Coming Together in Atlanta for the CREW Gathering

Last week, I had the privilege of attending my first national CREW gathering, an event that brought together senior executives and leaders from diverse industries across the global landscape. This gathering was more than just a conference—it was an immersive experience that fostered meaningful connections, sparked insightful discussions, and featured keynote sessions that challenged conventional thinking.

From cutting-edge AI innovations to deep dives into the shifting geopolitical landscape, the event served as a powerful testament to the impact of collaboration, leadership, and continuous learning.

A Special Thanks to the Organizers

A massive shoutout to Adam McGraw, Andy McGraw, Sherry Ulrig, Cal Fussman, and Donny Hyatt for their incredible work organizing and executing such a well-structured, engaging, and high-impact event. Hosting the conference at Trillith in Fayetteville, Georgia, added an extra layer of inspiration—the setting itself fostered creativity, connection, and an environment that encouraged both personal reflection and professional growth.

The consensus among attendees was clear: this was time exceptionally well spent.

Key Highlights & Noteworthy Moments

One of the standout aspects of the event was the intentionality behind its structure. Adam and Andy McGraw, the visionary founders behind CREW, displayed their ability to seamlessly navigate challenges and create a well-balanced, engaging experience for all participants.

Their heartfelt opening remarks set the tone for the conference, making a point that truly resonated:

“Many of us in attendance identify as ‘introverted extroverts,’ and the event was thoughtfully designed to accommodate that—offering space to recharge, structured downtime, and moments for smaller, more meaningful interactions. This intentional planning allowed attendees to fully engage while maintaining their energy throughout the gathering.”

This level of thoughtfulness made a noticeable impact, creating an experience where leaders could learn, connect, and contribute at their highest levels.

Challenging the Norm: Groundbreaking Insights

Beyond the powerful networking and structured discussions, the keynote speakers truly pushed boundaries and challenged traditional ways of thinking that aligned with Point Monarch and my company's values.

• AI & Leadership Innovation
  We were introduced to groundbreaking AI applications by Jared Zelman, CEO and Founder of Cicero. Cicero is revolutionizing the way organizations capture and utilize institutional knowledge, enabling businesses to create virtual replicas of their leadership teams to enhance decision-making and retain expertise at scale. The potential implications for organizational growth and efficiency are incredibly exciting.

• Geopolitical Insights & Global Strategy
  We also gained valuable geopolitical perspectives from Ozan Ozkural, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Tanto Capital Partners. As a prominent geopolitical commentator, regularly featured by major media outlets and a participant in global forums like the Davos World Economic Forum, Ozkural provided critical insights into the shifting geopolitical landscape and its implications for global markets and business strategy.

These conversations weren’t just theoretical exercises—they were actionable discussions that equipped us with new frameworks, strategies, and insights to bring back to our respective organizations.

Final Reflections: A Leadership Experience Like No Other

As I reflect on my first CREW gathering, I feel deeply grateful for the connections made, the thought-provoking conversations, and the inspiration I took away. This experience reinforced an essential truth:

Leadership is an ongoing journey—one that requires continuous learning, self-awareness, and a strong network of peers who challenge and support each other.

I’m excited about the future of CREW and look forward to the next gathering, where we can continue to elevate leadership, collaboration, and innovation together.

What Were Your Key Takeaways?

For those who attended, what were the moments that stood out to you? Let’s continue the conversation, reach out—I’d love to hear your reflections!