A WIRED Way to Connect
“Energy creates energy. Get moving,” suggests the type that flows between a wave-like pattern of small six-inch blocks that seem to pop out of the wall of the Lululemon studio at the Mall of America. Taking a cue from the wise wall, we waste no time getting a move on. We’re WIRED.
WIRED and inspired by the WALL
WIRED is Jen Lindahl’s vision of bringing women together for connection with energy and experience in the mix. The acronym stands for women impacting revenue who are empowered and driven. When that little backstory is revealed, it’s clear it’s not just some regularly scheduled networking meeting whose format is predictable or tired. WIRED is high-energy, derived from the women who attend and the format of activities at events and the selection of event venues.
Any woman attending WIRED can bring two things: a confidence in knowing their own worth, and a purpose of helping others realize theirs. It’s that mutually beneficial vibe. Showing up with that in mind and being open to experiencing what Jen has teed up, drives the experience.
For this particular WIRED event at Lululemon MOA on February 9, 3-5, the shared experience was movement through a series of guided dance, cross-fit, and yoga practices totaling one hour of physically and mentally challenging moves. Of course, communications went out to attendees to dress accordingly. No one missed the memo, but there were a few, myself included, without sneakers. A make-it-work moment!
Brooke Campbell, Fit Mom Connection, got us started with choreographed dance moves, Candice Hansen, Life Time Fitness, moved us into burpees and plank jacks, and finally Jaime Hoff, Lighthouse Yoga, ended with sun salutations, warriors and supine twists. The format was full of variety and so engaging that we moved quickly through it, although not without effort. Anyone could happily modify and feel included, but going all out was an option too. I would not say it was a light to moderate workout (ha!). I would say that the women – instructors and participants – brought their whole selves to the afternoon.
Here's where it gets brilliant. Imagine all of the free-flowing endorphins following the workout session, making their way into conversation. It definitely makes for enlightening, experiential exchanges versus the forced small talk and superficial feel other networking events can have, especially when going in cold with no common ground. In the social portion, there were healthy eats and drinks, and small celebratory glasses of champagne provided by Beth of Fusion Events (opening a window for me to suggest celebratory NA beverages at the next WIRED!)
With relatively zero no-shows on a Covid-era, Minnesota winter day, clearly this type of event is what women want in their professional networking lives. Note the timeframe shift to a 3:00 start that in a previous life might have been 5:00ish. Also note, attendees lingered long enough, but without excessive alcohol and an open window for the night’s possible activities, people headed out by 5:15. Short, sweet, re-energizing and just the right tone to re-wire women for the rest of their work week!
A huge shout out to WIRED’s generous sponsors for this event: Keystone Group International, Prevolv, So Good So You, Elev8wellness, Sproute Creative, Fluid, Healthy Eating on the Go, Rawr Organics, and Bluum Technology. The group provides services ranging from workplace culture consulting, commercial interiors, healthy work environments and technology solutions in education; to creative services, personal training, and makers of organic eats and healthy beverages. Like many events, it’s hard to get to know everyone there and connect with the amazing brands and individuals — here’s your chance: visit their websites through the links provided and connect directly with them to learn more about their businesses!
-- Congrats to Jen Lindahl for creating space for the connections and community women seek through WIRED, and thank you to Constantina Watters, Sproute Creative, for sponsoring this event recap!
