CRM/Customer Relationship Management

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Let's get together in a warm and open atmosphere to talk about ethical non-monogamy and how we actually do it. Ask for advice, give some in return, meet and mingle with your peers. Let's kick back and get to know each other and learn a few things. TOPIC: What would you like to do differently in your relationships going forward this year? What did you do last year that really didn't work? What's your stretch goal? The location of our group will rotate between VA and MD. This week, we'll be in VA back at home with our most frequent host. As usual we'll send out the details on the morning of the event. FOOD: bring food that supports the diet you are undoubtedly on this month. Please consider bringing a vegetarian or vegan option; we do currently have active members who need these options. Cut-up fresh fruit is always great! If you don't feel like schlepping, we also always appreciate a donation. Please note: we share the address on the morning of the meeting, via the messaging/email system here. If you don’t have the details by Friday noon, you will need to message us directly to get them.

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

**What makes one market a goldmine and another a money pit?** Success in real estate starts long before you make an offer. Choosing the right market and knowing how to analyze a deal are what separate confident investors from expensive mistakes. At this month’s meeting, we’ll talk about how to evaluate markets, spot demand drivers, and understand local fundamentals. We’ll also walk through how to analyze properties, run the numbers, and determine whether a deal actually makes sense before you move forward. Come for the training, stay for the networking! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.

*theme:* **Psychoanalysis "Making Unconscious Conscious" Let's explore, Does it work? DIY?** Psychoanalysis "unlocks the past, informs the present, and expands the future. video clips: **Psychoanalytic theory in 3 minutes** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k) **Psychoanalysis A Curiosity about the mind 6min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ) Psychoanalysis = a theory and practice treating symptoms and personality as **disguised compromises** around unconscious conflicts, using a structured relationship (transference) to make those patterns visible so you can **repeat less blindly** and **choose a bit more freely**. "Until you ***make the unconscious conscious***, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Interpersonal Process Group** **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Reduced anxiety and stress:** Finding support and coping mechanisms for social challenges. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an exciting meeting of personal growth as we delve deep into the realm of self-development. This meetup is designed for personal growth addicts like you who are eager to unlock their hidden potential and take charge of their lives. Don't miss this chance to meet fellow personal growth enthusiasts, share experiences, and learn from one another. Step into a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Come prepared to engage in provocative conversations, share your opinions, wrestle with challenging ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of deeper meaning and learning. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish Light snacks, water & hot tea provided. Tysons-Pimmit Library is on Leesburg Pike (Rt 7) in Falls Church, VA off I-495 beltway exit 47. **Conference room** is down 1st left hallway, on right side right after the bathrooms.

**Did you know that female friendships are critical for every woman's well-being and longevity? Scientifically proven fact!** *Ladies, join me for a special gathering, let's celebrate the power of female friendships* *and* *empower each other through sharing our stories 💕* As a host & [Life and Relationship Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/), I will be there to create a safe, fun space to truly connect and have conversations about life & love. Please [RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979238487596?aff=oddtdtcreator) for me to know who is coming. **When**: January 24th at 2:00 pm. **Location:** True Food Kitchen in Reston Send me a direct message (571-315-1469) if you are running late and please only RSVP if you are coming. I look forward to seeing you there. \~ Irena