Q&A with CLT Tech Power Couples: The Van Fleet Edition

Charlotte is host to a number of annual and semi-annual tech conferences, and organizing them is a difficult, often thankless job. It’s this kind of selfless behavior that makes our tech community powerful and inclusive. As the community grows – positively – it’s turning local organizers of said conferences into power-houses in the tech community. Many of those organizers are couples that band together to entice startup folks and angel investors to Charlotte. Enter Megan and Jim Van Fleet.

Megan is a stay-at-home mom. Jim is a startup founder and, I might add, has the best startup newsletter in town.Despite her pint-sizeynessMegan’s upbeat attitude and tireless work toward making the Charlotte tech scene stronger is what makes her half of one gnarly power couple. So, without further adieu, I present to you this Q&A with Megan Van Fleet:

CL: What events have you organized in the last 18 months?
MVF: Charlotte StartUp Weekend, currently working on BarCampCLT

CL: The name of Jim’s startup:
MVF: LaunchPad Code Academy

CL: How many events have you organized, and how long have you been at it?
MVF: Charlotte StartUp Weekend for three events; I’ve volunteered with Ignite Charlotte for three events and BarcampCLT for two events

CL: What is the No. 1 thing that makes you so awesome?
MVF: It’s hard to narrow it down. Probably the company I keep.

CL: Where did you get the idea to begin organizing?
MVF: When I decided to leave my job to stay home with my son JJ, I didn’t feel like I would be fulfilled doing baby stuff all day. So I looked around for volunteer opportunities in Charlotte with organizations and events that interested me. My husband had been a co-organizer of CSW before that, and I loved the energy surrounding the event. I also knew that they needed help with the little details, which is one of my strengths, so I saw it as a natural fit. My role has grown each year.

CL: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through organizing?
MVF: It’s important not to force a fit between you and an event/organization. Consider what you’re passionate about, and look for organizations involved in those areas. You’re likely to be more motivated to help out and follow through.

CL: What is the one piece of tech you couldn’t live without?
MVF: My iPhone. I use it for everything. Every crack in the glass has a story (the story usually ends with, “…and then JJ threw my phone.”) Also, power strips.