Mensa

We will discuss our reactions and interpretations of Flannery O'Connor's story about the post-segregationist South, readable online [here](https://jerrywbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Everything-that-rises-must-converge-OConner-Flannery.pdf). This is an unofficial continuation of our discussion of O'Connor's story we read last time, but if you weren't there you're still welcome to attend this one as there will be plenty to discuss regardless. I look forward to speaking about it with you!

**Event Summary** We are diving into how Everpure is redefining data - evolving beyond storage into a unified, intelligent platform. Expect real insights, practical demos, and a fresh take on how simple data management can be. **Talk 1: From Pure Storage to Everpure** **Speaker: [Paul Melmon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmelmon/) \- Prague Site Lead / VP\, Engineering** Paul will unpack why Pure Storage became Everpure, a shift that reflects our move from storage to full-scale data management. You will see what’s changing, what remains core to our DNA and how the 1touch acquisition expands our capabilities into data intelligence. Paul willl also spotlight our Prague R&D hub, where much of this innovation is being built. **Talk 2: The Intelligent Control Plane** **Speaker: [Adam Mazouz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammazouz/) \- Principal Product Manager** Managing data doesn’t have to be complex. This session shows how we bring everything into one intelligent control layer. With Fusion, Pure1, and Purity working together, you get unified visibility, AI-driven insights and automated workflows. Adam will walk through how this evolves from siloed management to a truly intelligent, self-optimizing system. **Talk 3: The Unified Data Plane** **Speaker: [Bogusia Frese](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogusia-frese-3780901b/) \- Consulting Field Solutions Architect** Say goodbye to silos - this is where block, file and object storage come together as one seamless data layer. Bogusia will show how a consistent platform spans on-prem, cloud and hybrid environments while supporting every workload from databases to AI. Built on Evergreen Architecture and designed for resilience, it keeps your data always available, protected, and ready to scale. **Time Agenda:** **17:30–18:00** – Doors open and registration with snacks and beer **18:00–18:20** – Talk 1 **18:25–18:45** – Talk 2 **18:50–19:10** – Talk 3 **19:10–20:00** – Networking time **20:30** – Doors close

**Join us at the Databricks Meetup in Prague** 🧱 We’re bringing together data professionals to share real-world experience, best practices, and practical insights from working with Databricks. Expect a mix of technical talks, hands-on use cases, and open discussions. Whether you're just getting started or already working with data at scale, this is a great chance to learn, get inspired, and connect with the Prague data community 🤝 **Program** **🚀 Python Project Template by [Jan Lukany](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-lukany/) (Datamole)** *Jan will present an opinionated project template for Databricks data engineering, built on top of the official `default-python` bundle* *template. He will cover one of the approaches Datamole takes to local unit testing, integration testing on Databricks and CI/CD via GitHub Actions.* **💡 Production-Grade Development with Notebooks by [Jiří Vinárek](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinarek/) (Mews)** **🧞 Genie & Genie Code by [Jakub Augustín](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-augustin/) (Databricks)** **🍻 Networking, drinks & good food** 👉 Register here: https://usergroups.databricks.com/events/details/databricks-user-groups-prague-databricks-user-group-presents-2nd-databricks-user-group-prague/ Contact ℹ️ jan.bleha@datamole.ai

**Python is often celebrated as the universal glue that can do anything, but what happens when your project scales, a trace breaks, or a lack of architecture becomes your biggest bottleneck?** Join us on **Tuesday, April 21,** for an evening focused on the realities of operating Python at scale. We're bringing together developers and engineering leads from Applifting, ROUVY, and DX Heroes to share hard-won lessons on everything from clean architecture to distributed systems Let's meet in the **Applifting meetup space**, both in person and online. **We’ll start at 18:00.** 👉 [Register here](https://applifting.io/events/python-crew-talk-it-scales-until-it-doesnt) 👈 **if you want to attend in person. Spaces are limited and our event planner Anetka would be sad if we had to turn you away at the door!** **Who’s speaking?** We will kick off with two lightning talks. First, **[Ondřej Doskočil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ondrejdoskocil/)**, Python tech lead at Applifting, will challenge the mindset that clean architecture is "too Java" for Python and show how AI tools can help you adopt proper structure as your projects scale. **[Stanislav Gurník](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleygurnik/)**, backend chapter lead at ROUVY, will follow up with hard-won lessons from the trenches of distributed systems, exploring what it takes to move event-driven Python services from "it works" to "it scales". Then, they will be joined for the panel discussion by **[Jiří Maňák](https://www.linkedin.com/in/manakjiri/)**, software engineering team lead at DX Heroes, and **Martin Jiřík**, senior DevOps engineer at ROUVY. **We look forward to meeting you!** **Schedule:** **17:30 – Doors open** * Get your ticket ready, say hello to others, and have a drink with us. 🥂 **18:00 – Introduction by Filip Kirschner** * Our co-founder Filip will give you a short welcome and introduce our speakers. **18:15 – Architecture in Python: Breaking the 'too Java' taboo with Ondřej Doskočil** * *Why a lack of structure becomes the real problem as projects scale, and how to successfully adopt clean architecture in Python.* **18:35 – Lessons learned from operating Python services in event-driven architecture with Stanislav Gurník** * *Distilling hard-won lessons on the architectural pivots that move event-driven Python services from "it works" to "it scales."* **18:50 – Short break** * *Time to stretch, refill drinks, and chat a bit.* **19:00 – Panel discussion with Ondřej Doskočil, Stanislav Gurník, Jiří Maňák, and Martin Jiřík** * *An open discussion on scaling Python and adopting clean architecture, exploring the realities of distributed systems, operations, and team collaboration.* **20:00** — **Q&A session** * *Your turn. We’re open to any questions or comments you have.* **20:30 – Networking, food & drinks 🍻** * Snacks and drinks, including draft beer, will be available for you all evening. Get ready to network with Applifters! **22:00 – Time to say goodbye!** * Some of us may move on to a pub, but the doors of Applifting are closing, and we'll look forward to seeing you next time! For capacity reasons, **please let us know if you will** [attend in person](https://applifting.io/events/python-crew-talk-it-scales-until-it-doesnt) or participate online. The presentations will be streamed, but we would love to see you there. We look forward to meeting you!

Čekání je u konce - jedeme dál! Po povedeném návratu se Research Tuesday vrací podruhé. Navazujeme přesně tam, kde jsme minule skončili: u sdílení zkušeností, otevřených diskusí a upřímného pohledu na naši práci bez příkras. **💡 Atmosféra: Bez kamer, jen diskuse** Jestli jsi tu poprvé, připomínáme naši „tajnou ingredienci“: meetupy nenahráváme ani nestreamujeme. Dává nám to svobodu mluvit otevřeně o tom, co fungovalo – i co ne. **🗺️ Téma měsíce: Když UX opustí obrazovku** Co když zákaznická cesta nezačíná ani nekončí v jednom rozhraní, ale vede přes digitální touchpointy do fyzického prostředí, a pak zase zpátky? Co když uživatel neřeší aplikaci, ale snaží se ve stresu a pod časovým tlakem najít správné dveře v nemocnici? **Michaela Holubec Birtusová** UX výzkumnice, facilitátorka a service designérka, která se pohybuje na pomezí digitálních a fyzických služeb. Dlouhodobě působí v organizaci Czechdesign, kde se věnuje především projektům ve veřejném sektoru, od municipalit po zdravotnictví. Kromě toho pracuje na volné noze pro další klienty, kterým pomáhá s výzkumem, facilitací a nastavováním služeb tak, aby odpovídaly reálným potřebám lidí. V posledních letech se intenzivně zaměřuje na výzkum orientace (wayfindingu) ve zdravotnických zařízeních. V rámci výzkumného projektu podpořeného TAČR se podílí na výzkumu, který kombinuje kvalitativní metody, testování v terénu, eye-tracking i VR, s cílem navrhovat navigační systémy, které skutečně fungují. Michaela nasdílí své zkušenosti z výzkumu orientace (wayfindingu) ve zdravotnických zařízeních. Otevře témata, která se v digitálu často neřeší – práci s fragmentovanou pozorností, kontextem, stresem nebo chybou. Probereme i to, jak důležitá je v tomto kontextu přístupnost a jak ji do výzkumu zahrnout co nejvíce. Michaela ukáže case study jako otevřený vhled do procesu: co fungovalo, kde si tým nebyl jistý a kde narážel. **Nové místo & káva:** Tentokrát se potkáme v útulném prostředí **kavárny Ruelto na Andělu**. Abychom podpořili majitele, kteří nám vyšli vstříc, nebudeme tentokrát zajišťovat externí catering. Na místě si ale můžete koupit jejich skvělou výběrovou kávu a lahodné koláčky. **🕒 Agenda:** * **09:00 AM** – Otevření dveří & ranní networking * **9:30 AM** – Úvodní blok: Když UX opustí obrazovku: Jak zkoumat orientaci ve fyzickém světě * **10:30 AM** – Otevřená diskuze * **11:30 PM** – Závěr & networking * **🧸 Hlídání dětí na vyžádání:** Research Tuesday stavíme na tom, že profesní rozvoj má být přístupný všem. Chceme podpořit i rodiče malých dětí, aby mohli zůstat v kontaktu s oborem a potkávat se bez zbytečných překážek. **Máte zájem o hlídání?** Rádi ho na místě zajistíme, ale potřebujeme vědět, jestli o něj bude zájem. Dejte nám vědět v komentářích nejpozději do pondělí do 8:00, jestli službu využijete a pro kolik dětí. Podle toho rozhodneme, jestli ji zajistíme. **🎟️ Důležité informace:** **Vstupenky:** Vstupné na Research Tuesday je dobrovolné. Kapacita je omezena na **35 míst**, abychom udrželi osobní a otevřenou atmosféru. **Rezervace:** Zarezervuj si místo včas. Pokud se ti plány změní, prosíme, uvolni místo ostatním. **Těšíme se na známé tváře i nové účastníky!** Ivana, Lucie, Martin

**3x3 Basketball** practice in **Gymnázium Na Pražačce** indoor basketball court. **Start at 19h00**. Everybody is welcome, no age, gender nor any restriction of any type to join. We got a full field, rotating with 3x3 matches on each side. Cost: **90 crowns**. Please send the money using the **QR Code** stored here: https://imgur.com/a/thtAJd0 In case of any Opt-out within 24h of the session, or no show, the payment will be due (you still can ask someone to come instead of you, as your spot will be booked)

An active guided dance journey for releasing restrictions around movement and deepening connection with yourself and others. This workshop is an invitation to move from intuition, breath, expression, and presence. Through dance, guided exploration, and consensual touch, participants are supported to soften control, free the body, and discover more authenticity in the way they move and relate. Part of the workshop includes clarifying personal and shared boundaries, and creating space for desires and intentions to be expressed with honesty and care. Participants are warmly welcome to attend with a partner, especially if they want to explore connection within an existing romantic bond, though the event is open to all genders and all levels of experience. Most of the workshop is body-oriented and shared through movement, breath, and different levels of consensual non-sexual touch. There will also be moments of group sharing. Who it’s for: Open to all genders, all levels of experience, couple-friendly, age 23+ Please bring comfortable clothes and a water bottle. There will be a shared altar in the centre of the room. If you feel called, you are welcome to bring a small offering or personal altar item in support of your process. Facilitated by Prabodh Prem, an experienced guide with over 16 years on a spiritual and healing path. His work draws from Rhythms of the Heart, Osho practices, Family Constellation, Holistic Counselling, and Shamanic Wisdom, with a focus on supporting people in becoming more deeply human and connected. 350 CZK, https://vev.co/atma-community-space-praha

It's easy to get the idea that philosophy is largely an abstract and conceptual endeavor–studying theories that try to explain the universe, morality, or language, and then arguing until we either prove those we disagree with wrong or at least reach a smug sense of clarity. But is that all that philosophy has to offer? Back by popular demand, this month we'll be diving deeper into the reflections of **Pierre Hadot** by beginning his essay **Spiritual Exercises**. In this essay, Hadot argues that **ancient philosophers didn't just theorize about what a good life might be, but practiced it through disciplines of attention, meditation, and self-examination aimed at transforming how one sees and lives in the world**. The essay invites us to ask **whether philosophy might still serve that purpose today**. Hadot specialized in **ancient Greek and Roman philosophy--especially Stoicism, Neoplatonism, and early Christian thought**–as was known for his scholarship on **Marcus Aurelius, Plotinus, and ancient spiritual exercises**. His work has influenced many contemporary philosophers, classicists, and the modern revival of philosophy as a lived practice. As noted in the title, this will be the first of two sessions. We're splitting the text into two parts in order to give everyone a chance to fit the text into their busy lives, as well as to give us space to move more slowly through the text together. \*\*\* Below is a PDF copy of Hadot's book Philosophy as a Way of Life. This session will cover up to p.93 (ending at 3. Learning to Die). If you have trouble accessing it, send the host a message–extra copies are available. Link: [https://ia800203.us.archive.org/7/items/PierreHadotArnoldDavidsonPhilosophyAsAWayOfLifeSpiritualExercisesFromSocratesToFoucault1995/Pierre%20Hadot%2C%20Arnold%20Davidson%20Philosophy%20as%20a%20Way%20of%20Life%20Spiritual%20Exercises%20from%20Socrates%20to%20Foucault%20%201995.pdf](https://ia800203.us.archive.org/7/items/PierreHadotArnoldDavidsonPhilosophyAsAWayOfLifeSpiritualExercisesFromSocratesToFoucault1995/Pierre%20Hadot%2C%20Arnold%20Davidson%20Philosophy%20as%20a%20Way%20of%20Life%20Spiritual%20Exercises%20from%20Socrates%20to%20Foucault%20%201995.pdf) \*\*\* We’ll have tea and light snacks, but please feel free to bring any drink or snack you’d like to share! This event will be hosted in an apartment with a well-trained dog who will be happy to meet you. If anyone has concerns about dogs, let me know so I can be mindful about keeping her from bothering you. The buzzer is Everett and Mainous—we’re on the 5th floor, apartment 16. Meeting structure: We will start with a brief summary of the key ideas Hadot presents then move to open discussion. Please read the text in advance, make highlights, and note any thoughts or questions you find interesting and compelling.

## **What IdeaVerse is about** **We meet usually once a month to discuss some of the current challenges as well and perhaps come up with new ideas on how to overcome them. For those who came regularly, this next meetup would be slightly different. We will do a workshop on solving real world problems.** The problem we will attempt to solve is the dissolution of communities and spaces where people connect in person, and with it, our increased isolation and loneliness. There are many reasons why this is happening: \- replacement of religion with science as a beacon of meaning\, which seems to be much less great at inspiring connection; \- economic forces boosting our ego\, and make it easier to pay for random strangers for help then making lasting connections with people\. \- political polarization \- \(anti\)social media \(as I call it\) and now AI offering simulations of relationships\. \- climate change increasing our distrust in a better future and the importance of investing in life and people\. \- closing down of third spaces like churches\, malls and retail stores \(due to online shopping\)\, youth centers and increase in remote work\. These are all causes we'll explore, together with examples of how other people expressed they feel about this issue from research, reasons why this issue exists as well as examples of small victories against this tide. We'll work in small groups putting all this knowledge together with out imagination and attempt to find local solutions to similar problems here in Prague. This is is more than a discussion. It's an exploration of our ability to work together to effect change in ourselves and in our social circles. **Some suggested reading/watching:** 1. "Contrary to the perception that isolation and loneliness primarily affect older people in high-income countries, they impact the health and well-being of all age groups across the world. One in four older people experience social isolation and the rates are broadly similar in all regions. Among adolescents, between 5­­–15% experience loneliness, according to research findings." (3 minute read - [WHO launches commission to foster social connection](https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2023-who-launches-commission-to-foster-social-connection)) 2. "Many popular sitcoms center around what's known as a third place-- for example, Central Park in Friends or the Bull and Finch Pub from Cheers. Like the theme song goes, it's somewhere where everybody knows your name, where you can socialize in a place other than your home or work and build some community. But with the whole world accessible on your smartphone, it's kind of hard to resist the call of the couch. And it's hurting us more than we think." (10 minute Podcast [Third places’ may be the answer to America’s loneliness epidemic](https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/05/23/third-places-may-be-the-answer-to-americas-loneliness-epidemic)) 3. “These verdicts mark an unsurprising breaking point. Negative sentiment toward social media has been building for years, and now it’s finally boiled over,” said Mike Proulx, a director at Forrester, a market research company. (4 minute read - [How the landmark verdict against Meta and YouTube could hit their businesses](https://www.aol.com/finance/landmark-verdict-against-meta-youtube-100000070.html)) **The meeting is free to attend, but please buy a drink or two at our patron's place, to make them happy.**

Filozofování o životě a o všem ostatním pro všechny, bez vstupného a bez přihlášky: Co si přejete, s čím si lámete hlavu, co Vás nenechá spát, o čem dumáte, o čem sníte, co Vám vrtá hlavou, čeho se bojíte, na co vzpomínáte, o čem přemýšlíte? Nenechte tyto věci jen pro sebe, zkuste rozhovor s jinými lidmi. U nás nejde jen o to, si popovídat, o to taky, ale to máte i jinde. U našeho stolu se pokusíme, spolu *filozofovat*. Nejdříve se dohodneme, jaké téma budeme diskutovat, a pak se do toho pustíme, budeme přemýšlet, rozmýšlet, promýšlet a zamýšlet se, až se nám z toho bude točit hlava, přitom nám budou podporou filozofové všech věků, abychom jí neztratili, tu hlavu. Ani byste nevěřili, jak filozofie může být osvěžující…

Are you interested in a lot of things but just a little at a time? Then come to the 5 Minute University! Each talk lasts only 5 minutes followed by 1-2 questions and you'll have the chance to talk to the speakers and other listeners before and after the event - it's a great place to make some friends and find good conversation! Here's the current line up: 1.Jamin Tuma - "What happens if you ask yourself 500 pages worth of questions?" 2.Martin Popop - "How to Drink Without Getting a Hangover" 3.Steven Rasovsky - "The Power of Breath" 4.JT Ostdeik - "What is Philosophy?" 5.Tom Thumb - "The Art of Storytelling" 6.Mauro Pellegrini - Everything I know about the contemporary art scene in Prague 8.Maria - It takes two to tango 9.Trang - Why are there so many potraviny in Prague? 10.Vita - TBD 11.Bara - TBD This event is solo-friendly, there will be plenty of things to talk about. So join alone or bring a friend, everyone is welcome. It's a free event and so be sure to support our hosts, Dorado Coffee, by buying drinks.

This time, we will meet to discuss the unbelievable story of Gisèle Pelicot after reading her recent memoir, Hymn to Life. We will meet, as always, on the last Sunday of the month, this time at The Globe Café, for an interesting discussion from a feminist perspective.

**Join us in Prague for a Snowflake User Group evening hosted by Everpure (formely Pure Storage).** This edition will bring together Snowflake product updates and practical lessons from teams using the platform in production. We’ll begin with a look at recent developments across the Snowflake ecosystem, including selected new features and broader trends shaping the data platform space. The evening will also include a customer session from Everpure's Metrics team, focused on large-scale data pipelines in Snowflake, including Snowpipe Streaming and experience from high-volume production environments. We’ll round things off with an informal fireside chat with a guest from Snowflake, followed by networking, community discussion, and the traditional Snowflake quiz. **EVENT DETAILS** * **What’s New in Snowflake** Kick off the evening with an overview of the latest developments in the Snowflake ecosystem. We’ll cover new features, emerging trends in the data platform space, and a few practical insights from real-world projects. * **Customer Story: Data Pipelines at Scale** Our host company Everpure's Metrics team will share how they use Snowflake in their data pipelines. The session will focus on large-scale ingestion using Snowpipe Streaming, handling around 10 TB of data per day, and lessons learned from operating high-volume pipelines in production. * **Fireside Chat with Snowflake** An informal conversation with a guest directly from Snowflake. We’ll discuss recent platform developments, what’s coming next, and interesting topics shaping the future of data platforms. The chat will be hosted and moderated live. * **The Snowflake Quiz** As always, we’ll close with the Snowflake quiz, a few goodies up for grabs, and time to connect with fellow data professionals over drinks. **RSVP** here [See Snowflake in Action: Prague User Group](https://usergroups.snowflake.com/events/details/snowflake-prague-presents-snowflake-in-action-prague-user-group-hosted-by-pure-storage-1/).

You need to register and buy [Tickets here](https://www.tixtree.com/e/im-not-enough-bb3bccf19cba) A deeper Naked Minds experience exploring the connection between your body, mind, and subconscious patterns with somatic coach & hypnotherapist **[Ilona Cepelakova](https://www.instagram.com/ilonasoulsessions/)**[.](https://www.instagram.com/ilonasoulsessions/) 🎟 Launch price: 499 CZK (regular: 1,499 CZK) You’re doing everything right. So why doesn’t it feel like it? From the outside, things look fine. Maybe even good. But inside… there’s still that feeling. *“I should be further.”* *“I should be better.”* *“I’m not quite there yet.”* A quiet pressure running in the background. And no matter how much you think about it, analyze it, or try to “fix it”…it keeps coming back. **You might recognize yourself in this** You’re doing well, but it doesn’t fully land. It might show up like this: * you feel like you’re not enough, even when things are going well * you hold yourself back or struggle to fully show up * you avoid conflict or put others before yourself * your mind is constantly “on” - overthinking, analyzing * you feel tension in your body, even when you try to relax * you keep pushing… but it still doesn’t feel like enough You’ve probably already tried to understand it. But this isn’t just something you “figure out” in your head. 👉 It’s a pattern held in your body and nervous system. **WHAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY TAKE AWAY** This isn’t just another “interesting” session. People leave with real internal shifts: ✨ “I realized I’m not alone in this.” ✨ “I became aware of patterns I didn’t even know I had.” ✨ “It actually helped me feel calmer and more in control.” ✨ “I finally understood what’s been holding me back.” ✨ “It gave me motivation, but also real tools.” And beyond that: **Connection** A space where you can be real. No pretending. People like you, going through similar things. **Growth** Not just thinking but actually seeing and shifting patterns. **Energy** You leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded. **WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE** * understanding how “not enough” patterns are formed * noticing how they show up in your thoughts, body, and reactions * learning how your nervous system stores emotional patterns * guided somatic + subconscious work * deep relaxation (alpha/theta state) * safe processing of emotional triggers * building internal safety and self-trust **WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH** • A deeper understanding of your self-worth patterns • Experience of working with your subconscious (not just thinking about it) • Tools to regulate your emotions and nervous system • Ability to respond instead of react in triggering situations • A more grounded sense of self-trust • One concrete shift you can continue working with **HOW IT FEELS** **Deeper. Slower. Real.** This evening may feel more intense than our other event. You might feel emotions come up and that’s part of the process. Everything is guided safely and step by step. You’re always in control. No pressure. No forcing. **WHO THIS EVENT IS FOR** This is for you if: • you feel “not enough” even when things are going well • you overthink but stay stuck in the same patterns • you want something deeper than mindset work • you’re open to working with your body and subconscious • you feel emotional reactions you don’t fully understand • you’re ready for a real shift, not just more insight **WHAT THIS IS … AND ISN’T** ❌ Not a motivation talk ❌ Not surface-level self-development ❌ Not “just think positive” ✔ A guided somatic experience ✔ Subconscious work in a safe environment **Join us** Maybe you don’t need to become more. Maybe you just need to experience that you already are enough. **PRACTICAL INFO** 🎟 Launch price: 499 CZK 🧠 No preparation needed 👕 Comfortable clothes recommended 🧘 Bring yoga mat (for grounding & body work) **TERMS & COMMUNITY GUIDELINES** By joining Naked Minds, you become part of a community committed to self investment and real growth. 📷 By participating, you agree to photos and videos captured during the event to support future Naked Minds activities. You can opt out after the event. ⚠️ Participation is at your own risk. If you have medical conditions or concerns, please consult your doctor beforehand. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to receive communication from Naked Minds related to this event and future Naked Minds activities (such as upcoming events, community updates, or relevant content). You can unsubscribe at any time via the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly. We respect your privacy and will never spam you.

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**💝 Columbus Virtual Gay Speed Dating – Hosted, Curated & on Zoom** **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To attend, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Places are limited. **Pick your age group and register:** - 🌍 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=488.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=meet-local-gay-men-with-pride&ar=18-32&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=488.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=meet-local-gay-men-with-pride&ar=30-46&face_v=5.0) --- We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. You'll cycle through short one-on-one video chats with Columbus gay locals matched to you by age and personality. A host keeps the evening flowing smoothly. ✅ **You will like this if:** - First-timers new to speed dating - Gay singles in Columbus who want to meet people from home **How the event unfolds** 1. **Choose your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to match you with compatible Columbus singles. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, hop on, and the host takes it from there. 📌 **What to know** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from home - 🚀 **Location:** Your place – couch, desk, wherever works 💡 **Tip:** Test your Zoom and find a quiet, well-lit spot beforehand. ⭐ *"The personality matching genuinely works. My matches were spot on."* – Columbus local --- ✨ Meet Columbus gay singles from home. Sign up and we'll take care of the rest. ✨ ✨ Compressed version with the essentials only. Concise by design so people can decide quickly. A wider swing in voice, pacing, and shape.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

**A Transformative Half-Day Event** Welcome to Confidence Lab, the ultimate experience designed to help you step into your most confident self. This half-day event is packed with actionable strategies, inspiring sessions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are ready to invest in their personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, deepen your self-belief, or simply embrace new challenges, Confidence Lab is your starting point. **What You’ll Experience** **Your Confidence Lab ticket includes:** * **Engaging Speaker Sessions**: Learn from experts about harnessing confidence in your career, relationships, and everyday life. * **Interactive Experiences:** Participate in dynamic activities designed to help you step into your most confident self. * **In-Depth Audience Q&A:** Get direct insights from speakers as they answer your most pressing questions about building confidence and stepping into leadership. * **Networking Opportunities**: Connect with a supportive community of professionals and confidence enthusiasts. **2026 Speaker Sessions:** * **Seeing Clearly** Understand how you show up - and what’s been getting in the way. * **Confidence in Relationship** Communicate, navigate conflict, and build trust more effectively. * **Sustainable Agency** Learn how to lead without burning out. Your energy is part of the strategy. * **Confidence in Service** Align how you show up with the impact you actually want to have. **This Is For You If…** * You’re ready to take up more space in your work or life * You want to communicate with clarity and confidence * You’re stepping into (or preparing for) leadership * You’re done second-guessing yourself **Our Speakers** **Lachandra Baker** Founder of LBB Edutainment and the kind of person who makes you realize you’ve been confusing confidence with performance your whole life. Lachandra blends psychology, research, and radical humanity to help individuals and teams stop code-switching their way through the day and start showing up as someone they actually recognize. Expect to be challenged, affirmed, and genuinely seen - sometimes all in the same breath. **Annette Santiago Reyes** Annette has a rare talent: she makes the way you communicate feel like a discovery, not a critique. A connection catalyst and culture strategist, she helps people understand why they show up the way they do, and how to bridge the gap between intention and impact. Whether you're navigating change, life’s challenges, or simply trying to better understand yourself and others. Annette gives you the language and the lens to get there. **Elizabeth Wangugi** Creator of The Nap Concert and the RESTOR™ framework, Elizabeth is here to tell you that rest is not a reward - it’s a strategy. Rooted in neuroscience and restorative practice, her work helps high-achievers stop running on fumes and start leading from a place of actual capacity. If your calendar is full and your tank is empty, Elizabeth might be the most important person you hear from at Confidence Lab. **Stephanie Andrews** Founder of Social Black Butterfly Training & Consulting, Stephanie knows what it takes to lead through complexity because she’s done it across social services, healthcare, and operations. She specializes in succession strategy and leadership development, equipping leaders to build trust, navigate the hard moments, and leave something worth inheriting. Stephanie doesn’t just develop leaders. She develops the kind of leaders people actually want to follow. **Lillian Morales-Laster** SVP Human Resources Director at United Midwest Savings Bank and Executive Director of the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA). Lillian has spent her career combining her passion for equity and inclusion with her experience in human resources to lead teams and organizations in the development of supportive work environments. She leads with a vision of ensuring Latinas' voices are included in crucial decision-making processes, because for Lillian, ELLA is more than just a program. It's a vibrant community of hermanas supporting and uplifting each other as they navigate their paths to leadership. A Columbus Business First Community Champion and Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan, her commitment to empowering others shows up everywhere she goes. **Rachyl Kershaw** Founder of Greater Columbus Consulting and the architect behind the Confidence Lab Annual Summit, Rachyl has a gift for cutting through the noise, helping high-achievers stop performing success and start living it. She asks the questions most people are afraid to, creates space for honest reckoning, and somehow makes the hard work feel energizing. If you’ve ever wondered why doing everything right still feels like something’s missing, you’re in exactly the right room. **Why Confidence Lab?** Confidence is the foundation for success in every area of life. Whether you’re navigating a career change, launching a business, or striving for personal growth, building your confidence is the key to unlocking your higher purpose. This is your chance to invest in yourself and start living boldly. **Join Us on May 4** Confidence Lab is more than just an event - it’s a movement. Step into your power, embrace your potential, and make this the year you thrive. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a more confident YOU. Cost should never be a barrier to growth. If you'd like to request a complimentary community ticket, reach out to us at [hello@confidencelab.org](hello@confidencelab.org), no explanation needed. Read more and see additional ticketing options at [https://confidencelab.org/](https://confidencelab.org/)