The Global Discussion Empowering Executives and Unlocking Potential with Steve Gee Ep 226 - The Global Discussion
The Global Discussion Host, Simon Hodgkins, catches up with Steve Gee, Co-Founder and CEO of Blend, a cutting-edge executive membership community aimed at revolutionizing how senior leaders connect, learn, and grow. In this episode, we discuss Steve's vision for fostering cognitive diversity among leaders of the world's largest enterprises.
The Story Behind Blend: A Journey Rooted in Experience
Steve Gee has spent over two decades bringing senior leaders together, creating valuable networking opportunities, and curating impactful discussions. Starting his career by organizing major industry events like the Mobile World Congress, Steve's extensive experience has given him deep insights into the challenges executives face as they climb the corporate ladder.
"One of the biggest hurdles leaders face is moving beyond their functional expertise and understanding the bigger picture of the business. It's that lack of cross-functional knowledge that often leads to imposter syndrome among executives," Steve shared.
This realization led Steve and his co-founder to create Blend—an executive membership community transcending traditional networking. With hubs in major global cities like London, San Francisco, Toronto, and New York, Blend aims to break down silos within organizations and foster meaningful connections across industries and geographies.
Why Cognitive Diversity Matters
At the core of Blend's mission is the concept of cognitive diversity. Steve explains that when organizations embrace diverse ideas, experiences, and perspectives, they are better equipped to solve complex problems and innovate effectively. It's not just about diversity in appearance or background; it's about diversity in thought.
Blend's approach is a direct response to the well-known issue of organizational silos. Large enterprises, Steve argues, often separate teams into functional units, creating environments where leaders rarely interact with colleagues outside their immediate business areas. Blend aims to provide a platform where senior executives can break free from this isolation, gain new perspectives, and build long-lasting, valuable relationships.
More Than a Membership: The Blend Experience
Blend is not just another networking platform—it's a thoughtfully curated experience for senior executives. Steve emphasized that Blend offers a range of benefits to its members, including monthly in-person meetings in major cities, access to masterclasses, and exclusive events featuring renowned thought leaders and experts. Whether it's a discussion on AI ethics in London with Lord Tim Clement-Jones or an insightful session with a Wharton Business School professor in New York, Blend ensures that members are continuously challenged and engaged.
Inclusive Is The New Exclusive
One of Blend's most compelling taglines is, "Inclusive is the new exclusive." But what does that mean in practice? According to Steve, it's about creating a community that values inclusivity of thought, not exclusivity based on titles or financial contributions.
Balancing Physical and Digital: The Blend App
While Blend emphasizes the importance of in-person connections, it also integrates technology to keep members connected between events. The Blend app offers executives access to valuable resources, including book clubs, masterclasses, and virtual discussions on trending business topics.
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