This past year, I hosted 96 events for the Mentee community, bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and dreamers eager to build something meaningful.
From casual coffee chats to dynamic masterclasses, these gatherings have become the heartbeat of our community.
They’ve taught me invaluable lessons about the power of connections, the beauty of collaboration, and the patience required to nurture a true community.
Every event starts the same: a group of people, some strangers, others familiar faces, coming together with one common goal—to grow.
But by the end of each event, the room is buzzing with energy.
Someone’s found a collaborator. Another person discovered a fresh perspective on an old problem.
And often, everyone leaves inspired to take their next step.
Connections like these aren’t accidental.
They’re the result of intentional spaces where people feel safe sharing their ideas, asking questions, and engaging in real conversations.
Over time, these interactions build trust, turning strangers into allies and allies into collaborators.
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Entrepreneurship can feel isolating.
You’re navigating challenges, celebrating wins, and making decisions, often alone.
But when you step into a community of like-minded individuals, that changes.
Suddenly, you’re not alone.
You’re surrounded by people who understand your journey because they’re on a similar path.
This year, I’ve seen partnerships form, ideas evolve, and ventures take off because of the collaborative spirit in our events. One member found a co-founder.
Another clarified their messaging from feedback during a virtual Office Hours session.
These moments are reminders that when we collaborate, our strengths multiply.
As fulfilling as these moments are, building a community is not a sprint. It’s a marathon.
It requires consistency, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
The 96 events this year didn’t happen by chance.
Each was carefully planned, adjusted based on feedback, and built on the lessons of the events before it.
True community doesn’t happen overnight because it’s built on relationships, which take time.
It’s about showing up regularly, even when the turnout isn’t as high as you’d hoped.
It’s about listening to your people's needs and finding ways to meet them.
Most importantly, it’s about creating a space where people feel valued, supported, and empowered.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting these events has been witnessing the resilience and determination of the Mentee community.
Together, we’ve navigated setbacks, celebrated wins, and supported one another through challenges.
Whether offering advice during a challenging moment or simply being there to listen, the strength of a supportive group can make all the difference.
As we move into a new year, I’m excited to build on our created momentum.
New events, fresh ideas, and more opportunities to connect await.
But at its core, the goal remains the same: to foster a community where entrepreneurs can thrive.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, the community isn’t just about the events or the numbers.
It’s about the people.
It’s about showing up for one another and realizing that we can achieve so much more together than we could ever achieve alone.
Here’s to the connections we’ve made, the collaborations we’ve fostered, and the community we’re continuing to build—one event at a time.
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Chris M Wilson
Chris Wilson is a keynote speaker, CTI coach, and entrepreneur. Through his Hover to Fly framework, he aims to impact the next generation in their careers and lives.