I don’t want to eat alone. So, here’s a cheeky invitation…

I have eaten alone more this past year than any other. Perhaps that’s been true for you too.

 Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my own company. I’m quite grateful for that. But wouldn’t it be more fun to share a meal together? Seriously…we should do lunch.

 When I consider my most memorable meals, they’re ones where the food was scrumptious but the conversation was all the more delicious. Laughter flowed even more freely than the wine. I don’t know if we will have wine at our lunch, but why haven’t we scheduled it yet?

 Before we go to lunch, first I need to tell you about some wise humpback whales I once observed. They’re the reason I believe sharing a memorable meal and meaningful work with others isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategic survival skill…one I’m seeking to sharpen.

 Why Whales Don’t Eat Alone

 A few summers ago, I was boating along the Kenai Peninsula when we had happened upon a group of humpback whales bubble net feeding. These humpbacks were in a circle jumping, splashing, looking like they were playing a children’s game. I was witnessing divine magic.

 Yet, this wasn’t play. This raucous feast was a survival skill on display. The practice of bubble net feeding is apparently a learned skill, not a natural habit. They come together to blow bumbles to trap schools of fish. (Here’s a fabulous short video explaining how it works:

The popular theory is that humpbacks decided to not eat alone after being hunted to almost extinction. By coming together and creating this net of bumbles they increase their odds of all eating.

 A Confession

 Swimming in startup waters pre-pandemic had been challenging—ok, heart-pounding scary at times. More than once I felt on the brink of extinction…out on my own as a humpback whale trying to live off of minnows. Then when COVID hit and our “breakthrough project” fell through, I feared being beached.

 Yet, something quite remarkable happened. I got desperate enough to reach out for help. I found amazing people and resources (from the SBTDC to Charlotte Center City Partners). We got a grant to launch our first public app. My brilliant co-founder architected our technology far beyond the scope of this one project. He built out a scalable platform I’m in awe of. Together we developed systems and processes to disrupt the way video content is created, collected and managed.

 Our audacious desire to democratize meaningful video storytelling grew in the midst of these pandemic days.

 However, much of this has been heads-down work. Technology teamed with theory. And in this process, I’ve felt my momentum slowing, my focus drifting. If something doesn’t shift, I fear I will be lost at sea.

 Here’s what I really miss: the energy of sharing the same space with others--interrupting one another because ideas are flying around the room not because there’s a delay on Zoom. So…seriously, drop me a line and let’s have lunch.

 A Declaration: Community creates capacity.

 I know this to be true. When I circle up with others, I become energized, nourished and at times it can feel like divine magic.

 On this journey as an entrepreneur a little phrase has bubbled up within me: Community creates capacity.  I’ve realized I need to cultivate community wherever I long to grow. My survival depends on it.

 Nonetheless without the structure of an office and the typical rhythms of a team, I can forget the power of community.

 I don’t want to eat alone…or work alone any longer. I desire to receive the abundance of collaboration. And all the more, I’m eager to offer the strengths of partnership and gifts of contribution. 

 A Cheeky Invitation.

 Let’s eat together. If I haven’t made it clear yet, this isn’t a symbolic offer. I’m really asking. Are you game for lunch and a strategy session? Or, we can do a coffee and chocolate exchange teamed with a problem-solving conversation?

 Our startup is at an inflection point. We’ve got an audacious mission and quite stunning tech, yet I still have some significant questions. We desire it bring great relief and raise revenue for our clients…but I’m curious how can it be more useful than we envisioned? What might we be missing? Who else we should partner with?

 In exchange, I’m delighted to serve as a strategic thinker and connector for you. I’m invigorated by helping others solve problems.

 Let’s help each other not only survive but thrive. I look forward to the prospects of hearing from you. Cheers,

Tam

PS -- I’m I am fully vaccinated.

PSS – Here’s video of the humpbacks bubble net feeding I captured on my phone https://vimeo.com/347725711