How do you cook your rice?

The 2024 Global Impact Ventures (GIV) All-Staff Conference was more than I could have imagined, in the best way possible. The conference’s theme was “Better Together: Unite, Transform, and Thrive,” and I believe that everyone who attended left feeling those three things. This was the first time since 2019 – and since the merger of Global Impact and Geneva Global – that our whole team has come together to connect with each other in person. People came from all over the U.S (and Germany!) to participate in this event in mid-April. We had four days of delicious, shared meals, informative presentations, incredible work sessions, and vulnerable conversations.

I feel very spoiled because I just started working with Global Impact/ Geneva Global in November 2023. Both teams were at the finish line of officially launching Global Impact Ventures, branding and all. Fast forward a few months and I’m flying out to Washington D.C. to meet everyone at the most meticulously planned event that I have ever been to. I feel very lucky to have been able to reap the benefits of the team’s hard work and planning over the last 5 years.

Having attended one other event like this before, I had no idea what to expect. Immediately upon entering the Global Impact headquarters, we were welcomed with an agenda, some merch, and the biggest assortment of ribbons, for which we could decorate our nametags. I opted for “Egg Head” and “Besties.” I solidly knew that the next four days would be fun.

The first full day of conference work started with the best-catered breakfast I’ve ever had. It was followed by general introduction announcements from Stephanie, and our President and CEO, Scott Jackson, and then we got to work with our first session. The title was Cultivating our Diverse & Inclusive Workspace, facilitated by Britt Hogue and Blair Hayes from The Collective Good. They started their session with a question: How do you cook your rice?

The room started quiet, with people politely offering to answer first, and then the rumbling began. My table had seven people, and not a single person cooked their rice the same as me. From the type of rice they used the most, to whether or not they washed their rice, to how long they cooked their rice, not one of us used the same method.

I thought about this question often throughout the next three days. As I sat with people who were new to me, and I talked with more of my teammates, it was amazing to see, learn, and understand more about the individuals that make up Global Impact Ventures. What I found more amazing is that everyone has had such a varied life experience. From where they were born, the language they speak most, their education, to how they cook their rice, everyone is so different. This should be obvious, but it’s not always so apparent. It is astounding that so many people from such diverse backgrounds and life experiences have all come together to create such an incredible place to work.

I cannot wait to see my friends again at the next All-Staff Conference. I am so excited to see how much more united we will be, how much more our organization will transform, and all of the progress we will make together.

Here are some thoughts from my colleagues about their ASC experience:

Brent Anders: “The ASC offered valuable time to forge and strengthen new connections across GIV, paving the way for more seamless, impactful collaboration.”

Josh Maillet: “This year’s ASC was such a wonderful opportunity to connect (in person!) with all of the fun, talented, and thoughtful folks that work across GIV. Coming out of the conference, we’ve deepened our relationships with one another, our knowledge of GIV’s strategy and priorities, and built even more momentum toward achieving our shared goals.”

Nathan Tiong: “Attending this year’s All-Staff Conference has allowed me to connect with my fellow team members in a way that fosters inclusivity, inspiration, and as well as positive growth. Coming together to collaborate and learn more about each other drives the transformation and change that is to come!”

Rachel Rex: “We often say that, for our clients and partners, the quality of service and care they receive from our staff is one of the strongest selling points of GIV. That became extremely apparent to me at our All-Staff Conference. I got to see up close the smart, talented, kind people that make up our organization. Each and every person was passionate about our work, the future of our organization, and making the world a better place. I’m looking forward to seeing all these exciting ideas come to fruition!”

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