She Built CultureCon While Working a 9 to 5 | Imani Ellis x Social Proof Podcast

Social Proof family, we’ve got special access for you to CultureCon 2026 ! $75 Off GA Weekend Passes Use promo code SOCIALPROOF to receive $75 off your GA Weekend Pass . Limited Complimentary VIP Weekend Passes A limited number of complimentary VIP Weekend Passes are also available while supplies last.

Use promo code SOCIALPROOF26 at checkout. Please note: Complimentary VIP passes are extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once all available passes have been claimed, the code will no longer be valid. How to Redeem: 1 Visit the CultureCon website and select Buy Tickets . 2 Choose the appropriate ticket tier: ◦ GA Weekend for the $75 discount ◦ VIP Weekend for a complimentary VIP pass, while available 3 Complete the registration questions and select Continue . 4 Enter the appropriate promo code: ◦ SOCIALPROOF — $75 off GA Weekend Passes ◦ SOCIALPROOF26 — Complimentary VIP Weekend Pass, while supplies last 5 Review your order and select RSVP . 6 You’ll receive a confirmation by text and email with your ticket QR code.

For easy ticket access during the event, we recommend downloading the Posh app in advance. What does it really take to turn an idea in your living room into a movement that brings thousands of people together?

In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon, to unpack how she built one of the most influential spaces for Black creatives. Imani shares how CultureCon grew from just 10 people in a living room into a massive experience attracting thousands of attendees, major brands, and some of the biggest names in entertainment.

They break down the real business behind large scale events, building relationships with sponsors, attracting major talent, transitioning from a successful career at NBC into entrepreneurship, and why she chose to grow CultureCon without outside investors. Imani also opens up about burnout, learning to delegate, protecting her time as a CEO, taking calculated risks, and realizing that money isn't the only currency you spend while building a business.

If you're building a brand, community, event, or business while still working your 9 to 5, this conversation is packed with lessons you can apply to your own journey. Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders building something bigger than themselves.

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