2024: A Year of Building Bridges and Breaking Boundaries
As I reflect on 2024, I'm struck by how a single conversation can change the trajectory of your entire year. Last December, while working the front desk at an Eligent Club event, I met Matt Black—a serial entrepreneur who would become a pivotal figure in my professional journey. His simple question, "What is your superpower?" sparked a transformation that would define my 2024.
From Front Desk to Frontier Tech
What started as a chance meeting evolved into an extraordinary opportunity with FounderAI, where we're revolutionizing the startup ecosystem. As Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, US, I've been at the forefront of developing a platform that combines 200+ years of senior team experience with cutting-edge AI technology to help startups navigate the critical journey from zero to seed funding.
The Birth of "Real Talk with Riggles"
This year also marked the launch of my weekly blog series, "Real Talk with Riggles." What began as a personal commitment to continuous learning has evolved into a platform for sharing authentic insights from the entrepreneurial frontier. From exploring the cosmic parallels of business strategy to diving deep into AI's impact on startups, each post reflects my journey of discovery and growth.
Key Milestones That Shaped 2024:
1. Expanding Horizons with iXperience
Celebrating two years with iXperience has been a highlight, evolving from a summer program participant to a Campus Development Associate. This role has allowed me to help students forge their own unconventional paths while strengthening ties between Hult International Business School and iX's transformative programs.
2. Knowledge Sharing & Community Building
Throughout the year, I've had the privilege of:
Attending numerous startup events and conferences, from Microsoft's AI discussions to Startup Boston Week to Harvard University's X Women in Entrepreneurship event
Returning to my high school to mentor young innovators
Providing hands-on consulting support to local small businesses in my community, helping them navigate growth challenges and implement innovative solutions
Working directly with community entrepreneurs to help them build sustainable business models and access resources for growth
3. Global Impact
My commitment to empowerment extended beyond business borders when I traveled to Kenya, working with women entrepreneurs to provide business skills and resources. While also being able to raise over $3,000 for the community itself; encouraging and supporting them. This experience reinforced my belief in entrepreneurship as a tool for positive change.
Lessons Learned:
Innovation Knows No Boundaries: From our work at FounderAI to insights shared in my blog, 2024 taught me that the most significant opportunities often lie at the intersection of different industries and ideas.
The Power of Authentic Connection: Whether through my blog posts or mentoring sessions, I've learned that real impact comes from sharing genuine experiences and lessons learned.
Execution Trumps Ideas: As I wrote in one of my most impactful posts, "We Don't Compete on Ideas, We Compete on Execution." This principle has guided my approach to every project and initiative.
Looking Forward to 2025
As I stand at the threshold of a new year, I'm more excited than ever about the possibilities ahead. The foundations laid in 2024—from our work with FounderAI to the growing community around "Real Talk with Riggles"—provide a launching pad for even greater impact.
My goals for 2025 include:
Expanding FounderAI's reach and impact in the US market
Use my most recent VC Fellowship to push me towards more unique opportunities
Growing the "Real Talk with Riggles" platform to reach more entrepreneurs
Deepening our partnerships with educational institutions and startup ecosystems
Continuing to bridge the gap between traditional business practices and innovative solutions
A Note of Gratitude
To everyone who has been part of this journey—from Matt Black who saw potential in a front desk volunteer, to every reader of "Real Talk with Riggles," to the countless entrepreneurs and students I've had the privilege to work with—thank you. Your support, engagement, and trust have made 2024 a year of unprecedented growth and impact.
As we move into 2025, I remain committed to sharing authentic insights, building meaningful connections, and working towards a future where entrepreneurship serves as a force for positive change.
Here's to continuing to build bridges, break boundaries, and create opportunities for others to do the same.
