The Business of Meetings 309: Leaning In when You Don't Have the Map: Lucy Giovando Watts on Entrepreneurship & Serendipity
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the remarkable Lucy Giovando Watts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Streamlinevents, as today's guest.
Stay tuned as Lucy shares her journey, offers insights from her work at Streamlinevents, and tells us why serendipity often matters more than we realize.
Streamlinevents
Streamlinevents is a full-service corporate event agency in Emeryville, California, with over 24 years of industry experience. The team partners with corporate clients on sales kickoffs, incentive programs, user conferences, and complex meetings. The company is powered by the best-of-the-best event managers, technologists, creatives, and sourcing experts who thrive in an industry defined by constant motion.
Lucy's Journey
Lucy began her career in politics, working for a member of Congress and supporting political events, where she discovered her passion for live experiences. She then joined the tech sector in Silicon Valley, rising from event manager to Global Events Director, where she produced worldwide events. After that, she founded her own boutique event management company, which she ran for over 13 years, and later co-founded an event technology startup. Lucy briefly worked in association management before joining Streamline Events as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Entrepreneurship and Getting Comfortable With Discomfort
Building businesses taught Lucy that growth occurs outside of our comfort zones. For her, launching a startup meant daily exposure to sales, pitching, demos, and investors, along with the risk of failure. Over time, discomfort became normal, and fear was no longer a signal to stop. Instead, it became proof of forward motion.
The Power of Saying Yes
Lucy's decision to attend a reception she considered missing set off a chain reaction that led to pitch competitions, partnerships, press coverage, integrations, and ultimately an acquisition offer for her startup. That experience reinforced the value of openness and action, even when confidence lags behind opportunity, proving that even small yeses can unlock outcomes no amount of planning could ever predict.
Serendipity
Openness to chance encounters, conversations, and unplanned moments can play a role in one's career and in a company's growth. Serendipity does not replace preparation, but it rewards those who show up, engage, and are willing to act before they feel fully ready.
Imposter Syndrome
Lucy highlights how the perfectionistic mindset and people-pleasing culture in the hospitality industry can amplify imposter syndrome, particularly for women. Experience taught her that waiting to feel "ready enough" can become a barrier. Momentum comes from acting before you're certain and recognizing that doubt does not disqualify your capability.
Creativity
Lucy reframed her identity by finding areas of creativity in problem-solving, strategy, leadership, and idea synthesis. Creativity blossoms when people allow time for mental space, pull inspiration from unexpected sources, and disconnect from constant digital noise.
Human Connection in an AI-Driven World
Technology and AI can enhance efficiency, but they cannot replace in-person connection. Conferences, incentives, and live events fulfill a fundamental human need for belonging, trust, and spontaneous interaction. As digital tools expand, the value of face-to-face experiences continues to strengthen rather than diminish.
Leadership, Safety Nets, and Being Bold
Strong leadership creates safety nets that empower teams to take risks. When people know their leaders have their backs, they are more willing to experiment, speak up, and innovate. At Streamline Events, leaders encourage bold thinking, creative exploration, and professional visibility through speaking, writing, and idea-sharing, while modeling that same courage themselves.
Bio: Lucy Giovando Watts
Lucy Giovando Watts is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Streamlinevents, a woman-and minority-owned events agency delivering innovative, sustainable, and inclusive events worldwide. With over 20 years of experience leading global teams, managing event companies, and founding her own event tech startup, Lucy brings deep expertise in strategy, operations, and financial management.
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Email Lucy: Lucy.gw@streamlinevents.com