Our BrainJams here in DC on Monday validated many key ideas and taught us many lessons. While we had expected around 35 people or so, 16 (plus Kristie and myself for 18) showed up for the morning BrainJam, in which I was finally able to participate. The good news is, it is a start – and a good one at that. Everyone I spoke with thanked us profusely for doing this in DC and was really enthusiastic about the format, the people and the insights shared. The afternoon Breakthrough sessions began with two groups, one for newcomers and one for more advanced discussions, but they merged during the course of the afternoon.
I have lots to share that I learned from the great people in attendance, as well as thanks for each of them for coming out on a Monday, even though many said “I didn’t know what to expect, or even what it would really be”. A few photos are on Flickr, but we did not get a chance to take many since we were so involved in the conversation.
Yesterday and today, I received a few emails which really tell the story of the event better than I can.
Matt Gallivan from NPR said:
“It was a great chance to meet a lot of interesting people in the community and to talk about a lot of interesting stuff.”
Mirsada Pasalic, an emerging ‘fresh face for aging advocacy’ said:
“First of all I want to thank you for a FABULOUS day yesterday. I truly enjoyed myself and learned a lot. It was a great mix of people and the “energy” was all good, so thank you for putting it together!”
Camille Preston, an insightful leadership coach, said:
“Thank you so so so much for a truly powerful, inspiring and learning day! As I was describing it to a friend last night, all I could say was that it was fabulous and that my mind was literally truly jammed with so many new insights and perspectives. (as an extraverted nerd – I loved the intensity of learning and wished I’d planned to join the evening!) It was a truly wonderful opportunity to jump into something I “knew I should be doing”… but didn’t know where to begin! There are a few things I’m ready to dive into – and I know that the learning will continue.”
So all in all, BrainJams30Jan2006 makes it way to the win column. Best of all, it seems as if there will be a community of people willing to do what it takes to do this again and again…
#1 by Andy Kaufman - February 1st, 2006 at 18:56
Sounds like it was a good time. I’m looking forward to Brainjams: The Berkeley Edition.
#2 by Greg Gershman - February 2nd, 2006 at 20:34
Thanks Chris and Kristi! BrainJams DC was great! Thanks for getting the ball rolling!