“A dinner party is worth a thousand meetings,”
– President John Adams (the second President of the United States)
Exclusive dinners are part of our effort to engage our LP and GP investor community and advance discussions and action around fueling women-led innovation and the funds investing in them.
Each time, we focus on topics and strategies that could challenge the status quo. These events aim to highlight the robust support network that not only funds but also mentors and elevates women-led innovation to new heights.
So, how do these dinners work?
A Jeffersonian Dinner:
Also known as Jefferson’s Dinner, it’s a get-together over dinner where one meaningful conversation is shared, exchanging different perspectives. In our case, the topic to be considered was, of course, discussions and action around fueling women-led innovation and the funds investing in them.
These dinners began back in the 1800s in the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, and two centuries later this format is fantastically helpful for those seeking a thought-provoking dialogue to help make sense of our world.
How is a Jeffersonian Dinner set up?
Some simple rules:
- One Table. One Conversation. All guests should sit at a single table, and unlike the typical dinner party, guests are not encouraged to engage in one-on-one dialogues with their partners on either side. Instead, everything that is said should be directed to the entire group, as Thomas Jefferson himself ordained.
- 8-14 Guests. This is a powerful and unique setting where 8 to 14 brains on one topic; the group should represent diversity critical to the topic – whether it’s ideological, racial, ethnic, gender etc.
- A meaningful topic. It truly can be anything. It can be a cause that the host is passionate about, a challenge that is concerning, an issue that is fascinating, or it can be one of the epic issues of the ages. It’s your dinner, you pick; however the guests should have a common interest in the topic.
- A Lengthy Cocktail Hour. Unlike most dinners that are more structured, light food and alcohol were always served at Mr. Jefferson’s table.
Confidentiality. Everyone should please be very respectful that conversation is completely, entirely confidential. You’re allowed to mention the topic and the attendees in public (it’s not a secret or a conspiracy) but there should be absolutely no public or private discussion of what was said at the dinner so that everyone feels free to speak as close to the truth as they possibly can.
Agenda:
- Icebreaker. Start with a topic-related question shared ahead of the program. The purpose is for people to get to know each other, so guests are encouraged to share personal reflections, stories, passions, and experiences relevant to the evening’s theme.
- Deepening Conversations. A list of 5 to 7 questions will be provided to deepen the conversation as it progresses. Let the discussion flow naturally based on where the participants’ passions lead.
- Inclusive Participation. Ensure all guests feel welcome and have a chance to talk. The atmosphere should be more like a congenial dinner party than a formal meeting—focusing on human connections.
- Closing Thoughts. At the end of the evening, guests will have an opportunity to share something they learned, an idea that inspired them, or an item they plan to follow up on in some way.
As we continue to host these dinners, we remain committed to advancing discussions and actions that fuel women-led innovation. We invite you to join us in this endeavor, to be part of a movement that not only envisions change but actively works to realize it.
