Sameera Lowe

The Evolution of EO Nashville: Nurturing Entrepreneurship – Sameera Lowe

Sameera Lowe is the Executive Director of EO Nashville, where she has worked closely with entrepreneurs for over 15 years. She is also the Principal of Loud & Clear Communications, which focuses on marketing, event planning, and association management. With over 25 years of marketing and event planning experience, Sameera served as the Marketing Director for Comcast and as a PR and marketing consultant for various locally owned private businesses.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[1:59] How Sameera Lowe discovered EO and her attraction to a leadership role in the organization
[7:36] The common mistakes EO members make during their growth journey
[12:46] How EO’s unique membership process elevates its community
[16:01] What is the genesis of Catalyst?
[21:45] Sameera talks about EO’s “90 is the new 60” event
[25:25] Advice for ensuring durability and value from your EO forum
[32:02] The challenges of an EO leadership role
[36:36] Sameera’s vision for EO’s future — and the importance of evolving with member needs

In This Episode

EO Nashville didn’t become the largest EO chapter overnight. It took rigorous leadership, constant support, and engaging events to grow the chapter. How did one executive director spearhead the endeavor to transform Nashville’s entrepreneurial community?

Having been raised by self-made entrepreneurs, Sameera Lowe joined EO Nashville, intending to break into a leadership role that would allow her to fulfill her potential. After working with dejected entrepreneurs with imposter syndrome, she began implementing and adhering to core values and rules, carefully selecting topics and ideal members. Various events and programs like Nerve and her proprietary “90 is the new 60” event ensure optimal engagement and alignment with members’ unique journeys. Sameera maintains that EO Nashville members must take ownership of their experiences to maximize the benefits of the organization.

In the latest episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson talk with Sameera Lowe, the Executive Director of EO Nashville, about how she nurtures entrepreneurs in the organization. Sameera shares her insight on creating transformative events, effectively vetting new members, and pioneering programs like Catalyst and Bridge that prepare entrepreneurs for EO membership.

Quotable Moments:

“If you’ve got everything all figured out, this is not the place for you.”
“Stick to what works; Global has that nailed.”
“I love what I do. It’s an honor and a pleasure.”
“You have to own your own experience.”
“We have added 100 Catalyst members into EO just since this past spring.”

Action Steps:

Participate in entrepreneurial communities and programs: Diving into networks like EO Nashville can provide mentorship, ideas, and support, which is critical for growth and navigating challenges.
Embrace continuous learning as a core value: Sameera Lowe recognizes the value of never-ending learning for entrepreneurs, and attendees should adopt this mindset for sustained business success.
Be cautious of advice-giving in EO forums: Focus on experience-sharing instead to avoid potential conflicts and foster a supportive environment.
Engage in regional entrepreneurial events like Nerve: Sameera emphasizes the bonding and learning opportunities available at these events, urging entrepreneurs to expand their networks.
Support entrepreneurial families and their next generations: Look for opportunities to assist fellow entrepreneurs with parenting challenges or offer mentoring to their children.