February 2025
February is here, and it’s the perfect time to hit refresh and reignite your energy!
If last month didn’t go as planned, don’t sweat it—every new day is a chance to reconnect, refocus, and make meaningful moves. A great way to channel that fresh momentum is by sharing your expertise—consider writing a blog for the Echelon website or an article for the next issue of Echelon Professional to showcase your insights and elevate your voice. Let’s show up for each other, embrace new opportunities, and make this month full of growth, success, and powerful connections!
Submit at blog post HERE or contact us at [email protected].
NextGen Encino met this month at Coral Tree Café, and had a discussion about time management and setting boundaries with clients.
E1 East Valley started off their conversation with discussing their 2025 goals and sharing their “whys”, to see if the goals align with the why. They also discussed the current devastation from the recent fires and shared different ways to help. De Ivett is currently working with a group of musicians from the Altadena area to develop altadenamusicians.org, a foundation to help fire victims recover lost instruments by connecting them with donors.
E1 Trust & Estates had an engaging discussion on the economic and housing impacts, as well as the Trust and Estate impacts of the wildfires in Southern California. Group members said it was inspiring to dive into topics that challenged and broadened their perspectives, especially as they look ahead to a new year filled with opportunities and collaboration.
E1 Agoura/Westlake‘s topic for January was “Growing Your Business as a Service Provider” and talked about strategies for success in the professional service industry, including business planning, client acquisition, and effective service delivery.
Expand Your Reach!
The New Year is a fantastic opportunity to share your insights and expand your reach! Don’t miss the chance to spotlight your expertise and inspire others on an Echelon Podcast.
Contact us HERE to record a Podcast or Introduction Video.
Check out one of our 50 published episodes today
wherever you get your podcasts or at EchelonBizDev.com !
Meet the Member
Meredith Sesser—Sesser Law
One-of-a-kind in both her personal and professional life, Meredith Sesser of Sesser Law dives into the world of ERISA and demonstrates to us why she is truly unstoppable.
Meet the Member
Sean Hart—CMG Home Loans
A mortgage broker with a passion for uncovering hidden opportunities, Sean Hart of CMG Home Loans uncovers his unique journey from a family mining legacy in Montana to a thriving career in mortgage brokerage.
Reducing Anxiety in the Midst of the Los Angeles Fires
By Tom Drucker
Living in Southern California right now is, of course, extremely stressful. Let’s learn how to deal with these anxieties, by learning how to impact the autonomic nervous system.
READ HERE
Tom Drucker is the President of Consultants in Corporate Innovation, helping leaders and their teams reach and then exceed financial and other business goals with less stress. In addition to his role at CCI, he is also the managing director at James Investment Bank.
Want to write your own blog post? Submit yours HERE!

Echelon Santa Monica is becoming Echelon Elevate B2B!
Join Jordi Pujol from Objective Investment Banking & Valuation for 2nd Coffee: Bold Moves and Power Moves on February 13 from 9:30–11:00am at Kind Grounds in Los Angeles.
All Echelon Members and Prospective Members are invited. Coffee will be provided. Please RSVP!
Join us for a night of great conversations and even better pours at our Echelon Wine and Whiskey! This month we will be exploring the rich flavors of five exceptional flavored whiskeys while mingling with Echelon Members. February 27th from 6:00–8:00pm at RELAW APC hosted by Jennifer Felten!
Bring a colleague! Please RSVP!
Regular Monthly Meetings:
- E1 Woodland Hills Regular Monthly Meeting — February 5
- Echelon Women’s Group Regular Monthly Meeting — February 6
- NextGen Calabasas Valley Regular Monthly Meeting — February 12
- E1 Encino Regular Monthly Meeting | NEW DATE — February 12
- SAVE THE DATE | All-Echelon Mixer 2nd Coffee: Bold Brews and Power Moves — February 13
- E1 West L.A. Regular Monthly Meeting —February 17
- E1 East Valley Regular Monthly Meeting — February 18
- E1 Trust & Estates Regular Monthly Meeting — February 18
- E1 Warner Center Regular Monthly Meeting — February 19
- Tax Matters Specialty Group Meeting | Record Keeping — February 19
- E1 Agoura/Westlake Regular Monthly Meeting — February 20
- NextGen Encino Valley Regular Monthly Meeting — February 26
- E1 Encino Holiday Dinner — February 26
- Wine & Whiskey Specialty Group Meeting | Flavored Whiskeys — February 27