35 under 35
Mackenzie Burysek Zeitlin, M.A. Beta Lambda - University of Tennessee/Knoxville
Director of National Accounts, LEO Events
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? 0
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
I am from a very small town in middle Tennessee. At 18 years old, I went out of my comfort zone and attended college at the University of Tennessee, more than three and a half hours away from my family and everything I had ever known. Going to UT, joining a sorority and stepping out of my comfort zone has been so vital to where I am today. After graduating with my degree in communications, I moved back to the Nashville area where I began my career in the meetings and events industry. I worked as an events manager for a honky tonk on Broadway, moonlighted for a high-end catering company, bartended at TPAC and planned educational conferences for the Administrative Office of the Courts. I spent about three years in Nashville, and then moved to Chattanooga to be with my then boyfriend (now husband). By stepping out of my comfort zone (yet again) and moving to Chattanooga, I found my place at LEO Events, a global events agency that has given me so many amazing opportunities to travel and see the world.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
I feel that I am surrounded by so many women who I can learn from on a daily basis. One of the women that inspires me greatly is Cindy Brewer, who owns LEO Events. She is such a great example of what leadership looks like, and she is incredibly thoughtful, personable and intelligent. She is also a UT grad and was involved in Greek Life in college. I feel that she sets a wonderful example to everyone around her.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
Honestly, my first inclination that the events world might be for me was when I was about 14-15 years old, and I was tasked with organizing a swim meet for my swim team. Just something about walking around with a clipboard, directing people, answering questions, organizing groups — all of that spoke to me. I don’t think I realized at that time what those skills would translate into. In college, I used these skills to plan sisterhood events for our chapter and I was always involved in a planning position of some kind from my freshman year through my senior year. I took on several internships in college that also helped lead me into the events industry. I worked for a florist, a wedding venue and took on short term events jobs. At the time, UT did not offer a specific major for what I was interested in, so I majored in communications, but supplemented my time with event-specific work. After I graduated, I was set on breaking into the events world however I could, which landed me on Broadway in Nashville selling event space for a bar. And from there, I took on as many opportunities as I could to develop skills that helped me get where I am today!
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I feel that I have experienced so much generosity from others, that it is something I want to extend to my team in the workplace. I try my best to make others feel appreciated, and I try to teach anytime I see a learning moment. I want to be generous with my time as well, and make sure that people feel heard and respected.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
My Delta Zeta sisters from UT have been so supportive in all aspects of my life. Career-wise, we lean on each other for support whenever we need it.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
Empowerment is so important! In the workplace and beyond. I always try to empower and encourage my team at work; I enjoy helping them build confidence and learn new skills, and to watch them thrive. To me, empowerment means to be given opportunity and trust, which allows us to go out and do things we never thought we could do. It’s so important for me to create an environment where my team feels empowered.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
I think a lot of this goes back to the question on generosity. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels included and welcomed. For me, this is everything! I have always been the type of person who truly believes ”the more, the merrier.” Creating a space of inclusivity and belonging is beneficial in the workplace and at home.