FAQs

Q. OK, can you please describe this X Factory thing in one sentence?

A. Yup. X Factory is an intergenerational circle of curious, open-hearted women
exploring our stories, wisdom, and humanity. 

Q. Why is it called X Factory?

A. X symbolizes the mystery of the unknown. X is the unknown variable.  X Factory is a place to grow and build together - to discover our own answers.

X also represents our coming together at a crossroads - I like to think of it as a meeting at the intersection of belonging and becoming.

Q. How exactly does each conversation circle unfold?

A. Our themed monthly events feature 3 short stories told by women that our founder Deb Walsh has curated in advance of the event. Each story is told to shed a different light or angle on the theme. The idea here is to open our minds to new ways of seeing, and to actually practice the lost art of listening.

After the opening circle, everyone opens up with their own stories and anecdotes and experiences. We use questions as prompts to help unearth new thinking about an experience or hope or challenge in your life right now. It's amazing what happens when women share their journeys. We go from competing to compassion. From comparing to collaborating. It’s magic.

Q. I'm an introvert. Do I really have to talk in a circle?

A. Of course not. X Factory is a super laid-back vibe where no one ever feels pressure to talk. If it's your night to simply absorb and reflect, then that's how you'll enjoy the gathering.  

Q. How is X Factory different from typical women's networking events?

A. Other networking events (hey, we don’t even call our Factory that) tend to be structured as meet and greets where you start out with what you do and where you work.

X Factory flips the script on connecting: what do you know and how have you changed and become wiser? Of course, everyone does "do something and work somewhere," but that's not where we begin the conversation. Our circle opens with real stories from real women talking about what they’ve experienced, and what they now know.

It's wisdom sharing. It's paying wisdom forward to other sisters.  You'll be amazed at how quickly you feel connection not only to others, but to yourself.  You start to hear your own voice. We find our signals again in the noise.

Q.  I'm burnt out with trying to find my own signal in all the noise. Is this the place?  Why would I pick X Factory over another women’s meetup? 

A. It's easy to find (yet) another "networking" event for women, but difficult to find a gathering that actually brings you closer and more connected to your fellow sisters in a way that makes you want to reconnect, collaborate, and grow together long after the event has ended. Our difference isn't in the makeup of women who attend, but in the manner in which we orchestrate our connections. The X Factory model uses the deeply connective power of story to take us deeper and create more synergy between women who are really hungry for spaces where we feel heard, held, and understood. You can see the difference here in what women say after X Factory. 

Q. But I'm actually looking to network with other cool women who might want to do business together. Is this for me?

A. Unequivocally, yes. The thing that has been so great is that while we didn't build X Factory as a "networking" thing, it has become just that, though we don't call it that (if that makes sense). Here's why. "Networking" is built on trust. You won't work with someone until you trust that you're compatible, you have business or personal shared values, and that you actually like one another. 

Because of our structure, practices, and design, X Factory de facto becomes rich soil for planting seeds of trust among its participants. It's truly gratifying to see how many women end up reconnecting after our events to brainstorm, support, and work together.

Yeah, it's that cool.  How about adding your voice to the conversation? We’d love to see you at one of our upcoming gatherings. xxx