Building What Matters: Live Workshop
A collaborative session for people who want to build something meaningful while paying the bills — without feeling alone in the journey.
What to Expect
This isn't a lecture. It's a live, interactive workshop where we'll map out what you want to build, why it matters, and how to actually start – together.
This is for founders from early-stage to professionals looking to take the leap forward in building something new.
We'll use a shared live FigJam board where everyone contributes in real-time. You'll add your ideas, see others' responses, watch patterns emerge, and leave with a clear next step plus resources tailored to what the group actually needs.
How It Will Run
Christie Kaplan will be your facilitator throughout this 1hr session.
What — We will define what you want to build
Share your project, business, creative work, or impact idea. We'll group themes and see what's emerging in the virtual room.
Why — Uncover what's really driving you
Go beyond the pitch. What would this give you? The world? We'll connect your why to your what and spot the patterns.
How — Get practical about starting
Identify one next step you could take this week. Share what resources you need. I'll add relevant links, communities, and tools directly to the board based on what you tell me.
Blockers — Name what's stopping you
Be honest about the real blocks — fear, money, imposter syndrome, time. You'll see you're not alone in what holds you back.
Next Steps — Commit to your action
After seeing everything on the board, commit to your next move. I'll synthesize key learnings and principles to guide you forward.
What You'll Leave With
A collaborative mindset of other builders
Your specific next build action identified
Curated resources based on what the group needs
The reminder that you're not alone in wanting to build something that matters
And maybe a new friend or two
Facilitator:
Christie Kaplan is a visionary design leader, artist and entrepreneur – making her a unique voice in the intersection of business and creativity.
She brings an empathetic and authentic leadership style to her work, shaping her mission of empowering designers and founders to build with intention and a deeper purpose right from the start.
Her experience in the startup and product world is extensive. With over 12 years crafting digital products with C-Suite Executives for Startups and Fortune 500 companies, she is now bringing her expertise to founders and design founders who need it the most.
Host:
Startup Design Partners (SDP): SDP partners with ambitious founders and matches them with Top Fractional Design Cofounders, providing access to top-tier design leadership with deep expertise in each founder's specific industry. SDP supports founders throughout their entire venture journey, from idea to exit, helping them build products strategically without the high costs of attracting full-time top talent or diluting equity along the way: startupdesignpartners.com