Cosmo's Fun Fearless Money 2016

Cosmo's Fun Fearless Female Conference (sometimes with a few men) has been always a good experience. This year they planned an inspiring day packed with the smartest and savviest bosses willing to share their secrets to success with us. This was their third time hosting an incredible event, which was held at Cedar Lake in Chelsea, New York. Just like last year, this year was small and personal. It started at 8:30am and it ended by 5:30pm with an after party of cocktails and treats that were given by male models. Each year I make new connections and friends. The panel gave advice on getting out of debt, making smart investment decisions and how to take your career to the next level. They also partnered this year with SoFi, a modern finance company with a new approach to lending, and wealth management, and they brought their top experts to school us on all things money. Here are some photos of the event with some quotes, hopefully you can attend next year with me!

P.s. The seats aren't assigned so make sure you get there early to see a celebrity panel in front of you!

Introducing the first two speakers Supermodels Tyra Banks & Ashley Graham, with Aya Kanai, Cosmo's Fashion Director, as their interviewer. They were my favorite two speakers the whole day only because I can relate to them myself as a model. They are both such  good role models especially Ashley because she is showing off her curves. Killin' it girl!!

Best Advice from Tyra:
"Plan for the end at the beginning, Follow your dream before it leaves you, Refuel your mental tank." - talking about how she plans for the end of her projects before the beginning to ensure success.
She also says "You can't afford that" to herself to make her save money. She went on and talked about how when she started out as a model, she would stay at the Doubletree and get free breakfast while everyone else were in expensive hotels. Also took the subway instead of a taxi.
"Don't be afraid to ask for a raise. Be clear on what value you add and why you deserve it."

Best Advice from Ashley:
Ashley says "What I've learned from Tyra Banks is that you CAN have it all."
"I've made so many vision boards in my life that have gotten me what I want."
"I want longevity, I put my money away."
Ashley wanted to be more just a pretty face.

Once they were done speaking, Joanna Coles, whom is now the Chief Content Officer at Hearst Magazine, quickly took a selfie with them & us.

Joanna Coles gets to interview Sara Blakely as the next speaker. She is the owner & founder of Spanx. So ladies you better thank her about making you look good in those tight bodycon dresses! She said "Keep ideas to self other than those who can actually help move forward." "I'm not afraid of losing money because I have the confidence to know how to make more..." while she proceeds to say that driving around for an hour before work helps her think of new ideas. We all got a copy of her new book called, The Belly Art Project. Can't wait to read it!

Next speaker was David Gilboa, Co-Founder, Warby Parker, who was interviewed by Laura Brounstein. Cosmo's Special Projects Director. He talked about how to find solutions. "Make the world better, Make an impact."

"People don't want to be associated with a copycat. It's not interesting."

Next we have Kat Cole, Group President of Focus Brands, and Angie Mar, Executive Chef/ Owner of The Beatrice Inn talk risk taking with Cosmo's Executive Editor Leslie Yazel. No matter how awesome the company if the people are not awesome then it will suck! Look for those who love to help. Not be the person who says: "That's not my job." Be a huge fan of the underdog. Customer service is paramount.

Fail fast. Use FAIL as an acronym- First Attempt In Learning.
How quick can we figure this out? Just go do it, and you'll learn. Take the honor of being grateful for those who have advocated for me. "Take responsibility for the opportunities that are given to me (you)."- Leslie Yazel

Invest in your team. Loyalty, investment and love. Prepare them to move ahead and up whether in the company or in life.

Follow your passion. Believe in your dream ardently.

Amy Wilkinson, author of The Creator's Code talks about how we all can create unbelievable success. "If you want to do something extraordinary, ASK QUESTIONS." Kids at the age of 5 ask 100 questions a day when adults only ask 2-3 questions a day. Ramp up your curiosity! "You can be successful in business, but you have to believe you're building something more for yourself."

Skills to help your business:
1) Find the Gap
2) Drive for Daylight
3) Fly the OODA Loop
4) Fail Wisely
5) Network Minds
6) Gift Small Goods

Next we have is Gabrielle Bernstein who talks with the new Editor-In-Chief of Cosmo Magazine Michele Promaulayko about visualizing your future. Solid advice " Visualize your future... but use your skills to get there." Also my favorite advice from her was "Don't be afraid to do something you love for free but for a period of time." She says to free yourself from Fear and that Fun & Fearless are the main two ingredients to be successful.

Let's fast forward to our favorite man who gives us love relationship advice with Cosmo's Deputy Editor Marina Khidekel. We all thought he was too good to be true until he opened his mouth with his British accent plus he is super smart.
Advice from Matthew:
"Attraction is about keeping people a little off balance." "The more successful you become the more humble you need to be." "Humility and success are a match made in heaven."

Who pays the bill after a date? Matthew says women should offer to split, men should insist on paying. As he is giving us advice, we all are thinking how Matthew is single?! Ha.

To keep us pumped up and awake, they bring out Model & Personal Trainer Evan Betts to get the crowd excited.

I could go on and on about every single panel that was at Fun Fearless Money but you just have to see for yourself for next year's event and get your ticket! Around 5pm, Ingrid Michaelson ended the day with a couple of songs. Being up front to hear her sing was amazing since she has a voice of an angel! After her performance, it was time to have cocktail hour with the editors.

Until next time.

XOXO