With a career defined by cultural connection and creative leadership, Carlos Benjamin is a dynamic force in the experiential marketing industry. As the founder of High Profile Lifestyle, he builds elite, culturally aligned teams that bring brand stories to life through authentic, high-energy experiences. His work spans collaborations with Oprah Winfrey, Disney, the NBA, Pepsi, and the Essence Festival, as well as advocacy-driven initiatives like the AAPF’s HBCU Banned Books Tour. Beyond production, Carlos is a fierce advocate for freelancers, spearheading ventures like Freelancers Unplugged and The Ambassador’s Alliance to create stability, access, and opportunity for independent talent. Known as a connector, a mentor, and an artist in his own right, Carlos is reshaping the future of live experiences and the freelance economy.

This episode we discuss:

• Carlos shares his unconventional career path and the pivotal choices that led him into experiential marketing.
• Why mentorship has been a cornerstone in his journey, and how he now mentors others to pay it forward.
• The importance of investing in yourself — financially, creatively, and personally — to sustain growth in a demanding industry.
• How Carlos approaches building culturally aligned teams that embody the brands they represent.
• The story behind Freelancers Unplugged and The Ambassador’s Alliance, and how they aim to transform the freelance economy.
• Lessons on resilience: why going further often means going through more.
• Carlos’s advice to emerging professionals about creating your own opportunities and leaning into mentorship at every stage of your career.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/