Why I love #MiamiTechWeeks
There is a before and an after in my career. A clear moment when my horizon expanded, new doors opened, when I felt an incredible sense of renewal, challenge and panic.
That was the day I left Corporate.
I took a big jump into the world of early stage companies. First as an employee, then as a business owner myself. Scary because I didn’t know the codes, nor had the operating manual (who does!) but tremendously exciting because I had so much to learn, and to contribute.
Every year in March, Miami brings together entrepreneurs, investors and all key players in the start-up ecosystem, in a flurry of curated conferences, panels, pitch competitions, networking parties, after-parties,… all designed to accelerate the most promising ventures to the next level.
Back in 2022, the eMerge Americas conference was a revelation. Like all Apple employees, I had been fed with the foundational story of Jobs and Wozniak starting Apple in their garage. There, at eMerge, I wondered how many pivotal moments and encounters were taking place, that would change the trajectory of those gritty entrepreneurs. The energy in the Convention Center, the innovation on display, the hopes and the fear, all was palpable, giving that thrilling feeling to be at the heart of where it all begins.
I was bought in. I wanted part of it.
That world where everyday, most of what we do, we do it for the first time. Where what seems counterintuitive and left field ideas are the best paths forward. Where everything is urgent and important, and priorities are driven by where it hurts the most.
To me, it was going from “Comfortably Numb” in my sofa to “Thunderstruck” live.
My role here – I found my niche in what I do best.
Building People and Leadership machines.
With zscala, my company, I help start-ups to get this right from the get-go, and be investor ready, with foundational playbooks that scale:
- Talent capabilities – hire, develop, drive performance, and plan for succession.
- Cultural identity – how to show up to the world and articulate differentiating commitments to stakeholders, in particular employees and candidates.
- Leadership development – woking alongside Leaders who are done compromising balance for performance, healthy relationships for higher achievements, and great culture for extraordinary results. They want it all, and I am their catalyst to get it.
I am also proud to be an active mentor with Endeavor Miami, Mana Tech and the The Venture Mentoring Team – and with the latter, helping participating companies get their pitch ready for eMerge!
What will you attend?
Welcome to March! I am also very excited also to get out of my home office and resource with crowds of like minded people, meet old and new friends! Ping me so we can meet up in person during one of those great events!
