Live from Austin

2024 was the first time I’ve been to SXSW in NINE years, and I went into the entire experience planning to be tired when I got home.

Though I was only in Austin briefly, I connected and reconnected with many great souls. It’s taken me a week to recalibrate and write about my experience; in the meantime, we have several new sign-ups for the #SpaceToVillage newsletter!?

The Art – and Science – of Gathering

When you’re interviewing someone who has been interviewed countless times before, it’s essential that you bring a new element or new line of inquiry to the conversation—otherwise, your audience will find another place to go. In this thread on X , I write about how to deliver a stellar performance as a moderator or host. I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!?

You’re More Than Your Job

When I used to hang out with the cool kids from thirstDC, the catch was to “be interesting.” That meant your first question should never be “What do you do?” (Folks in DC can confirm this is the standard opener at every social occasion.)

Thanks to the pocket of my trustworthy jean jacket (#JeanJacketFTW on Insta), and the endless nerdiness at Southby, I could do both.?

You should always be proud of where you work – I hope that as you read this, you are. But always remember: that job is not you; it’s your profession, and you are more than a job title and an employee ID number – as is the other person to whom you’re introducing yourself. If you presume the person you’re about to meet is the most interesting person you’ll talk to all day, there’s a good chance they will be.

Thank you, InterAstra

My triumphant return to SXSW could not have been possible without the encouragement of my friend Ché B. and the team at Inter Astra Institute , who invited me to interview Anousheh. They just announced they’re launching a podcast that you should check out (shameless plug – there may eventually be an episode that includes my “space story.”)

The Audio Has Landed

Folks following me on LinkedIn know I had the opportunity of a lifetime to interview entrepreneur, activist, and astronaut Anousheh Ansari in a fireside chat at SXSW. I attempted to do that in my conversation with Anousheh; listen to the audio version for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments.?

Listen to our Fireside Chat here.

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