The Power of Offline Community for Entrepreneurs

I knew one person when I walked in.

I’d only spoken to Shayna over Zoom. So when I showed up to her founder’s dinner, I didn’t know what to expect.

Long wooden table. Dim lighting. Candles.

Then the room filled up with local entrepreneurs. People building incredible companies right here in Ottawa that I had absolutely no idea existed.

Two hours in, it hit me.

We spend so much time hiding behind keyboards, optimized calendars, and ad-hoc Slack pings. But there is a specific version of connection that can only be built across a table, over good food, in the same physical room.

By the end of the night, I walked away with priceless business advice, unexpected laughs, and a few new people in my circle who weren't there before the first course was served.

Massive shoutout to Shayna for bringing us together and reminding us of the power of offline community.

If you get the chance to step away from the screen and sit at a table with other builders, take it.