference.Whether you’re an event planner, business owner, or leader in any industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!Learn more about Naomi Tucker and Planners on Purpose:https://www.plannersonpurpose.com/Recommended Reads from This Episode:Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: https://tinyurl.com/yckhjbwaDare to Lead by Brené Brown: https://tinyurl.com/536wp6r3Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: https://tinyurl.com/3epwunv8

Big news is shaking up the meetings and events industry—overnight tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are about to drive costs through the roof. In this episode, we break down the real impact: skyrocketing AV costs, hotel rate hikes, and catering price spikes that will hit corporate events hard. But it’s not all bad news—we’re tackling how to pivot, adapt, and outmaneuver these new challenges. If your business touches live events, travel, or hospitality, you can’t afford to miss this one.

Work-life balance. Everyone talks about it, but is it actually real when you're running a business? In this episode, J.R. and Kris break down the myth of balance, sharing their personal experiences juggling business, family, and life’s unexpected challenges.They dive into: The chaos of balancing work and family—J.R. raising two daughters while leading The 180 Group, and Kris managing multiple jobs, moving states, and a flooded home. When work completely took over—the hardest moments and what finally forced a shift. Lessons on prioritization, delegation, and avoiding burnout. What work-life balance really looks like—and why it's more about making the right choices than achieving perfect harmony.They don’t have it all figured out—but if you’ve ever struggled with too much work and too little time, this episode is for you.Let us know: What’s one thing in your personal life you’ve been neglecting because of work? What’s one small change you can make this week?

In this episode of Sideways Rain, J.R. is flying solo to share his journey from rolling cables on show sites to becoming the CEO of The 180 Group.It wasn’t a straight path—there were pivots, challenges, and a whole lot of sideways rain along the way. He’ll take you behind the scenes of: How J.R. started in high school working for his dad, doing the grunt work of live event production. The transition from producer to CEO, and the massive learning curve of managing people, systems, and finances. The growth of The 180 Group—from a small family business to scaling up, adjusting to industry shifts, and focusing on the pharma, medical device, and healthcare sectors. The constant professional development that shaped me—Vistage, books, HBS courses, and countless strategy sessions with my team.If you’re a business owner, leader, or just someone navigating career growth, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest look at what it takes to build something, adapt, and keep learning along the way.

In this episode ofSideways Rain, we sit down withSean Sanusi, a software engineer and tech consultant who has worked across startups, corporate innovation, and even government projects. We dive into the unpredictable world oftechnology development, from building software under tight deadlines to managing unexpected pivots and keeping up with the rapid evolution of AI.In this episode, we cover:🔹 The reality of software development—why things rarely go as planned🔹 Common mistakes startups make when building tech products🔹 The impact of AI and how entrepreneurs should prepare for what’s next🔹 How to move from idea to execution in a way that actually worksIf you’ve ever wondered how to take a tech-driven idea from concept to reality—or just want to hear war stories from the trenches of software engineering—this episode is for you.Reach Seun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seun-sanusi-b59277140/

In this episode of Sideways Rain, we dive into the wild and unpredictable world of public relations with Joe Krasean, a PR pro with a global perspective, based in Germany and freelancing with companies like Black Unicorn PR. Whether you're a startup navigating fierce competition or a growing business trying to stand out, PR can be the difference between thriving in the storm or getting washed away.Joe breaks down who needs PR, affordable strategies for young companies, and how to position yourself as a thought leader without breaking the bank. We also explore how PR mitigates crises, the value of authenticity, and how founders can leverage their personal stories to build credibility. Packed with actionable insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.Next week, we’ll dive into the tech side of business as we chat with Sean, the lead developer behind the WIFT app, to explore how innovation and AI are shaping the future of event tech. Stay tuned!

In this debut episode of Sideways Rain, hosts JR Spiess, CEO of The 180 Group, and Kris McNeil, Co-Founder and CTO of WIFT, dive into the unpredictable journey of innovation, entrepreneurship, and building impactful businesses. Together, they share their expertise in event production and tech development, offering unique perspectives from two dynamic industries.Discover the inspiration behind the podcast, the vision for helping listeners navigate the chaos of leadership and growth, and the real-life lessons that shape their approach. From scaling ideas to balancing vision with execution, this is your guide to thriving in uncertainty and creating meaningful impact.Why “Sideways Rain”? It’s the perfect metaphor for the unpredictability of business—a storm that forces you to adapt, grow, and find clarity in chaos.Join us on this journey and embrace the challenges of innovation. Don’t forget to subscribe and connect with us to shape the conversation in future episodes!