Imani Ellis has always believed community is a superpower. What began as a small gathering in her Harlem apartment grew into The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon — one of the largest conferences celebrating creators of color. But behind the highlight reels and celebrity speakers, Imani’s journey has been defined by burnout, bold leaps and learning when to pause. 

In this episode, Ben and Kathleen sit down with Imani and explore what it takes to transform a passion project into a cultural movement. From balancing a demanding career at NBCUniversal with late-night CultureCon planning, to walking away from work at the height of burnout for a self-designed “creative residency” in Paris, Imani shares the realities of leadership, rest and why joy and community must stay at the center of her work.

Imani Ellis has always believed community is a superpower. What began as a small gathering in her Harlem apartment grew into The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon &mdash; one of the largest conferences celebrating creators of color. But behind the highlight reels and celebrity speakers, Imani&rsquo;s journey has been defined by burnout, bold leaps and learning when to pause.&nbsp;
In this episode, Ben and Kathleen sit down with Imani and explore what it takes to transform a passion project into a cultural movement. From balancing a demanding career at NBCUniversal with late-night CultureCon planning, to walking away from work at the height of burnout for a self-designed &ldquo;creative residency&rdquo; in Paris, Imani shares the realities of leadership, rest and why joy and community must stay at the center of her work.

The Unshakeables podcast from Chase for Business and iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio dives into the make-or-break moments that changed everything for small business owners. Those who stand firm in their resolve have a special name. We call them The Unshakeables. Join Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and a lineup of special cohosts as they speak with real small business owners across America. Hear real stories from real people behind the small businesses that power their communities every day. The Unshakeables is an award-winning podcast, having won Gold at the 2025 ANA B2 Awards in the Podcast and Industry Sector Spotlight categories. 

The speakers’ opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of the podcast release date and they may not materialize. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The Unshakeables podcast from Chase for Business and iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio dives into the make-or-break moments that changed everything for small business owners. Those who stand firm in their resolve have a special name. We call them The Unshakeables. Join Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and a lineup of special cohosts as they speak with real small business owners across America. Hear real stories from real people behind the small businesses that power their communities every day. The Unshakeables is an award-winning podcast, having won Gold at the 2025 ANA B2 Awards in the Podcast and Industry Sector Spotlight categories.&nbsp;
The speakers&rsquo; opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of&nbsp;J.P. Morgan Chase &amp; Co. and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of the podcast release date and they may not materialize. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. &copy;2025 JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.

The Unshakeables

Inspiring Creativity & Community: CultureCon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c1cf008b-3810-4e13-85e1-b37f015b9fe8/transcript

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