Kaizen

Join us on March 10th from **6:00pm** for a Data Streaming meetup hosted by **[Fresha](https://www.fresha.com/)**! 📍**Venue:** **Fresha** The Tower, 207 Old Street London, EC1V 9NR 7th Floor **PLEASE bring your PHOTO ID and REGISTER with your First and Last Name, Email. Thanks!** **DOORS CLOSE AT 7PM FOR SECURITY.** 🗓 **Agenda:** * 6:00pm – 6:30pm: Food/Drinks and Networking * 6:30pm - 7:00pm: Jesús Gómez-Escalonilla Guijarro, Data Engineer @ Fresha * 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Pranam Codur, Senior Solutions Engineer @ Confluent * 7:30pm - 8:00pm: Sreeram Machavaram C, Principal Architect @ Cognizant * 8:00pm - 9:00pm: Q&A Networking 💡**Speaker One:** Jesús Gómez-Escalonilla Guijarro, Data Engineer @ Fresha **Title of Talk:** Optimizing StarRocks Query Performance: Lost in JSON, Found by Northstar **Abstract:** StarRocks is fast, but understanding slow queries at scale is hard when plans are massive JSON. We built Northstar at Fresha to turn plans and execution metrics into a visual view you can reason about quickly. Through production case studies that reflect our real workloads, we'll show the bottlenecks Northstar exposed (scans, joins, skew, modelling) and how it made tuning faster and more systematic. **Bio:** Jesús Gómez-Escalonilla Guijarro is a Data Engineer at Fresha, where he focuses on building scalable and performant analytical data systems. He has been part of Fresha’s data team for several years, first as an Analytics Engineer and now in his current role, helping shape how data is modelled, analysed, and optimised across the organisation. Passionate about making complex systems understandable and efficient, Jesús enjoys tackling performance bottlenecks and sharing learnings with the wider data engineering community. 💡**Speaker Two:** Pranam Codur, Senior Solutions Engineer @ Confluent **Title of Talk:** From Data Mess to Data Streaming Platform **Abstract:** Most organizations want realtime data but are held back by brittle integrations, batch ETL, and siloed warehouses. In this session, we’ll walk through the Confluent Data Streaming Platform (DSP), which is built on Apache Kafka® and Apache Flink®, and a reference architecture you can use to ship governed, reusable real-time data products that power applications, analytics, and AI workloads. Attendees will leave with practical patterns to modernize existing Kafka and batch pipelines while maintaining security, lineage, and compliance. 💡**Speaker Three:** Sreeram Machavaram C, Principal Architect @ Cognizant **Title of Talk:** From "Data Rich and Information Poor" utility To "Event-driven, Real-time intelligent" operations **Abstract:** Utilities are massive and complex. Whether it’s water, gas, or rail, they operate treatment works, pumping stations, compressor sites, signalling systems, and vast networks that span cities and regions. Keeping these services running safely and continuously means collecting and interpreting data from highly distributed sites and their connected networks in real time. This machine data — from PLCs, sensors, third-party devices, and operational systems — reflects the physical world: pumps starting, valves opening, pressure fluctuating, trains moving, gas flows changing. But raw telemetry is noisy, inconsistent, and deeply technical. SCADA and other OT systems are often siloed and reactive. Engineering signals are hard for IT to interpret, leaving organisations unable to combine OT data with IT-based analytics and intelligence in real time. The result: fragmented visibility, alarm fatigue, and reactive decision-making. A Unified Namespace (UNS) and event-driven stream processing provides a solution. Using MQTT to publish operational events, Kafka as the enterprise backbone, and Flink for scalable stream processing, raw telemetry is filtered, contextualized, and transformed into meaningful, business-ready events. The outcome is IT-OT convergence in action — turning reactive, siloed systems into event-driven, real-time intelligent operations Intended to give a high-level approach and architecture around IO-OT convergence using UNS, Event Driven and Stream processing in modern intelligent utilities. **Bio:** Sreeram Machavaram C is hands-on practitioner specialising in utility solutions across IT-OT convergence, real-time data architectures, and stream processing. He works in a team that designs and builds event-driven systems that bridge operational technology (OT) and enterprise IT, enabling utilities to transform raw telemetry into actionable intelligence. \*\*\* If you are interested in hosting/speaking at a meetup, please email community@confluent.io

**DETAILS FOR THIS EVENT** Location: The Eagle Address: 2 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7LB Stations: Old Street, Angel, Liverpool Street Pub quiz: **£2 entry in cash** for the quizmaster Prizes: Loads of prizes to win **How it works: The pub have a quiz master, there are different rounds such as general knowledge. The team who score the most points wins the cash prize.** **Quiz nights are...** * A chance to showcase your general and/or specific knowledge * Time to chill out for a drink or meal with friends * Friendly competition with other regular teams * To learn something you never knew before * An evening to look forward to each week * To feel a part of a community * Time to enjoy an evening out of the house at your local * Participate in a night of laughs & have some fun * The chance to win free drinks and money! If you can relate to any of the above then join the pub quiz night this Wednesday at The Eagle. **NEW TO MEETUP OR WORLD CITIZENS?** World Citizens is London's largest community for intercultural exchange. Since 2012 we create a *safe*, *diverse* and *thought-provoking* space to share meaningful ideas and experiences. **\*Our programme\*** \- Tuesday and Friday Socials every week \- Saturday Afternoon Cafe in Chelsea \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every Sunday \- Pub quiz every other Wednesday \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **\*Our 3 simple rules\*** 1\. Be respectful and courteous\. Any harassment\, creepy behaviours or abusive remarks will not be tolerated\. 2\. Be present and considerate\. No phones\, selling or interruptions\. 3\. Drink responsibly\. Alcohol is no excuse for bad behaviour\. **HOW TO PARTICIPATE?** * RSVP and make sure you're on the RSVP list. If you cannot join, please change your RSVP to "Not going". * Make sure you understood World Citizens rules and values. * Bring £2 in cash for the pub **WANT TO HELP?** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Despite careful planning and structure this is a private informal activity, so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. We put safety and comfort first; we take all complaints seriously and collaborate with the police if needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our admin decisions may not always be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-step-up-low-wood-stool-6-evenings-3/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-step-up-low-wood-stool-6-evenings-3/) ⋆⋆⋆ This course is another charming project from our a cherished Edwardian instructional woodwork manual, ‘Carpentry for Beginners’. The projects in the book are perfect for learning basic woodwork skills and we have refined the instructions to incorporate a modern craft construction. This classic ‘child’s stool’ is a handy ‘hop up’ you can use if you have shelves you can’t reach at home and small ones can reach the sink by standing on it. It measures 40cm x 22cm x 26cm high. We use a redwood pine wood that releases a heady and uplifting scent when cut, chiseled and planed. Even if you have never used any tools, a professional cabinet maker will teach you the processes you will need to take home a future heirloom along with a very special sense of satisfaction that comes with crafting by hand. You will learn how to measure and mark timber accurately, use a chisel and a vintage ‘Granny’s tooth’ hand router to cut out grooves to house the legs into the sides of the stool. By the time you have finished your useful step up stool, you will have become familiar with many of the basic woodworking hand tools and increased your confidence to go on and do more general woodwork at home.

Is attraction (or unattraction) a matter of personal taste, or are there any common patterns for everyone? What makes us reject someone, and what makes us change our mind? How can attraction last over time and age? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to learn how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society - with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **Our group conversations are open and flexible - there is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the main questions, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak. Here's a typically structure, but we adjust on the day depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **EVENT ETIQUETTE (Rules & expectations)** \- Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks\! \- No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding \- Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts also attend after work and may happen to arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway. Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/follow-on-woodwork-3/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/follow-on-woodwork-3/) ⋆⋆⋆ Directed at those people who have completed one of our longer woodwork courses, or those with confident woodwork skills, we offer an eleven-day week opportunity to build an individual project. During this course, run by experienced carpenter/joiner/furniture maker Ruth Thomson, you will learn how to manage a practical project from sketching it, making a technical drawing, writing a cutting list, costing, marking out and construction to produce a piece of wood furniture. The group will visit a timber yard to learn how to select lengths of soft woods. You will learn the safe use and versatility of a router, a biscuit jointer, a jigsaw and other power tools as needed and learn when and how to make jigs to help fabricate accurate shapes. Using basic workshop machines including a bandsaw and a belt sander, as well as classic hand tools, you will cut and assemble and then learn how to sand, glue and finish your project to completion. We are happy to discuss your personal project if you already have something in mind. There is a size limitation due to time constraints and project storage. Call Alison on 0207 7607613 or send a photo or sketch to info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk Each learner will pay for their own materials. We can take delivery of timber if externally sourced. Please note that we cannot handle MDF in the workshop as the dust requires special extraction and respiratory equipment. Plywood or solid timber will be pre-machined for you on our planer thicknesser and table saw.

**When nothing happens: Bayesian approaches to testing for "no effect"** We are delighted to have Mircea Zloteanu for the first Bayesian Mixer of 2026, please register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bayesianmixer/2066946 **Abstract:** Non-significant p-values do not constitute evidence for the absence of an effect, yet researchers often wish to make claims about “no difference.” Often this will lead to publications that make incorrect statements (i.e., claim no difference when the data is just uncertain) or even deter researchers from pursuing specific hypotheses or publish their work. This talk presents Bayesian alternatives for evaluating null results. First, I demonstrate Bayes Equivalence Tests for interval (composite) hypotheses. Second, I illustrate the default Bayesian t-test method relying on model comparison (using the JZS Bayes factor), showing how routine analyses can quantify evidence for or against a point null. Third, I introduce posterior-based equivalence testing using the Region of Practical Equivalence (ROPE) via bayestestR. Together, these approaches provide principled tools for publishing credible null findings. **Bio:** Mircea Zloteanu is a Lecturer in Psychology and Criminology at King’s College London, where his focus is on Research Methods and Statistics. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from University College London and has previously held posts at UCL, Teesside University, and Kingston University. His recent work focuses on meta-research, statistical methodology, and improving research practice, with particular emphasis on Bayesian methods, equivalence testing, and transparent reporting. Mircea is actively involved in the open science movement as UK Reproducibility Network Local Co-Lead and a member of ReproducibiliTea, promoting reproducible, rigorous, and cumulative psychological science.

Take a pause from your busy day and join us for a 20-minute guided meditation to breathe your stress away, decompress your body and mind, centre yourself and restore your wellbeing. Leave feeling refreshed, recharged and refocused, ready to tackle the rest of your day. No experience is necessary – this free in-person meditation is open to everyone. **This is a free in-person meditation.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

Product Is… is BACK! After a break since April last year, we're excited to return in 2026 with lots of really interesting new themes and discussions to be had. Let's start with one. Here's the thing: you've been learning to write better prompts. But what if the prompt is the easy bit? What if context is where all the real work lives - and what if product people are the only ones who know how to do it properly? Will Chan, Senior Product Manager at Risk Ledger and organiser of the AI Signals meetup, will lead us through why context engineering might be the most important skill you're not thinking about. This event will be at Synechron's office on the seventh floor, 95 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NA. A massive thank you to Synechron for providing the venue. Doors open at 6:30 PM, we kick off at 7:00 PM, and wrap up by 8:30 PM. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Come ready for proper discussion, new connections, and ideas worth thinking about. \-\-\- THE THEME \- PRODUCT IS\.\.\. PROMPT AND CONTEXT ENGINEERING \-\-\- For product managers, designers, and researchers, context is everything. Context is the currency that sets product people apart from other disciplines like development or commercial teams. Product professionals need to understand the widest range of contexts - from users to business to implementation. As AI tools become embedded in our work, something interesting is emerging. To create effective prompts, context has to be injected accurately. But here's where things get fascinating - you may need to create prompts to create context to create prompts. It's turtles all the way down. The more time you spend using AI in products, the more you find yourself going back in your process. You're creating prompts for the final prompt, for the output you need to be as effective as possible. You might spend longer creating the prompt than doing the work itself. Join us as we explore what context engineering means for product people. How do you manage context in a rapidly changing world? What does this look like in a qualitative world where product people live in the grey area? Is context engineering the right term, or is it something else entirely? These are the questions we'll be tackling together. \-\-\- THE SPEAKER \- WILL CHAN \-\-\- Will is a Senior Product Manager at Risk Ledger and organiser of the AI Signals meetup. With over 10 years of experience building and scaling SaaS products in regulated, data-heavy environments, Will specialises in taking complex problems and turning them into products that drive measurable outcomes. Across legaltech, telecoms, workforce management, and retail media, Will has led discovery through delivery for AI and automation initiatives, improving adoption, containment, conversion, and operational efficiency at scale. Most recently, he's owned AI strategy and delivery for customer-facing platforms, doubling feature adoption and embedding AI safely into real workflows rather than demos or prototypes. Alongside delivery, Will enjoys developing product talent. He's coached PMs, shaped product playbooks, and led teams through clearer discovery, prioritisation, and execution practices. Will is passionate about practical AI application and real customer impact over hype. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT 'PRODUCT IS\.\.\.' \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- PMs, UX & UI designers, user researchers, developers - you like to dream big when it comes to digital products… Now it's time share your perspective! 'Product is…' grounds itself in informed, knowledgeable context and healthy conversation - vital ingredients to tech success. One keynote speaker sets the tone on a theme of less travelled subject matter before all attendees add their perspective during the second half of round table-style discussion. Don't expect standard tech meetup fare like "How to improve your CV/Portfolio for that dream job at Facebook" or "How this new framework/approach will improve your workflow" - this meetup is food for the mind, but also a place to meet like-minded big-thinkers! We welcome everyone who works in tech - EVERYONE has a valuable perspective that we learn from. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- WHY WE CHARGE FOR TICKETS \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We do not aim to make a profit from this meetup, our goal is to create healthy and interesting conversations, meet new people and make new connections. Speakers and the organising team give up their time free of charge to ensure the events are enjoyable for all. A small charge is required for attendance - this allows the organisation team to cover overheads, including the Meetup.com subscription, plus food and drink for the evening.

**Dead Product Society \| After Work Drinks** Come along, bring a friend/colleague or two and join us for a relaxed evening of informal product and tech chats over a few drinks and doughnuts. We aim to connect everyone without awkwardness or LinkedIn spiel, and value good conversation over boring presentations. **Who is welcome?** Product Managers, CEOs, UX/UI Designers, Developers, Scrum Masters etc. We welcome anyone who works in, with or wants to break into product. *Note: We intentionally keep our After Work Drinks on the smaller side to allow for more in-depth conversations.* **The Bike Shed** We'll be hanging out in the lounge area (behind the area with all the tables, next to the store). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Dead Product Society** Dead Product Society is a collective of like-minded professionals sharing real-talk and joining forces to navigate the twists and turns of the product world. Our down-to-earth community is for anyone who works in, with or wants to break into product teams regardless of their background or experience. **Our Sponsors** Shout out to our generous sponsors at Waggel Pet Insurance; Lifetime pet insurance, simplified. With their support we are able to host these events for you and create a space for those important, honest conversations.

\***Enjoy some golden hour drinks while meeting globally minded new friends, and enjoy chill chats at one of Canary Wharf's best bars. A perfect moment to enjoy good atmosphere, warm vibes and new connections!**\* **What to Expect:** • A relaxed social at a beautiful venue where you can easily make new friends. • 20s & 30s: young professionals, uni students, creatives, internationals. • Solo newcomers, returning members, and plus-ones are all welcome. • Our hosts and/or regulars will help you settle in! We always encourage diverse, inclusive and equal representation at our events ❤️ **NEW TO MEETUP OR WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running Meetup groups; since 2012 we help the international community connect in a safer and more genuine space, focusing on meaningful discussions and cultural exchange. 📍 **Location:** Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf, 10 Cabot Sq, N Colonnade, E14 4EY 🚇 Closest stations: Canary Wharf 👗 **Dress code:** Smart or smart casual ⏰ **Time:** From 7pm until late 💸 **Cost:** Free to attend - just grab your own drinks/food ✨ RSVP to get updates - we’ll make it easy to join even if you come solo. * **\*Our 3 simple rules\*** 1. Be respectful and courteous. Any harassment, creepy or abusive behaviours will not be tolerated. 2. Be present and participate actively. No bystanding/lurking around, phubbing (using phones during the event), interrupting or covert selling. 3. Drink responsibly. Alcohol is no excuse for bad behaviour. *Please also respect any venue rules.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** * Tuesday and Friday evening socials every week * Afternoon cafe' in Chelsea every Saturday * Outdoor fun (hiking, kayaking, etc) every Sunday * Pub quiz every other Wednesday * Dining, cultural and travel activities on-demand **WE NEED YOUR HELP!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Despite careful planning and structure this is a private informal activity, so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. We put safety and comfort first; we take all complaints seriously and collaborate with the police if needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our admin decisions may not always be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

For our March meetup, we're back at the fabulous Accurx offices. We have two excellent talks lined up, the agenda will be: * 6:30pm - arrive, drinks, networking * 7:00pm - Welcome & Housekeeping * 7:15pm - **Talk 1: "Devops 2014 Revisited - a Dozen Years of Noise and Confusion"** It is 11th February 2014, a nervous Andy Burgin takes the stage at Agile Yorkshire and begins to share the current thinking from the burgeoning DevOps movement. Fast forward 12 years: DevOps is different — or is it? During a recent clear-out at chez Burgin, an old, forgotten laptop was discovered discarded between a box of floppy disks and a collection of old Computer Shopper magazines. While the laptop was no longer functional, a painstaking data recovery process rescued the files on its hard drive via a collection of old adaptors and half-working wires. Among the files saved from the Wakefield Council recycling centre was a copy of the very PowerPoint deck presented at that meetup 12 years earlier. But what was in this digital "time capsule"? What happened to DevOps? What did it become? Is it now a tool, a job title, or did something "bad" happen to it? Are the thoughts shared over a decade ago still relevant today? Join Andy as he looks at how we travelled from DevOps to Cloud, SRE, Platform Engineering, Team Topologies, Developer Experience, and VibeOps - Most importantly, we'll explore what the future of DevOps can learn from its past. **Speaker:** Andy Burgin, Principal Platform Engineer @ Flutter UK and Ireland *Andy is a Principal Platform Engineer at Flutter UK and Ireland. He considers himself a Kubernetes, AI and DevRel fettler, spending far too much of his spare time running software in containers that really shouldn't be. He is a small part of the organising team for DevOpsDays London and ran the DevOps meetup in Leeds for almost a decade hosting over 50 events. He’s attended and has spoken at a bunch of DevOps conferences and in his own words is an "all-round DevOps nuisance".* * 7.45pm - food, more drinks & networking * 8.00pm - **Talk** **2: "Navigating From Tension to Flow: A Human-Centred Guide to Overcoming Misalignment"** Behind every stalled project, missed milestone, or unclear decision is a story of tension between what people want, what’s needed, and what’s possible. But tension isn’t failure. It’s feedback. This talk explores how to recognize and respond to tension using Team Topologies principles, flow first thinking, and a healthy dose of human insight. We’ll show how organizational patterns, team boundaries, and interaction modes can either amplify or ease misalignment — and how trust, empathy, and bold conversation are just as important as structure, if not more so. Packed with real-world examples, this session blends organizational design with emotional intelligence to help you design for flow — and for people. **Speakers:** Faye Benfield, Product Leader, Independent & Rich Allen, Fast Flow Facilitator @ Conjurer *Faye Benfield is a Product Leader with over 15 years experience in product management, agile delivery and digital transformation. Specialising in helping organisations adopt product practices, Faye has a proven track record of embedding product teams, evolving ways of working, and aligning stakeholders to achieve strategic goals. Faye has held leadership roles, including Head of Product and Delivery at Parkinson’s UK and Head of Product at Comic Relief, where she spearheaded digital transformation initiatives and cultivated effective, people-centred teams. As a consultant at Armakuni, she combined hands-on coaching with practical tools and techniques to help clients navigate the complexities of product delivery, with a focus on balancing human dynamics and practical constraints.* *Rich Allen is a sociotechnical architect, consultant and creator of User Needs Mapping, a practical technique for aligning teams around what matters. With over 20 years’ experience across software engineering, technical leadership, and organisational design, Rich helps organisations reduce friction, clarify boundaries, and improve flow by working outside-in from real user needs. He was a foundational contributor to the development and teaching of Team Topologies, helping shape the core materials now used in Team Topologies training and consulting worldwide. Rich is the author of User Needs Mapping: Aligning Teams Around What Matters.* * 8.30pm onwards - drinks and networking. So, please come and join us, we look forward to seeing you there. The LOPUG team. * Food and drinks provided * Good time will be had by all

Come and practise Zen meditation (Zazen) in Chiswick on Wednesday evenings with Dogen Sangha in West London. We practice authentic Soto Zen, in the lineage of Gudo Nishijima. There will be two twenty five minute periods of Zazen with a ten minute walking meditation (Kinhin) in between. This will be followed by a short talk or discussion about Zen practice and philosophy. Please wear/bring loose clothing so you can sit comfortably and get there by 19:15. Cost is £5.00 towards the hire of the room. Reality is here, freedom is now, all are welcome. Email westlondonzen@gmail.com Instagram @sitzazen Website www.londonzen.org

Come and join us for a coffee/tea and chat as we discuss what’s hype and what’s real as well as how analytics helps us fight human trafficking. All Food and drink must be paid for as you consume it. A minimum of a drink must be orders can be water soft drink or coffe/tea etc excellent cocktails available.

We are back! This is going to be a monthly IN PERSON meet up in London. A very big thank you goes to Accurx who is hosting us in their amazing Shoreditch offices. This will include access to facilities including coffee! 😻☕️ **Want to know more? 👇** As with all CoffeeOps, this is an interactive, chatty, build your own adventure type of meet-up. Instead of booking in experts to *learn* *from*, we gather a group of practitioners to ***learn*** ***with***. We have been running for over 4 years now and often get feedback that this is the most useful meetup people join! The event is approximately 90 minutes and always starts by brainstorming topics to discuss. The group then votes on the most relevant/interesting to them and we then cycle through the topics trying to discuss each deeply, but in a time bound slot. To get an idea of topics, you can check out our remote board [here](https://easyretro.io/publicboard/h404NF84Uje4tCcxpJdHr4Ycs9B3/a4a35d2b-181b-409b-832e-a729be1af79c). The general gist is anything is fair game, though we tend to revolve around software delivery and definitely lean towards the more Ops-y or DevOps-y side of things.

Is your business taking more of your time than you would like? [Rob Young](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinci-robyoung/) principal at [Stage 3 Group](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stage-3-group/), hosts this workshop series and is the author of Stage 3 Success. * Provides a framework and a playbook for leaders of emerging businesses * Reviews business management tools and techniques for scaling and maturing a business * How to recognize and leverage stories hidden in financial statements * How to implement financial and operational controls and use leading indicators to spot trouble before it occurs * How to manage your time for maximum effect * How to deal with nonperforming employees * How to create standard operating procedures throughout your organization Four sessions will include two hours of content and an optional 90-minute hands-on lab. Reserve your spot via this link: https://clintonvilleba.com/calendar/#!event/2026/3/20/chaos-to-clarity-to-control ($200 for non-CABA members.)

Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

One of the most valuable parts of this community is the opportunity to think out loud with other product professionals. This session is built for exactly that. As we wrap up the quarter, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. What’s on track? What needs adjustment? Where could a small shift create bigger impact? Join fellow product professionals for a focused, interactive conversation designed to help you recalibrate for the next quarter. You’ll have the opportunity to share where you are, hear how others are thinking through similar challenges, and gain fresh perspective you can bring back to your team and organization. We’ll gather at 8:00AM, with discussion starting promptly at 8:15AM. 📍 First Watch - 7227 N High St Located in: The Shops at Worthington Ample parking is available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Start your morning with clarity and connection — we hope to see you there! ☀️

Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

## Hey Columbus WIP peeps! ## Are you ready for an event that actually gives you what you asked for?? **\-\-\-\-\-\-** **A Small-group coaching conversations for women in product navigating growth, leadership, and career decisions.** **March 10 \| 5:30–8:00 PM** **Rev1 -- NEW SPACE** **330 Rush Alley #100** **Parking Options:** • **Rev1 at The Peninsula** • **Starling St. Garage South** – 377 W. Capital St. • **LAZ Parking (COSI)** – 50 Belle St. • **LAZ Parking Limited** – 375 W. State St. • **Veterans Memorial Lot** – 300 W. Broad St. • **Metered Street Parking** **What moves are you making?** A promotion you’re working toward. A role change you’re considering. A bigger leadership opportunity. A conversation that needs to happen. A decision that’s been sitting in the back of your mind. For our Q1 Women in Product Columbus event, we’re creating space to actually work through those moments. **Making Moves** is an evening of focused, facilitated coaching conversations with experienced mentors from our local product community. This isn’t a panel. It’s not passive networking. It’s small-group dialogue designed to be thoughtful, practical, and worth your time. Here’s how it will work: • You’ll choose a topic that reflects what you’re navigating right now • You’ll join a small coaching circle (5–7 participants) • Each circle is led by a mentor who has lived experience in that area • We’ll run two rounds so you can go deeper or explore a second conversation ### Coaching Topics: • Communicating the Value of Your Work (or Team) • Career Transitions & What’s Next • Growing Into Leadership • Staying Relevant as Technology (and AI) Changes • Getting Alignment and Decisions from Leadership Our goal is simple: you leave with clearer thinking, practical perspective, and at least one next step you feel confident about. Space in each circle will be limited to keep conversations meaningful. If this sounds like the kind of room you’ve been wanting to be in, we’d love to see you on March 10. RSVP here! [https://community.womenpm.org/c/all-local-events/making-moves-a-columbus-wip-event](https://community.womenpm.org/c/all-local-events/making-moves-a-columbus-wip-event "https://community.womenpm.org/c/all-local-events/making-moves-a-columbus-wip-event") *And if you haven't joined the WIP group - do that too, would ya?!?!* — Your Columbus Chapter Leads - Amber, Leah and Liz!

Drake Lundstrom is presenting: Code Anywhere by Talking to your Phone Abstract: Have you heard the trend of people deploying code anywhere from checkout lines to doctors' offices? In this talk, you will learn how to talk to your phone and have an app on Azure to show your friend 5 minutes later. The basic DevOps tools you already know, plus a little bit of AI magic, are all you need! If you want to follow along, the demo will be in Azure with GitHub Actions and GitHub Copilot, and you can have it set up on your phone by the end of the session. Just come in with an Azure account and a GitHub repo. Join us for pizza, drinks, and networking @ Improving's office. Doors open at 5:45.

A great movie deserves a great dinner! Join us after PROJECT HAIL MARY for another fun and tasty dinner at a CMG-favorite restaurant, FUGU SUSHI! RSVPs are limited for the dinner portion of this event! Here are complete details: FUGU SUSHI: Fugu Sushi offers a truly authentic experience that keeps customers (and the Movie Group) coming back for more. They offer an extensive menu with a delightful array of options and something for everyone! From their top-rated sushi, to tasty appetizers, soups, salads, bento boxes, tempura, delicious teriyaki dishes (including chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, vegetable and more), and vegetarian and vegan options, you’ll be certain to find something you love! MENU: https://www.fugusushicolumbus.com/menus RSVP: An RSVP here means you're signed up for the DINNER portion of this event. Seating is limited. If you also plan to join for the movie, please also RSVP in the separate event listing for the movie portion of this event. For the movie, we'll meet in the theater lobby at 2:10pm for the 2:30pm SuperScreen DLX showing. Advance ticket purchase for the movie is advised. Please RSVP in both events, if you plan to attend the movie and dinner. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan