The Michael Coombs Show

Michael Coombs
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Michael Coombs Show, where we'll be having conversations with tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the wedding and event industry. So sit back and enjoy The Michael Coombs Show. 

  1. Kathy Romero on Certainty, Alignment, and Building a Premium Event Planning Brand

    3D AGO

    Kathy Romero on Certainty, Alignment, and Building a Premium Event Planning Brand

    Host Michael Coombs interviews global event planner and brand strategist Kathy Romero following her surprise talk at Toronto’s client appreciation party, The Interlude. Romero explains that reaching high-profile work required complete self-trust, strong boundaries, and projecting certainty because clients “hire a presence,” not just a planner. She emphasizes leaving fear by choosing yourself, vetting client alignment through experience, and building a clear, evolving vision rooted in the life and lifestyle you want rather than comparison or volume. Romero discusses recurring doubts, grief-driven overcompensation, burnout, and recovering through certainty. She defends a lean three-person team and fewer, higher-value clients, warning that scaling for status can trap businesses in overhead and ego. She outlines raising prices as a positioning signal, guiding clients away from trends, maintaining expert authority, handling vendor pushback through documented recommendations, fostering abundance-minded collaboration, and selling transferable skills when switching event niches. 00:00 Interlude Event Setup 00:47 Meet Kathy Romero 01:19 Becoming Certain 03:22 Leaving Fear Behind 05:30 Client Alignment Mindset 06:16 Vision And Foundation 09:18 Lifestyle First Business 10:35 Grief And Boundaries 13:11 Burnout And Certainty 15:19 Small Team Big Value 18:32 Status Ego Trap 20:57 Raising Prices Upmarket 25:26 Charge What You’re Worth 26:31 When to Raise Rates 27:59 Pricing With Integrity 28:48 Positioning Your Brand 29:52 Trends vs Timeless Taste 32:19 Stop Being a Yes Man 34:57 Handling Bad Vendor Picks 38:17 Confrontation and Accountability 38:51 Referrals Ego and Scarcity 43:11 Find Your People 46:40 Pivot Without a Portfolio 49:29 Closing Thanks and Subscribe Links: Michael Coombs Kathy Romero

    50 min
  2. Behind the Scenes of TIFF's 50th with Mariangel Urdaneta

    MAR 31

    Behind the Scenes of TIFF's 50th with Mariangel Urdaneta

    Toronto International Film Festival isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural force.  TIFF’s Director of Special Events, Mariangel Urdaneta, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring it to life. At its core, TIFF operates as a charity with a bold mission: to shift how people see the world through film. For its 50th anniversary, the focus wasn’t on doing more—it was on doing better. Think elevated experiences. Opening day set the tone with a Walk of Fame moment, back-to-back premieres, and a high-energy kickoff party that only TIFF can deliver. Behind the scenes? It’s all about intentional design—keeping events accessible, maintaining a seamless brand feel, and building with sustainability in mind (yes, even repurposing florals across 100+ events).  Because at TIFF, every detail isn’t just planned—it’s curated. 00:00 TIFF Vision Intro 00:42 TIFF 50 Highlights 03:33 Budget And Partners 05:38 Event Guidelines 07:17 Sustainability In Action 09:59 Hangar Party Logistics 12:40 Keeping It Fresh 14:45 Content Market Explained 18:20 Behind The Scenes Ops 22:30 Permits Visas Logistics 23:50 Tribute Gala Evolution 26:40 Honorees Star Power 27:45 Breaking Into Events 30:00 Weddings Versus Festivals 31:15 Drone Show Planning 35:50 Looking Ahead To 2026 37:40 Final Thanks And Wrap Links: Michael Coombs Marieangel | Instagram tiff

    38 min
  3. Why the Human Touch Is the Future of Luxury: Scaling Wedding Creative Businesses with Katie Hendricks

    MAR 24

    Why the Human Touch Is the Future of Luxury: Scaling Wedding Creative Businesses with Katie Hendricks

    Host Michael Coombs interviews Katie Hendricks, founder of Masterfully Managed and Forma, about supporting wedding creatives through operations and representation. Katie explains that Masterfully Managed, an eight-year-old 17-person team, acts as an extension of clients’ brands by handling behind-the-scenes tasks like client communication, vendor/venue sourcing, submissions, social media, blogs, and Pinterest. She shares how Forma, launched five to six months ago, emerged from photographers requesting agency-style representation, and how she now matches photographers/videographers to planners and couples by factoring in budget, availability, and personality dynamics. They discuss the value of in-person conferences and relationship-building, the benefits of a specialized virtual team versus a single assistant, common operational pain points like broken systems and inbox/file chaos, and cautious, selective use of automation and AI while emphasizing personalization and human connection as “the future of luxury.” 00:00 Human Touch Luxury 00:20 Meet Katie Hendricks 00:53 Two Businesses Explained 01:47 Why Forma Exists 03:14 Matchmaking Photo Video 06:11 Creative Outreach Ideas 09:22 Conferences Matter 12:06 VA Versus In Person 13:56 Fixing Operations Systems 16:25 Building Client Trust 18:41 Automation And AI 23:04 Future Of Luxury 24:41 Advice For Overwhelm Links: Michael Coombs Masterfully Managed Forma

    30 min
  4. DJ MOS on Becoming the Oscars’ Official DJ, NYC Nightlife Roots, Social Media Growth, and AI in DJing

    MAR 17

    DJ MOS on Becoming the Oscars’ Official DJ, NYC Nightlife Roots, Social Media Growth, and AI in DJing

    Host Michael Coombs interviews DJ MOS, an NYC and LA nightlife veteran and, with his wife DJ Kiss, the Academy Awards’ official DJ. MOS recounts how he manifested the Oscars gig and met an assistant to the Academy president who helped connect him, and explains preparing for celebrity rooms by reading the crowd and mixing classics with current hits. He reflects on formative experiences at NYC clubs like the Tunnel, interning at Elektra Records, and learning through “DJ university” nights, citing mentors including Peter Paul, Du Ray, Mark Ronson, Rich Medina, DJ AM, and Clark Kent. He describes moving to LA with DJ Kiss, how they met at PM and became a DJ duo, and shares views on brand partnerships, DJs’ longevity, and embracing new tech while staying rooted in vinyl. He discusses AI as a research/organization tool, social media’s importance, and how COVID live streams—boosted by a D-Nice redirect—gained him 35,000 followers in eight hours. He previews film projects, new music, and continuing to DJ. 00:00 Viral DJ Moment 00:12 Oscars DJ Origin Story 02:13 Preparing for Celebrity Rooms 03:29 Teen Years in NYC Clubs 04:53 Electra Records and Leveling Up 06:35 Mentors and DJ University 09:53 Why Move to Los Angeles 11:39 Meeting DJ Kiss and Duo Life 13:26 Brand Deals and Staying Authentic 14:45 DJs as Brand Ambassadors 15:42 No Age Limit DJing 16:10 Connecting Across Generations 16:32 Music Knowledge Advantage 17:30 Relentless Gig Stories 18:51 Veterans vs New Tech 20:24 Gear Preferences Workflow 21:21 AI in DJing 24:16 Social Media Strategy 26:05 COVID Live Stream Breakout 29:03 What’s Next and Farewell Links: Michael Coombs DJ MOS | Instagram

    30 min
  5. Tyler Speier on Carefully Executed Restraint and Executing Luxury Events at Scale

    MAR 10

    Tyler Speier on Carefully Executed Restraint and Executing Luxury Events at Scale

    Host Michael Coombs interviews Santa Barbara planner, designer, and florist Tyler Speier, creative director for Engage! Santa Barbara, about executing luxury at scale under industry scrutiny, short turnarounds, and high expectations. Speier explains the intentional Santa Barbara story he designed for Engage—from natural beauty and monarch migration to agriculture, downtown, Fiesta, cowboy history, and old Hollywood—and why he took on the project for both challenge and ROI, citing amplified reach, stronger venue relationships, and new contracts. He shares how his company began after high school with budget weddings, grew alongside a nonprofit career, and expanded rapidly after an analytical decision to go full-time. Speier emphasizes venue relationships, kindness, hospitality, and on-site presence, and details his philosophy of “carefully executed restraint”: strategically balancing wow moments with restraint to highlight architecture, natural beauty, and impact. He describes an integrated planning/design/floral process, logistical realism, solution-oriented client communication, collaborative team structure, and educational offerings on tylerspeier.com. 00:00 Executed Restraint Teaser 00:39 Engage Creative Pressure 02:02 Santa Barbara Story Arc 03:16 Why Take The Risk 05:05 Finding Daily Inspiration 06:23 From Budget To Luxury 08:29 Going Full Time 10:06 Venue Relationships Matter 12:02 Kindness As Leadership 13:25 Being Present Onsite 15:44 Defining Executed Restraint 18:04 Origins Of The Philosophy 18:24 Design With Restraint 19:25 Guiding Budget Choices 21:05 Client Process Breakdown 22:28 Hands On Or Hands Off 23:40 Creativity Meets Logistics 25:05 Truth Moments With Clients 26:34 Backup Plans Under Pressure 28:01 Team Candor And Brainstorms 30:05 How The Team Is Structured 31:40 Education And Giving Back 32:48 Engage Santa Barbara Reflections 34:35 Final Thanks And Sign Off Michael Coombs

    35 min
  6. Manifesting Success: Ashley Pigott and the Art of Event Planning Excellence

    MAR 3

    Manifesting Success: Ashley Pigott and the Art of Event Planning Excellence

    In this episode,  Ashley Pigott shares her insights on the power of manifestation, the importance of obsession with excellence, and the personal costs of growth in the event planning industry. She discusses the calculated risks involved in expanding her business internationally and the significance of building collaborative partnerships. Ashley emphasizes the need to stay true to oneself amidst industry noise and the evolving definition of success. She also highlights the importance of creating memorable experiences for clients and managing pressure during high-stakes events. Finally, she reflects on her journey of manifesting opportunities and her recent work with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 00:50 The Power of Manifestation 04:10 Obsessed with Excellence 05:10 The Cost of Growth 07:10 Calculated Risks in Expansion 11:10 Building Collaborative Partnerships 13:40 Staying True to Yourself 15:45 The Importance of Experience 19:50 Defining Success 22:20 The Little Things 23:50 Handling Pressure  32:10 Do Your Own Thing 35:30 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Launch

    37 min
  7. Brandee Gaar on Confident Selling: Consultation Frameworks, Pricing Transparency, and Closing Wedding Clients

    FEB 24

    Brandee Gaar on Confident Selling: Consultation Frameworks, Pricing Transparency, and Closing Wedding Clients

    Brandee Gaar, founder of Wedding Pro CEO, explains that many wedding professionals undercharge and avoid leading clients to a decision because they fear sounding pushy, which leaves couples confused about next steps. She outlines a four-part consultation framework: deep discovery to uncover motivations and pain points; pitching only in direct relation to those pain points rather than listing generic service bullet points; securing small verbal “yeses” throughout (including addressing budget and pricing in the call instead of deferring it); and then assuming next steps by confidently guiding clients into a contract when readiness is confirmed. She emphasizes not sending a contract unless the client explicitly wants it, and if they are not ready, ending the call by setting a specific follow-up date rather than leaving the process open-ended. Brandee argues for putting ballpark pricing on websites to help leads self-qualify, noting modern buyers expect immediate information; she recommends ranges like “starts at” or “average client spends,” and suggests that strong marketing and nurturing should make consultations largely a formality. She discusses differentiation by knowing competitors and proactively addressing comparison points during consultations, including using AI to analyze competitor reviews and clarify unique value. Brandee also distinguishes selling to planners/venues versus couples, advising vendors to avoid cold pitching, seek warm introductions (especially via networking event hosts), follow up effectively, and understand that planners need direct information rather than a full sales funnel. She strongly discourages sending proposals after calls as it delays pricing clarity and increases ghosting, advocating instead for handling objections live and moving straight to contract; she notes florists may still need proposals but should give an in-call price range first to prevent sticker shock and proposal-shopping. She recommends meeting clients where they communicate, including email, DMs, and even text consultations. Throughout, she reframes sales as serving: providing a solution to a couple’s need and leading them clearly so they don’t book a poorly fit vendor with better marketing. 00:00 Meet Brandee Gaar: Sales Strategy for Wedding Pros 00:29 The #1 Sales Pitfall: Being Afraid to Lead the Client 01:54 Consultation Framework Part 1: Deep Discovery That Uncovers Real Motivations 03:04 Part 2: Pitch to Pain Points (Not Boring Bullet Points) 04:30 Part 3: Get Mini ‘Yeses’ + Talk Budget Before the Proposal 06:34 Part 4: Assume the Sale & Walk Them Through Next Steps 07:41 When They’re Not Ready: Don’t Send the Contract Yet 10:23 Why Pricing Belongs on Your Website (Without a ‘Menu’) 13:46 Will Pricing Scare People Off? How Marketing Should Pre-Sell the Consult 16:03 Instagram vs Reality: Reviews, Reputation, and the Couple’s Vendor Journey 19:03 Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Differentiation Beyond Extra Bullet Points 20:10 Why a Full-Time Planning Team Beats a Solo Planner 20:49 Know Your Differentiator: Selling Against Competitors (with AI Help) 22:18 Selling to Planners & Venues vs. Selling to Couples 23:48 Networking the Right Way: Warm Intros, No Cold Pitches 27:21 Stop Sending Proposals After Calls: Close in the Consultation 29:47 Follow-Up Strategy: Set the Next Step + Florist Proposal Caveat 35:08 Meet Clients Where They Are: Email, DMs, and Text Consultations 36:33 Final Mindset Shift: Sales as Service (and Why It Matters) Links: Michael Coombs Wedding Pro CEO

    39 min
  8. Resilience and Reinvention: The Journey of Bridal Designer Hayley Paige

    FEB 17

    Resilience and Reinvention: The Journey of Bridal Designer Hayley Paige

    In this episode, renowned bridal designer Hayley Paige, shares her inspiring journey from loving dresses as a young girl to navigating a tumultuous legal battle over her own name. Hayley discusses her early influences, including her grandmother who taught her to sew, and her academic journey, which initially included pre-med at Cornell before pivoting to fiber science and apparel design. She reflects on her professional experiences, including creating a 10-piece bridal collection at Cornell and working with top designers like Jill Stewart. Hayley opens up about her time at JLM Couture, her public legal battles, and the emotional toll it took. She also talks about her rebranding efforts with Cheval, the support she received from the bridal community, and her nonprofit organization, A Girl You Might Know Foundation, which aims to protect young creators' intellectual property. Lastly, Hayley shares her excitement about re-entering the bridal industry, planning her own wedding, and her continuous commitment to her craft and her values. 00:00 Introduction: Who is Hayley Paige? 01:43 Early Life and Inspirations 02:51 From Science to Fashion 04:30 Breaking into the Bridal Industry 06:08 Challenges as a Young Designer 08:15 The JLM Couture Journey 12:52 The Legal Battle and Its Impact 17:36 Rebuilding and Moving Forward 22:52 Cheval: A New Beginning 23:50 The Importance of Faith and Community 32:44 A Girl You Might Know Foundation 35:57 Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter Links: Michael Coombs Hayley Paige A Girl You Might Know Foundation

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Michael Coombs Show, where we'll be having conversations with tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the wedding and event industry. So sit back and enjoy The Michael Coombs Show. 

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Coombs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Michael Coombs Show
  • Show Website
    The Michael Coombs Show

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