This summer at Venture Café Phoenix, we’re inviting you to go on a journey with us, into the real, unfiltered stories of entrepreneurship.
Launching June 25th and running weekly through September 3rd, our Founder Journeys Summer Series will feature a different founder from our community each week in an intimate fireside chat format, moderated by the Venture Café Phoenix team.
Together, we’ll explore how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, where they found funding, and what they’re building next. But beyond the startup story, we’ll go deeper, into the role community has played in shaping their path.
We’ll ask founders how engaging with Venture Café has impacted their journey, where they are today because of those connections, and what support has mattered most along the way. And just as importantly, we’ll explore how they want to give back, how they can support the broader ecosystem as it continues to grow.
This series is designed to be a two-way conversation between founders and community: learning from those building in real time, and strengthening the network that helps them (and all of us) move forward together.
Sponsored by: Extraordinary Network
This LEGO® Serious Play® workshop is designed for business leaders seeking innovative decision-making approaches through hands-on building and storytelling. The neuroscience-based method combines analytical thinking with intuition, using 3D models and metaphors to help participants discover authentic solutions during pivotal organizational moments. You'll build models representing your challenges, share stories through your creations, and connect with fellow participants in new ways. This immersive experience unlocks innovation and hidden insights by tapping into knowledge you didn't know you had. No special skills required—just bring curiosity and experience how simple bricks can unlock extraordinary ideas through serious fun.
"Shape the Future Before It Shapes You
Kick off the evening with an exclusive opportunity to meet futurist and author Mike Johns and CEO, strategist, and author Douglas S. Griffen before their featured conversation, The Day PHX Stood Still: AI, the Future of Work & Business.
When: 4:30–5:30 PM
What: Author Meet & Greet, Networking, and Book Signing (Death of a Job and Foresight 2030)
🎁 Early Bird Bonus: The first 10 people through the door will receive a complimentary autographed copy of the authors' books! Arrive early to claim yours.
Why This Matters
Artificial intelligence and shifting workforce dynamics aren’t just changing the business landscape—they are rewriting the rules of survival. Over the next five years, the decisions you make will dictate whether your organization thrives or gets left behind.
This isn't just a book signing; it’s your chance to get ahead of the curve. By connecting directly with two of the sharpest thought leaders in tech and business strategy, you will gain actionable insights to future-proof your career, protect your business, and leverage emerging technologies to your advantage.
Prepare: Grab your copies of Death of a Job and Foresight 2030 before Venture Cafe Phoenix, so you can get your copies signed.
Arrive early to Venture Café Phoenix for your chance to connect with Joey Palomarez, Founder & CEO of The Spaghetti Shack. Come gain insights on how to scale & organize sales pipelines & funnels.
Mentor Hours meetings begin at 4:30pm and run in 15-minute slots
Please note: Mentor Hours are first come first served and must be done on-site at the event. A sign-up sheet will be located at the room where the mentor is stationed, so be sure to stop by early to secure your spot.
In partnership with Resolution Resource Group
Arrive early to Venture Café Phoenix for your chance to connect with Brian Burt, Partner and Chair of Emerging Business Group at Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. , during Mentor Hours. Meetings begin at 4:30pm and run in 15-minute slots.
These mentor hours will take place at Venture Café Phoenix and you will be connecting with Brian virtually.
Please note: Mentor Hours are first come first served and must be done on-site at the event. A sign-up sheet will be located at the room where the mentor is stationed, so be sure to stop by early to secure your spot.
In partnership with Resolution Resource Group
From Dream to Doors Open: Real Lessons for Women Entrepreneurs Building Through Uncertainty
Behind every growing business is a founder making tough decisions, solving problems, and learning in real time. Sue Rigler will share candid lessons from launching and growing Hundred Mile Brewing Company, including what it takes to move beyond the dream, build strong systems, lead with clarity, stay financially aware, and create a brand rooted in hospitality, culture, community, and purpose. This session will offer real-world insight into resilience, leadership, and the courage it takes to keep building through uncertainty.
Sponsored by: Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation
In Partnership with Alimental Business
Join futurist Mike Johns and strategist Douglas S. Griffen, moderated by entrepreneur and innovation leader Jonathan ""Yoni"" Frenkel, for a timely conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work, business, and leadership. This fireside chat explores what organizations, entrepreneurs, and professionals must do today to prepare for a rapidly changing landscape where technology is reshaping industries, redefining careers, and creating new opportunities for growth. Hear the lessons learned, insights gained, and predictions formed from years spent helping businesses navigate disruption, emerging technologies, and strategic change. From AI literacy and workforce transformation to long-term foresight and innovation strategy, this discussion offers practical perspectives on staying relevant and competitive in an uncertain future. Whether you're a founder, executive, investor, educator, or curious innovator, this conversation provides an inside look at the trends shaping tomorrow—and how to position yourself and your organization to thrive in the years ahead.
This summer at Venture Café Phoenix, we’re inviting you to go on a journey with us, into the real, unfiltered stories of entrepreneurship.
Launching June 25th and running weekly through September 3rd, our Founder Journeys Summer Series will feature a different founder from our community each week in an intimate fireside chat format, moderated by the Venture Café Phoenix team.
Together, we’ll explore how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, where they found funding, and what they’re building next. But beyond the startup story, we’ll go deeper, into the role community has played in shaping their path.
We’ll ask founders how engaging with Venture Café has impacted their journey, where they are today because of those connections, and what support has mattered most along the way. And just as importantly, we’ll explore how they want to give back, how they can support the broader ecosystem as it continues to grow.
This series is designed to be a two-way conversation between founders and community: learning from those building in real time, and strengthening the network that helps them (and all of us) move forward together.
Sponsored by: Extraordinary Network
This LEGO® Serious Play® workshop is designed for business leaders seeking innovative decision-making approaches through hands-on building and storytelling. The neuroscience-based method combines analytical thinking with intuition, using 3D models and metaphors to help participants discover authentic solutions during pivotal organizational moments. You'll build models representing your challenges, share stories through your creations, and connect with fellow participants in new ways. This immersive experience unlocks innovation and hidden insights by tapping into knowledge you didn't know you had. No special skills required—just bring curiosity and experience how simple bricks can unlock extraordinary ideas through serious fun.
"Shape the Future Before It Shapes You
Kick off the evening with an exclusive opportunity to meet futurist and author Mike Johns and CEO, strategist, and author Douglas S. Griffen before their featured conversation, The Day PHX Stood Still: AI, the Future of Work & Business.
When: 4:30–5:30 PM
What: Author Meet & Greet, Networking, and Book Signing (Death of a Job and Foresight 2030)
🎁 Early Bird Bonus: The first 10 people through the door will receive a complimentary autographed copy of the authors' books! Arrive early to claim yours.
Why This Matters
Artificial intelligence and shifting workforce dynamics aren’t just changing the business landscape—they are rewriting the rules of survival. Over the next five years, the decisions you make will dictate whether your organization thrives or gets left behind.
This isn't just a book signing; it’s your chance to get ahead of the curve. By connecting directly with two of the sharpest thought leaders in tech and business strategy, you will gain actionable insights to future-proof your career, protect your business, and leverage emerging technologies to your advantage.
Prepare: Grab your copies of Death of a Job and Foresight 2030 before Venture Cafe Phoenix, so you can get your copies signed.
Arrive early to Venture Café Phoenix for your chance to connect with Joey Palomarez, Founder & CEO of The Spaghetti Shack. Come gain insights on how to scale & organize sales pipelines & funnels.
Mentor Hours meetings begin at 4:30pm and run in 15-minute slots
Please note: Mentor Hours are first come first served and must be done on-site at the event. A sign-up sheet will be located at the room where the mentor is stationed, so be sure to stop by early to secure your spot.
In partnership with Resolution Resource Group
Arrive early to Venture Café Phoenix for your chance to connect with Brian Burt, Partner and Chair of Emerging Business Group at Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. , during Mentor Hours. Meetings begin at 4:30pm and run in 15-minute slots.
These mentor hours will take place at Venture Café Phoenix and you will be connecting with Brian virtually.
Please note: Mentor Hours are first come first served and must be done on-site at the event. A sign-up sheet will be located at the room where the mentor is stationed, so be sure to stop by early to secure your spot.
In partnership with Resolution Resource Group
From Dream to Doors Open: Real Lessons for Women Entrepreneurs Building Through Uncertainty
Behind every growing business is a founder making tough decisions, solving problems, and learning in real time. Sue Rigler will share candid lessons from launching and growing Hundred Mile Brewing Company, including what it takes to move beyond the dream, build strong systems, lead with clarity, stay financially aware, and create a brand rooted in hospitality, culture, community, and purpose. This session will offer real-world insight into resilience, leadership, and the courage it takes to keep building through uncertainty.
Sponsored by: Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation
In Partnership with Alimental Business
Join futurist Mike Johns and strategist Douglas S. Griffen, moderated by entrepreneur and innovation leader Jonathan ""Yoni"" Frenkel, for a timely conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work, business, and leadership. This fireside chat explores what organizations, entrepreneurs, and professionals must do today to prepare for a rapidly changing landscape where technology is reshaping industries, redefining careers, and creating new opportunities for growth. Hear the lessons learned, insights gained, and predictions formed from years spent helping businesses navigate disruption, emerging technologies, and strategic change. From AI literacy and workforce transformation to long-term foresight and innovation strategy, this discussion offers practical perspectives on staying relevant and competitive in an uncertain future. Whether you're a founder, executive, investor, educator, or curious innovator, this conversation provides an inside look at the trends shaping tomorrow—and how to position yourself and your organization to thrive in the years ahead.