FROM KNOW TO WPO: TWO WEEKS WITH WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS

Two whirlwind weeks filled with inspiration, connection, and a whole lot of learning from 200+ successful female founders and executives averaging over a million dollars in revenue annually is not something I am BOASTING about. As someone who's been with KNOW Women—a global media company dedicated to amplifying the voices of ambitious women—and attended five summits, each event continues to fill my cup in ways I can't fully describe. But I will try my best in this blog!

First, the Annual KNOW Summit! This Spring 2025 it was help at the gorgeous resort in Fountain Hills- ADERO. If you're curious about last year's experience, you can read my 2024 recap here: KNOW Summit 2024 Success. At KNOW Women, I have the privilege of producing podcasts, crafting content, and fostering connections that highlight and celebrate female leaders. At the KNOW Women Summit 2025 I wore alot of hats as well. I was BOUNCER BRITT - directing traffic for workshops and roundtables, setting the stage for the panels and fireside chats, and prepping the seats for the next gifts and finally honoring the 100 Women to KNOW in America! Early mornings late nights and avoiding a commute back to midtown with a stay at the team AirBnB! It was another huge SUCCESS!

After a quick rest it was off to San Antonio Texas for the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum. KNOW served as the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) for the third consecutive year. It was my second time attending, and let me tell you, one of my highlights was interviewing two of the honorees from the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies, an annual ranking sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and WPO. One of these incredible women runs the largest supplier of English muffins for McDonald's Egg McMuffins! Their stories of grit, innovation, and perseverance left me in awe. I cannot wait for these episodes to air soon! Beyond the interviews, we captured founder stories and “mini mic moments” with attendees. These candid conversations reminded me that every successful woman is just like us- Stars - They're Just Like Us! Speaking of Stars like us… Misty Copeland. She was our incredible Key Note and so incredible relatable. From building a business, getting back in dance, being an incredible partner and mom and so much more. Sharing having grace for yourself is key.

There was one moment that stuck out in particular: A successful multi million dollar business women asked me: “So, are you getting the entrepreneurial bug?” I laughed and said I already caught it. But what occurred to me in that moment I need to LIVE it! I've been immersed in the world of entrepreneurship—I ran a business for 10+ years that put me in rooms to meet my husband (and business partner) and other women who would champion my name when I’m not in a room. Producing podcasts, sharing stories, and connecting with incredible women through KNOW Women is not just about talking the talk; it's about walking the walk, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the victories. Everyday! So, here's me, shouting from the mountain tops: I PRODUCE PODCASTS! I'm building my future today, one episode, one story, one connection at a time. Are you ready to do the same?

XoXo

Britt

P.S. If you're interested in learning more about these incredible organizations, check out KNOW Women and Women Presidents Organization.

YOUR BUSINESS TOOLKIT - RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS NOT JUST IN ARIZONA NOT JUST FOR PODCASTING

In the entrepreneurial journey, success isn't about shortcut—it's about rolling up your sleeves, doing the work, BUT doing it smart. Recently we had Greg Forzani, founder of Forzani Business Education, on the podcast and he is one of those smart individuals you want to surround yourself with to grow in business and life.

Greg empowers business owners and working with KNOW Women everyday I KNOW that surrounding yourself with those to make you better is the best! Greg provides a comprehensive roadmap for business owners seeking predictable profitability and scalability. The More Profit Less Stress Program, program delves into crucial areas such as financial mastery, revenue growth, expense management, and team development. It's not about working harder; it's about working smarter.

For those facing operational challenges, the Fix Your Business Fast program offers targeted solutions. Aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from the Start-up Business Academy, which lays the foundation for building a successful business from the ground up. Check out more about these programs at Forzani Business Education.

I will be honest with you- what we do is hard work! Working full time PLUS running a full time podcast PLUS producing 3 more podcasts! While working on bettering our family and social bonds... But we would change it, in fact we surround ourselves with those who recognize it in us and also challenge us to be better.

I encourage you to seek out those who elevate your journey. I cannot wait to hear about what you accomplish when you put your heart and brain out there.

XoXo

Britt

RECOGNIZED AS ARIZONA'S TOP 100 PODCASTS

After over 450 episodes and more than eight years of sharing Arizona's stories, we're honored to announce that the Finding Arizona Podcast has been recognized by Feedspot as one of the Top 100 Arizona Podcasts AND featured in their Top 70 Sun Belt Podcasts list both coming in at NUMBER #19!

To our listeners, you're the real MVPs. Your support fuels our journey through the Grand Canyon State's stories. These recognitions from Feedspot are not just ours but yours as well. They affirm the vibrant community we've built together—a community eager to listen, learn, and celebrate Arizona's unique voices.

As we look ahead, we're excited to continue this journey with you, uncovering more stories, fostering deeper connections, and showcasing the essence of Arizona. Here's to the next chapter of Finding Arizona Podcast—may it be as enriching and inspiring as the last.

XoXo

Your Favorite Podcast Producer, Britt

CALGARY, CANADA CONFERENCES AND CANCELLATIONS

I am flying back from an eventful work trip to Canada, and oh boy, do I have some memories to share with you! I was there for BCW's SMART Growth International Business Expo 2024, which brings together business communities from Western Canada, Africa, the USA, and the Caribbean. KNOW was there as media partners. My CEO and partner in this high vibe life, Sarah Benken Foushee was there to moderate a panel and gave the closing keynote. Plus, we were podcasting onsite, capturing stories from global leaders.

Calgary was out destination, and I have a whole post I need to share on obtaining my Expedited Passport 5 days before my trip! Our tip was originally scheduled for four days, but thanks to a last-minute airline strike, we got stuck for an extra two days, making it a six-day adventure. Honestly, all I could think about was getting back home to my boy and hubby. Why did the airlines have to strike at the worst possible time?

The conference was packed with panels, keynotes, and carbs. After a day full of brain + stomach food, we hit up rooftop bars, private social clubs, and some swanky hotel bars. I even stumbled upon the cutest thrift shop called Good Neighbour and did some sightseeing in Chinatown and the vibrant 5th street scene. Drinking my way through Calgary’s IPAs! I fell in love with the 88 Wave Pool Tropical IPA and Banded Peak Microburst Hazy IPA. But honestly, what made this trip bearable was getting closer to my boss and her husband, who are like family to me. They’ve got my back, both personally and professionally.

But let’s talk about the challenges. Finding out our flight was canceled due to a WestJet strike was a nightmare. Navigating a new country and its laid-back culture was another hurdle. I mean, who knew patience was such a virtue in Canada? Everything is a bit off from the hot sauces to the iced teas to everything in between.

It was an honor to represent KNOW Women and connect with global leaders and add international podcast producer to my resume, but I’m so ready to be back home to the states.

Happy Canada Day!

XoXo Britt

AVAILABLE LIGHT PHOENIX THE WESTERN EXPANSION CONTINUES

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Paulina Villarroel Cruz (she/her/hers)

617-944-6800x130 | paulina@availablelight.com

High Resolution Images are Available

June 13, 2022, Boston MA—Available Light (AvLt) today announced that its new Phoenix studio continues its western expansion beyond Los Angeles, first announced in April 2022. Available Light is an internationally recognized lighting design firm specializing in museum, architectural, trade show/special event lighting design. The new ventures join existing AvLt studios in Boston, New York, and Raleigh.

Founded in Boston in 1992, Available Light is celebrating 30 years of creative achievement and design innovation by focusing on regional growth. “When we reached our 25th anniversary, we commissioned a monograph to celebrate our achievements,” said Steven Rosen, Founder and President, “At 30, we’ve reinvigorated our practice with a strategic growth plan that lets us meet and support our clients at their doorstep.”

Phoenix is a city with a burgeoning health care industry that calls for architectural expansion where scientific research, patient care, and academic study can be conducted. AvLt’s Phoenix studio will be led by Associate Principal Rachel Gibney, Assoc. IALD, MIES, LC. Gibney, who trained as a theatrical lighting designer, is an Arizona native who has been part of the AvLt team since joining the firm as an intern nearly a decade ago. Says Gibney, “From aesthetics, to well-being, to sustainability, we look forward to collaborating with owners, architects, designers, consultants, and contractors to create the best possible architectural and experiential outcomes for everyone who encounters the spaces we light.”

“Rachel rapidly climbed the responsibility ladder at AvLt,” said Rosen. “Over time, she’s deeply absorbed our aesthetic, culture, and design process. At the same time, her desire to enhance our technical skills—generating computer daylighting studies, developing virtual real-time 3D presentations, studying the affect of light on humans, and more—has made Rachel a real boon to the firm. From higher ed STEM complexes to museums, Rachel uses light to tell meaningful and compelling stories with lasting impact. Rachel’s design skills and collaborative spirit will greatly benefit our clients.”

“I’m excited to expand Available Light and offer our lighting expertise in life sciences, commercial and other industries in the Phoenix area,” said Gibney. “In addition to more directly serving clients in the Southwest, we now have an opportunity to contribute to the professional networks that underpin other related regional design industries.”

Committed to professional development, Gibney is active in two IES standards committees: Education, Library, Office Lighting and Theater, Film, and Television Lighting. She has also been deeply involved in Women in Lighting + Design (WILD). A lifelong advocate of teaching and learning, Gibney teaches the Revit/BIM application to theatrical design students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Studio School of Design. She holds a BFA from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. Gibney has won several industry and design awards.

Recent AvLt projects include the National Museum of African American Music, Amherst College New Science Center, the James Mandell Building at Boston Children's Hospital, and an exhibition at the RSA international conference.

Founded in Boston in 1992, Available Light’s designs create lasting and memorable encounters. AvLt has crafted compelling, innovative, and economical lighting solutions for a widely diverse range of project types around the globe: from science research labs to museum exhibition; hospitality to trade show exhibits/events; and corporate interiors to college lecture halls. AvLt combines modern technology and insight with aspects of beauty, mystery, and design to achieve the vision of its museum, architecture, trade show and special event clients. AvLt’s designers recognize environmental sustainability is the greatest collective challenge of our time.

AvLt supports the cultivation of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its studios, the lighting design profession, and the world. Modern design lives or dies on transparency and partnership. The language of collaboration is our mother tongue.

Available Light

LISTEN. CREATE. DELIVER.

Boston | New York | Raleigh | Phoenix | Los Angeles

www.availablelight.com