Christopher Johnson, a storyteller, uses his storytelling expertise to help people better communicate their life experiences. He has woven his voice, video broadcasting, event production, and 2+ decades of IT and theater experience with curiosity and tenacity to deliver Calm Clear Communications (his company). Mr. Johnson operates in the intersection of people and technology. He is an event producer, helping presenters overcome the tech hurdles involved with virtual and hybrid events.

Christopher conducts regular Calm Clear Conversations (LinkedIn Live) with experts discussing their expertise conversationally. He is a fill-in host on Michigan Public Radio, providing the local connection for the 900K monthly listeners. And he has been the voice of TEDxDetroit for more than 10 years.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🎯 Christopher Johnson’s journey from IT and broadcasting to launching a virtual event production business during the pandemic.

🚫 Common virtual meeting mistakes and how to prevent them, from screen sharing mishaps to unmoderated breakout rooms.

💬 Engagement strategies for in-person, virtual, and recorded audiences — including “weaving” experiences and maximizing chat interaction.

🛠️ The importance of planning, backups, and having a skilled producer to handle unexpected tech failures.

⚡ How to use Zoom features like transcription, AI summaries, and accessibility tools to improve attendee experience.

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgjohnson/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Quinn Conyers is the Energetic Event Emcee Who Transforms Events from Good to GRAND!

With over 20 years of experience, Quinn Conyers is a dynamic event emcee, public speaking expert, and accomplished entrepreneur who brings unmatched energy, engagement, and excitement to every stage. Her ability to command a crowd and create unforgettable event experiences has made her the go-to emcee for top organizations, including Nike, Walmart, PayPal, Visa, UPS, the United Nations, and Meeting Professionals International.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🎙️ How professional MCs turn average events into unforgettable experiences

🚨 The real role of an MC—more than intros, it’s about energy, flow, and handling surprises

💡 Why MCing is a zone of genius and a legit business, not just a side gig

🌐 How Quinn built a thriving virtual MC career through Clubhouse and upgraded her “revenue room”

📈 The future of MCing with tech, AI, and engagement strategies that elevate live and hybrid events

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnconyers/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Mimi Brown is a dynamic keynote speaker and expert in influential leadership, communication, and engagement. She helps leaders master influence, build trust, and drive action in high-stakes environments with real-world strategies.

Delivering over 50 keynotes and training sessions annually, Mimi has worked with industry leaders like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Kimberly-Clark, Evite, Consumers Energy, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She partners with leaders in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, tech, utilities, and consulting—where influence drives success.

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a distinction held by less than 17% of speakers worldwide, Mimi’s engaging, results-driven keynotes empower leaders to take bold action.

Offstage, she’s throwing punches in kickboxing or binge-watching true crime.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🎤 What it really takes to be an exceptional emcee—from energy to emergency handling

🔥 How to own your swag and bring confidence, authenticity, and humor to the stage

🎭 Behind-the-scenes stories from major speaking events and how to think on your feet

🎥 Why hybrid events need both in-person and virtual MCs (and how to nail both roles)

💡 How personal setbacks, faith, and resilience shaped Mimi’s journey to speaking success

Resources:

https://www.ampupsuccess.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/motivationalleadershipspeaker/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Jessper Maquindang, a seasoned leader with a rich experience spanning over a decade, is the owner of FamiLEAD Management Consulting, helping leaders and managers build effective teams. His leadership journey is marked by his commitment to fostering workplace cultures that champion collaboration and innovation. Driven by a passion for creative brainstorming and continuous improvement, Jessper is always on the lookout for fresh ideas and novel approaches.

When he’s not leading teams or coaching leaders, Jessper immerses himself in training for marathons, delving into business books, and traveling around the country.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

💬 How strong communication and shared purpose improve team performance

🧠 Leadership lessons on culture, resilience, and people-first management

💻 Tips for leading engaging virtual meetings and building presence online

🤖 How AI is transforming leadership feedback through meeting analysis

🌍 The future of collaboration, hybrid work, and virtual engagement

Resources:

https://www.famileadconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmaquindang/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Lisa Burkett, CMP Fellow, CMM, HMCC, DES is a veteran of the meeting and events industry. She is presently Manager, Meetings & Events for Palace Travel, responsible for federal government meetings. Previously, she worked for National CASA/GAL, a child welfare organization; The Leadership Institute, a healthcare member organization; and the Child Mind Institute, a mental healthcare provider for children, adolescents, and their families.

Lisa is a 24-year member of Meeting Professionals International, currently serving the Washington State Chapter as Chair of CAST (Committee Against Sex Trafficking.) As a member of the Northern California Chapter from 2001-2022, she served on the Board of Directors and was honored with the Meeting Professional of the Year and Hall of Fame Awards. She holds multiple certifications in the events industry.

In her spare time, Lisa volunteers in her community serving neighbors experiencing mental health issues and homelessness, and as a habitat interpreter at Seattle Aquarium. She is frequently found attending performing arts events, browsing museums, and exploring the great outdoors. Lisa is the proud cat mom of three delightful felines.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

✨ The importance of designing meetings with attendee input and room for meaningful connection

💻 How hybrid and virtual meetings are evolving—and why they’re here to stay

🎤 What makes a speaker truly impactful, plus tips for selecting and vetting speakers

🤖 Using AI tools like ChatGPT effectively in event planning and professional development

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-burkett-cmp-fellow-cmm-hmcc-des/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Author of a book called Financial Joy, social media manager for 16 years at Dreamosity, co-founder of LAFTechNW.com and improv fanatic and she runs a meetup called “Developing Digital You”

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🎨 How Marcelle Allen turns financial data into joyful, visual “data art” to help entrepreneurs better understand their profit and momentum.

📱 Creative collaboration strategies for social media content, including storyboarding with teams and engaging more people at live events.

🎭 The power of improv in business, and how saying “yes, and” can lead to more confidence, spontaneity, and success in virtual meetings and marketing.

Resources:

https://dreamosity.com/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Jim Blakemore is the President and CEO of Blakemore and Association in the Oil, Gas and Real Estate industries. He is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. He hails from Midland, TX and contributed to a book with such greats as Brian Tracy and Les Brown.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🎯 Jim Blakemore’s journey from oil and gas to real estate and entrepreneurship, and how getting fired led to a life of independence.

📉 How the 2020 pandemic derailed his shipping container housing project, and what he learned pivoting after the shutdown.

💡 Virtual meeting tips that boost credibility, from background choices to lighting and camera framing.

Resources:

https://JamesBlakemore.com

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show

Being guided by the divine hand with guardian angels for wingmen seems to be a way of life for Denny LaVé. His adventures include spending almost two years as a monk in monastery in France, free climbing the outside of a 500 ft radio tower, and attempting to summit Mt. Borah. He recently rode his Road Glide ST from N. Idaho to San Francisco to attend the SailGP grand finale. He’s faced death from many angles, from excessive heat exposure, falling objects, being the falling object, car crashes, and more. These wildly varied experiences coupled with his passion for learning and healing make him a dynamic and compassionate leader. His business career started in custom furniture crafting, then into marketing under the mentorship of Jay Abraham.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🏗️ Denny LaVe’s experience navigating the early days of COVID-19 in Idaho’s construction industry, including how his team stayed operational during shutdowns.

💻 The shift to virtual meetings and how his company upgraded their conference room to stay connected and efficient.

🇺🇸 What led Denny to run for U.S. Senate, including his long-standing sense of calling, prayerful reflection, and support from trusted mentors.

Resources:

https://ppe-llc.com/

Click http://engagingvirtualmeetings.com/meet to meet John Chen.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show