The Future Focused CXOs Podcast | Episode 9 | Allyson Eman, Chief Executive Officer of Venture Atlanta Conference

The Future Focused CXOs Podcast

Aug 28 2023 • 32 mins

In this enlightening episode of Future Focus CXOs, we're thrilled to introduce our distinguished guest, Allyson Eman, the Chief Executive Officer at Venture Atlanta Conference. Allyson has led Venture Atlanta for 16 years. Let's explore her journey and get a glimpse of how the world of startups and venture investing works.


Highlights:

1. Allyson's Journey in Venture Capital: Allyson Eman shared her remarkable journey as the CEO of Venture Atlanta. She highlighted that she started with the conference when it was just an idea and had to learn and adapt as the event grew over the years.


2. Challenges Faced as a Woman in the Industry: Allyson candidly discussed the challenges she faced as a woman in the venture capital space, describing it as a "boys' club." She shared her experiences of being one of only two women in a room of around a hundred people during meetings.


3. Growth of Venture Atlanta: Jay inquired about Venture Atlanta's growth from its early days with 20 funds to becoming a prominent conference with 450 funds participating. Allyson credited the conference's success to continuous iteration, fresh ideas, and strategic partnerships with marketing firms that helped expand its reach beyond Georgia to the entire Southeast region.


4. Success Factors: Jay asked Allyson to share key takeaways that other businesses could learn from Venture Atlanta's success. Allyson emphasized the significance of building strong relationships, both with sponsors and within the organization. She highlighted her willingness to help and connect with people, valuing feedback, and constantly seeking ways to improve the conference's offerings.


5. Standing Up for Self-Worth and Negotiating: A key takeaway from the podcast is Allyson's emphasis on the importance of advocating for oneself and actively negotiating for what one deserves. She encourages individuals to fight for their worth and not simply expect opportunities to come their way without proactive effort.

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