BoxLore

The Art of Getting Unboxed

April 21-22, 2023
at The Preserve at Crooked Run, Fincastle
presented by Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council and Innovate Lynchburg

What is “BoxLore”
From the time we are young, we are socially conditioned to put parts of our lives into defined “boxes.” Education, relationships, work/career, social life and even the different roles that we have in life: mother, manager, caretaker, coach – just to name a few.

Although these boxes give us structure and boundaries, at some point those same boxes end up limiting us and keeping us from tapping into or recognizing our true potential. This retreat is for women leaders to gain a clear awareness of the boxes we create naturally and leave with major takeaways on how to become “unboxed” in our personal and professional lives.

In business, this may translate into us following the status quo, being risk-averse, being afraid of failure, and may even prevent us from applying for jobs or positions that may be a perfect fit for our talents/strengths. But the boxes aren’t real. They are the stories (BoxLore^TM, let’s say) that we tell ourselves about why we can or can’t do certain things.

What will women get out of the workshop?

• Gain awareness of the boxes impacting women leaders, their organizations and careers. Examples include:
  • Self-confidence – Lack of courage in speaking up or idea sharing
  • Creativity and innovation – Fixed vs. growth mindset
  • Risks – Going by the book, not challenging the status quo
  • Diversity and inclusion – Unconscious bias
  • Stereotypes – Being put into a category (or putting others into categories) that limits what may be possible.
  • Regulation – Assumptions made about what can or cannot be done
  • Roles – Feeling limited in career by personal/career role-based responsibilities (e.g. mother/working dad)
  • Relationships – Making assumptions around communication, interactions, social status
• Build skills to break boundaries and rebuild for success
• Learn how to adapt to rapidly changing business climates
• Gain tips on how to create a strong culture, fostering creativity and innovation
• Hear inspirational stories from other women who overcame challenges, making significant changes in their lives
• Create a network of women leaders, in tech and biotech, and gain invaluable peer connections and support

The world has changed dramatically over the last couple of years and will continue to change. To stay competitive, marketable, and relevant you need to change too. But, you can’t apply your old way of thinking if you want different and better results! You need a game-changer … but you need to get out of your own way! Change your mindset.

Ultimately, dig deep within yourself to discover who you authentically are (not what everyone has told you to be). Only then can you truly change YOUR game and unbox your thinking!

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About the Speaker

Kate Foster: Box Crusher, Coach & Facilitator, KickStart Specialists Cofounder & Principal

After spending over 20 years advancing through the ranks in corporate America, Kate began questioning her own definitions of fulfillment and possibility. Despite being afraid of heights, she ascended a Swiss Alp (armed with an ice axe and crampons no less) and had 22 hours of life-changing climbing time to contemplate the boxes that existed within her life. This feat prompted many other box-crushing events, including leaving a successful career to follow her passion and open a business with the objective of helping people along their path. Kate believes that life limitation is mostly in our heads… and if we can change our thinking… we truly can change our world!

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BoxLore is put on in collaboration with WoTech, the women’s technology group of RBTC. WoTech exists to champion and celebrate women and diversity in our region’s growing tech community with an aim to support and connect women working in technology in any season through mentoring, education, networking, and events.

WoTech includes monthly and quarterly events such as Morning Jolt, Lunch and Learn, and Power Hour.