Teamwork

I've always enjoyed collaborating with diverse groups on grassroots efforts in particular, both personally and professionally.  I am not the creative type, but I somehow turn into a dynamic contributor in a group setting.  Leading a group and a project from start to finish is an even greater thrill.  Identifying how everyone can get involved and incentivizing them to contribute are very rewarding.  

In hindsight, I was fortunate to be in many situations over time where I could nurture this side of my personality and meet with like-minded people in great teams. The latest example is a women's organization with ties to Turkey.  Many talented and educated women get together at events in various cities to meet and hear from each other.  There are TED-style talks featuring the most successful ladies in the network (some men as well).  

The founder, who is based in Istanbul, was a friend of a former high school classmate.  I really enjoyed hearing her vision -- something I felt was missing among not just Turkish women, but Turkish people in general.  I had just moved to San Francisco from New York, with a growing local network.  When she asked if I would help grow the local effort, I thought it would be a fun way to grow my own network as well as connect similar ladies to each other.

Within the past two years, and together with a great executive team I helped bring together, we managed to bring together 60-80 women at each event.  We heard from angel/venture capital investors, entrepreneurs and other talented ladies in SF Bay Area.  Many ladies are becoming good friends with each other and me in the process.