Genesis: Catalyst Happy Hour Club

The raw idea:

“This is a new product under the podcast and media page, which I’m putting sort of all that under one area on the webpage. And it would be… I’m imagining a possible daily happy hour meeting block that I have. And anybody that I know that is a friend, co-worker, former mentor, former mentee, that has worked with me, is looking for a job, thinking of an opportunity, and wants to unwind during the time that I unwind, meaning things lined up, they can book a time in my calendar. It’s free. Of course, if I accept, they accept. If I don’t, nobody will know. But the agreement is if we both agree, we’ll get to use the content for the happy hour for the betterment of both of our careers. So, if we want to or not. So, that’s a little thing I wanted to start on the down low. I actually have started. I had a couple, but it wasn’t really clear to those. And I think that the most meaningful conversations I had were conversations that were sort of kind of off the cuff, but surprising, you know, catching up, whatever. And I think that with a little bit of structure, you can keep the genuine aspect of those conversations, but actually boost, right? The structure would act as the catalyst to optimize the value that said conversations actually generate in our lives. Because sometimes we don’t give as much importance to those little tidbits that friends tell us because we’re so emotive and we heard it, we were there when they said it and it hit us. But we never truly process. So, the structure will give us the ability to truly process and we hope that after a couple sessions, the structure becomes so simple and just part of the flow that the attendees, right, that will be part of this catalyst happy hour club will forget that it is a structured thing because the structure will just be part of the environment. So, that’s the goal and that’s what I’m doing at the beginning of the year. And, you know, for those who join me, follow me on the social networks, have access to my calendar. Of course, I’ll be the one managing at first and then just booking those sessions and I’ll be there available during those times as they are available in the calendar. If they’re not available, it’s because I’m booked. And let’s have some fun in 2025.”

Purpose

A structured yet casual platform to reconnect with friends, colleagues, mentors, mentees, and anyone in your network during a daily happy hour meeting block. These sessions aim to spark meaningful conversations, share opportunities, and reflect on insights that might otherwise get lost in the flow of day-to-day interactions.

By combining a natural, unwinding atmosphere with light structure, these conversations will not only help participants catch up but also generate actionable takeaways to advance personal and professional goals.

How It Works

1. Daily Happy Hour Block:

• Set on your calendar as an open time block for connections.

• Participants can request a time slot directly from your calendar link (e.g., via Calendly or Google Calendar).

2. Mutual Agreement:

• You and the participant must both accept the session.

• If either declines, no notifications or details are shared, maintaining discretion.

3. Content for Mutual Benefit:

• If both parties agree, the insights or ideas discussed during the session can be shared publicly (e.g., through podcast clips, blog posts, or social media) to benefit both careers.

• Participation in this content-sharing aspect is entirely optional.

4. Focus on Flow and Structure:

• Conversations maintain a natural flow but follow a subtle structure designed to maximize their value.

• Over time, the structure will become intuitive, blending seamlessly into the discussions.

Goals for 2025

• Rebuild Connections: Strengthen ties with your network in a meaningful, intentional way.

• Catalyze Careers: Use shared insights and opportunities to uplift participants, whether through job opportunities, creative ideas, or collaboration.

• Create Content Naturally: Generate authentic, actionable content that showcases the value of collaboration, mentorship, and conversation.

Next Steps for Implementation

1. Set Up the Platform:

• Add a dedicated section for the Catalyst Happy Hour Club under the podcast and media area on your webpage.

• Include a description of the initiative, instructions for joining, and a link to your booking calendar.

2. Design the Workflow:

• Use tools like Calendly to streamline bookings and approvals.

• Prepare a light framework or questions to guide conversations organically.

3. Promote Soft Launch:

• Share this opportunity with close friends, collaborators, and mentees through private channels or direct invitations.

• Gradually expand visibility via social media, blog posts, or podcast mentions.

4. Iterate and Evolve:

• Gather feedback after a few sessions to refine the structure.

• Document key takeaways to share with participants and assess what could enhance future conversations.

This initiative aligns beautifully with your broader goals of fostering collaboration, creating value through structured interactions, and generating impactful content. By combining accessibility, mutual benefit, and intentional design, the Catalyst Happy Hour Club has the potential to become a signature feature of your brand.