Consulting Groups Los Angeles

AI Just Broke Your Strategy. Here's How To Fix It.

Join the ProductTank Los Angeles and PMA.LA community for an evening of insights, conversation, and connection with Martin Eriksson, one of the most influential voices in product leadership and organizational strategy. With more than 30 years of experience as a product leader, founder, investor, advisor, and author, Martin has dedicated his career to helping organizations build better products, stronger teams, and more effective businesses. From pioneering SaaS companies before the term became mainstream to advising more than 150 organizations at every stage of growth, Martin has consistently challenged conventional thinking and helped leaders unlock organizational performance. **Featured Talk: AI Just Broke Your Strategy. Here's How To Fix It.** When anyone can build anything, the competitive advantage is no longer in building. It is in knowing what to build and why. While many organizations are focused on using AI to do what they already do faster and cheaper, Martin argues that this is the wrong question. In fact, it may be quietly limiting ambition at the exact moment it should be expanding it. As the cost of development continues to fall, the primary constraint is no longer execution. The bottleneck has shifted to clarity. The challenge is no longer "Can we build it?" but "Should we build it?" Most teams are not prepared for this shift. In this thought provoking session, Martin explores how AI is reshaping strategy, decision making, and organizational advantage. Drawing on insights from his latest work, The Decision Stack, he will share how leaders can create the strategic clarity needed to thrive in an era where technology is abundant but direction is scarce. Attendees will learn why alignment matters more than ever, how to connect vision to everyday decisions, and how to turn AI from a potential threat into a powerful catalyst for innovation, growth, and organizational momentum. **About Martin Eriksson** Martin Eriksson is a board member, strategic advisor, leadership coach, and author of **The Decision Stack: How Strategic Clarity Unlocks Organizational Momentum**. Since 1994, Martin has built digital products and businesses across organizations including The Financial Times, Monster, Huddle, Covestor, Cazoo, and most recently served as Product Partner at EQT, one of the world's largest private investment firms. He is also the founder of ProductTank and co founder of Mind the Product, together the world's largest product management community spanning more than 200 cities worldwide. Through his work, writing, and leadership, Martin has helped shape the practice of product management for an entire generation of product leaders. **Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: ADP** ADP is a global leader in cloud based Human Capital Management solutions, helping organizations manage HR, payroll, talent, time, tax, and benefits administration through innovative technology and deep industry expertise. By combining powerful analytics, compliance capabilities, and business outsourcing solutions, ADP helps organizations create better workplace experiences and unlock the full potential of their people. Learn more: https://www.adp.com/ ADP. Always Designing for People. #WhatAreYouWorkingFor

North Hollywood PadSplit Conversion Reveal Part 2

**Part 2: North Hollywood, CA Property Tour — See the PadSplit Rental Math in Action** Alex and Carlos will be joined by **Devon Aguirre**, PadSplit Market Manager and 12-year real estate veteran, for an in-person walkthrough as we explore **Part 2 of our North Hollywood, CA Property Tour**. 📍 **Where:** **North Hollywood, CA** (address provided upon registration) 📅 **When:** Thursday, **September 10th \| 7:00 PM \- 9:00 PM PDT** 🎟️ **[Register Here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n-hollywood-padsplit-conversion-reveal-part-2-investor-tour-networking-tickets-1998022890250)** **What We'll Unpack Live & In-Person:** * **The Fully Converted Property:** Tour the completed PadSplit and room-rental layout. * **The $4,500 to $12,900 Rental Math:** See how the projected income changes after conversion. * **The Conversion Decisions:** Review the layout and renovation choices behind the property. * **Evaluating a Similar Conversion:** See what investors should assess before moving forward. * **Investor Q&A + Networking:** Talk projects, ask questions, and connect with local investors. What investors saw mid-renovation in August is now a fully converted PadSplit, with the property projected to reach **$12,900** in gross monthly income with the ADU. We’ll walk the now-completed property, see how the layout was reconfigured for room rentals, and break down the layout, renovation, and investment decisions behind the conversion. **Who Should Attend?** Real estate investors and property owners, evaluating co-living opportunities, along with Realtors, lenders, property managers, and other real estate professionals working with investors. *Reserve your spot today by clicking the link and completing your registration.* *We can't wait to see you at Part 2 of the property tour!*

Drinks with Designers (at Steinberg Hart)

​Industry professionals are navigating rapid change, from AI-driven tools reshaping project workflows to shifting expectations around speed, quality, and collaboration across teams. ​This evening will bring attendees together for an informal discussion on where the industry is headed, what's working well for teams today, and where AI can fit into that picture. The conversation will draw on practitioner experience across firms to surface practical takeaways attendees can bring back to their own teams. ​Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay for a cocktail reception with light bites and the opportunity to connect with peers across the industry.

5v5 full court Adult BBall game

**Number of players** (& about your playing time): 14 players (14 maximum) will show up to the gym and be divided into 2 teams. We will run a 54 minute basketball game (full court, 5vs5 on a full size gym). Playing time will be equal. We have found that with 54 minutes and no free-throws- this is a really thorough workout even with 7 players/per side. **Game format:** we will require black vs white reversible jerseys (we can sell jerseys at the gym- for $20- if you need a jersey). We will jump the ball up officially, to start the game- and we will keep clock & score (so this will feel like, look like and play like a real game). We will have a supervisor/referee to keep things safe and moving well. There will be no free throws. **Efficient use of your time:** you show up and play 1 game, then head home- all in an hour! That said, most nights we will run 2 to 3 of these games, back to back (and it is common for some players to sign up for multiple games). **You can join as an individual or with your buddies**. You can play one random Sunday or you can play on all of the Sundays that you are available.

Scaling SaaS Right Now: Lessons from the Frontlines

Today’s environment is forcing SaaS founders and operators to rethink not just what they build—but how they build, deliver, and scale it. Join us for a candid, discussion-driven session with Bryan Walley, CEO & Co-founder of Forward Inheritance, as we explore what it takes to grow a SaaS venture in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. Bryan is has built Forward Inheritance, a platform designed to bring clarity and structure to one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas families face—inheritance and legacy planning. The idea didn’t start as a business—it started as a personal need. Faced with navigating estate planning within his own family, Bryan saw firsthand the lack of simple, secure, and transparent tools to organize information, communicate clearly, and align across generations. So he built one. Today, Forward is evolving that solution into a broader platform that helps families move from confusion and avoidance to clarity and preparedness—combining secure document management, financial tools, and guided collaboration. In this session, Bryan will share how his team is approaching: * Building and positioning a SaaS product in a nuanced, human-centered problem space * Rethinking product delivery and user experience in today’s market * Navigating the intersection of fintech, family dynamics, and long-term planning * Lessons learned while scaling in an environment that demands adaptability This won’t be a one-way presentation—it’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, compare approaches, and learn from others navigating similar challenges. Whether you're building, scaling, advising, investing—or simply interested in how SaaS is evolving—this session offers a practical and timely perspective on what’s working right now. **Networking** Come early to connect with fellow founders, technologists, creatives, and community members. Friday Coffee Meetup is as much about the people in the room as it is about the conversation on stage. *** ## **About the Speaker** Bryan Walley is CEO & Co-founder of Forward Inheritance and a technology and business leader with a proven track record of building and delivering software-driven solutions across a range of industries, including financial services. His experience spans the full lifecycle of innovation—from early concept and product development through go-to-market execution and operational scale. With a background that bridges technology, business strategy, and execution, Bryan has led initiatives across software development, product management, strategic partnerships, and business growth. At Forward Inheritance, Bryan is focused on helping families navigate inheritance and legacy planning through tools that promote clarity, communication, and proactive

FREE Adult DanceFit Open House – Sample Classes & Meet the Instructors

Ever dreamed of performing on stage? Join us for a free afternoon of 20-minute dance experiences, meet our instructors, and discover how you can become part of an adult dance team performing live this November.” This positioning will attract far more people than advertising it simply as a dance class because it sells the transformation: community, confidence, friendship, and performance.

Networking with Professionals in a multitude of industries!

Networking with Professionals

Women in Big Data LA Book Club

We're excited to launch the **Women in Big Data SoCal Quarterly Book Club!** Join us as we bring together our community to discuss books that inspire professional growth, leadership, technology, and career development. Whether you've read every page or are simply curious about the conversation, this is a welcoming space to share ideas, hear different perspectives, and connect with fellow members. **Our First Book** ***[This Isn't Working](https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com/book)*** by **Meghan French Dunbar** This thought-provoking book explores the realities of today's workplace and challenges many of the assumptions we've made about work, success, and workplace culture. Together, we'll discuss key takeaways, personal reflections, and how the ideas relate to our own careers in data, analytics, AI, and technology. **Didn't have a chance to finish the book? Or haven't started it yet?** No problem! You're still encouraged to join us. Come listen to the discussion, meet fellow members, and participate as much or as little as you'd like. The goal is to create meaningful conversations—not quiz anyone on the reading. **Event Details** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, August 30 ⏰ **Time:** 2PM 📍 **Location:** Honesto Cafe 2927 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 **Parking:** Free parking lot located behind the cafe We look forward to launching this new tradition with you! \-\-\-\-\-\- Follow us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14309306/) to get the latest updates on our events. \-\-\-\-\-\- **Photo Release Notice:** By attending this event, you consent to photographs being taken and used in Women In Big Data's promotional materials. Please inform organizers upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.

Free OPEN Passes to AI TechWorld 2026

**Register here:** [https://www.devnetwork.com/registration/?event=AI%20TechWorld%202026&utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MU11491&discount=MU11491](https://www.devnetwork.com/registration/?event=AI%20TechWorld%202026&utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MU11491&discount=MU11491) > You must register at the link above (and not just indicate that you are attending here on Meetup). > [AI TechWorld 2026](https://aitechworld.co/) (Sept 1-3, Santa Clara, CA) showcases the newest AI Engineering & AI Infrastructure technologies for AI developers and Ops engineers. The event is a comprehensive conference & expo focused on AI-Infrastructure technologies, tools, and platforms powering the modern AI ecosystem. It brings together AI engineers, software developers, data scientists, and technology leaders to explore real-world AI applications, infrastructure, and best practices. Topics include AI platforms and tooling, enterprise AI adoption, AI infrastructure, model deployment and optimization, AI-powered applications, and the future of intelligent systems across industries. > AI TechWorld is co-located with API World and CloudX. > The AI TechWorld team has offered our group 25 free OPEN Passes so our members can attend for free. > **Register now to get your free OPEN Pass ($195 value):** > [https://www.devnetwork.com/registration/?event=AI%20TechWorld%202026&utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MU11491&discount=MU11491](https://www.devnetwork.com/registration/?event=AI%20TechWorld%202026&utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MU11491&discount=MU11491)

AI meetup (September) with AWS

**Important note:** register on the [external event website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026090217) is required for admission. **AGENDA** \- 6:00pm \- 6:40pm: Check\-In\, Food & Beverage\, Networking \- 6:40pm \- 6:45pm: Welcoming Remarks \+ Community Updates \- 6:45pm \- 8:15pm: Tech Talks and Audience Q&A \- 8:15pm \- 9:00pm: Open Discussions\, Networking\, and Closing **Speakers/Topics:** Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and topics. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA) **Sponsors:** We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in L.A and 500K+ worldwide.

Professional Women's Mastermind Circle

*** **Thanks to everyone who joined us last month to make our first return event a great success! So let's do it again!** **Join us for our Professional Women's Mastermind Circle!** An evening of real talk, real support, and real solutions. Whether you're growing a business, building a career, or just want to network with a great group of women, bring your ideas, questions, and challenges, and leave with a fresh perspective, helpful tips, and a room full of women in your corner. To allow time for everyone to share, this Meetup is capped at just 10 women. Led by PWNLA founder, certified executive coach & facilitator, Margalit Ward, the evening is relaxed, interactive, and built around you, designed to help you find solutions, inspire action, and move forward with fresh ideas. Light refreshments will be served \| Sign up now; space is limited\! **When:** Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6 pm – 8:30 pm **Where:** Margalit's home, LA-Fairfax Grove area (address will be sent upon registration) **Cost:** $20 pre\-registered \(relaunch rate\) \| $25 at the door First come, first served; this Meetup typically fills up quickly and often has a waiting list. **Bring with you:** Business cards, something to take notes with, and a question, challenge, or idea you'd like feedback on. We can't wait to see you there! *** ***What women say about our Mastermind Circles...*** *"Loved this event. I got a lot of great advice for my own business, and the whole evening was full of wisdom, kindness, and generosity. Definitely worth the time and money." — Tara King, Choreographer & Web Designer/Developer* *"So many great ideas shared, and so much inspiration from a great group of wonderful women. Thank you all!" — Kimberly Chenier, Attorney & Business Strategist* *"The best few hours I've spent in a long time. It was a supportive, productive and energetic group of smart women helping each other to grow their businesses. I have a ton of great ideas to keep me rolling!" — Laura P, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach* *Tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable*

🇧🇦 A–Z Dining Adventure: B is for Bosnia!