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Why is it called Intersection 2.0?
This event brings together individuals from the far corners of the White Rhino network.
In the spring of 2009, at the urging of several individuals in his network of friends and colleagues, Al Chase, Founder of White Rhino Partners executive search firm, organized an impromptu gathering.
The 60 people who came together on that Saturday had all read Frans Johansson’s book, The Medici Effect. The book encourages men and women to climb out of their individual silos and meet at a place that Johansson called The Intersection – a place of collaboration and innovation.
Among the diverse group of individuals who came to that first gathering, called The White Rhino Intersection, were women and men from the worlds of academia, military service, finance, pharmaceuticals, consulting, software, non-profit, music, dance, entrepreneurship, marketing, advertising, private equity, homeland security and global business development.
The day involved plenary sessions interacting with speakers, breakout discussion groups, and the integration of dance and music to illustrate the themes of intersection and collaborations.
At the end of a day of learning, collaborating and “intersecting,” the group identified five key takeaways, summarized in five key words:
- Inspiration
- Courage
- Service
- Love
- Determination
The decision was made to offer a follow-up event, building on the intersection theme. Hence, Intersection 2.0 – The Heart of a Leader.
Intersection 2.0 will offer opportunities for an even larger group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, fields of study and professions to look at leadership.
Through the visit and hospitality of Microsoft Corporation, we have use of their Research and Development Center at 1 Memorial Drive in Kendall Square, Cambridge.
Each speaker will focus on a different aspect of leadership, and the arts will once again be used to highlight the themes that will be presented, using characters and songs from the Broadway musical, Les Miserables. Breakout sessions will again provide opportunities for small group interaction and collaboration.
The day will feature presentations, interactions, and performances designed to encourage each participant to move into “the intersection,” transcending traditional boundaries of industry, generation, career, discipline or world view.
Who should attend Intersection 2.0?
Anyone who is a life-long learner who enjoys rubbing shoulders with gifted thinkers and practitioners from a wide variety of disciplines.
Anyone who is committed to thinking about leadership and acting on the lesson learned in leading yourself and others to greater creativity and productivity.
Anyone who enjoys learning in a collaborative environment.
We anticipate a blend of participants from among the following groups:
- Undergraduate students from Boston, Cambridge and beyond
- Graduate students
- Faculty and staff
- Young professionals
- Senior executives
- Entrepreneurs
- Scientists
- Writers
- Active duty military, cadets and military veterans
- Artists – musicians, dancers, singers, photographers
