Leadership Development

**Not only startups have a startup-ish mindset. And it’s pretty important to think and react like a startup even if you’re not building one.** **Startup Social Kaunas** is a monthly meetup, happening every first Tuesday of the month. We welcome everyone – startup founders, service providers, investors, or just anyone curious about the Kaunas startup scene 🫡 We’re starting 2026 with a bang. A basketball-sized bang. For the 35th Startup Social Kaunas, we’re hosting the **CEO of [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/), [Jonas Miklovas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-miklovas-a85a7536/)** 🏀 **And before you think, “Hey, but is it a startup?”** Well… kinda, yeah. They create digital products, they’re expanding rapidly to global audiences, they keep incorporating new ideas, and they’re constantly experimenting with ways to attract more people worldwide. We’d say that’s definitely a startup-ish mindset. [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/) is is Europe’s number one basketball media company – but that’s not all. Besides their news website, they run multiple social media channels for different regions, a successful podcast series, and the EuroLeague Fantasy game. Join us on January 6th to hear how BasketNews became what they are today, what strategies they use to keep the startup vibes alive, and what failures or challenges they face along the way. **❗ Don't forget to register!** **When: Tuesday, January 6th, at 6:00 pm (doors open)** **Where: Movie theatre "Daina"** **AGENDA:** 18:00 - Doors open + networking 18:30 - Intro 18:35 - Founders Spotlight: a fireside chat with Jonas Miklovas + QnA from the audience Moderators: [Gytautas Kulakauskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gytautaskulakauskas/) and [Andrius Veršinskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrius-ver%C5%A1inskas-7b1563190/) (Head of Business Division at Kaunas IN) 19:35 - networking, snacks, and drinks **Powered by: Confluence Investment** Confluence Investment, a Kaunas-based family office with a history of investing in startups through global funds, is now turning its attention to Kaunas. They are eager to contribute directly to the growth of startups in the city. With a commitment to empowering ambitious founders, Confluence Investment aims to be an active player in helping Kaunas startups scale beyond Lithuania. ❗️IMPORTANT: The event will be photographed. Interview language - English. [sTARTUp Day](https://www.startupday.ee/) is comming (January 28-30). You can use the code **kaunasin15** for a ticket discount;)

**Not only startups have a startup-ish mindset. And it’s pretty important to think and react like a startup even if you’re not building one.** **Startup Social Kaunas** is a monthly meetup, happening every first Tuesday of the month. We welcome everyone – startup founders, service providers, investors, or just anyone curious about the Kaunas startup scene 🫡 We’re starting 2026 with a bang. A basketball-sized bang. For the 35th Startup Social Kaunas, we’re hosting the **CEO of [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/), [Jonas Miklovas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-miklovas-a85a7536/)** 🏀 **And before you think, “Hey, but is it a startup?”** Well… kinda, yeah. They create digital products, they’re expanding rapidly to global audiences, they keep incorporating new ideas, and they’re constantly experimenting with ways to attract more people worldwide. We’d say that’s definitely a startup-ish mindset. [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/) is is Europe’s number one basketball media company – but that’s not all. Besides their news website, they run multiple social media channels for different regions, a successful podcast series, and the EuroLeague Fantasy game. Join us on January 6th to hear how BasketNews became what they are today, what strategies they use to keep the startup vibes alive, and what failures or challenges they face along the way. **❗ Don't forget to register!** **When: Tuesday, January 6th, at 6:00 pm (doors open)** **Where: Movie theatre "Daina"** **AGENDA:** 18:00 - Doors open + networking 18:30 - Intro 18:35 - Founders Spotlight: a fireside chat with Jonas Miklovas + QnA from the audience Moderators: [Gytautas Kulakauskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gytautaskulakauskas/) and [Andrius Veršinskas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrius-ver%C5%A1inskas-7b1563190/) (Head of Business Division at Kaunas IN) 19:35 - networking, snacks, and drinks **Powered by: Confluence Investment** Confluence Investment, a Kaunas-based family office with a history of investing in startups through global funds, is now turning its attention to Kaunas. They are eager to contribute directly to the growth of startups in the city. With a commitment to empowering ambitious founders, Confluence Investment aims to be an active player in helping Kaunas startups scale beyond Lithuania. ❗️IMPORTANT: The event will be photographed. Interview language - English. [sTARTUp Day](https://www.startupday.ee/) is comming (January 28-30). You can use the code **kaunasin15** for a ticket discount;)

**(‼️‼️*Important:* You must sign up through this link [HERE](https://calendly.com/movewithcouragecoaching/live-workshop-career-visionboard) to be enrolled in the workshop. Signing up on Meetup won't fully register you!‼️‼️)** **WHAT:** An online workshop with included workbook to design your career vision, and bring it to life in a vision board. * Anyone ready to change something in their career, but unsure where to start * Anyone considering upgrading their career, and ready to take a small step forward * Anyone who can’t answer “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” **WHY?** ⭐️ Revitalize your career vision and goals 💪 Reconnect with your inner leadership 📈 Make informed decisions and actions aligned to your desires 🖼 Build a visual reminder of your unique career vision, to motivate you as you move forward. **COST:** Only $25. Includes immediate download of recorded workshop and editable workbook, in multiple formats. **DON'T Want to wait?** Purchase the pre-recorded workshop and do it today [HERE](https://movewithcouragecoaching.com/career-vision-board-workshop-sign-up) **QUESTIONS?** Email contact@movewithcouragecoaching.com

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is rapidly changing how developers write, understand, and maintain code. Powered by generative AI and deeply integrated into modern development environments, Copilot acts as an intelligent coding assistant, helping developers move faster while maintaining quality and focus. In this session, we’ll explore what GitHub Copilot is, how it works, and where it fits into a real-world developer workflow. We’ll break down what Copilot can (and cannot) do, where it can be used, and how licensing differs for individuals and organizations. Most importantly, this talk goes beyond theory with a live, hands-on demo showcasing Copilot inside the IDE and on GitHub, demonstrating how it can assist with code generation, refactoring, learning new APIs, and accelerating day-to-day development tasks. Designed for developers, technical leads, and engineering managers, this session provides a practical introduction to AI-assisted development, highlights best practices for getting value from Copilot, and closes with guidance on how to continue learning and evolving alongside this rapidly advancing tool. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how GitHub Copilot can enhance productivity, improve developer experience, and fit into modern software teams today, not someday. **YouTube Link** TBA

Step into 2026 with intention, clarity, and a creative practice designed to help you see yourself more clearly. In this special Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore confidence as something you can curate - through the choices you make, the qualities you amplify, and the story you choose to step into. We’ll start with a short guided reflection to surface the traits, habits, and energies you want to nurture in the coming year. Then, using collage materials selected specifically for this workshop, you’ll translate those insights into a visual composition that represents the version of yourself you’re ready to grow toward. This isn’t about resolutions or perfection. It’s about crafting a grounded, imaginative vision of your next chapter - one that feels honest, energizing, and fully yours. All materials are provided. Just bring yourself (and a friend) and a willingness to explore what confidence can look like for you in 2026. **Featured Partner: Columbus Collage Collective** The Columbus Collage Collective was started in August of 2023 by Emily Morgan (aka Lovely But Dead) and Douglas Cuckler (aka Wonder Doug) as a place for collage enthusiasts to gather and create art together. The collective has since become a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to hold free or low-cost collage events across central Ohio. The CCC welcomes all artists of all backgrounds and skill levels and encourages folks to take this time to step away from everyday existence and create art with people who share a love for this dynamic art form. All materials—magazines, scissors, craft knives, glue, paper, cardboard, and more—are provided, so there's no need to bring anything at all (though you're welcome to bring a friend or a favorite tool if you'd like!). We also encourage folks to take home magazines and materials from our events to support continued creativity! Find us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/columbuscollagecollective/](https://www.instagram.com/columbuscollagecollective/) Register or sign up for the newsletter at [https://www.columbuscollagecollective.com/](https://www.columbuscollagecollective.com/) **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.*

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

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.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024