Are you leveraging the power of networking? After two jam-packed weeks of Vancouver tech events—Vancouver Startup Week and Web Summit—I’m feeling both lit up and deeply reflective.
These weren’t just events on my calendar. They were rooms filled with ideas, inspiration, and the kind of conversations that change lives.
🔥 At Vancouver Startup Week…
I stood on stage in front of 60+ people—mic in hand for the first time ever—and shared my story. Vulnerably. Honestly. Wholeheartedly.
It wasn’t just a speech—it was a moment.
One I had once been terrified of.
But I leaned into the fear, and left the stage energized by the incredible women in the room who are building fearlessly.
One attendee told me:
“Your talk today was one of the most memorable talks at VSW for me.”
That’s why I do this work.
🌍 Then came Web Summit…
A tidal wave of connection, learning, and innovation.
💥 It kicked off with Swing Into Success, where female founders connected with investors in rooms that felt like magic.
🎤 I was blown away by opening night:
- Mayor Ken Sim championing the local tech scene
- Jay Graber on decentralizing social networks
- Gary Marcus delivering a reality check on AI’s “hallucinations”
His words stuck with me: “AI is autocomplete on steroids.”
A powerful reminder that human judgment and emotional intelligence matter now more than ever.
And on Day 2, Tanis Jorge dropped gold on cofoundership:
✅ Shared values
✅ Clear roles
✅ Deep, honest communication
It was community and vulnerability that made both of these events unforgettable.
Even though I skipped the evening events (single mom life = track meets and baseball practice ⚾), my kids met me downtown so I could catch more of the action. We rise together—and they’re part of my rise.
💬 My biggest takeaway?
You don’t rise alone.
Behind every fearless founder, every career leap, every bold decision—there’s a web of support 🕸️
We need rooms like this. We need each other.
And we need to keep showing up, even when it feels scary or inconvenient or imperfect.
💭 So I’ll leave you with this:
When was the last time you felt truly connected?
To your work. Your community. Your joy.
If it’s been a while, maybe it’s time to say yes to a new room, a new conversation, a new connection.
Because networking isn’t just about business cards or job titles—it’s about building relationships that lead to opportunities, friendships, knowledge-sharing, and community ❤️
💬 Your challenge this month:
✅ Reach out to someone you admire.
✅ Say yes to that event you’ve been considering.
✅ Or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
You never know where one meaningful conversation might lead.
Lots of love,
Anna
