CAN's 2023 Holiday Party: Celebrating A Culture of Community

On December 7, 2023, Carolina Angel Network gathered for its annual holiday party at Carolina Exotic Car Club and Business Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. CAN members, CEOs, venture fellows and guests alike gathered for a time of fellowship and celebration of our community amidst the holiday season.?

Ted Zoller, Executive Director, began the night with introductions and special thanks. He specifically highlighted K Aimee Brosnan, CFP?, CAN's Director of Operations and Outreach, who helped facilitate the night's event and many other key CAN events throughout 2023. Ted also took a moment to thank Carolina Exotic Car Club for providing the timeless event space.

CAN was honored to be joined by guest speaker Jenny Levy , UNC Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach. As she concludes her 26th season with a career record 411-123 (.770), 3 National Championships, and 2x National Coach of the Year recipient, her impressive record can undoubtedly stand alone. Her words, however, transcend her achievements—they reveal who she is as the core, shedding light on the journey that has brought her to her present position.

Levy began her career at 24, she shared, with just a closet office, no team, and a blank slate—in the presence of the elite institution that is UNC athletics.

Acknowledging the shared ability of coaches and entrepreneurs to wear multiple hats and navigate change, Levy posed an intriguing opening statement:

“College coaches are also entrepreneurs.”

She sought to answer a question in the face of constant turnover: "How do we create consistent excellence when everything around us changes every year?"

Levy initiated her answer by using a creative metaphor, likening a sports season to a potted plant. A season, much like a potted plant, comprises two crucial elements: a foundation of "rock" and a growth formula involving "seeds, soil, and water."

She shared that the “big rocks” represent the vision: who you are and what you stand for. To create any great team and set the tone for a successful season, you must understand these pillars. Coming second are the “smaller rocks,” or your standards. Both of these pillars are easier to keep consistent each year—and are essential to success.

Next comes the formula for growth, the “dirty stuff,” Levy said. Nurturing seeds, tending to the soil, and providing adequate water for growth.

A strong foundation is important, but Levy shared that a team’s culture is the only way to foster growth. Ultimately, the success of any company, team, or organization comes down to the people within.?Levy understands that life is about human connection, and that successful leadership begins with relationships.

Team-building forms trust, leading through adversity shows resilience, and "stubborn flexibility" and "creative brilliance" create an indisputable formula for a passionately united team, Levy expressed.

This is a formula that Levy has proven breeds success, sharing the inspiring story of her team's 2022 National Championship victory. Levy’s fervor for coaching coupled with her innate ability to see beyond just an athlete’s abilities, but who they are at their core, is unique, artistic, and awe-inspiring.?

“When people feel connected, cared about, and inspired—it creates a flywheel of success—and a group can accomplish more than the sum of its parts,” Levy concluded.

Reflecting on 2023, CAN is thankful for every member of our community, each making this year one to be remembered. While our network comprises multifaceted, talented, savvy business professionals, we are first a family, which is why gathering together holds supreme value to our network.

Looking ahead to 2024, CAN is excited to venture towards the new year expecting greatness, while reflecting on 2023 with a sense of pride and deep gratitude.?