Accelerate with David Alexander
Welcome to Accelerate, the podcast that brings together inspirational leadership and actionable insights. Whether you're an accomplished Founder or Executive desiring to keep growing, or an emerging Executive just starting out, this podcast is for you. Our diverse range of topics will provide value for you and your team, no matter where you are on your journey.
I’m your host David Alexander. As an experienced thought leadership strategist, I have had the opportunity to produce videos, podcasts and articles featuring startups to Fortune 500 brands, such as GM, Boeing, Intuit, and Pepsi. My desire is to curate conversations and ideas that positively impact the future of humanity as we step into a new era of digital disruption. Over the course of my career, I have gained access to incredibly exclusive conversations behind closed doors. I want to share these cutting edge insights with you through community-driven content that provides strategic leadership, change management, and innovation insights.
Thank you for joining the journey. Together, let’s Accelerate!
Accelerate with David Alexander
Inside LIVE Events with Carrie Freeman Parsons and Bob Priest-Heck
This isn’t just another business episode. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Freeman, one of the most iconic names in live events, is rewriting the playbook on what it means to lead with purpose, push boundaries, and still keep people first.
With 250 million attendees reached each year, Freeman doesn’t just produce events, they shape global experiences. From NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit to over 4,500 clients worldwide, Freeman’s legacy is grounded in courage, clarity, and culture. Now, they’ve captured their formula for high-impact leadership in their new book: Inside LIVE Events: Your Playbook for Mastering the Experience.
In This Episode:
Host David Alexander welcomes back two powerhouses:
- Carrie Freeman Parsons – Chair of Freeman and a fearless voice on empathy-driven leadership
- Bob Priest-Heck – Immediate Past CEO of Freeman and a strategic force behind innovation at the firm
Joining the conversation:
- Dr. Lauren Cohen - (Harvard Business School) breaks down the family business mindset that fuels Freeman’s long-game.
- Sherry Huss, Freeman’s Head of Community returns to talk about the innovation and leadership culture at Freeman
Topics You’ll Care About:
- Leading under pressure while staying grounded in values
- Why empathy is the ultimate business advantage
- Creative briefs that drive clarity and execution
- Using data to design meaningful, segmented experiences
- Creating longterm value through digital strategy and bold planning
The Bottom Line:
If you’re building something that matters this is your blueprint. Whether you lead a team, a company, or a cause, Inside LIVE Events gives you the tools to lead with focus and values.
Explore the book: Inside LIVE Events: Your Playbook for Mastering the Experience
Discover Freeman: www.freeman.com
Connect with David: www.davidjalexander.com