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June 12, 2025 • 21 mins

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In this episode of What One Thing, Smart Meetings' VP and editorial director, JT Long, sits down with Shawn Pierce, President of Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives at MCI USA, to trace his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings on a Texas pig farm to leading a 130-person global team.

Shawn shares the pivotal moment when a mentor saw potential in him that changed his life and how that spark of belief continues to fuel his passion for mentoring future leaders. The conversation dives into:

đź’ˇ Why resilience is the defining skill for modern event professionals
đź’ˇ The power of mentorship in shaping careers and industries
đź’ˇ How to lead through uncertainty and develop teams who thrive under pressure
💡 Real talk on “doer to leader” transitions and why teachers make the best executives
đź’ˇ Building a sustainable pipeline of talent in the meetings industry

Whether you're a seasoned planner or just stepping into the field, this episode offers timeless insights on navigating career pivots, cultivating talent and finding purpose in leadership.

🔗 Listen now and discover the one thing that made all the difference in Shawn’s journey and could transform yours.

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