Everyone needs a Seth
I first met Seth Kravitz in 2009.
He had moved to Chicago after launching an incredibly successful venture. Once he got settled here, he started a blog about entrepreneurship, and I was hooked. In the sidebar of his website, there was a link that said: “Let’s Get a Beer.” It was something he did every Thursday. So I took him up on it…several times.
Seth quickly became one of the most important voices in my life. When I was considering an MBA, he was the first to tell me it might not be right for me. When I was designing the Leap Year Project, he suggested I create an understandable format for my year so people could follow along, which led to 12 projects, 12 months, in 2012. And when I was starting Experience Institute, he suggested that I eventually launch a few programs under the Ei brand (ie: Leap Year, Leap Summer, etc.).
It’s no wonder why I’m one of Seth’s biggest fans. And while I was focused on education, Seth has spent his days becoming one of the most helpful and generous connectors in Chicago. He built Technori into the 3rd largest monthly startup event in the country. He advised a slew of successful companies and leaders. He connected a ridiculous amount of founders, funders, and friends. And he did it all of it with tact and humility.
Now, Seth is handing Technori to another great leader and team as he pursues a new endeavor. Next Tuesday is his last time on the Technori stage, and he’s asked me to be the Keynote Speaker for the topic of the night: The Future of Work. If you’re in Chicago and available on the evening of May 31st, you should be there. I have a hunch it’s going to be a special night. Snag your tickets here.
It never ceases to amaze me how a person becomes an influencer. Often, we think it has to do with resources, intelligence, luck, or massive networks. Yes, all of those things are contributors, but if Seth has taught me anything, it’s that listening closely, bringing people together, and helping others succeed will lead you to the best places. Go out and find people you can do that for and find a person who can do that for you.
In other words, everyone needs a Seth.