More than a Conference —> We’re Building Community

From professional network to professional community

Article written by Xion L. , Mentor Mesh Community Leader

Photo credit: Aron Photographer

When our team set out to plan the Mentor Mesh Experience, we knew we didn’t want a standard tech conference. Our vision was clear: to create an environment where networking transformed into relationship building, where mentorship became a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Attendees were not merely passive spectators but active participants in shaping their own experiences.

The conference featured sessions, workshops, and panel discussions led by distinguished speakers and mentors representing organizations including Eventbrite, Salesforce, and Microsoft, covering topics from product, UX, engineering and tech recruiting.

But it was the emphasis on mentorship that truly set MMX apart. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with tech recruiters, industry veterans, and thought leaders on a personal level. These intimate conversations led to transformative moments and lasting relationships. From sharing career advice to discussing industry trends, these mentorship interactions became catalysts for attendees' career progression. By prioritizing authentic connections, mentorship, and a shared sense of purpose, MMX has set a new standard for tech conferences worldwide.

Spotlight: The Counterintuitive Tech Career w/  Ted Dworkin

We were absolutely thrilled to have Ted Dworkin, Chief Product Officer at Eventbrite as our keynote speaker at the Mentor Mesh Experience. His talk, entitled "From BA to AI: The Counterintuitive Tech Career," was a real game-changer.

Despite not having the traditional qualifications expected by companies like Microsoft, Ted managed to build a successful career in the tech industry by leveraging key skills and attributes.

He began his journey with degrees in English and political science, seemingly unrelated to what would become a 20-year career with Microsoft.

Pushing past his initial imposter syndrome, Ted embraced a mindset of continuous learning, eagerly seeking knowledge, and asking smart questions. He discovered that curiosity is a powerful tool that allowed him to bridge gaps in his technical expertise and quickly advance in his career.

Ted emphasized the importance of communication, highlighting how he cultivated followership by showing empathy and creating a safe space for diverse perspectives. By understanding others' motivations and viewpoints, he built strong relationships and fostered a sense of community within his teams. As a problem solver, he focused on simplicity and guiding teams toward the next step, even in complex and uncertain situations. By finding clarity amidst ambiguity, he emphasized the importance of creating a sense of direction and providing value within organizations.

His words hit deep, reminding us that greatness knows no limits and that our dreams are well within our grasp, no matter where we start. Ted's keynote reverberated throughout the entire conference, reinforcing the spirit of exploration, growth, and endless possibilities that Mentor Mesh is all about.

Catch the replay and keep Ted's wisdom close as we navigate our own tech careers. Remember, at Mentor Mesh, we celebrate your unique journey and believe in the power of embracing every twist and turn along the way.

People to Follow: Meet Samuel Tessema

Meet Samuel Tessema, a remarkable boot camp student who dared to break free from the traditional college path. After one year of college, Samuel found himself stuck in a cycle of dead-end jobs with unfulfilling work. Sam made the decision to pursue his passion for tech and engineering and embarked on a year of self-learning, hungry for knowledge. Eventually, he joined Per Scholas, a fantastic boot camp that would provide him structure, guidance, and opportunity.

Looking ahead, Sam's primary focus is to secure his first role in the tech industry, but it's not just about personal growth; he's eager to forge meaningful connections with individuals who can fuel his learning and development. His long-term goals involve giving back to those who supported him throughout his journey, be it through volunteering or mentorship.

"My experience at the conference was truly impactful and eye-opening. I met tons of incredible individuals, mentors, and peers alike. Everybody I interacted with was open and willing to share. Speaking with mentors/industry professionals was not as intimidating as it would be elsewhere due to the atmosphere Mentor Mesh created."

During our Reflections session, Sam shared his initial aversion to the concept of building in public. “I’m a private person; I don’t post on social media all the time,” but after one day of the conference, his tune changed. Not only does he see the value of putting yourself out there and getting noticed, he’s posted his journey to LinkedIn every day since.

Samuel Tessema's story is a testament to the power of consistency, seeking guidance, and embracing the opportunities that lie on the other side of fear. It's an inspiring reminder that incredible achievements are well within reach with the right mindset and support.

Let's celebrate Samuel's courage, determination, and unwavering spirit as they continue to make waves in the tech world.

Follow him on LinkedIn and hit him up sometime for a coffee chat!

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Want to share your Mentor Mesh Experience story? Email us at support@mentormesh.io.