www.hustleandgather.com
hello@hustleandgather.com
Dana Kadwell is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and writer with over 18 years of experience in the event industry. She is the founder of Hustle + Gather and co-founder of planning company, C&D Events, and The Bradford, a premier wedding venue in the Raleigh, NC area. Through Hustle + Gather, Dana provides training and consulting services tailored to hospitality professionals, helping business owners scale sustainably, build empowered teams, and achieve both profitability and work-life balance.
Dana is also the host of Gathered Here, a podcast that explores the real stories behind event venues—highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and transformative journeys of the people who create spaces where life’s most meaningful moments unfold.
Speaking Topics
- Crafting your Path: Embracing Authenticity for Business Growth
- Reignite Your Vision: Moving Beyond the Daily Grind to Connect with Purpose
- Connecting Company Culture with Client Experience: A Winning Strategy
- Forget Work-Life Balance: Why It’s All About Integration Right Now
- Flipping the Script on Imposter Syndrome: Turning Self-Doubt into Your Superpower
- It’s Not Them – It’s You! How to Stop Hiring the Wrong People
- The Power of Thanks: Mastering the Art of Meaningful Gratitude
- From Chaos to Cohesion: How SOPs Can Transform Your Business and Your Life
Getting to Know You
What topics do you enjoy speaking on the most?
I love talking about finding your purpose and how to really get the most of out your business. I spent too many years sacrificing my health and happiness to my business. Now – I want to inspire others to create the balance and the path forward to life a life of purpose, while also growing great profits.
What topic would you love to tackle next?
I would love to tackle how to be a recovering people pleaser in an industry where our businesses are built on serving others.
How would you describe your speaking style?
Real, candid, vulnerable.
What has been your favorite speaking engagement to date?
I loved speaking at WeWed! It was an intimate setting, and I adored all the speakers, especially the host!
When heading to a wedding industry conference, I never leave home without my….
Face oil. My face gets so dry when I travel, and it is one very expensive face product that I can not live without. I will guard it with my life and never check it in a bag!
Where would you love to speak next?
I am speaking at Be Sage in 2025, and that was on my bucket list! I would like to say I am an international speaker – I don’t care where I go!