Career Mentoring Los Angeles

What’s Holding Me Back? — First Conversation

### What’s Holding Me Back? — First Conversation This first gathering is centered on one question: **What’s holding me back?** For many of us, the problem isn’t lack of experience, intelligence, education, motivation, or willingness to work. We may have spent decades building careers, judgment, skills, contacts, and financial resources. And yet we’re stuck. Why? Is it fear of failure? Too many options? Loss of structure? Perfectionism? Risk aversion? Age? Lack of confidence? Not knowing where to start? Not having the right people around us? Being conditioned for years to look for jobs rather than create income? Or something else entirely? This is not a brainstorming session about business ideas—at least not yet. The goal is to have an honest conversation with other experienced professionals about **why capable, motivated people can become paralyzed at this stage of their working lives**, and what may be getting in our own way. This is not a self help group. It's just my way of trying to get unstuck by meeting and talking to likeminded people. I ultimately want this to lead to something professionally. Ideally a situation where I'm not trying to do whatever is next on my own - which I think is a major limiting factor for myself. I'm not creating a cult. No pitches. No presentations. No need to have answers. Just a small group of people trying to understand the question together.

Networking with Professionals in a multitude of industries!

Networking with Professionals

Living an authentic life - Part 1

Early Career in Data, Data Science & AI

**Early Career in Data,** **Data Science** **& AI** Beyond the headline news, we'll discuss what using AI actually looks like at work, how to stand out as an early-career candidate, learning opportunities, AI for python coding and the latest hiring trends across data and AI. No matter your technical knowledge base, you'll find this session helpful. This is an in-person event and co-hosted by Ray Toal (professor at LMU) and Loyola Marymount University. Our meeting will take place at Doolan Hall, Room 219. https://www.lmu.edu/resources/campusmaps/westchester/

Speed Pitching: Find Your Dream Team l a16z SF TechWeek

Calling technical founders, builders, operators! What if the person you need to build your next big idea is already in the room? **Must register at partiful: [https://partiful.com/e/LEvETTMfnJO8ZU0LGJhg?c=Lxxa7mhc](https://partiful.com/e/LEvETTMfnJO8ZU0LGJhg?c=Lxxa7mhc)** Speed Pitching: Find Your Dream Team flips traditional networking on its head. Instead of exchanging business cards and making small talk, participants get the ONE minute to pitch themselves, their ideas, or what they’re looking to build - then connect with people who bring the complementary skills, experience, capital, or vision they need. **❯ Whether you’re:** \* 🚀 A founder looking for a co-founder or early team member \* 🧠 A builder, engineer, designer, or operator looking for your next project \* 💡 An aspiring entrepreneur searching for the right idea or team \* 💰 An investor looking to discover emerging talent and opportunities \* 🌎 A professional looking to expand your network and find your next collaboration It’s a matchmaking room for people who want to build. Come with an idea, a skill, a problem you want to solve - or simply an open mind. Bring your pitch. Find your people. Build what’s next. **❯ About Host** [Serephina](https://www.linkedin.com/in/serephina-ha/) is a VC-backed founder turned investor based in San Francisco - MIT alum. She is General Partner at [Axci Capital](https://www.linkedin.com/company/axcicapital/), Series A+ DeepTech VC firm and Managing Director at Founder Institute LA & Boston. Apply to the [Founder Institute Fall 2026 cohort](https://fi.co/los-angeles) led by Serephina Ha. **❯❯ Must register at partiful: [https://partiful.com/e/LEvETTMfnJO8ZU0LGJhg?c=Lxxa7mhc](https://partiful.com/e/LEvETTMfnJO8ZU0LGJhg?c=Lxxa7mhc)**

In Person and ON ZOOM! Whatever you wish!!

Isn't it TIME for you to try something new? Something that can improve your confidence and possibly change your life? There's a reason Toastmasters has survived for 100 years and become a world-wide organization. Attend a meeting and see why! Come in person OR join via Zoom. https://commonspace.toastmastersclubs.org

Mailbox Power Users: Are You Maximizing Your Account?

**Dive deep into your Mailbox Power account and unlock all the hidden perks you didn’t know you had!** ## **[ATTEND LIVE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL ON ZOOM](https://mailboxmarketingworkshop.com)** **Join us in-person (limited seating) or live on Zoom.** **Date & Time: Saturday, October 03, 2026 at 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)** **You already have the tool, now let’s help you actually use it to grow your business.** **[Click HERE and join us for a FREE Mailbox Power Success Workshop](https://mailboxmarketingworkshop.com) designed to help you connect with customers, stay top of mind, and create more opportunities.** **Bring:** * **Your computer** * **Your questions** * **Your first 10 contacts** **We’ll start with those 10 contacts and walk through the system together. We’ll have educators available live and on Zoom to help answer your questions and guide you through the process.** **Whether you’re brand new or have had an account for years, this workshop is all about helping you get more value from the platform. Come learn, ask questions, and take action!** **Let’s turn your contacts into customers.** **[REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND](https://mailboxmarketingworkshop.com)!**

Los Angeles Rapid Dating for Young Professionals on Zoom

**Updated schedule: we have moved the start to 2:00 PM on October 4.** Private virtual meetings with residents of Los Angeles. [Register Below](https://juniper-7e665.theliveround.com/product?productId=658.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Los%20Angeles&groupurlname=level-up-your-esports-skills-together&face_v=7.0)

Prediction Markets: Beyond the Bet

Prediction markets allow people to trade on whether a future event will happen, from election outcomes and interest rate decisions to economic indicators and business events. While prediction markets have been around for years, they’re rapidly evolving beyond betting and speculation. Growing participation, new technology, regulatory changes, and the rise of AI are expanding their potential uses for forecasting, risk management, financial products, data, and decision making. Maria Cannizzo, Founder & CEO of Kelvon, will break down how prediction markets work, what’s driving their growth, who’s participating, and where the industry is headed. She’ll also explore the challenges created by a market that is currently fragmented across different platforms, contracts, terminology, and settlement rules — and how new infrastructure is being built to help businesses reliably tap into prediction market data and intelligence. Whether you already follow prediction markets or are simply wondering what all the buzz is about, this conversation will offer an accessible look at this emerging financial and technology ecosystem and why its potential may extend well beyond the bet. **About Maria Cannizzo** Maria Cannizzo is the Founder and CEO of Kelvon, an intelligent infrastructure and data platform for event and prediction markets. She has spent more than 15 years building enterprise financial technology at both large corporations and early-stage startups, with experience developing and scaling global FinTech infrastructure across traditional finance and digital assets. Today, she is building Kelvon for a future where event markets are embedded across financial products, AI systems, data platforms, and enterprise applications. **Networking** Come early to connect with fellow founders, technologists, creatives, and community members. Friday Coffee Meetup is as much about the people in the room as it is about the conversation on stage. FoundrSpace Coworking: 87 North Raymond Avenue · Pasadena, CA Street parking is available and there is a Public Parking lot 1 block north of the building. Accessibility: FoundrSpace is located in a historical building without elevator access. If you require assistance, please email pasadena@foundrspace.com and admin@innovatepasadena.org by September 25th.

Rise & Grow with BNI Early Bird Business Growers

Join BNI Early Bird Business Growers for a dynamic and informative event focused on mastering small business marketing strategies. This dynamic and engaging **IN-PERSON event** is built for **entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals** who want to grow their business through powerful relationships and high-quality referrals. ✨ Whether you're launching a new business or scaling an existing one, this is your chance to: * Expand your network with like-minded professionals * Showcase your business in front of potential referral partners * Learn how referral marketing can take your business to lightspeed 🚀 **RSVP now and join us Thursday! Bring a guest (or 2) with you 😉** [--> CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION <--](https://socalbni.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=40122) We’re especially looking to connect with professionals in these industries: * **Legal:** Family Law, Elder, Business, or Real Estate Attorneys * **Home Services:** Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC * **Real Estate & Finance:** Property Management, Payroll, Human Resources * **Health & Wellness:** Chiropractors, Fitness Trainers, Estheticians, Acupuncturist * **Creative Services:** Graphic Designers, Event Planners, Coaches, Photographers Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network, gain valuable knowledge with our dynamic members, and connect with other professionals in an IN-PERSON setting.

Expand The Business Weekly

**Get the inside scoop on boosting your biz with fresh tips and weekly hacks to level up your game.** **Expand The Business Weekly** ## **[Grow Your Business Every Wednesday — Free Live Training with Casey Eberhart](https://expandthebusinessweekly.com/)** **Looking for practical strategies to grow your business, generate more revenue, and connect with other ambitious entrepreneurs?** **Join Casey Eberhart every Wednesday at 9:00 AM Pacific for Expand The Business Weekly—a live online business growth session packed with actionable marketing strategies, business insights, valuable networking opportunities, and real-world advice you can implement immediately.** **Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, consultant, coach, or sales professional, you'll leave every session with new ideas to help you grow your business faster.** ### **What You'll Learn** **Every week, Casey shares practical strategies and resources to help you:** * **Increase your revenue** * **Build a stronger marketing strategy** * **Expand your audience reach** * **Save time with powerful business tools** * **Simplify your business operations** * **Discover new opportunities for growth** * **Grow your professional network** * **Connect with Casey's network of experts and business leaders** ### **What You'll Gain** **Growth Strategies** **Learn proven marketing and business development tactics that help you attract more customers and scale your business.** **Expert Insights** **Gain practical advice, industry trends, and real-world lessons from Casey and guest experts.** **Networking Opportunities** **Meet entrepreneurs, professionals, and potential strategic partners who are serious about growing.** **Business Resources** **Discover valuable tools, collaborations, and opportunities that can accelerate your success.** ### **Event Details** **When: Every Wednesday** **Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Time** **Location: Online (Live)** **Cost: 100% FREE** **[REGISTER HERE FOR FREE!](https://expandthebusinessweekly.com/)** **Can't attend every week? Register anyway and receive a reminder before each live session so you never miss an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.** **If you're ready to generate more revenue, expand your network, and build a stronger business, reserve your free spot today and join us live every Wednesday.** **We look forward to seeing you there!**

Pasadena Tech Happy Hour

**Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month for an evening of networking and community building in the heart of Pasadena.** We're fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem that's accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience. **Here's what you can expect:** * **Connect with fellow tech professionals:** Meet entrepreneurs, investors, designers, developers, and more. * **Showcase your talent:** Whether you're seeking funding, looking for collaborators, or simply want to connect with like-minded individuals, this is the place to be. * **Access valuable resources:** Discover opportunities, learn about local events, and find support for your tech endeavors. **Part of a Larger Community** The Pasadena Tech Happy Hour is part of Innovate Pasadena, a thriving Los Angeles tech community dedicated to learning, networking, and achieving shared goals. **What to Bring:** * **Business cards or a LinkedIn profile** (optional, but highly recommended!) **Come ready to connect, collaborate, and grow within Pasadena's dynamic tech scene.**