#9 Resilience, Bounce-back & Community Growth - James Mayes, Co-Founder of Rodeo
In this episode, the team sits down with James Mayes, Co-Founder of Rodeo and former CEO of Mind the Product, to explore how genuine human connection still sits at the heart of business growth, even in an AI-driven world.
James shares his extraordinary journey from recruitment to founding and exiting one of the world’s most respected product communities, and now building Rodeo, a platform reimagining how event and media businesses connect people, data, and purpose.
Together, we unpack:
* The fine line between events and community — and why one should always fuel the other
* Why the best communities grow organically, not through control
* How hybrid work and digital noise have reignited the need for real human connection
* Building trust, authenticity, and social impact in the age of AI
* The role of community in learning, leadership, and professional development
* How to build purpose-led tech that still puts people first
This conversation is honest, moving, and deeply human — full of lessons for marketers, founders, and anyone who believes in the power of bringing people together.
