I’m just back from speaking at Festival de las Ideas 2023 in Puebla, Mexico, where I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts and ideas with an engaged audience of thousands.
The speaker lineup was off the charts
Fellow speakers included film icon James Cameron, Danielle Feinberg from PIXAR, engineer and astronaut Kat Echazarreta, Jordan Peterson, author Dorie Clark, researcher Rahaf Harfoush, and many others. I had the opportunity to attend many of the other talks and I took pages of notes. (I’m going to share some ideas in another post.)
The informal conversations were just as (or more) valuable
The event organizers also did a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere that encouraged networking and collaboration. There were plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other speakers and attendees, whether it was over a cup of coffee or at one of the many social events. I found these informal conversations to be just as valuable as the formal talks, as they allowed me to learn about different perspectives and to build relationships with other passionate people.
The location was stimulating in and of itself
The festival’s location in Puebla, Mexico was also a highlight. Puebla is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, from the stunning architecture of the city’s historic center to the local cuisine. It was also fascinating to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing Mexico, and to hear from local experts about how they are working to build a better future.
The attendees brought the energy
But ultimately, what made the Festival de las Ideas 2023 such a memorable experience for me was the enthusiasm and curiosity of the attendees. It was clear that those who attended were genuinely interested in learning and growing, and that made for an inspiring atmosphere. Whether I was speaking on stage or chatting with someone during a break, I always felt that I was among people who shared my passion for ideas and action.
Speaking at Festival de las Ideas 2023 in Puebla, Mexico was one of those “pinch me because I can’t believe I get to do this” moments. I left feeling inspired, energized, and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something so unique. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this event and for the community of thinkers and innovators that it has brought together.
The key lesson I’m taking from the event is this: it’s critical to put yourself in environments where you are challenged, stimulated, and dared to dream about what’s possible. And ideally, to do so in the company of other dreamers.
