By Laneisha Roberts, CEO ReviewTailor
When I first heard about 1Philadelphia’s Founder Discovery Experience and Innovation Weekend, I knew it would be a unique experience. But I didn’t fully appreciate just how transformative it would be, both personally and professionally, until I was there. Over the course of the weekend, three themes stood out to me: proximity, uncommon access, and representation. Each revealed something different about what it takes to build a business, navigate challenges, and grow as a founder.
Proximity: Being in the Room
Proximity, the simple but powerful act of being in the room, is everything for founders. It’s more than just physical presence; it’s exposure to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new people who can influence your journey.
Throughout the weekend, I felt this in every conversation, panel, and workshop. Being in the same room as founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders meant that I was part of a network that could accelerate growth, not someday, but right now. Proximity opened doors I didn’t even know existed, and it reinforced a lesson I’ve carried with me for years: sometimes showing up is the boldest move you can make.
Uncommon Access: Doors That Open When You’re Ready
Beyond proximity, the weekend offered uncommon access, the kind of access that doesn’t happen for everyone and often depends on being prepared, present, and open.
Uncommon access looked like candid conversations with experienced founders, introductions to potential partners, private breakfasts, and insider insights from investors and industry leaders. One moment that stood out even before the summit began: I had made a list of Philadelphia leaders I wanted to meet to discuss potential partnerships, and the 1Philadelphia team made an on-the-spot introduction. I’m excited to see where those connections lead.
Another moment that stuck with me was a lunch with a Microsoft employee who shared a subtle “cheat code” that I would never have learned elsewhere. These weren’t just networking opportunities, they were masterclasses in strategy, mentorship, and perspective, delivered in ways only intentional spaces like this can provide.
What I realized is that uncommon access doesn’t just accelerate business outcomes; it accelerates thinking. It challenges assumptions, surfaces blind spots, and provides clarity. You have to show up ready to absorb, contribute, and act.
Representation and Belonging: Finding Your Place in Every Room
The final thread of the weekend, and perhaps the most personal for me, was representation and how it intersects with faith. Representation isn’t just about seeing people who look like you, it’s about knowing you belong in spaces where innovation, tech, and business collide. It’s about showing up fully, without hiding any part of yourself.
One of the most powerful moments of the weekend came from Stacy Spikes, founder of MoviePass, who shared his story of losing $80M in 60 days. Rather than framing it as a failure, he spoke about grabbing his Bible and reading the book of Job, a reminder that even in loss, there’s perspective, grounding, and faith to be found.
That story resonated deeply with me. No matter what rooms I enter, God still finds a way to wink at me through others. It reminded me that I don’t have to compartmentalize who I am, even in high-stakes, tech-driven environments. Faith, in this sense, becomes a steadying force, a compass when the journey feels uncertain, and a reminder that representation is about showing up fully, not just strategically.
Reflections and Takeaways
Looking back, this weekend was about more than panels or networking. It was about being seen, stretched, and supported in ways that matter for the long term. 1Philadelphia creates spaces where proximity, uncommon access, and representation intersect, equipping founders with the tools, insights, and perspective necessary to thrive.
For me, the impact is already clear:
- I’m leaving with a renewed sense of clarity about my own journey.
- I’ve gained insights and strategies I can implement immediately in my business.
- I’m part of a community that understands the value of both business outcomes and personal grounding.
Going forward, the lessons of this weekend will influence not only how I approach partnerships and growth, but also how I show up in rooms, carry my faith, and represent myself authentically as a founder. Success isn’t just about metrics, it’s about presence, access, and integrity.
If you ever get the chance to attend a 1Philadelphia experience, I encourage you to show up fully. The true value of proximity, access, and representation is realized when they connect you to the people, spaces, and perspectives that elevate your journey.
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More about the Founder Discovery Experience
At 1Philadelphia, we recognize the unique challenges entrepreneurs face when building and scaling their businesses. Through our Founder Discovery experiences, we invite founders to join us in Philadelphia to explore the city’s thriving ecosystem and expand their network. Our goal is to give participants an authentic glimpse into the city’s dynamic tech scene and provide them with needed support, resources, and connections.
For the second Founder Discovery Experience, 1PHL welcomed five entrepreneurs to Innovation Weekend 2025.
