Networking and Insights After Hours with BluePoint

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a fantastic event hosted by BluePoint Venture Marketing, the PR firm behind PermissionTV. Held at their office-loft in the heart of Lexington, it was the perfect blend of networking and learning. I had the chance to meet some incredible people from local, venture-backed internet software companies that BluePoint works with.

One of the standout moments of the night was meeting Carlos Larracilla and Tom Chevalier, co-founders of People Ahead. Their platform uses intelligent technology to match employers with the right talent, making the hiring process more efficient. As someone responsible for hiring tech, creative, and client-facing talent, I can definitely see the value in this. The hiring process can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to sifting through resumes to find the right skill set and experience. The idea that a system could do the pre-screening and present you with targeted resumes feels like a huge time-saver. It’s exactly the kind of innovation we need in today’s fast-paced hiring world.

But the night wasn’t just about business. One of the most entertaining parts of the evening was the hands-on card-counting demonstration by Dave Irvine. Dave is a former member of the original MIT Blackjack Club, and he’s featured in the book Bringing Down the House and the movie 21. His stories about his time with the MIT Blackjack team had everyone hooked. It wasn’t just about learning how to count cards—it was about his journey, the strategy, and the teamwork that made it all work. He mixed humor and suspense perfectly, leaving everyone talking about it long after the event was over.

As I reflected on the night, it reminded me how important it is to get out there and connect with new people. Networking is often seen as just exchanging business cards, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about learning new perspectives, getting inspired by fresh ideas, and collaborating to create something bigger. It’s in these connections that we find growth, both personally and professionally.

BluePoint really excels at creating these kinds of environments where people can come together, share ideas, and make meaningful connections. Events like this open doors to new opportunities and can spark growth in ways you never expect. So, if you ever get the chance to attend a networking event like this, don’t hesitate. You never know who you’ll meet or what new ideas you’ll walk away with.

Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more about networking and leadership!