Events

EMBRACING FAILURE

What if mistakes aren’t the problem, but the process? On March 3rd, we’re joined by Megan Perez-Carpenter, Senior Producer of Music & Content at Do LaB (the team behind Lightning in a Bottle and the Do LaB stage at Coachella) for a conversation about: • How to take smart risks • Leading teams that feel safe enough to be brave • The difference between failure that teaches and fear that stalls • What it looks like to move forward stronger If you’re leading people, building something meaningful, or pushing yourself into new territory, this one’s for you.

In Episode 7, Jodie O'Brien sits down with Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock, to explore what it means to lead with integrity while creating real visibility, mentorship, and change.

Stacey brings thoughtful insight into navigating leadership, advocating for yourself, and building community in spaces where women are still pushing for equity.

A must-listen for women leaders and those committed to shaping healthier leadership cultures.

🎧 Available now:

Apple: https://lnkd.in/g5eYH78r

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/g7NicbVT

OWN YOUR STORY: BUILDING A PERSONAL BRAND

Your personal brand is your most powerful asset. It can open doors, create opportunities, and help you take control of your career. 

We were joined by Allison Springer, North America Media Director at Nike, who brings 15+ years of experience at world-class companies including Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Amazon. Recognized by Adweek, AdAge, and Forbes, Allison will share her journey cultivating a personal brand in a male-dominated industry: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

FrontWomen founder, Stacey Ryan, is recognized by MSN as the #1 Self-Made Woman of 2025—an honor she does not take lightly.  

This recognition isn’t just hers—it belongs to every woman, every student, every person helping push equity and equality. 

Stacey was honored to contribute to this inspiring edition of Music Magazine, where she had the privilege of writing a piece close to her heart: “Lean Into the Unknown” (pg. 27).

In the article, she reflects on how the bravery it takes to step on stage mirrors the courage required in leadership—where growth often begins outside of our comfort zones.

Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ee9k9kKW

Had an absolute blast recording this podcast—huge thanks to Lisa for making it such a fun and meaningful conversation! 🎙️

Stacey shared two things that mean the world to her: the power of @schoolofrock and the profound influence one of her favorite people had in shaping her as a woman—her mom. ❤️

She would love for you to listen and let her know what you think! (Links in bio)
🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/3EsStXm
🍏 Apple: https://apple.co/4gC2tLa

THE SMARTEST PEOPLE IN THE ROOM 

This series is all about featuring really smart people doing really cool things OR really cool people doing really smart things. This episode delivers on both fronts in several different ways.

Stacey Ryan is the COO of School of Rock- a music school for all skill levels, ages, and musical aspirations. With students ranging from toddlers to adults, School of Rock is where music students grow into real musicians. She and her team have grown the business to include over 165 franchises in the U.S. to go along with over 30 international franchises and more than 40 company-owned locations. They are growing the next generation of global music superstars from the ground up!

Jason Flom has worn several large hats throughout his legendary career as a music executive. As the founder of Lava Records, and previously the chairman of Atlantic Records and Virgin Records/Capitol Music Group, he has helped develop many A-list global superstars such as Katy Perry, Stone Temple Pilots, Lorde and many others. He is also a well-known podcaster who tirelessly advocates for people who have allegedly been wrongly convicted of crimes. And that is just the start of what he does to help so many people.

These two executives will blow you away with real life stories about their work. And I promise you will leave this one smarter and a lot more inspired than you arrived.

Click HERE to see Stacey Ryan joined by Jason Flom in this great online discussion.

Public speaking topped the list of common fears, so we hosted an interactive one-hour virtual session designed to help participants calm their nerves, connect with their audience, and stay on track using a simple “Set List” approach. Attendees learned why familiarity beats memorization and walked away with Lauren’s favorite pro tip for closing presentations with confidence and impact. These seven secrets were all about helping women own the mic—whether in a meeting or on a stage.

Our guest, Lauren Ansley, is a professional speaker, corporate entertainer, and trainer with a background in stand-up comedy. She is the Founder and CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) of Ansley Corporate Entertainment, bringing warmth, wit, and professionalism to every audience. We were so lucky to have her join us.

FRONTWOMEN FOUNDER HONORED AT 2023 SHE ROCKS AWARDS

Click HERE to see School of Rock's COO, Stacey Ryan, honored at the She Rocks Awards

The 11th annual event, sponsored by The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), honored the accomplishments of a diverse group of women representing all facets of the music industry.

Champion Award honoree, Stacey Ryan, COO of School of Rock and founder of FrontWomen, spoke about the work needed to elevate more women into executive positions, and the importance of organizations like the Women’s International Music Network for mentoring young, up-and-coming women in the music industry. Her award acceptance was followed by an all-female School of Rock Band performing En Vogue’s 1992 smash “Free Your Mind.”

“We need to keep having confidence in our abilities and keep using our voices to break barriers,” Stacey stated in her acceptance speech. “We need to support each other, empower each other, show love to each other, help one another find success and purpose, and surround ourselves with powerful, smart women and supportive men. I promise to do what I can to clear this path for the young women coming in behind us, and I'm excited to introduce you to just 6 of the millions of reasons we need to keep breaking these barriers.”

Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. The organization produces the She Rocks podcast, the LIVE: Front & Center web series, WiMN She Rocks Spotlight Showcase Series and the She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, go here.

To hear Stacey's acceptance speech and watch the female School of Rock band perform, go here. 

Frontwomen Founder Discusses Roadblocks to Diversity 

In April 2023 in Anaheim at NAMM, Laura B. Whitmore, founder.  of the Women's International Music Network, interviewed a panel of female industry leaders as they broke down challenges and potential solutions to foster diversity in the musical instrument industry and beyond. 

This panel included Stacey Ryan, founder of FrontWomen, Kat Winger, Marketing Manager for Roland, and Lindsay Love-Bivens, Artist and Community Relations Manager at Taylor Guitars

The women provided educational, insightful advice on fostering diversity in the workplace. 

Participants walked away from this session with real ideas, tips and action items to make it happen!

To watch the full panel discussion, go here. 

FRONTWOMEN RAISES OVER 10K FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Stacey Ryan and Jill Livick of FrontWomen helped raise over $10k for women's reproductive health rights in Austin, Texas. 

The FrontWomen team collaborated with Noise for Now, a non-profit that enables artists and entertainers to connect with and financially support grassroots organizations that work in the field of Reproductive Justice. Together they planned and hosted a night of music which included incredible performances by music groups Moving Panoramas and Quentin and the Past Lives, making the night an unforgettable one!

All funds raised went to support The Afiya Center which focuses on transforming the lives, health, and overall well-being of Black women and girls by providing refuge, education, and resources on reproductive health care. Donations contributed to their practical fund Support Your Sistah which helps women of color receive safe abortions should they need or choose.

Limited edition shirts are available on the Noise for Now website. All FrontWomen shirts will continue to fund The Afiya Center directly.