The Importance of SXSW and now my responsibility

Posted by coffeyac on Monday, March 19, 2018 in Roberts Blog.

This past week, I had the honor to present at SXSW in Austin, Texas. For those who don’t know South by Southwest — or its cool acronym SXSW — it’s one of the top innovation and entrepreneurial conferences in the world, often drawing more than 500,000 visitors to Austin, Texas, for a two-week period each year to explore innovation, film, and music. What CES is to electronics and JP Morgan Conference is to healthcare, SXSW is to tech entrepreneurship.

Being part of this group opened my eyes to what is possible. It is very rare to be surrounded by so many people who are so passionate and intelligent across a diverse variety of sectors. They’re drawn together with the shared passion to develop solutions, especially technological ones, that improve the way we live.

This experience again reminded me that technology has no barriers and, when you embrace diversity, the greatest innovation occurs. From quantum computing and the new X Prize hosted by Whurley to understanding the grit and determination that is needed to scale El Capitan —as highlighted by the six-year journey of legendary rock climber Tommy Caldwell — this conference reinvigorated me. I made me realize what is possible and what you can achieve when you “throw the bowlines,” leave the safe harbor of complacency, and pursue the path last charted.

As I return to Vanderbilt University, I am grateful to have shared my vision for what we are trying to create in Nashville, a catalyst for developing a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive innovation and ecosystem. I am also reinvigorated as I realize that there is so much more left to achieve. From fostering even greater collaborations with our external community to pursuing even more audacious innovation and entrepreneurial projects, the Wond’ry can truly become a beacon and trendsetter for our community.

Moreover, I am personally challenged to work harder to help those around me achieve their personal innovation and entrepreneurial goals.

It’s so refreshing to attend SXSW, but the key now is to take what I’ve learned and experienced and share it. That is now my responsibility and something that I welcome wholeheartedly. As always, come to the Wond’ry and see how you can begin your own innovation journey.

Robert Grajewski
Evans Family Executive Director