In this episode of Structure & Soul, host Shanel Evans sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Deana Jean, widely known as the Collab Queen. Together they explore the real power behind collaboration in business—why the strongest opportunities come from relationships, not competition.

Shanel and Deana take listeners behind the scenes of entrepreneurship, discussing reinvention, strategic visibility, and how intentional collaboration can accelerate growth, partnerships, and long-term business success.

From the early days of meeting on Clubhouse to building powerful in-person communities today, this conversation dives into how entrepreneurs can shift from chasing attention to creating rooms people want to be part of.

Key Topics in This Episode

The Power of Collaboration Over Competition

Deana shares how collaboration creates an abundance mindset in entrepreneurship. Instead of focusing on what you lack, collaboration allows you to build meaningful partnerships with people whose strengths complement your own. 

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Reinvention in Entrepreneurship

Season three of Structure & Soul explores reinvention, and Deana discusses her own shift from being the center of attention to building environments and communities others want to join. 

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Building Systems That Support Your Vision

To scale her work, Deana explains why she invested in operational support so she could focus on the visionary side of her business—designing experiences, making connections, and driving the bigger strategy.

The Real Value of In-Person Events

Despite being an introvert, Deana believes in the unmatched power of in-person experiences to accelerate trust and relationships. Being physically present in the right rooms allows entrepreneurs to build deeper connections and create meaningful collaborations.

The Collaboration Ecosystem

Deana describes the three key roles that drive business growth:

• Champions – People who refer and advocate for you

• Collaborators – Strategic partners who build opportunities with you

• Clients – The people who invest in your work

Building relationships across all three is critical for sustainable growth.

How to Choose the Right Rooms

Not every event is worth attending. Deana shares the two questions she asks before saying yes to an event:

1. What value can I add to the room?

2. What value can I receive from being there?

This strategic approach helps entrepreneurs build long-term ROI through partnerships and relationships.

“Collaboration keeps you in an abundance mindset. Instead of focusing on what you lack, you connect with people who bring the strengths you need.”

About Deana Jean

Deana Jean, known as the Collab Queen, is an entrepreneur and community builder dedicated to helping leaders grow through strategic collaboration. She leads the Success Tribe Network and works with enterprise organizations on collaboration strategies that strengthen teams, partnerships, and sales. 

Through curated events, summits, retreats, and leadership gatherings, Deana brings together powerful women in entrepreneurship, business, and nonprofit leadership to build meaningful partnerships and opportunities.

Connect with Deana Jean

Follow Deana and learn more about her work:

• LinkedIn: Deana Jean

• Facebook: Deana Jean

• Nickname online: “The Collab Queen”

Stay connected for updates on upcoming Connect & Collab Summits, retreats, and curated leadership gatherings.

About the Host: Shanel Evans is a business strategist and coach who helps entrepreneurs shatter revenue ceilings and attract their dream clients through client attraction and social media strategies. Known for her "red pen" moments, Shanel offers feedback that helps entrepreneurs course-correct while staying true to their goals, delivered with love.

Where to Find Us:

• Host Website: www.shanelevans.com

• Apply to be a Guest: www.structureandsoulpodcast.com

• LinkedIn: Shanel Evans