Business Strategy

📌 Let's meet in **Riga** on **May 7th, 2026** for an interactive conference and an enriching networking session! Come and discover Odoo, the all-in-one integrated software that will simplify your day-to-day business. Say goodbye to double coding, lost invoices and budgets; create your website in a few clicks... Odoo offers you a wide range of tools built for IT.🧐 🔎 **AGENDA** 🔍 14h00: Welcome 14h15: Conference - Interactive demo & tips to digitize your company. 16h00: Networking - Snacks and drinks. ➡️ Are you convinced? You can subscribe at the following link: https://www.odoo.com/r/RAZ2 The event is free, but registration is mandatory.❗ **Important:** 📍 Where? Tallink Hotel Riga 📅 Date? May 7th, 2026 📝 Registration? https://www.odoo.com/r/RAZ2 💰 Price? FREE! Hope to see you soon!

Come to check out our hackerspace, talk to people and learn some new things, maybe use the tools for a short while, or just sit down with a laptop and do some work in a quiet place. Also a good time to sign up for a membership! We will have tea and coffee, likely also cookies. Come whenever from 19:00 till 22:00 - we might even be open until 24:00! If there's a problem (i.e. doors not open), call 28701072.

Join Latvia DevOps & AI Communities' 31st event on May 5 at [Workland](https://wrkland.com/lv/locations/riga-telegraph). Doors open at 18:30, talks start at 19:00. ✨[Janis Rozenblats](https://www.linkedin.com/in/janisr/). Janis is a product leader with 17+ years in B2B SaaS, founded Mailigen (acquired by Pipedrive), scaled product at Pipedrive during its unicorn growth phase, and most recently built the product organization from zero at Aerones, a deep-tech robotics company in the wind energy space. He is passionate about AI-first product development and rethinking how product teams are structured in the age of AI dev tools. **Talk name:** *From Zero to AI-First: How We Reinvented Product Roles at a Deep-Tech Startup*. Most companies talk about adopting AI tools. Few talk honestly about what happens when you try to rewire an entire organization around them — the resistance, the role confusion, the wins, and the spectacular misfires. At Aerones, Janis built the product org from scratch for a company that maintains wind turbines with robots. Along the way, two new roles were introduced — Product Builder and Citizen Builder — designed to push AI-assisted development beyond the engineering team and into the hands of product managers and domain experts. This talk covers the full journey: why these roles were created, how the enablement program was structured, what tooling and workflows actually worked, where things went wrong, and what would be done differently. It is a practitioner’s story — no vendor pitches, no hype, just lessons from doing it in a complex, hardware-adjacent environment. You will walk away with a practical framework for thinking about AI-assisted development roles, and an honest picture of what organizational transformation actually looks like when the PowerPoint slides meet reality. ✨ [Māris Švirksts](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maris-svirksts/) Māris Svirksts is a Lead Systems Engineer at EPAM Systems with 15+ years of experience in tech, ranging from boutique hotel booking platforms to cloud infrastructure for global corporations, and occasionally explains to stakeholders why “just make it work” is not a technical specification. He speaks Latvian, English, and sometimes Bash. The AI writing this bio was made by one of his employers’ clients, which he finds either impressive or slightly unsettling. **Talk name:** *THE DARK FACTORY / From Loom-Smashing to Prompt Engineering*. From the Luddite riots against the power loom to today’s robotic production lines, every automation wave has fundamentally changed how work is organized — and the software industry is living through the next one. While tools like Cursor and Claude have already introduced AI-assisted coding and autonomous agents, an LLM-driven dark factory for the software development lifecycle takes this further, stringing together the full cycle of planning, development, testing, and delivery with minimal human intervention. We will also have a **Lightning Talk** by: [Vija Kalniņa](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vijakalnina) is a lead researcher on the Business AI Ethics research initiative based at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University. She is affiliated with AI Master Lab, an AI consulting firm based in Latvia, and teaches AI ethics to different audiences, including judges and law students. She is a Hubert H. Humphrey (Fulbright) alumna at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business (2024/2025). She has 15 years of experience in the legal field across the public and private sectors, including her most recent role as a judge at the Court of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, where she worked with white-collar crime cases and commercial disputes. She holds a PhD in European Union Law, is a published author on EU Law, and a freelance interviewer for Latvia’s leading legal journal, Jurista Vārds. This lightning talk uses AI chatbot doom loops - situations in which users are trapped in repetitive, unresolvable interactions - as a lens for learning how to examine AI incidents. By focusing on these failure patterns, the talk highlights how harm can emerge when AI systems fail. I will use a real-world example - a U.S.-based online payment and financial technology provider that relies on AI-powered chatbots for client services, and the incidents it experienced - to illustrate how issues such as insufficient human oversight, poor escalation design, and model or system limitations can lead to reputational and financial harm for companies, as well as frustration, lost time, reduced access to services, or even financial consequences for clients. The goal is to spark discussion and help the audience strengthen their ability to recognize AI-related risks and negative consequences as they arise, because understanding AI incidents is a necessary first step toward preventing them.. This time, the event is sponsored by: * [EPAM ](https://www.epam.com/)as Event Sponsor EPAM is a global leader in AI transformation engineering and integrated consulting, helping Forbes Global 2000 companies and ambitious startups to become AI-native enterprises, driving measurable value from innovation and digital investments. We are proud to be recognized by Forbes, Glassdoor and Great Place to Work as a Most Loved Workplace around the world. Learn more at  [www.epam.com](https://www.epam.com/) and follow us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epam-systems/). * [Workland Telegraph](https://wrkland.com/lv/locations/riga-telegraph) as Event Partner Inspiring private offices and coworking spaces that support your productivity & creativity. **If your plans change**, please cancel your registration to free up your spot for others. Also, check out our Slack channel [Techies of Baltics](https://devops.lv/slack/). As always, you are welcome to check out [our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXmynfBPE9um6sMqFmlEEA), where we have previous meetup video recordings available. Your presence and active participation make our community vibrant and inspiring. To secure your spot, RSVP on our [Meetup.com](https://www.meetup.com/devops-and-ai-latvia/events/314069589/) page. See you there! *\*Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout this event without a warning. These can be used by the Community for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website and in social media, or any third-party publication.*

A small and exclusive group of friends running 5 km every Sunday at 10 am. Bring yourself, your running shoes and maybe a friend. We start in the center, medium pace run, then end up at a coffee shop. => Once you go on the waiting list, the moderator will approve/reject Instagram => https://www.instagram.com/rigasundayruns Whatsapp=> [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF24r42CTn3GKtsNjdpEjG?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF24r42CTn3GKtsNjdpEjG?mode=gi_t)

**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 **Stay updated**: Instagram http://instagram.com/foundersrc/ Podcast http://podcast.foundersrc.com/ LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/ Strava http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC Website http://foundersrc.com/

Wednesday is karaoke day. Every Wednesday we gather to sing. Come with a friend or alone, with or without a voice. The format is simple: show up, grab a microphone, and sing whatever you want. Or don't sing, just support others. As usual, the meeting place is Top Club. If you haven't been before, you can get to know the space at the same time. We're looking forward to seeing you this Wednesday. See you there! Trešdiena ir karaoke diena. Katru trešdienu mēs pulcējamies dziedāt. Nāc ar draugu vai viens, ar balsi vai bez. Formāts ir vienkāršs: nāc, paņem mikrofonu un dziedi, ko vien vēlies. Vai arī nedzied, vienkārši atbalsti citus. Kā parasti, tikšanās vieta ir Top klubs. Ja iepriekš neesi tur bijis, vari vienlaikus iepazīties ar vietu. Gaidīsim ciemos šajā trešdienā. Tiekamies tur!

A weekly meetup for language lovers! Come practice new languages, meet great people, and enjoy a drink — whether it’s beer, tea, or coffee. Everyone’s welcome! 🤗 Main event platform is Facebook https://shorturl.at/DhtIR (so more people coming!) Address - Aldaru Street 9, FOB Bar

You have heard about AI. You know it can benefit your business. \- Can it save you time? \- Respond to customers faster? \- Allow you to take extra profits? Each meetup will break down 1-2 real example scenarios of how AI implementation can relieve stress or even push you further towards your goals. Free. No hype. Just discussing how AI can be implemented in your small business. Rise Commercial District 1509 Blatt Blvd Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Conference Room: Once inside building, conference room is down the left hallway

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

**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/)

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.

**Building a great product is one thing—building momentum behind it is another.** Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations. In this session, they’ll share how teams move from ambiguity to execution—navigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch. You’ll walk away with insights on how to: * Build and sustain momentum across teams * Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction * Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward. Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals. \-\-\- Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host. Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*