“As I reflect on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, this is my Boardsi Review article which captures the essence of an unforgettable experience.”
Martin Rowinski, Boardsi CEO
There are conferences in business, and then there are conferences that you will never forget. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala is definitely in the second group. I had the honor of going to this amazing event with my coworker, Daniel Henry, who is the COO of Boardsi. Boardsi is a company that connects great talent with companies that want to improve their boards.
Inc. 5000 Golf Tournament: A Swing and a Chill
Let me set the scene with a personal note before I get into the main part of the meeting. I love golf, so when I got the chance to play in the Inc. 5000 Golf Tournament at the TPC San Antonio Golf Course, I couldn’t say no. Many people know the TPC San Antonio as the site of the Valero Texas Open, and I was excited to play on this well-known course. There was a twist in the story, though: the day before the competition, a cold front hit San Antonio and made the event very cold. They say that trouble only makes the journey more exciting, though. After a while, I warmed up and really liked the last five holes. Not only did they play golf, but they also got to meet other Inc. 5000 winners and hear their great stories.
Extravaganza for networking: welcome reception and more
It was time for the Kick-Off Welcome reception and the Capital One business customer reception after the golf event. The first meetings set the tone for what was to come: a great chance to meet other businesses, share experiences, and make connections that will be useful.
Day 2: An Insightful Journey
After a hearty breakfast on Day 2, Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Business Media Scott Omelianuk sent a warm welcome note. The best part of the meeting was then: an interesting talk with Deepak Chopra, who started The Chopra Foundation. “The Future of Mental and Physical Health for Entrepreneurs: Preserving Your Long-Term Well-Being” was the subject of the talk that everyone there really connected with. Deepak Chopra gave his formula for good leadership, which is an easy-to-remember word cloud: LEADERS.
L: Look and pay attention.
E: Being emotionally smart.
A: Being aware.
D: Have dreams and act on them.
E: Giving power.
R: Being responsible.
S: Being in sync.
Hearing his thoughts on leadership was not only interesting but also motivating. It was a real pleasure to meet Deepak Chopra in person later.
Alli Webb’s Journey is a story of resilience.
The next big event was Alli Webb’s talk, “THE MESSY AND BEAUTIFUL FUTURE: HOW I SOLD MY BUSINESS FOR MILLIONS BUT ALIKELY ALMOST LOST MYSELF.” Alli Webb, founder of Drybar and author of several best-selling books in the New York Times, talked about her amazing journey and how she learned that being a real leader sometimes means being open and letting go.
Daniel Lubetzky’s Thoughts on Kind Leadership
The talk by Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks and Camino Partners, on “THE FUTURE OF KIND (NOT NICE) LEADERSHIP” was another important moment. Lubetzky talked about why a company’s social purpose can be a good thing, but it can’t be everything. It was a reminder that success isn’t just about making money; it’s also about having a cause and making the world a better place.
Lots and lots of connections
The conference pressed on with its lineup of outstanding speakers and invaluable lessons. However, one of the true highlights lay in the opportunity to form new connections. With so many passionate business owners in attendance, it almost felt preordained that meaningful encounters would take place.
Meeting fellow entrepreneurs was an absolute delight, and it often felt like fate had brought us all together. What made these interactions even more special was the chance to reunite with some of our esteemed Boardsi clients. Among them were companies that we’ve had the privilege of working with, contributing to their success and aiding them in achieving the prestigious Inc. 5000 status. These encounters were a testament to the impact of our services and the role we played in helping them recruit executives who played pivotal roles in their journey to success.
Additionally, we had the pleasure of connecting with executives who are part of our exclusive Elite Executive Boardsi network. While some had already secured coveted board seats, others remained patient, awaiting the perfect opportunity. Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the exceptional service they receive and their understanding of the time and patience required to secure the right board position.
These face-to-face meetings allowed us to put real faces to the names in our extensive database, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the importance of the connections we foster. It was an experience that will forever remain etched in my memory.
As we reflect on our participation in the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, these interactions serve as a reminder of the relationships, partnerships, and successes that Boardsi continues to facilitate. We remain committed to our mission of connecting outstanding talent with organizations, thereby elevating boardrooms, stimulating innovation, and propelling success.
Day 3: A Strong End
Jennifer Garner, co-founder and chief brand officer of Once Upon a Farm, and John Foraker, co-founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm, spoke at “YOUR NEXT MOVE: DISRUPTION FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE – IMPROVING AND EXPANDING NUTRITIOUS OPTIONS FOR ALL AGES” on the last day of the conference. Their conversation, which was led by Beatrice Dixon, co-founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, focused on how important it is to be an entrepreneur with a purpose. I really related to Jennifer Garner’s ideas about how hard it is to grow a business while staying true to its goal. Her message made me think more about something I talk about a lot: how important it is to have a clear and good goal.
Gala and red carpet for a night to remember
The Inc. 5000 Conference brought another round of festivities, including Inc. interviews on the vibrant red carpet and a visit to the Inc. Masters booth. Reuniting with the individuals I had collaborated with for months felt like a heartwarming gathering of old friends. The grand finale, the dinner and Gala, offered a splendid opportunity to don a tuxedo and revel in our achievements. Strolling down the red carpet amidst a sea of fellow Inc. 5000 winners evoked a deep sense of pride and camaraderie.
A Meeting to Remember
We went to a lot of conferences, which is pretty cool for someone like me who lives in Las Vegas. But I really believe the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala was one of the best. Not only was it well-organized, but it also had a purpose. The Gala had everything: chances to meet new people and form partnerships; fun things to do; and useful information to learn.
Those of you who made the Inc. 5000 list but didn’t make it to the event should definitely do so next year. As we celebrate Boardsi’s spot at #640 on the Inc. 5000 list and share this Boardsi review of the event from our point of view, I raise a glass to the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, a five-star event. May 2024 be a year of great success at work for all of us. Let’s go on our trips and make the future together.
