Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought Leadership

Carla Flanders, founder of CMF Marketing and Events, shares her journey of entrepreneurship in West Michigan, from creating large-scale community events to launching her own children’s book. Carla talks about balancing visionary thinking with execution, the importance of trying new things, and the inspiration behind On the Day You Graduate. Plus, hear about her exciting upcoming project—Girlfriend’s Getaway.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Summer Life
(02:31) Journey to CMF Marketing and Events
(09:22) Life and Career in West Michigan
(16:50) Balancing Vision and Execution in Business
(22:43) Staying Grounded and Personal Rhythms
(28:05) Creative Inspiration from Travel
(32:48) Writing and Launching On the Day You Graduate
(41:36) Advice for Taking the Next Big Step
(48:10) Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Creators and Guests

Host
Lauren Koetje
Passionate about creating impactful experiences, I specialize in streamlining operations, scheduling speakers, and overseeing production to bring innovative ideas to life.

What is Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought Leadership?

Behind every brand is a person.
We share their unheard stories as their journeys unfold.

Brand in the Making is a raw, unscripted podcast featuring founders, creators, and thought leaders who are building something meaningful. These are the voices you haven’t heard yet—captured in real time, before the headlines.

Each episode takes you inside the process: the sparks, the setbacks, and the strategies that shape personal brands and breakout businesses.

If you're curious about what it takes to build a brand that matters, this is your front-row seat.

Presented by ThinkTank Thought Leadership — the content engine for ambitious leaders.