One of the more effective ways to build community that I’ve had the chance to be a part of is an emerging trend called coworking. The Wikipedia definition of coworking explains it almost perfectly, “the social gathering of a group of people, who are still working independently, but who share values and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with talented people in the same space.” It’s an amazing thing to be around talented people who are willing to give without necessarily getting anything in return other than the development of a relationship with another human being.
When I think of shared values, independence, synergy and talented people, I often think about of a member of our thriving interactive community I’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to know while coworking and in other gatherings and groups that make up our community.
Sherry Lowry, in my view, embodies everything good about the concept of community. She has a wealth of knowledge from leadership roles she’s been involved with in business and her non-profit pursuts and a seemingly endless willingness to share it with all of us in her ever-expanding community of associates and friends.
Sherry is a full time, professional business mentor and a collaboration and alliance coach. She uses her keen ability to see the strengths people have and to help them realize their potential. The fact that she is a self-described serial entrepreneur gives you an idea that she can get down to the bottom line when either coaching, collaborating or contemplating her own next moves.
Needless to say, there is a large group of us who are extremely impressed with Sherry’s business acumen and skill. What really catches my attention and is the source of a growing buzz in the Austin Interactive scene is Sherry Lowry’s willingness to be almost selfless in her approach to the rest of the individuals in the community.
All of my dealings with Sherry have left me with the experience of a completely generous and genuine human being who cares about her fellow professionals, coworkers and even passing acquaintances. Writing this post reminds me that I need to seek out the opportunities to cowork more often with Sherry Lowry. I’m making a mental note now to be sure to arrange my schedule to be where Sherry is and to listen and learn as much as I can from her.
