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First-Year Members Share Why They Would Join EO Again (and Again!)

July 26, 2024

“When you're new to EO, dive in wholeheartedly. Embrace the opportunities for leadership, connect deeply with your peers, and be open to the wealth of knowledge and experience that surrounds you. The journey is as enriching as you make it, and the rewards are boundless.” —Matt Armour, EO Sydney

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to join the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the world’s largest membership network formed exclusively by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs everywhere? With nearly 19,000 members in over 80 countries, EO offers local, regional, and global experiences that support entrepreneurs beyond just business.

If you’re a new EO member, congratulations! Your first year with EO is a journey of discovery, filled with opportunities to grow and connect. Dive into various programs, attend local and international events, and find your tribe.

“My first year with EO has been nothing short of transformative. I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,” said Matt Armour, an EO Sydney member. “The past 12 months have been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and invaluable experiences that have significantly shaped my entrepreneurial path.”

10 Must-Try Experiences in Your First Year with EO

As a first-year EO member, there is a lot to learn, see, and do. Here is a sampling of EO opportunities to maximize your first 12 months with the organization:

  1. Join a Forum for entrepreneurial growth and support.
  2. Attend local events, which may offer such notable guests as BrenéBrown or Alex Honnold.
  3. Attend regional events like Discover North Asia or EO Unlimited or XCentric.
  4. Travel to EO’s annual Global Leadership Conference (GLC), held in Singapore in 2024, featuring full immersion of Learn Arounds, and guest speakers Mo Gawdat and Chatri Sityodtong.
  5. Judge or coach EO’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)
  6. Apply to EO Executive Education opportunities such as EO@INSEAD Discover the Leader Within, EO with Harvard Business School, London Business School Growth Forum, and Global Leadership Academy.
  7. Join MyEO for unique opportunities around shared interests, including the MyEO trip to Necker Island to learn from Sir Richard Branson.
  8. Fast-track your leadership journey on the EO Path of Leadership.
  9. Explore the globe on EO-curated adventures and global events such as the EO Tanzania Exploration.
  10. Create and share your keynote at Global Speakers Academy.

With so many ways to engage and participate, we asked first-year EO members to share their overall impressions of EO and the value they gained from their early months of membership:

What events or programs stood out in your first year with EO?

“One of my first EO events was the Global Leadership Conference in Singapore. Spending three days with entrepreneurs from all over the world, as if we had known each other forever, made a lasting impact and redefined my view of trust and respect.” — Jörn Köster, EO Berlin

“I attended two major events: RIE 2024 in Kolkata, India, and the GLC 2024 in Singapore. I was amazed by the sheer size of EO and the dedication of its members both regionally and globally. I highly recommend that every member get involved with their local chapter board and participate in regional and global events to significantly enhance their EO experience.” — Felix Wendlandt, EO Shanghai

“EO has already been extremely beneficial to me. Participating in the EO Accelerator program provided the methodology, peer support, accountability, and structure to push myself to attain organizational and personal growth. EOA pushed me to study, be a better manager and entrepreneur, set aggressive goals, and, as always, make things happen.” — Azalea Garcia, EO Puerto Rico

“One of my most memorable experiences was the Strategy Summit at the beginning of the year, where I gained deeper insights into EO, its members, its chapter-based management, and the overall structure of this vibrant organization.” — Felix Wendlandt, EO Shanghai

“Collaborating with my Chair peers within the region and traveling to participate in a sales and marketing summit run by another EO chapter have further enriched my experience. These interactions have underscored the importance of continuous learning and the power of a strong, supportive network.” —Matt Armour, EO Sydney

How have you grown, both personally and professionally?

“During my first months in EO, I experienced a profound shift in how I approached both my personal life and business endeavors. One defining moment was when I realized the importance of being true to myself in all aspects of my life. This wasn’t just about authenticity but also about aligning my values with my actions, which I found crucial in fostering genuine connections within EO and beyond.” —Ryan Featherby, EO Melbourne

“One of the most memorable milestones was attending the April 2024 Global Leadership Conference in Singapore. The event was a melting pot of visionary leaders, innovative ideas, and transformative discussions. I truly grasped the global reach and impact of EO. The connections made and the knowledge gained have been instrumental in shaping my strategic outlook.” —Matt Armour, EO Sydney

“The high quality of EO events and the exposure to other members, both local and international, has been very positive. I feel very welcomed at every activity I attend. The personal and family-like relatedness has made the process comfortable and safe. I’m looking forward to more extraordinary opportunities.” — Azalea Garcia, EO Puerto Rico

What takeaways or aha! moments have you experienced?

“EO introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals who share similar values and aspirations. The support and insights I gained from fellow entrepreneurs were invaluable. Their stories of resilience and innovation inspired me to push my boundaries and explore new possibilities. Overall, I learned that for me, true success comes not from financial achievements but from what will impact my time and the freedom to choose where and what I invest my time in.” — Ryan Featherby, EO Melbourne

“I have joined an EO Forum — a peer group that can relate to the struggles of being an entrepreneur, a mom, and a wife. Forum has helped me socialize issues that my business encounters, and my peers contribute to my personal and professional growth through their experience, as I will to them. It is surprising how caring and close our Forum has become in just six months. The trust and respect we have for each other is wonderful.” —Azalea Garcia, EO Puerto Rico

“Joining the MyEO Forum for SaaS Founders has provided a unique blend of learning, accountability, and community. The exchange of ideas and experiences with other SaaS founders has broadened my perspective and equipped me with actionable strategies to elevate my business.” —Matt Armour, EO Sydney

“EO has helped me find a new sense of clarity and a fresh drive. I see opportunities differently, both personally and professionally. In business, I started focusing more on creating meaningful impact rather than just chasing conventional success metrics. This shift not only improved my decision-making but also strengthened my commitment to making a positive difference within both my business and personal life/family.” —Ryan Featherby, EO Melbourne

Dive in Wholeheartedly

“For those considering joining EO or those in their early months, my advice is to dive in wholeheartedly. Embrace the opportunities for leadership, connect deeply with your peers, and be open to the wealth of knowledge and experience that surrounds you. The journey is as enriching as you make it, and the rewards are boundless.” —Matt Armour, EO Sydney

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.