
Topline
SPOTLIGHT: How CEO Sam Jacobs Is Redefining Pavilion’s Identity
May 15, 2025
Sam Jacobs shares the journey of transforming Pavilion into a thriving community for startup operators. He discusses the challenges faced with rapid growth and how it caused the community's focus to waver. The introduction of Pavilion Gold aims to bring value to high-performing members. Insights into using platforms like LinkedIn and Slack for collaboration reveal the modern landscape of community building. Jacobs emphasizes the need for strategic planning and maintaining a balance between exclusivity and expansion for sustained success.
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Quick takeaways
- Sam Jacobs emphasizes that Pavilion's growth necessitates a clear three-year vision to balance exclusivity and community quality.
- The dilution of membership criteria previously led to a loss of focus on Pavilion's mission, prompting a course-correction effort.
Deep dives
The Launch and Growth of Pavilion
Pavilion is a community designed specifically for operating executives, providing them with a space to learn, network, and grow professionally. It began with strict membership criteria to ensure it served only operators, creating a unique environment separate from that of CEOs and investors. The community's rapid expansion can be attributed to its strong point of view, as it sought to advocate for operating executives and offer them vital skills in negotiation, equity knowledge, and career security. Additionally, the advent of platforms like LinkedIn and Slack allowed for better connectivity and shared learning among members, fostering an engaged and supportive atmosphere.