The group consists of a dozen men and women whose professional careers differ, sometimes greatly. For instance, one man runs a non-profit tutoring center. Another is an investment banker. One woman is a vice president for a communications firm. The group also includes medical professionals, lobbyists, lawyers, and even a man who runs his own company. I am in academia – a role that has only slightly changed in recent months (from their perspective), as my previous job was in the administrative side of a university.
The explicit purpose of the meeting is to discuss the happenings in our respective industries. Most of our professions are very insular and so the goal is to provide each other with context and different perspectives on news, politics, world events, whatever the topic du jour might be. Individuals are encouraged to provide a brief update on the state of their specific industry, which often leads to a series of questions from around the table by interested parties. Nothing is off-limits, but the conversations tend to be focused around politics and economics.
To date we always meet at the same restaurant, although I would be lying if I said this has been intentional. Simply put, other options have not worked out, and the restaurant is in a central location and easily accessible for all. The food is fine, but the service leaves something to be desired. Regardless, the site has now become associated with the meetings and will continue to be used.
The QBM tradition began when a friend of mine came across an article detailing a group of men – bankers, industrialists, lawyers, etc. – who were friends and set up a monthly breakfast after graduating college simply to keep in touch. Now in their 60s and 70s, the men are well-respected leaders in their industries and work together to succeed on each others behalf. My friend saw our group of friends as being in a similar situation. As our lives and careers progressed after graduation, we had to make more of an effort to keep in touch, and stay apprised of each other’s successes. His thought was simple: let’s make our own monthly breakfast event.
To be blunt: the QBMs have been a massive success. All of the original goals have been met. We have been able to keep in touch and relay information on our respective industries. The venue – a sit-down breakfast – has greatly facilitated the continuation of the tradition because it provides a symbolic formality that reinforces the tone and purpose of the meeting. The quarterly schedule allows for enough growth between meetings while still being close enough to allow for some continuity. (That is, you don’t have to remind everyone every time what it is you do for a living.) My friend and I were not sure that the QBM would be something others had any interest in continuing. Those fears have been put to a rest by now and the QBM is now a staple part of our community’s history – and hopefully, future.
(“Power Breakfast” image originally found at: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/images/2006/matt33.jpg)
(Founding Farmers logo originally found at: http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/wp-content/themes/ff_2011/images/ff_logo.png)
