Imani Ellis met a mentor after getting into a closing elevator. Someone else made a career-changing connection while standing in a food truck line. Not every opportunity comes from a perfectly planned introduction. Sometimes being in the room, being curious and starting a conversation is enough to change what happens next.

When Weston learned his mother had cancer, his first instinct was to leave college and come home. She told him no. She wanted him to stay, finish his education and make something of the sacrifices his parents had made for their children. Years later, Weston says the faith, discipline and sacrifice his parents taught him still shape the person he is today.

Before the strategy. Before the growth. Before thousands of people showed up… There was curiosity. Not “What do you do?” But “Who are you?” That difference helped turn networking into community.

What does it really take to go from making $500K to building a $5.5 million business? In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Weston to break down the journey behind building a multimillion dollar tax software business that has processed over 50,000 tax returns. Weston shares how years of consistency, failed webinars, discipline, and staying focused on one industry eventually created massive growth. They also talk about building a business using existing software, creating additional value through training and support, marriage and family, staying committed when nobody is watching, and why becoming successful starts with becoming the right person first. This conversation is a reminder that what looks like overnight success usually has years of work behind it. If you're building a business, trying to reach your next level, or wondering whether the work you're putting in today will eventually pay off, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs who are building real businesses and creating real results.

$150K on ads had Imani SHOCKED. 😳 Her approach? Build trust, create a great experience, and let your customers do the talking. Would you spend $150K on ads if you were only breaking even?

Imani Ellis was building CultureCon while continuing to grow in her career. When the time came to leave, she wanted to walk away while she was still doing great work. The relationship didn’t end there. Bravo and NBC later became sponsors of CultureCon. Sometimes how you leave becomes part of what happens next.

David and Donni talk about something that can get lost in the pursuit of success: actually enjoying your own life. Money, access and opportunities can give you more options. But at some point, you still have to decide whether the life you’re building is one you actually want to live.

Before CultureCon grew into a massive event, Imani Ellis was learning in real time. She found a bigger venue, toured it by herself and signed the contract. Then someone from production walked in and immediately noticed two pretty important problems. Sometimes building something new means learning what you didn’t even know to ask.

When you’re always the thoughtful one, eventually you ask: Who takes care of me the way I take care of everybody else? That question can change a lot.

Imani Ellis opens up about pushing herself through three CultureCons in one year after leaving her job. The events sold out, but the pressure took a serious toll. It forced her to reconsider an important question: when the business is winning, what is the success costing the person behind it?

Donni opens up about a season when she was making more money than ever but still didn’t feel fulfilled. The shift came when she stopped waiting for everything around her to make her feel okay and started prioritizing herself, her routines and the life she actually wanted to live.

Imani Ellis breaks down what she teaches people before they step into the public eye. Attention comes with opinions, comments and strangers dissecting your life. Her lesson is simple: before the world starts telling you who you are, get clear about it for yourself.

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.

Does Signing a Prenup Mean You’re Planning for Divorce?

Do You Ever Really Know the Person You Marry?

David says dates are overrated. Donni argues that companionship still includes dating, experiences and seeing the world together. So what actually makes a relationship feel like a relationship? Is the connection enough, or are dates part of the deal?