How Beer and Big Ideas Are Reshaping Leadership in Asheville
In Asheville’s vibrant leadership landscape, something special happens when minds gather monthly at Mojo Coworking. We call it Leadership on Tap – a space where leaders come together to ignite meaningful and unexpected conversations. True to Asheville’s spirit, we embrace diversity, community, and the art of keeping it a little weird, proving that unconventional approaches often lead to extraordinary leadership insights.
I discovered this firsthand as a corporate transplant, new to the mountains in the summer of 2023. What initially drew me to this unique event series was the promise of connecting with fellow leaders over local craft beverages. What kept me coming back – and ultimately inspired me to become the event organizer – was witnessing how diverse leadership perspectives could create powerful solutions to real-world challenges.
Each month, executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and aspiring managers come together to tackle pressing leadership issues. In Asheville, we believe that keeping it weird keeps it real. Our discussions venture far beyond traditional topics: from preventing burnout to exploring Human Design in organizational development. The casual atmosphere, supported by Hi-Wire Brewing and Devil’s Foot, helps break down barriers and fosters authentic conversations.
What makes these gatherings truly special is the practical value that emerges when different leadership styles and ideas intersect. A tech leader might gain fresh insights from a nonprofit director’s expertise in community-building. An entrepreneur could discover innovative approaches from a corporate leader’s toolkit. Each participant brings their unique genius to the table, and everyone walks away with actionable insights that expand their impact.
One particularly eye-opening moment came during a discussion on burnout. A specialist in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – a therapeutic practice for regulating the nervous system – shared principles that helped reframe how we can address burnout in real-time. This perspective challenged conventional corporate wellness boundaries and demonstrated the value of bridging nontraditional expertise with leadership challenges. It underscored just how vital diverse experiences are to meaningful leadership innovation.
Like any good Asheville brew, the secret is in the recipe: diverse leaders, local craft beverages, a welcoming space, and an openness to new ideas. And this recipe works – our participants consistently report finding practical solutions and building meaningful relationships.
Call to Action
Mark your calendars for our grand return on January 15, 2025, at Mojo Coworking. After a well-deserved holiday break, we’re ready to kick off another year of rich, unconventional conversations. If you’re a leader in or around Asheville, consider joining us to experience how diverse voices can broaden perspectives and spark growth. And for those inspired to create similar gatherings, remember: the secret lies in inviting unique ingredients to the table. Often, the most unexpected perspectives bring the most impactful ideas.
About the Author
As a Success Architect at Liberated Leaders, Alan leverages 20 years of experience in technology leadership and consulting to help businesses optimize their technology strategies, gain an edge, and scale their operations. He is a twice certified executive and leadership coach who firmly believes that true business transformation can only occur with mindful investment in people and technology. Find out more about Alan on our About page.
Note: This blog was 75% human generated and 25% machine (AI) generated.
