​Ever wondered what happens when a product leader swaps SaaS dashboards for non-profit boardrooms?

​Join Blair Reeves — HubSpot pro by day, Carolina Forward leader by night — as he unpacks the unexpected parallels (and pitfalls) between building products and building movements.

​From global development to powerlifting, Blair’s journey is anything but linear, and his lessons are tailor-made for founders and aspiring founders who know that launching a startup is equal parts strategy, grit, and improvisation.

​Expect candid stories, sharp insights, and a few laughs about what product management can teach you about leading with purpose—whether your next venture is for profit or for good. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to build something that matters, this is the session you’ll want to catch.

​Speakers

​Blair Reeves

​I live with my wife and daughter in North Carolina. By day, I work at a company called HubSpot. By night, I lead Carolina Forward. In between, I do other stuff too.

​I studied at the University of Virginia and later Duke. I was once a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, and later worked in several other countries in the global development industry. Whatever I’m doing right this second, I’d probably rather be backcountry hiking.

​Broadly, I am interested in economics, history, how ideas spread, good books, the Civilization and Fallout video game franchises, parenting, certain strains of politics, and powerlifting.

​Moderated by Catie King

​Catie King is the founder of Stradia Partners, a boutique consulting agency that helps organizations consolidate their data and put it to work with revenue-driving AI. She has advised Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and startups on operational optimization and technology strategy, and is passionate about designing practical, scalable solutions to complex challenges. Before founding Stradia, Catie spent a decade as a product manager and leader at companies like Automated Insights and TransLoc, and most recently served as Head of Product at the private jet company flyExclusive. When she’s not working, she’s traveling with her wife Lindsey or relaxing by the lake at home in Durham, NC.

​Location

​Fullsteam ATC

​320 Blackwell St #101, Durham, NC 27701

​Parking

​Free parking is available at the American Tobacco Campus North Deck, courtesy of CBC Real Estate.

• ​Map to: 305 W Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701

• ​Use the 2nd floor and above. (Please do not park on first floor.)

​QUESTIONS?

​This session is part of Raleigh-Durham Startup Week. Click here to learn more about the event, plus get answers to your FAQs.

​TRACK SUPPORTER

​Thank you to Pendo for supporting the Product & Design Track at #RDSW26!