Last week, the team at SRQ Media experienced greatness in the form of SRQ SkillSHARE, our brand new speed mentor summit. If you know a little bit about our brand, you know that one of our biggest and most exciting programs is the Women in Business Initiative,which has grown from very humble roots into a multi-outlet platform that includes a competition, annual awards luncheon, private monthly gatherings of the WIB Leadership Circle and now SRQ SkillSHARE. We can’t contain our excitement about how the very first SkillSHARE played out.

ALICIA KING ASKS QUESTIONS TO MARY DOUGHERTY-SLAPP OF GULFCOAST BUILDERS EXCHANGE AND THE SRQ WOMEN IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE. PHOTO CREDIT: WYATT KOSTYGAN

“As a community catalyst, SRQMEDIA continues to break new ground in the art and science of local engagement,” says CEO and President Lisl Liang. “I love that SkillSHARE starts where small talk ends. We’re thrilled the SRQ Women in Business Initiative has created such a special place for dynamic women to take the deep dive! We invite you to SkillSHARE with us.”

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH PARTICIPANTS AND MENTORS GATHERED FOR THE VERY FIRST SRQ SKILLSHARE EVENT. PHOTO CREDIT: WYATT KOSTYGAN

On Thursday, February 18th, an experienced panel of mentors (comprised of members of the Leadership Circle and two guests) showed up to SRQ Studios bearing questions from participants that were hungry for answers, guidance, suggestions and general knowledge on how to work, live and lead in Sarasota. A week before, we poured over applications and were genuinely moved by the heartfelt questions sent in by applicants. Those questions are exactly what we used to determine the right fit for each participant.

Upon arrival, mentors and participants received packets containing a schedule of mini-sessions and eagerly awaited the chance to meet. For five rounds of mini-sessions, participants asked their questions, got great advice and networked with likeminded professionals of all ages. The SRQ Studios conference room was transformed into an area for participant conversation in between rounds.

We couldn’t help but notice a spark in the room, which was undoubtedly the spirit of connection, appreciation and witnessing growth in action. “This was by far the most efficient and effective networking event I’ve ever been to,” said Dr. Cynthia Clark of Longevity Wellness.

Participant Barbara Shore made a comment that stuck with us. “I was glad to see that you are never too old or too young to learn from others.” As our participants represented a cross-section of the workforce, we were thrilled that our mentors were able to lead and guide young women early in their career pursuits, those looking to make major changes in their lives and even women envisioning life after retirement. From balancing busy careers and young families to tactics on making the most impact with a multi-generational workforce, the mentors shared their wisdom and advice on how to make it work and how to make the best of the current situation.

SRQ Media would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible mentors at the event. Leadership Circle members Angela Massaro-Fain, Grapevine Communications and Sandra Rios of The Resort at Longboat Key Club served as co-chairs for SRQ SkillSHARE. If you’d like to learn more about the incredible women that offered their guidance, visit the SRQ Women in Business website.

To all of our great participants, thanks for coming and letting us play a role in your growth and job experience. Your questions were as thought provoking as they were courageous. Thank you for making this great event happen through your enthusiasm. You officially inspired us.

Stay tuned for announcements of future SRQ SkillSHARE installments as this program grows. For a gallery of images from SRQ SkillSHARE, click here.

PS: If you want to learn more and get engaged with the SRQ Women in Business initiative, consider joining us for the 2nd Annual Hear Me Roar Awards and Leadership Luncheon! We’ve got an amazing guest Keynote Speaker and Trailblazer Award winner. Get the details and purchase your tickets at SRQHEARMEROAR.COM before they’re all sold out!