At Capital Factory, as Austin Tech Week kicked off Monday morning, Stacy McCracken and Courtney Warnsman were on a mission: to help attendees absorb knowledge and ensure they took action with what they learned.

They believed that growth doesn’t just happen by sitting through sessions; it requires leaving your comfort zone and pushing into the “doing” zone. With guidance from tools like PositivePsychology.com’s toolkit, attendees were encouraged to take small, meaningful steps toward personal and professional transformation.

Throughout the event, Warnsman emphasized the importance of personality assessments like DISC, Enneagram, and CrystalKnows, which help individuals understand their strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles. By knowing themselves better, attendees could foster stronger connections and make impactful first impressions—vital for networking, which Warnsman and McCracken described as a way of life, not a single event.

Austin Tech Week has opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. McCracken shared how a small decision to engage with someone could become a life-changing connection. She and Warnsman, friends and colleagues of 15 years, proved how relationships built on curiosity, accountability, and action can lead to significant growth. As their session wrapped up, they reminded attendees that growth lies in seizing the moment, embracing discomfort, and taking intentional action.

Ten Key Takeaways:

  1. Absorb and Act – Austin Tech Week isn’t just for passive learning; take action on the knowledge you gain. The key to growth is implementing new ideas, not just listening.
  2. Embrace Discomfort – Growth often happens outside of the comfort zone. Feeling uneasy when stretching yourself is normal, but transformation begins in those moments.
  3. Understand Your Personality—Tools like DISC and Enneagram help you understand your behavior, communication style, and how to work effectively with others.
  4. Four Minutes to Connect – You have only minutes to make a memorable first impression. Use your unique personality traits, your “superpowers,” to stand out.
  5. Action over Information—Avoid the “doing deficit” trap of continuing to learn without implementing. Don’t wait for the “perfect” amount of information to take action.
  6. Use the 5-Second Rule – When an idea strikes, act on it within five seconds, or it might slip away. This could be jotting down a note or telling someone who will hold you accountable.
  7. Networking as a Lifestyle – Think of networking as a way of life, not just an event. Building connections requires continuous effort and authenticity.
  8. Be Mindful of Introverts – Not everyone is eager to speak up; pay attention to quieter ones, as they may have valuable insights to share.
  9. Set Daily Goals – Focus on achievable goals rather than a long list of aspirations. Small steps lead to significant accomplishments.
  10. Seize Every Opportunity – A single hello or connection could change your career trajectory. Be intentional in your interactions and open to what each moment might bring.