Influence

Join us for an evening of deep product insights and conversation with Steve Johnson, CEO of Product Growth Leaders. Most product managers aren’t struggling because they lack frameworks, data, or AI tools. They’re struggling because they’re talking to the wrong people. Instead of learning directly from customers, they rely on second-hand input—sales requests, executive opinions, support tickets, dashboards, and now AI-generated summaries of all of it. The result? Noise. Misalignment. And products that look good on paper but miss the market. AI can process more data than you ever will—but it can’t replace direct human understanding. It can’t see hesitation. It can’t hear what’s not being said. And it certainly can’t build trust with a customer who doesn’t believe you yet. That’s where product managers have an advantage—if they choose to use it. In this session, you’ll learn how Customer Conversations cut through the noise and become your most powerful differentiator. Not as a research technique, but as a leadership behavior that builds market insight, credibility, and better decisions. Through real stories and practical methods, you’ll learn how to: • Talk to the right people at the right time in the product lifecycle • Ask questions that uncover real problems • Validate ideas before you build them Because in a world where AI can generate answers at scale, the product manager who understands customers firsthand becomes the one who asks better questions—and makes better decisions. AGENDA 6:00 - 6:30 pm: Welcome and Registration. Refreshments provided. 6:30 - 7:00 pm: Talk by Steve Johnson (CEO at Product Growth Leaders) 7:00 - 7:15 pm: Q&A 7:15 - 8:00 pm: Networking ABOUT THE SPEAKER Steve Johnson is a product success coach focused on removing the chaos from product planning. He uses modern methods to guide product teams from idea to market in only a few weeks. Steve has trained tens of thousands of product professionals in his career. He is a former instructor and vice president at Pragmatic Institute and the chief architect of the popular Quartz Open Framework.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency.

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

Join Sober Supper Club – DC for an intimate group dinner at Treehouse Rooftop, an elevated jungle sanctuary tucked into the vibrant Union Market neighborhood of Washington, DC. Perched five stories above the city, Treehouse Rooftop blooms as a lush oasis featuring internationally influenced food and imaginative drinks, all surrounded by cascading greenery within a beautiful historic building. The space organically sprouts from what was once the Bolgiano's Seed Company — now transformed into HOTEL NELL, a boutique hotel that honors the building's storied past while offering a warm, stylish escape full of flavor and character. Treehouse's menu brings together global influences and seasonal inspiration, with creative dishes and thoughtfully crafted beverages designed to be shared and savored. The atmosphere is intimate and transportive — a rare pocket of calm and greenery above the buzz of the city, perfect for slowing down and connecting over a memorable meal. This dinner is intentionally small to keep conversation easy and the experience relaxed. Our guests typically range from 25–45, and the evening is designed for people who enjoy thoughtful conversation, beautiful food, and a communal table built for a fun sober night in the city. **WHO:** You + 9 Other Guests **WHAT:** Intimate Group Dinner **WHEN:** Wedesday, April 29, 2026 · 7:00 - 9:00 PM **WHERE:** Treehouse Rooftop // 411 New York Ave. NE, Wash DC 20002 **COST:** $15/person — RSVP ONLY (guests responsible for cost of dinner) To purchase your ticket on our website instead, head here: [https://sobersupper.club/events/ssc-dc-mar-31](https://sobersupper.club/events/ssc-dc-mar-31)

Local foodies and coffee lovers! This is for anyone who wishes to network and make new connections monthly all the while supporting a local business. Join us for a laid back mingle with members of the community. Brought to you by [The Comeunity Project](thecomeunityproject.com).

**This talk is completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. You must have purchased a ticket to be admitted.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Exploring the Deep Sea,”** a scholarly dive into an enormous and little-understood ecosystem, with Melissa Betters, deep ocean explorer and deep-sea biologist at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-deep-sea](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-deep-sea) .] If you’re afraid of the deepest, darkest reaches of the ocean, you aren’t alone. For centuries, humans have imagined the ocean’s depths to be inhabited by all manner of monsters, from the Kraken to Godzilla. But what is the cost of viewing over 70% of our planet with fear and aversion? Who benefits from that? Come to see the deep sea as far more worthy of fascination than fear with the help of Dr. Melissa Betters, a biologist and marine ecosystem researcher who has made nine trips to the bottom of the ocean and taught at Bryn Mawr College and Temple University. She’ll take you on a scholarly exploration of various deep-sea ecosystems around the world such as deep coral reefs and boiling-hot hydrothermal vents. We’ll get to know some of the deep ocean’s captivating biodiversity, examining where it lives, what it does, and why it matters to us. With her help you’ll come to see the deep ocean as a tapestry of different environments, each of which host their own forms of life and present their own suite of ecological challenges. Importantly, we’ll also look at how the deep ocean is portrayed in both myth and media, considering how our perceptions are skewed by the rhetoric used to describe it and the images used to depict it. Despite appearing far-removed and out of reach, the deep ocean is still a part of our planet, subject to all the same challenges and human impacts as life on land. The final part of this talk will examine the variety of human impacts affecting the deep ocean and actions we can take to protect Earth’s final frontier. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Magnoteuthis magna, the most common deep-ocean squid, as photographed in Kinlan Canyon off of Rhode Island (NOAA Ocean Exploration photo).

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

# Stories That Matter Film Screening of "Deepfaking Sam Altman" Film screening, panel discussion, and Q&A **Register here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-that-matter-film-screening-of-deepfaking-sam-altman-tickets-1986940257798?aff=InviteSL#organizer-card ### Stories That Matter™ presents a special screening of the comedy documentary *Deepfaking Sam Altman,* followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with Emmy-nominated director Adam Bhala Lough and Emmy-winning producer Luke Kelly-Clyne, who is also a Johns Hopkins alumnus. ### This lighthearted documentary takes a mind-bending, thought-provoking turn when confronted with the unintended consequences of AI and the ensuing ethical and legal minefield that hilariously unfolds. ### **PANELISTS INCLUDE:** • Adam Bhala Lough, director of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* • Luke Kelly-Clyne, producer of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* and head of studio for Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat production company • Noel King, co-host and editorial director of Vox's *Today, Explained*, former host of NPR's flagship program, *Morning Edition*, and the popular podcast, *Up First* • Sig Libowitz, moderator and director of the Johns Hopkins Graduate Film and Media Program ### **WHEN:** Thursday, April 30 5:30 p.m. Check in 6:30 p.m. Program 8:20 p.m. Panel Discussion with Q&A 9:00 p.m. Event concludes ### **WHERE:** Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 ### **CHECK IN:** **•** A photo ID is required for entry. **•** Each attendee must have a ticket registered in their own name. If you reserved a ticket for someone else, please ensure their name and information are correctly entered. **•** A printed ticket is not needed. **•** Theater seating is first-come, first-served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early; overflow seating may be available. ### **ABOUT THE FILM:** The film follows Adam Bhala Lough, a father of two and a working Los Angeles filmmaker who represents the anxious everyman of the AI age. Adam has always believed in the promise of technology, until the arrival of AI threatens to upend his profession, his kids’ future, and possibly the fate of humanity itself. Adam wants to interview Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and one of the most influential figures shaping the future of AI. But Altman doesn’t return his calls. Or emails. Or DMs. Then a headline-grabbing Hollywood controversy sparks a new idea. Adam travels to the other side of the world, where he teams up with an Indian deepfake artist to build Sam Bot, an Altman-inspired AI trained on the voice and public appearances of the real man. Sharp, glitchy, and unexpectedly charismatic, Sam Bot becomes a creative foil and sidekick, reshaping the direction of Adam’s film and his understanding of human connection. A verité film with a sci-fi comedy twist, *Deepfaking Sam Altman* is a sharp, surprisingly moving exploration of how we navigate the chaotic new world of artificial intelligence.

We will have an Open Bar all night long for a nominal fee and hang out together. RSVP is required to skip cover charge. Closest Metro Stations : 1. Farragut North (Red Line) 2. Farragut West (Blue & Orange)

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Start with a Pisco Sour, a signature cocktail or mocktail. Enjoy ceviche just like you get in Peru, a choripan sandwich, some Lomo Saltado, Peruvian Chicken or many more delicious choices! [Check out their menu here](https://autenticoperu.com/menu/) Auténtico is born from years of dreams, sharing the rich diversity of Peruvian cuisine with Northern Virginia. Their menu celebrates variety and creativity, where traditional recipes meet subtle touches of innovation. It’s more than food, it’s a fusion of authentic flavors crafted with care, turning every plate into a story worth savoring.

# 🤖 Crack the AI Influencer Code 🤖 Tired of the grind? Envision a digital creator working for *you*, 24/7. We're talking skyrocketing growth, brand partnerships galore, all fuelled by the power of artificial intelligence. This is where it happens. ### [🔥 GRAB YOUR SPOT NOW! 🔥](https://remoteready.io/product/AiInfluencer?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-05-01T22:00:00Z) --- Ditch the camera shyness. You're about to discover the secrets to crafting a captivating AI persona, pumping out hyperrealistic content, and amassing a loyal following on Instagram and TikTok. Cha-ching! Monetization is the name of the game: lucrative sponsorships, high-converting affiliate links, and your own digital products. **Is This You?** * Want to turn social media into a cash machine *without* becoming a public figure? * Chasing that sweet influencer income *without* ever stepping in front of a lens? * Obsessed with AI image and video generation's potential? * A social media maestro hungry for *new* ways to generate serious revenue? * Got that side-hustle hustle and want a *scalable, automated* income stream? **Inside the AI Influencer Blueprint:** * **Unleash the Vault:** Explore proven strategies that turn followers into dollars – think *brand deals, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales*. * **Automate Everything:** Construct a killer content calendar and make those daily posts run like clockwork. * **Reality Check:** Get the inside scoop on AI influencers already *raking in $3,000-$30,000 every single month.* 🤯 See how they did it. * **Stay Legit:** Don't get caught out; understand the *legal and ethical rules* when creating AI personalities. Unleash your AI influencer's potential **today**. Spaces are vanishing. Fast.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

**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/)