In this episode of Inhale Exhale Elevate, host Autumn Shelton sits down with Lauren Carpenter, a dynamic leader and co-founder of Embarc, a family of neighborhood cannabis shops serving diverse communities throughout California. Lauren’s journey into the cannabis industry is nothing short of inspiring. Before venturing into the world of cannabis retail, Lauren carved out a successful career in government, regulatory, public, and community affairs. She spent a decade helping Fortune 500 companies build effective coalitions in California, mastering the art of creating win-win-win situations for businesses, policymakers, and the public.

In this engaging conversation, Lauren shares the story behind the birth of Embarc, a brand that’s not just a cannabis retailer but a community hub. She discusses what sets Embarc apart from other cannabis businesses, from their commitment to local communities to their innovative partnerships with high-profile events like Outside Lands and the California State Fair, which are helping to bring cannabis into the mainstream.

Lauren also reflects on the personal inspirations and experiences that shaped her journey, including her first encounter with cannabis and how she enjoys it today. This episode dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of being a woman leader in a fast-evolving industry, and how Lauren continues to elevate her daily life and work.

Whether you’re curious about the cannabis industry, passionate about community-focused business models, or looking for inspiration to elevate your own journey, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry’s most influential voices.