Back to Austin: My AfroTech 2023 Experience
After a seven-year hiatus, I finally returned to Austin, Texas – this time for AfroTech 2023. The energy was electric, the insights were transformative, and the experience was unforgettable. Let me take you through this incredible journey.
The Austin Homecoming
Walking the streets of Austin again felt like reuniting with an old friend. But this time, the city was buzzing with something different: the convergence of Black excellence in tech. The sheer concentration of talent, from established celebrities to emerging brilliant professionals, created an atmosphere that was almost overwhelming – in the best possible way.
Day One Highlights: Timbaland’s Creative Wisdom
One of the most impactful sessions featured none other than Timbaland, whose insights went far beyond what I expected. His approach to creativity and business offered several key takeaways:
The importance of maintaining a W2 income while pursuing creative endeavors
His spiritual approach to music production – praying before listening to beats to ensure the right mindset
Understanding the ripple effect of creative decisions and their potential impact on careers
Maximizing available platforms and technology
What struck me most was his awareness of how a single creative decision – like matching the right beat with the right artist – could create lasting ripples through someone’s career trajectory.
Venture Capital Insights: A Global Perspective
The venture capital panel, featuring investors from Ghana, delivered powerful insights about preparing for business pitching:
Building confidence in your presentation
The critical nature of trust and relationship building
Demonstrating competence and credibility
Embracing discomfort as a growth opportunity
Maintaining resilience while protecting your physical and mental health
Innovation and Industry Deep Dives
The conference offered rich content across various domains:
Fintech innovations and future trends
Effective pitch deck design strategies
Morgan Stanley’s perspective on personalization and reimagining finance
Invaluable insights from the Earn Your Leisure podcast team
A Powerful Finale: Fireside Chat with Issa Rae
The conference concluded with an unforgettable fireside chat featuring Issa Rae. Her candid, disarming approach resonated deeply with me as a Woman of Color in tech. She shared:
Her journey and the challenges she faced
Experiences in team building and branding
The importance of authentic storytelling and connection
Personal Takeaways
AfroTech 2023 wasn’t just about learning – it was about transformation. I left with:
Renewed determination to complete the MVP for my current project
The courage to stop diminishing myself to make others comfortable
Recognition that sometimes our potential is bigger than our current circumstances
A deeper commitment to maintaining resilience while protecting my well-being
Looking Forward
Sometimes the most valuable conference takeaways aren’t just about what you learned, but how you’re inspired to change. AfroTech 2023 reminded me that our only true limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. It’s time to break free from self-imposed constraints and fear, to embrace the fullness of our potential.
As I left Austin this time, I carried with me not just memories and insights, but a reinforced belief in the power of community and the importance of showing up as our authentic selves in tech.
Your Turn
Have you attended a tech conference that changed your perspective or pushed you to think bigger? Whether it was AfroTech or another event, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share in the comments below:
What was your biggest takeaway?
Which speaker or session impacted you the most?
How did it change your approach to your work or goals?
And if you haven’t attended a tech conference yet, what’s holding you back? Let’s discuss strategies for making it happen in 2024. After all, as Timbaland reminded us, sometimes all we need is to use what we already have to make that next big move.