I traveled from NYC to Atlanta this August for the Fearless Fund Venture Summit. After about a month of cold emailing and networking meetings, two weeks before the summit I started my part-time job as a venture scout. I was eager to meet Black female founders to diversify my venture firm's portfolio.
I love networking, to the point where I consider it one of my hobbies. This year I've gone to over 50 networking events, but I was still extremely nervous to go to this venture summit, in another city, completely alone. Now, I usually go to all of my networking events alone, but I'm in my home city and a train ride away from escaping an uncomfortable situation. This summit was the biggest event I'd gone to, and quite frankly, leading up to the event I was more anxious than excited. However, I knew I had to sit in this anxiety, this fear, as I was determined to connect with founders and learn from Arian Simone and Ayana Parsons. I viewed my potential impact on others as more important than my individual fear.
My experience at the summit was greater than I could have ever imagined. I've never been in a room filled with so many ambitious women of color. I made genuine connections with amazing founders, shared my knowledge of entrepreneurship and the venture space, and gave feedback on three pitch decks during the span of the 2-day conference. This summit was a soul-feeding experience. I learned so much about myself and others and was inspired by the strength of Arian and Ayana.
Without stepping out of my comfort zone, stepping into the unknown, and standing in a state of discomfort, I would not have gained the knowledge, courage, and strength needed to effectively start my venture journey. I left Atlanta eager to continue making an impact in this space and filled with gratitude.
Take the leap, book the trip, step into the unknown, and embrace your fear. Be fearless and reap the rewards.
- Zoe
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