The Tale Of The Six Sails Of Shweta

For 15 years, BNT has sailed these waters, and for 150 more, she will continue to do so. For all who may feel unincluded, uninspired, ill-informed, and without a place, a people, and a purpose in tech, startups, and innovation-- BNT is there.

"BNT supported us/me when no one else really did!"

- - recent feedback told to us, a common thread

My father once remarked on a phrase he'd heard told out on the Vineyard:

A captain is not judged by the destination one reaches, but by the manner of voyage one takes the crew on.

This reflection has been vital for me, especially as I contemplate the path we have traversed at Boston New Technology (BNT) . It is a path I've been privileged to plot and to pass through for what feels like forever now -- first as a member, then as a volunteer, later as a rescuer, and now as one of her three leaders.

Chris Requena was of the sort to compassionately pick out those who he knew to be shy, socially in need of coming out of the shell, and that's exactly why he made me a member to begin with -- Jeffrey DeSocio doing the same thing with Mass Professional Networking. Though I struggled even to look up from my shoes, these and other mentors soon showed me how to confidently launch right into the thick of things. Thus launched, I became the companion of fellow scribes and often met up with the most interesting people -- like Phil Kasiecki , Geoff Wilbur , and William Toll .

When I was just a member of BNT, Shweta Agrawal and I met in September of 2018 -- and we became what we're known as affectionately today: "Startup Boston alumni". We stood side by side bringing the second Startup Boston into being under the legendary leadership of Stephanie Roulic.

The connection forged between Shweta and I then gives us remembrance of what it was like to be like the crew we mentor and lead today -- and that's why I so often find Shweta not just doing conventional leadership activities but wearing all the hats, always with a smile on her face, to help out our people.

She Leads

Every vessel must have its navigator, its practical navigation and a source of stabilization -- for the oceans are stormy, and our proverbial seas of the tech and startup ecosystem are at times as seemingly unfathomable as some old myth.

In countless conversations before her arrival, people often asked me, "What's missing from BNT? What needs to happen for real change, real growth, real traction?" I pondered that question too, wondering what catalyst we needed to elevate our community and our mission.

Then, just a few months ago, the "what's missing?" was clearly changed, as Jason often quips these days, into a "Before Shweta/After Shweta" dialogue. It became clear that her presence was the key we had been searching for, the turning point that shifted our trajectory.

Before her arrival, I was often unsure, and so often did I let myself and the crew fall into the idyls of complacency and casual habits. We lacked the checklists which Rohith wisely called for, the exactitude which Pranjali pined for, and the more expansive efforts that Mohit has since been more than able to take on. Our voyage was aimless at times, drifting without the rigorous structure that true growth demands.

With her arrival, new ideas and initiatives began to flow into BNT, each bringing its own blend of excitement and adjustment. Change is often met with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, and this was no different. Yet, as we adapted, this change evolved into something remarkable.

Concrete Achievements and Initiatives

Today, her influence is the even keel of our vessel, providing stability and direction. She is the wind in our sails or the steam in the engine - driving us forward with energy and purpose. Her strength acts as the sheathing of our hull, protecting and fortifying us against the challenges we face.

Under Shweta’s leadership, BNT has enhanced several successful initiatives:

1. Precision Pitch Practice Improvements: A program designed to help startups refine their pitches, offering detailed feedback from industry experts. This initiative has led to dozens startups achieving significant progress.
2. Ecosystem Development Enhancements: Community-driven projects with a tech humanization focus, and a coalition-over-competition approach which ensures that everything from a small dev meetup to a large corporate can work with BNT, as had been the case before and is now on an even grander scale.
3. Key Partnerships Throughout New England: Collaborations with major tech hubs and universities in the region. These partnerships have facilitated knowledge exchange, increased networking opportunities, and supported numerous tech-driven initiatives, doubling our event attendance and fostering leadership growth.
4. Startup World Cup: Helping to bring this amazing event back to Boston for the regional final. Done in partnership with Founders N' Funders and other coalition partners.

Community Impact

BNT’s influence extends beyond its immediate members. Through partnerships with local universities and tech hubs, BNT has fostered a culture of innovation and inclusion. Our annual Startup Weekend paired with BNT's Days Of Innovation is set to attract thousands of visitors in 2025 -- with much more in store this year as well.

One of the most profound impacts of Shweta's tenure has been her ability to nurture and elevate the leaders within our community. These individuals, once brimming with potential, have now realized their capabilities and manifested them in extraordinary ways. Their achievements are a testament to her guidance and inspiration.

The Six Sails

To truly capture the essence of these contributions, I will liken them to six sails, for what they have accomplished together is truly special -- and this is my way of honoring Old Ironsides as well on America's birthday.

1. Innovation and Strategy: The first sail represents our crew’s innovative approaches that have revolutionized our strategies.
2. Resilience and Creativity: The second sail embodies our team’s resilience and creativity, which was crucial during the pandemic when we quickly adapted to virtual events, maintaining our community’s momentum and engagement.
3. Culture of Excellence: The third sail highlights our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, seen in our rigorous volunteer training programs that have improved efficiency and satisfaction.
4. Technological Advancements: The fourth sail celebrates our technological advancements, including our new website and future products to come.
5. Leadership and Mentorship: The fifth sail acknowledges the impact of our mentorship programs, with many mentees now leading their own successful ventures, a direct result of the support and guidance they received.
6. Visionary Foresight: The sixth sail represents Shweta’s visionary foresight, which has charted an ambitious yet attainable course for BNT, positioning us as a leader in the tech and innovation space.

Overhauling and Overcoming

I'd be remiss not to acknowledge the challenges that came with these transformations and the setting of new sails and properly arranged rigging.

Shweta's leadership brought with it the imposition of stricter standards, raising the bar for what we could achieve. Expectations soared, and higher-stakes assignments became the norm. The pressure to deliver our absolute best in every endeavor intensified.

Yet, in facing these challenges, our people found strength and resilience within ourselves that we had not known before. The higher standards pushed us to go beyond our comfort zone, to collaborate more effectively, and to strive for excellence in every task. Her unwavering belief in our potential became a driving force, encouraging us to surpass our own limitations and achieve feats we once thought impossible.

She Makes All Things New

It used to be the case that I would spend sleepless nights mentally "on watch", and this is when I sometimes questioned the reason why I'm doing all this, only to face overcast mornings when outcomes are unclear, or afternoons when the obscurity of things is strong.

I turned in those times to the North Star of my soul -- my late mother. In contemplation with a competition of racing thoughts and heartfelt searching, the privilege of being raised by someone with such an example to follow --- wisdom to recall and a faith in the power of true grit. One who taught me never to give up the ship.

Now up on deck, there is another hand to guide the wheel, another set of eyes to scan the skies, and in that way, all things have been made new -- for BNT and for me.