The Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala is one of the most prestigious events for entrepreneurs and business owners. This year’s theme was “Purpose,” and it was a gathering of leaders from all over the country to discuss the importance of driving social impact through their businesses.
As a first-time winner of the Inc. 5000 award, I was honored to attend the conference and gala. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by so many other passionate and innovative entrepreneurs.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address from Inc. Editor-in-Chief Scott Omelianuk, who spoke about the importance of purpose-driven businesses. He argued that businesses that are driven by a social mission are more likely to be successful in the long run.
The rest of the conference was filled with breakout sessions, panels, and workshops on a variety of topics related to purpose, mental health, and both business and personal growth. I attended sessions on everything from building a strong brand to creating a culture of innovation.
Some of the most memorable sessions I attended were with…
- Deepak Chopra, where he spoke about long-term well-being of your mind and body in order to sustain yourself in business
- A session with Alli Webb, who was so honest about her personal growth and mental state during selling her business, going through a divorce, working with her son through addiction and figuring out her purpose in the next phase of her life
- Janice Bryant Howroyd, who was the first self-made black billionaire. She spoke about her journey and read a powerful poem from her childhood (“If” by Rudyard Kipling)
- One with an Ex-Navy SEAL, Patrick Dossett, who had some unbelievable stories about mindset and introduced me to the power of breathwork, which I am now incorporating into my daily routine.
The week progressed with other great sessions, as well as discussions with other successful entrepreneurs/Inc. 5000 winners who shared their stories of building purpose-driven businesses and who were brutally honest in the adversity they faced getting there. They all emphasized the importance of staying true to your values, aligning your business goals with your social mission, and tending to your mental health and well-being.
The conference culminated with the Inc. 5000 Gala, hosted by Terry Crews, where all of the winners were celebrated. It was an inspiring evening being surrounded by so many other entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world.
Overall, the Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala was an unforgettable experience. I learned a great deal from the speakers and panelists, and I was inspired by the other entrepreneurs who were recognized for their accomplishments.
A few key takeaways from the conference:
- Purpose is the key to business success. Businesses that are driven by a social mission are more likely to be successful in the long run.
- Stay true to your values. Align your business goals with your social mission, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
- Build a strong brand. Your brand is your story, and it’s what will set you apart from the competition.
- Create a culture of innovation. Encourage your employees to be creative and to think outside the box.
- Surround yourself with positive people. The people you surround yourself with will have a big impact on your success.
- Take care of yourself. Have a good routine and stay healthy.
If you’re an entrepreneur, I highly recommend attending/applying for the Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn from the best and brightest in the business world, and to be inspired by other entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world. Can’t wait for next year!