Welcome to Panel and Perspectives—where dynamic business and creative communities converge for an evening full of big talk and inspired action.
The mission is simple yet powerful: to spark meaningful conversations, foster authentic connections, and provide actionable insights that drive collaboration, growth, and support for local businesses and creatives.
Join us as we celebrate Small Business Month and embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and impact, contributing to the vibrant and resilient community ecosystem in Baton Rouge. Together, let's amplify our voices, share our stories, and build a future filled with possibility and opportunity.
Are you ready to be inspired, empowered, and transformed at Panel and Perspectives?
Photographer + Creative Cultivator
As a seasoned solo entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, Jenn Ocken understands the challenges you face. She was able to crush the "starving artist" myth and now she's ready to guide talented, driven people like you to connect to their goals and create a life that thrives.
Her own journey, marked by determination, fast-acting pivoting, and a touch of creative chaos, led her to establish a successful photography business and become a pillar of support for others seeking purpose through their passions. Yet, it was her struggle with maintaining focus amid the whirlwind of doubting thoughts that sparked the idea that is Thriv.
Come listen as Jenn brilliantly talks you through Pricing Your Value!
Narcisse Burchell
Programs and Events Manager / Nexus Louisiana
Doug Gay
Owner / Baton Rouge Music Studios
Sarah Joy
Owner / CounterSpaceBR
Collaboration Corner
This will be a unique feature of the event and is being facilitated by QuickFlip Media. The goal is to boost networking and exposure among attendees through collaborative social media engagement. Here's how it works:
Networking: Attendees are encouraged to mingle and find someone with whom they'd like to collaborate.
On-Camera Interview: Once attendees pair up, they are given prompt questions to help structure the conversation.
Social Media Sharing: The recorded clip is posted on Instagram. Because it's a collaboration, the clip will appear natively on both accounts.
This cross-promotion can lead to increased exposure, attracting new followers, customers, or collaborators who may not have been reachable by each participant alone. Although you can hand out your business card during the event, this is a totally different take on networking that will create real engagement and instant results.
THANK YOU to our community partners
Young Entrepreneurs Academy
Empowering high school students to become confident entrepreneurs, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEABR.org) offers a transformative after-school program. Students create business plans, pitch for funding, and launch startups. Graduates earn LSU credit. Refer a student by August 18 at www.yeabr.org/refer to help unlock their potential and foster innovation in Baton Rouge.
