MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: Building the Systems Behind Success

A conversation about Trust, Operations, and Sustainable Growth

When people think about creativity, they often picture artists, designers, or makers. Rarely do they picture the professionals building the systems, processes, and infrastructure that allow ambitious ideas to come to life. Yet behind every successful event, community initiative, and growing organization is someone making sure the pieces connect.

For more than two decades, Stephie Young has done exactly that. As Founder and CEO of Advanced Meeting Solutions (AMS), she has built a career coordinating large-scale conferences, board meetings, and national events while helping organizations navigate the complex logistics that turn vision into reality. What began as an unexpected opportunity evolved into a thriving business grounded in trust, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.

As part of Dipped's Mentor Spotlight series, Stephie shares insights from her journey, including how she found her way into event management, why operational design is a creative practice, what it takes to earn a reputation that generates referrals, and the mindset required to build something that lasts. Her perspective offers a powerful reminder that sustainable growth isn't built through talent alone. It's built through systems, relationships, and the willingness to keep learning.

You’ve spent 20+ years leading large-scale conferences, board meetings, and national events. What first drew you to event logistics, and at what point did you recognize that you were operating at an expert level?

I had a temporary assignment at Clark Atlanta University, training staff on software. I was offered the role of Systems Administrator for the Head Start Program—no formal training, just opportunity, and I accepted. I learned to fix computers. During my time at CAU, I volunteered for the NBMBAA Annual Conference. After a few years of volunteering, I was offered a position supporting the President. I said yes and moved to Chicago. After six months, I transitioned to the Conference department, where I planned and organized parts of the annual conference. It was accidental, not planned, but it worked in my favor because I believe everything happens for a reason. Eighteen years later, with extensive training, certifications, trust, and hard work, I started my own company to support organizations needing our services. Thirteen years later—by 2026—AMS has grown and is thriving. We provide services that help companies elevate themselves from where they are to where they should ultimately be.

You’ve built a career in structure, coordination, and systems—areas many people don’t immediately consider as “creative.” In your experience, how is operational design itself a creative act?

It’s interesting because I don’t see myself as creative. I believe the definition is relative when it comes to planning. Operational design is a creative act because you have to think backward. You need the ability, or be willing to learn, to consider the end goal first. Once you identify the desired outcome, you develop the processes that achieve it. The actual tasks and work then become a bit easier because you've built a roadmap.

Over the course of your career, you’ve negotiated concessions and contracts totaling more than $700,000. What shifts allow someone to move from smaller opportunities into higher-level, higher-ticket rooms?

The belief that you belong is essential. If you are continuously developing and learning, you will pick up traits, qualities, and skills that elevate you from your current position to higher levels. If you remain open, honest, and show up as your best self, people will recognize and trust that you are reliable. Offers and chances will come your way, and once you prove yourself, more opportunities will follow. You are perceived differently, opening the door to new opportunities. Every client we have served came through a recommendation.

You’ve led large institutional initiatives and sustained your own business since 2013. What are some core principles that have allowed you to build longevity, regardless of environment or scale?

Our company is known in the industry for being reliable. Our team and those we hire to support our clients are trustworthy and honest. We only accept work that we can complete. We don’t take on projects just for the money; we ensure the money is worth our time. Ultimately, we build a rapport with clients that positions AMS as an extension of their team or family.

If a creative entrepreneur reading this wanted to strengthen their operational foundation this week, what’s one practical step you would tell them to take?

Always know what your competitors are doing because there is always someone doing something beneficial just a little different.

As part of Dipped’s circle of mentors supporting emerging creative entrepreneurs, what do you believe this next generation most needs to understand about sustainability, reputation, and long-term growth?

For all three—sustainability, reputation, and long-term growth—it takes time, self-belief, mistakes, mentorship, partnerships, and open communication to succeed.

What’s one element of event production that people often overlook, but makes a big difference?

Personal time away from your family and friends is often overlooked, especially early in your career. This element is often overlooked because we spend much of it away from home and family.

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