Reading the Room: How Founders Can Think Like Therapists

A therapist and two founders walk into a room - and it turns out they may have more in common than you'd think. In the AI era, when products can be built faster than ever, one of the most important skills may also be one of the most human: empathy. This conversation brings together a practicing therapist and two founders to explore how listening and understanding what people actually need can lead to better products, better teams, and better companies. They'll unpack how the skills therapists use to really listen translate to customer discovery and leadership, where founders go wrong when they build fast but listen slow, and what it actually takes to turn real insight into something people want. The throughline: when anyone can build quickly, knowing what's actually worth building - and for whom - becomes the advantage. Expect cross-disciplinary perspectives, a few laughs, and practical takeaways for anyone who leads, builds, or simply wants to understand people better. Please note: Adding this session to your agenda does not guarantee admission. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until room capacity is reached. Austin Tech Week session. Check the official listing for badge, capacity, and any separate RSVP requirements.

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