The tech market is tough right now. People and teams are navigating layoffs, career pivots, burnout, isolation, caregiving, uncertainty.. or perhaps simply trying to reconnect with community.
Years ago, before social feeds and endless online networking, we had teams gathering once a month in a courtyard with beer, cookies, and cake to simply help one another. People showed up with something they needed — and something they could offer.
This meetup is inspired by that idea.
Instead of having a speaker, we’ll spend the evening in a series of short one-on-one conversations in Zoom breakout rooms. Every 5 minutes we will all rotate to someone new.
Your “ask” can be anything:
- Feedback on a resume
- Advice navigating leadership challenges
- Help thinking through a technical or product problem
- Ideas for a career transition
- Recommendations for books, camps, hobbies, or activities
- “My 8-year-old is obsessed with dinosaurs and I don’t know what to do with this energy”
- “I’m stuck and need perspective from another human”
Your “offer” could be anything as well:
- Mentoring
- Technical expertise
- Coaching
- Industry insight
- Resume reviews
- Introductions
- Encouragement
- A listening ear
- “I know someone who might help — let me check with them first”
And importantly:
You are not expected to have all the answers Perfectly acceptable responses include:
- “I'm sorry, don’t know enough to help with that.”
- “That’s outside my experience.”
- “I may know someone who can help.”
- “I can’t solve it, but I understand.”
What we're looking for is strengthening our community through honest conversation and practical support.
How it works:
- Come prepared with at least one ask and one offer
- We’ll remind folks of format and expectations
- You’ll rotate through a series of 5-minute breakout conversations
- No slides. No pressure. Just people helping people
Before attending, take a few minutes to think about:
- What’s one thing you could genuinely use help with?
- What’s one thing you could genuinely help others with?
You do not need to be an expert to participate.
You just need to show up honestly, with open ears, and help where you can.
