Emerging Leaders

The mission of **Building Leaders Toastmasters Club** is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month form 06:00 PM to 08:30 PM.

The brain naturally organizes life around calendars, and year boundaries help us frame long-term goals more clearly and track progress meaningfully. A new year offers a fresh canvas—an opportunity to reset, refocus, and recommit to growth. Join us for a Toastmasters meeting on this theme, to be held on Friday, 9th January at 6:45 PM, at the Mankhool Public Library

Ready to team up and take on the court? Join us for a thrilling doubles badminton showdown! 🏸🔥 **Where you might ask ?(location)** [BASELINE SPORTS ACADEMY DIP](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FyDDutLTVL3ZWU219) **What are the charges?** Charges are 25 AED per person if paid before Friday. If paid on the day or in cash, the charge will be 50 AED. Please DM us on [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJlaK4v7sha7FiFIQcOV9L) to receive the payment details. Water and racquets will be provided. Look forward to seeing y’all on our socials. Feel free to DM us if you have any doubts and feel free to join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DC2YbqRXWPx4FKQ3mYuyBd) We do not accept cancellations and do not do refunds & require you to pay in order to save your spot*

Recent research from World Economic Forum highlights that employers value communication, leadership and EQ along with Technical Skills , now you know why Toastmaster is relevant for you. Soft skills aren’t just “nice extras”—they’re what help you actually succeed in today’s fast-moving, hybrid, and sometimes messy workplace. Think about it: * Can you explain a complicated idea in a way that actually makes sense to someone outside your field? * Can you listen and work well with others, even when things feel stressful? * Can you manage your time, emotions, and energy when everything seems due at once? These skills don’t just help you get by—they help you grow and stand out. While you can pick up a new tool or software pretty quickly, things like emotional awareness, communication, and resolving conflict take real practice over time. That’s why good employers look beyond resumes filled with technical terms. They want people who can adapt, connect, and lead—no matter their role or level of experience

**🎾 Elevate Your Padel Game!** Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the ropes or a seasoned player aiming to polish your skills, our lessons cater to all levels of expertise starting from just 120 AED onwards per person. 🌟 Why Choose Us? 🌟 * **Learn from the best:** Our coaches bring years of experience and a passion for Padel straight from the heartlands of Argentina and Spain, renowned for honing the skills of numerous professional players. * **Tailored packages:** Schedule your lessons according to your preferred timing. * **Affordable rates:** Starting from just 120 AED onwards per person. * **Multiple venues:** Danube Sports World, ZY Padel & Fitness Hub, Champs Sports Club, and Padel Art. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your Padel skills! Feel free to reach out for any further information or to book your spot today. **💬WhatsApp us at +971585129190**

**Ever notice how confident you feel *until* it’s your turn to speak?** You know what you want to say. You’ve done the work. You care deeply about your ideas. And yet… the moment all eyes are on you: * your mind goes blank * your voice feels shaky * you walk away thinking, *“That wasn’t me.”* Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: **Public speaking isn’t a confidence problem. It’s a nervous system problem.** And once you learn how to work *with* your body and mind instead of fighting them, speaking changes completely. That’s exactly what this **2-hour live masterclass** is about. **Not performing. Not pretending.** But learning how to speak clearly, calmly, and confidently, *even under pressure*. ### In this masterclass, you’ll experience: * How to speak so people actually listen (and stay engaged) * How to calm nervous energy and turn it into presence * A simple structure so you never ramble or freeze again * How to sound confident without raising your voice * How to show up as yourself—and still command the room This is practical, grounded, and very human work. You’ll practice. You’ll reflect. You’ll walk out *different*. Hi, I’m **Samra**—Certified Master Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Public Speaking Coach based in Dubai. I work with professionals who are capable, intelligent, and driven—but struggle to express themselves with confidence, especially in high-stakes moments. This masterclass is a **safe, supportive, learn-by-doing space**—no judgment, no pressure, just real growth. ### Details: **Location:** The Cycle Bistro, Jumeirah 1 ⏰ **2 hours (live & in-person)** 💰 **AED 129/-** 🎟 **Limited seats** If you’ve been waiting for a sign to work on your voice, your presence, and your confidence—**this is it**. 👉 **Apply & secure your seat here:** [https://form.jotform.com/230611193994055](https://form.jotform.com/230611193994055) Reach out on: https://wa.me/message/QVBVVAN25PSJD1 You don’t need to become someone else to speak powerfully. You just need the right tools, and the right space to practice.

Come for Networking. Stay for the Music 🎶 It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know or so they say ... your network matters. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup)** Connect with business owners, leaders and industry experts in a friendly and fun environment 🤝🏻 **Join an evening where nobody left behind, stand on side or feels lonely.** Have a friendly chat while sipping your favorite drink, and still make meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup)** Dress your best for a fun evening at the best venues in Dubai and get ready to pose for an #instaphoto 📷 **How many people attend?** We get 100 people on average in all our events and invite our members on Meetup and other platforms. Members of other groups who RSVP are included as guests to give an idea of expected numbers. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup)** **Network After Work is a great platform, where you can:** * Grow your network and business. * Have great conversations and make new friends. * Meet your next client, partner, vendor, investor, and more. **Who should attend?** * Business owners. * Business Leaders. * Industry experts. *PS. Humble excuse from JOB Seekers.* **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Ready to connect with the brightest minds in startups, tech, and business? Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/entrepreneurs-whatsapp)** **🎶 Drinks. Conversations. Opportunities. Vibes.** This is where founders, leaders, and investors come together to shape what’s next. **💬 What You’ll Experience:** * 🤝 Meet investors, venture capitalists & accelerators. * 💡 Exchange bold ideas with fellow founders. * 📈 Gain insights from tech leaders & industry experts. * 🌐 Expand your business network in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us in an elegant lounge setting where the vibes are high, the views are stunning, and the conversations flow as smoothly as the drinks 🍸 **🔥 At this event, you’ll connect with:** * Startup founders, entrepreneurs & innovators. * VC firms, angel investors & strategic partners. * CTOs, product leaders & growth experts. * Marketers, HR agents & service providers. * AI experts, SaaS founders & enterprise clients. This is your chance to meet fellow entrepreneurs, investors, founders, and experts all in one place. 🌍💡 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/entrepreneurs-whatsapp)** 🎶 Background music sets the mood while you mingle, network, and unlock new opportunities. **🎯 Why Join?** * Build relationships that can spark partnerships. * Learn from peers who’ve already faced the challenges you’re solving today. * Share your story, pitch your vision, and discover new opportunities. * Connect in a more informal, friendly atmosphere—no pressure, just possibilities. ✨ **The future of entrepreneurship thrives on conversations like these.** 🌟 Whether you’re raising funds, scaling your startup, or simply looking for fresh collaborations—this evening is designed to help you make meaningful connections that last far beyond the night. 👉 Bring your business cards, your vision, and your curiosity. 👉 Leave with new opportunities, valuable insights, and a stronger network. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/entrepreneurs-whatsapp) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Ready to connect with the brightest minds in startups, tech, and business? Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/entrepreneurs-whatsapp)** **🎶 Drinks. Conversations. Opportunities. Vibes.** This is where founders, leaders, and investors come together to shape what’s next. **💬 What You’ll Experience:** * 🤝 Meet investors, venture capitalists & accelerators. * 💡 Exchange bold ideas with fellow founders. * 📈 Gain insights from tech leaders & industry experts. * 🌐 Expand your business network in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us in an elegant lounge setting where the vibes are high, the views are stunning, and the conversations flow as smoothly as the drinks 🍸 **🔥 At this event, you’ll connect with:** * Startup founders, entrepreneurs & innovators. * VC firms, angel investors & strategic partners. * CTOs, product leaders & growth experts. * Marketers, HR agents & service providers. * AI experts, SaaS founders & enterprise clients. This is your chance to meet fellow entrepreneurs, investors, founders, and experts all in one place. 🌍💡 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/entrepreneurs-whatsapp)** 🎶 Background music sets the mood while you mingle, network, and unlock new opportunities. **🎯 Why Join?** * Build relationships that can spark partnerships. * Learn from peers who’ve already faced the challenges you’re solving today. * Share your story, pitch your vision, and discover new opportunities. * Connect in a more informal, friendly atmosphere—no pressure, just possibilities. ✨ **The future of entrepreneurship thrives on conversations like these.** 🌟 Whether you’re raising funds, scaling your startup, or simply looking for fresh collaborations—this evening is designed to help you make meaningful connections that last far beyond the night. 👉 Bring your business cards, your vision, and your curiosity. 👉 Leave with new opportunities, valuable insights, and a stronger network. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/entrepreneurs-whatsapp) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

🍝 **HR Opportunities Lunch & Career Workshop** **Eat. Learn. Connect. Get Hired.** Are you looking for your next opportunity? Join us for a \*beneficial career workshop\* over a delicious lunch; where great food meets real job leads. **What's included:** \- 🥘 Food\, water & dates; all for just **35 AED** \- 🎓 A practical workshop: **How to Find a Job in Today's Market** \- 📥 Downloadable content for all attendees \- 🤝 Direct networking with **VIP HR professionals** \- 📋 CV submission & referral to live job opportunities **This week's open roles include:** Sales • IT • Accounting • Hospitality & F&B • Engineering **How to join:** ✅ Register & pay upon arrival, or secure your spot now: 👉 \[Pay here: 35 AED\]\(https://pay\.ziina\.com/aboelcare/U1zwt3b0S\) 📄 Submit your CV in advance: 👉 \[CV Submission Form\]\(https://docs\.google\.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9EIuZKh8SRCgBmVI2mtNgLPqx\-dqAbulnQ5a_DO65FZcaWA/viewform?usp=header\) 💬 Join our community on WhatsApp: 👉 \[WhatsApp Group\]\(https://chat\.whatsapp\.com/JsA2NGII1nDDOGfs7SFbGt\) 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn & socials: 👉 \[linktr\.ee/propertential\]\(http://linktr\.ee/propertential\) **Bring your CV. Leave with connections, knowledge, and a good meal.** 🌟

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

Hello Friends, **Are you feeling the weight of financial uncertainty?** Does the idea of building a secure future feel overwhelming, like an impossible climb? Are you dreaming of a life where money works for you, instead of the other way around? You're not alone. **Money is rarely about money**. **Money** is all about **behaviour**. **Your habits, thoughts and feelings about money** are going to determine how you manage your money. Many of us carry the burden of financial worry, the constant pressure to make ends meet, and the longing for a life where we can breathe easier. We dream of a **future where money doesn't dictate our choices**, where we have the **freedom to pursue our passions** and **spend time with the people we love**. But the path to financial freedom can seem shrouded in mystery, filled with complex jargon and risky ventures. **Imagine**, though, **a space where you can learn**, **grow**, and **connect** with others who understand your journey. A space where you can **explore financial strategies** in a safe, supportive and even enjoyable way. Introducing **the Moneymind Cashflow Community in Dubai** **Why Join and Play the Cashflow Game?** · **Play and Learn**: Experience a fun and engaging way to boost your financial literacy which will help you to improve your relationship with money. · **Gain insights into your money behaviour (a.k.a emotions)** and learn to make informed decisions. · **Learn Through Experience**: Step away from abstract theories and immerse yourself in a dynamic and exciting learning environment. · **Discover Practical Strategies**: Escape the "Rat Race" by learning how to navigate real estate, business and the stock market and build your passive income. · **Build Meaningful Connections**: Connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share your aspirations for financial security and freedom. · **Boost Confidence**: As you gain more knowledge and experience by playing the game, you'll build confidence in managing your money and pursuing your financial goals, contributing to your personal growth and self-assurance. · **Enhance Critical Thinking**: You will develop your problem-solving and decision-making skills by facing real-world financial scenarios and different situations, enhancing your ability to think strategically when it comes to how you manage your money. **Event Details:** · **Location**: The Bureau Business Centre, Gold & Diamond Park, Building 6. · **Timing**: Saturday at 2pm -5pm (Limited seats available, please book promptly and in · **Cost**: AED 45 (please bring cash only). · **Parking**: Free parking is available inside Gold & Diamond Park on Saturdays from 6pm-9pm. · **Important**: Due to limited capacity, confirmation is essential at least 24 hours prior the game session if not before to secure your spot on the table. **Meet the Moneymind Cashflow Community Organizer:** Hosted by Ahmed Abdulla, **a Corporate Trainer**, **Mindset Coach & Mentor** and **Mastermind Group Lead**, this event and meet up offers a valuable opportunity to **cultivate both your financial education and personal development within a supportive community**. To get all future group updates on the Moneymind Cashflow Community Dubai events and activities please do join the following silent WhatsApp group - [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CtAQXbfEivl1UxEMZgctoc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CtAQXbfEivl1UxEMZgctoc) **Here is What You Need To Do Next:** Whether you're an experienced investor **in real life** or just beginning your financial **learning** journey, **the** CASHFLOW® **game** provides **YOU** a platform to learn, grow and empower yourself. Moneymind Cashflow Community (MCC)

**Business Growth Over Coffee – by Global Syndicate** **Dubai’s Most Trusted Weekly Business Networking Meetup** Every **Saturday evening, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM**, entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers come together for an evening of **real connections, collaboration, and growth**. This is not about exchanging piles of business cards or sitting through a sales pitch. This is about **genuine conversations that lead to partnerships, referrals, and revenue**, all in a relaxed, coffee-table environment. **Why Attend?** * **Meaningful Connections** – Meet like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. * **Shared Learning** – Gain clarity from stories, insights, and practical experiences shared every week. * **Community Spirit** – A family-like atmosphere where members support, encourage, and celebrate each other. * **Real Outcomes** – Walk away with new collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities. **Event Details** 📍 **Venue:** 401, Dhanguard Business Centre, Above Adidas Showroom, Burjuman 👉 ***Just Next To Burjuman Metro Station Exit 3.*** 🗓 **Every Saturday** 🕡 **6:30 PM – 8:30 PM** Doors close at 6:45 PM sharp to keep the quality high. **Contribution:** AED 20 (cash) – includes coffee, cookies & great conversations. **Important Note** This is **not for MLM or direct-selling companies**. Our focus is on genuine entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and service providers who want to build trust and grow real businesses. **What Makes Us Different?** * No spam. No hard selling. * Everyone shares their **Ask** (what they need) and **Offer** (how they can help). * We celebrate wins, big or small, as a community. * Over **332+ meetups**, we’ve seen entrepreneurs create partnerships, sign deals, and even launch new ventures together. **How to Join** 1. Click **Register Now** to secure your spot. 2. Bring your energy, your business cards, and your *Ask & Offer*. 3. Join us for **The Evolution of Trust** 👉 Seats are limited, and doors close at 6:45 PM sharp. **Register Here:** [https://globalsyndicate.ae/meetup-registration/](https://globalsyndicate.ae/meetup-registration/) Whatsapp if you have any Query:- [https://wa.me/0525887967](https://wa.me/0525887967) **Business Growth Over Coffee – by Global Syndicate** A weekly ritual where entrepreneurs turn **conversations into collaborations**.

Ready for a night where **business meets social energy**? Join us for the next edition of our **Business Social** 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup)** A curated experience where business owners, leaders, and experts come together for meaningful connections, great conversations, and an unforgettable night out ✨ ​**🌟 What to expect:** * ​Meet **fellow business owners, industry experts, and leaders** * ​Build real connections that go beyond LinkedIn 🤝 * ​Discover opportunities while enjoying amazing drinks 🍹 * ​Experience a night where **networking feels like a party** 🎉 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup)** ​✨ **The Vibe** No apps. No pressure! Just **authentic encounters** with people who appreciate depth, spontaneity, and fun. ​Every guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet — but leaves with a story, a smile, and maybe even a new friend or business partner 💼❤️ ​🎉 **Think of it like this:** Bold conversations. Big energy. Even bigger chemistry. ​It’s more than just networking — it’s an **unfolding experience** where strangers become friends and opportunities turn into realities. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-group-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?