WE WENT TO SXSW 2023
Our recent trip to Austin for the Founders House and Fast Grill conferences at South by Southwest (SXSW) was a whirlwind of inspiration and learning. We had the pleasure of hearing from some of the brightest minds in the industry, including entrepreneur coach Chip Conley and investor Katelin Holloway.
One of the most moving sessions we attended was Chip Conley's talk on emotional intelligence in corporate leadership. He emphasized the importance of understanding people and how our emotions affect those around us. As a CEO, Conley sees himself as the crossing guard at the intersection of psychology and business. He urged the audience to be aware of their emotional ripple and contagion, especially as they climb the ranks in their organization.
Conley acknowledged that not every CEO has the personality suited to address emotional intelligence. He recommended hiring an exceptional head of HR to take on this important role. However, he also emphasized the importance of listening to and collaborating with this person to create a positive workplace culture.
Another standout speaker was Katelin Holloway, a founding partner at venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. She spoke passionately about the importance of women in business and the need for more female leaders. Holloway encouraged women to take on leadership roles and to increase awareness of women's contributions to the business world.
She also stressed the importance of creating a sense of belonging in the workplace. She believes that when people feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to be innovative and create products that make a difference. Holloway's message resonated with many in the audience, and her call to action was inspiring.
Overall, our trip to Austin for the Founders House and Fast Grill conferences at SXSW was an incredible experience. We learned so much from these thought leaders who are making a difference in the business world. We left feeling energized and inspired to use what we learned to make a positive impact in our own workplaces.
In conclusion, emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging are critical components of successful leadership. As we navigate our careers, we must strive to understand our emotions and the emotions of those around us. We must also work to create a sense of belonging in our workplaces, especially for women and other underrepresented groups. We are grateful for the opportunity to attend these conferences and for the valuable insights we gained from these incredible speakers.
