I write a fortnightly newsletter that teaches you how to build ecosystems for social change without burning out. Subscribe for professional insights, a peek of my bookshelf and the weekly Shen-Anika-ns of living, working and building community in the Shenandoah Valley, VA.
#130: Convenings that changed professional trajectory
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Welcome to the 130th issue of Impact Curator! Twice a month, I talk about life as an ecosystem builder and the stuff that ecosystem builders already know but rarely get to say out loud.
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Hello Reader, On June 22, 2017, I found myself on a rooftop overlooking Kansas City in awe. I was attending my first ESHIP Summit and was blown away by how many people had traveled from across the country to workshop ideas and potential projects that would move our nascent field forward. I remember walking back to my hotel room that night, my feet swollen, my eyes a little bloodshot. I felt the unique mix of exhaustion and exhilaration that comes from spending three days surrounded by hundreds of people who were just as passionate about entrepreneurship, doing similar work in similar geographies, and facing similar constraints. If I could, I would have stayed out all night; it was like a professional fever dream I didn't want to end. Back at the hotel, I remember sitting down in the shower because I could no longer stand up, but I also couldn't fall asleep because of the excitement coursing through me. That's the power of a great convening: it can change your professional trajectory. ESHIP Summits gave me faith that this burgeoning field was a community effort worth investing in. And it wasn't the only convening that nudged my career in a different direction: Ecosystem Essential: 3 Convenings that changed my professional trajectoryStartup Champions Network (SCN) SummitThe inaugural Startup Champions Network Summit in Santa Barbara in 2016 gave me the language and understanding of what it means to be an ecosystem builder. I've attended many Summits since and made connections that turned into podcast episodes, a book, and actual friendships. InBIA's annual convening & e.Builders ForumIn 2025, I attended my first InBIA annual conference to co-host a workshop on storytelling for ecosystem builders. One connection I made there became one of my most meaningful client engagements this past year. ESHIP Summits/ESHIP ConvergeEven though the last ESHIP Summit took place in 2020, ESHIP Alliance is picking up the baton with its first event format in 2026. Where to find me this fall
Book UpdatesBooks have left the printer in Kentucky and should be arriving at my house TODAY. Yes, I'm roaming the driveway in anticipation of hundreds of books landing on my doorstep! While I will spend the next seven days sorting, signing (!) and mailing pre-orders, you beautiful people get to sit back and choose a book launch to attend: 7 days until launchπJoin my virtual launch party on September 14, 2026, at 12.30 p.m. EST
Local to the Valley or headed to Richmond this fall? Here's where to find me:
Shen-Anika-nsIn the last two weeks alone, I've been on two podcasts that will air later this fall. Turns out, podcasting is a GREAT way to get the word out about our work, the book, and what our field is wrestling with right now. Do you have any suggestions for podcasts I should appear on? Hit reply with your ideas! I'll be back in your inbox on book launch day! In camaraderie, Anika P.S. Missed my last newsletter? Check out the previous issues of Impact Curator. |
Anika Horn
I write a fortnightly newsletter that teaches you how to build ecosystems for social change without burning out. Subscribe for professional insights, a peek of my bookshelf and the weekly Shen-Anika-ns of living, working and building community in the Shenandoah Valley, VA.