Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode

Scaling a company requires more than product vision—it demands operational leadership. Inspired by AirBnB’s Brian Chesky, and captured by Paul Graham, we’ll explore the critical (and often messy) shift from building to managing, and how successful CEOs navigate the transition while keeping their culture, team, and growth intact. And, also their sanity.

Lessons from the Exit

A candid conversation with Ohio business leaders who have successfully sold their companies. Hear what they learned through the process—what they’d do again, what they’d do differently, and how an exit changes everything from leadership to legacy. And, how they’re thinking about, “what’s next?”

The First Door: Building an open-door culture in Ohio tech

What if Ohio became the place where tech companies—big and small—open doors for each other? This session explores how we can build a culture where established companies actively support startups and small businesses, where enterprises invest time and pilot partnerships, and where CEOs buy, sell, and grow together. Inspired by what makes communities like Y Combinator powerful, we’ll discuss how Ohio can unlock a statewide “open door” network—one that turns individual success into collective opportunity.

[full agenda to be released and subject to change]