Claire Neuman shares her journey as the first Executive Director of Venture Club of Indiana, revealing how an 18th birthday party epiphany about connecting people shaped her career path.
Her pioneering role bridges entrepreneurs and investors while challenging traditional leadership norms through vulnerability and authenticity.
- Discovering her natural talent for connecting people at her 18th birthday party and how this developed into her understanding of "synergy".
- Experiences at Compassion International and Southwest Airlines that taught her the power of mission-driven organizations.
- Coming from an entrepreneurial family background that taught her to "do hard things".
- Leading her first-ever board meeting despite never having attended one before.
- How embracing vulnerability has strengthened her leadership and relationships.
- Doubling membership in one year through authentic connections and new networking formats.
- Defining success as "leaving people better than when I met them" rather than just business metrics.
- Reflecting on building a meaningful legacy in both professional and personal life.
About the Guest
Claire Neuman is the Executive Director of the Venture Club of Indiana, where she connects venture capital investors with founders through statewide programming and membership. She brings experience from Southwest Airlines, Compassion International, and Boone County EDC. A Taylor University graduate in Public Relations and Marketing, Claire is also an Orr Fellow.
Outside of work, she’s active in her church and community, serves on the Jordan YMCA board, and lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Parker.
Transcript
Carol Park: 0:02
Hi everybody, and welcome to the Courage Unmasked podcast, where here we are again to hear another inspiring story from, in this case, a young female. Let's see Claire. I'm going to say businesswoman slash entrepreneur, slash go-getter, slash trailblazer. We have the honor to get to talk to Claire Newman today. You're going to get to hear her story, which, as all the stories that we have on the podcast here, just get to hear aspects of people practicing vulnerability in their life and how that is courageous, because, again, as we always say, vulnerability is courage, and so we welcome Claire Newman. So, claire, thanks for being with us today.
Thanks so much, Carol, for having me. I'm really looking forward to our time together.
Carol Park: 0:55
Well, me too, me too, so I know I always get to talk to people just a little bit before the podcast. So tell us a little bit about your journey of becoming the first executive director of the Venture Club of Indiana. Tell us a little bit about that.
Claire Neuman: 1:14
Yes, I would love to. It certainly has been a journey, and I'm going to take us all the way back to my 18th birthday party, which is a way throwback, but it was there that I for the first time remember how much I loved connecting people, and it was a surprise birthday party. I probably had three different friend groups there that my family had brought together and just really enjoyed one friend group introducing them to another friend group. I told them about each other They'd never met in person and I just left that evening feeling so filled up and joyful. And then I discovered this word, synergy, which the definition of synergy is basically the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. And I just really leaned into that word and started, you know, searching. What could that look like in my life, in my career? So I continued to lean into that throughout college and various internships that I landed with Compassion International, a large nonprofit, and then Southwest Airlines, and both of these experiences exposed me to companies that thrive because of healthy synergies or cultures and teams that are brought together by one mission. So each team has its own purpose, but it's that single overall mission that really brings them together, and I studied that, and so, for Compassion, it was the mission to release children from poverty, in Jesus' name. For Southwest, it is to connect people to what's important in their lives through low-cost, reliable and friendly air travel.
Claire Neuman: 3:08
And ultimately, what drew me to Venture Club after those experiences and several more that I haven't mentioned, was the opportunity to continue doing what I've been doing since high school, which is community outreach. When I was with Compassion International, really focused on the journey of the client, and then when I was with Southwest Airlines, I was actually on their community outreach team, and so, to me, community outreach is a way for organizations, businesses or individuals to connect with local communities, to provide support and services, and that's. I looked back and I realized I had been doing that already for so long, though I hadn't realized it until that moment so long story short, when the opportunity to join Venture Club came about, what really drew it to me was what drew me to it was the opportunity to continue doing community outreach and this common theme that I could keep carrying out now through entrepreneurs and investors and I had really been a student of these companies that I had worked at previously, and looking at the leaders Everett Swanson with Compassion and Herb Kelleher with Southwest both incredible stories of founders who just impacted the world through their businesses. And not to mention my parents and my grandparents, who were entrepreneurs themselves. And so, growing up, my siblings and I were taught to do hard things. There's a book Do Hard Things that we would all read together, and I really saw the opportunity at Venture Club of Indiana to be just that to do a hard thing.
Claire Neuman: 4:52
And so walking into an established volunteer-led organization as the first employee and executive director definitely came with its challenges. It definitely came with its challenges, but the board and I continue to face those together and am humbled every day for the board, for the membership and that they placed their trust in me to lead this organization, learn as I do it and ultimately to do my best Not perfectly, of course, but a commitment to be excellent in this work is important. My best, not perfectly, of course, but a commitment to be excellent in this work is important. And looking back, I now see how God used these experiences and people to prepare me for this role of executive director at Venture Club, even when I didn't even know what lay ahead, and that really is a posture I hope to emulate throughout my career posture I hope to emulate throughout my career.
Carol Park: 5:48
I think your last phrase there even when you didn't know what lay ahead for you, you know that that's that uncertainty, with the risk and then the emotions, and so we usually do highlight that as part of the definition of vulnerability that uncertainty, we don't know what lies ahead. But you know, these are the stories and people's stories that I love. You really, at that 18th birthday party, found that part of you that I just think obviously is such a strength. I know some people who they are connectors of people or they are connectors and I think it's such a strength and aptitude, a gift, and so you really recognize that in yourself that night and it sparked something in you that you just continued and have continued to pursue. And, yeah, what a great gift talent, aptitude, whatever we wanna call it that you build on, you get better at, you know it's there and then you, you hone that skill, that gift of connecting people, because connection matters.
Carol Park: 6:54
I really do believe that connection really matters and sometimes we'll make a connection way prior in life that later on becomes pivotal in our own journey or someone else's journey. So I love that story that it was sparked at your 18th birthday party. So okay, so that was kind of a defining moment of the direction in life. Was there a defining moment for you when you realized that this position, this job, especially as a young female in a male, typically male dominated world, was there a moment, like at your 18th birthday, that you knew this was the direction that you needed to go, wanted to go? Was there a moment?
Claire Neuman: 7:46
Yeah, you know, I remember someone speaking over me at one point saying, claire, you're a pioneer. And I clung on to that word because I've seen my grandmother. She was one of the only women in her IU business class. You know, back a long time ago my mom lead in the public sector as well and to hear that word spoken over me pioneer I just I love that and I was kind of really drawn to the idea of what that could look like in my life. So I'll always remember that conversation and I would definitely pinpoint that as a defining moment and several others stacked onto that.
Claire Neuman: 8:37
Honestly, carol, I've looked at it less from the perspective that I'm a woman in this space and more tried to focus on how the fruits of my work, how I can be recognized by the fruits of my work and that that be recognized by the fruits of my work and that's how people would know me by, yes, as a woman.
Claire Neuman: 8:58
But I was so confident, you know, when I was looking at this role and this industry, that I could contribute excellence and impact and grace in this industry. So I went in with that mindset and it's proven to be a mindset that has positioned me in a way that has led me to meet and work with incredible men and women, young and old alike, that I wouldn't trade for the world, and we've come so far as a nation to include the unique talents and contributions of women in the workplace and I just want to take a moment and celebrate that, not saying that it's perfect by any means, and you know, empathize with the women that continue to feel the pains of lacking in that area, but especially business. We're doing a lot of hard work to continue to make it a place where women can thrive. And I'll end with this Indiana's first lady said at a recent event I was at Maureen Braun. She said there has never been a better time to be a woman, and I love that perspective and I'm going to continue to go forth with that mindset.
Carol Park: 10:13
Yes, as a, as a pioneer, as a, as a trailblazer. So, yeah, I love that, isn't it? It's so wild how, like that word, that spark, these are the things that kind of ignite within us and then give us the vision for what seems right, what's a good fit not that it's a good fit, and oh well, then this is going to be easy, because your book that y'all read together as kids, as a family, doing hard things, you know that doesn't mean that the road is easy, which sometimes that's the courage part too, because that and the vulnerability of the uncertainty that kind of lies ahead. But yeah, it's just so much I can hear how your story just continues to light the way for you, these sparks, these words, these people in your life, is just, it's just amazing. So, in this groundbreaking kind of role as a, as a young woman, have there been, or like, can you pinpoint, any courageous decisions that you've had to make so far in your job?
Claire Neuman: 11:33
Yeah, I can. The first one that comes to mind is this crazy concept and reality in my life that the first board meeting I ever attended was the first board meeting was the one that I led. So that that was a defining moment, for sure, and I remember blaring any song title with the name, with the word brave that I could, as I'm driving to this meeting, totally feeling, you know, ill-equipped out of place, and that was the case, you know, for the first few months for sure. But that first board meeting that I ever attended, being the one I led, was quite the experience and again appreciate the board for trusting me with that and I felt anything but polished and surely overlooked some things. And that was a very vulnerable position. To be in walking into a room with these incredible leaders that I've grown to respect and look up to, and coming in as this new hire to say here's what we should be doing right Was very vulnerable.
Claire Neuman: 12:50
But the biggest lesson I've learned was to continue learning from those situations and that makes for a better meeting next month and next month and each one to follow and I think the last you know now, being over a year and a half in this role the last two board meetings we've had, I've received feedback that, oh, this one's been the best one so far, or this one's been the best one so far, or this one's been the best led so far, and so that really encourages me to that. Vulnerability was not wasted at first, and it was required for me to experience that in order to step in to the newfound confidence that I've been able to build in this position. And I've also found that the more vulnerable I've been with those I work with and honestly beyond work whether it's into my marriage, friendships then the deeper my relationships are. So vulnerability and deep, trusted relationships, they're hand in hand and I don't think you can have one without the other. They're hand in hand and I don't think you can have one without the other.
Carol Park: 13:53
I can't agree. I could not agree more with you and you know I think of this is based so much in Brene Brown's work on vulnerability, authenticity, courage. And she basically says and I so agree, and you are putting the exclamation point on that of vulnerability is actually the gateway to the things that we want more of in life. You know that that's how typically we get there is to go through those places of uncertainty where there's risk and emotional exposure. So, and you're part of the story where your first board meeting and you're leading it. So here's this big arena and I love that you had your anthems playing, anything that had brave in it you know that it's like, okay, yes, I'm brave, I'm a pioneer, I'm a trailblazer, I can do this.
Carol Park: 14:46
And then your just willingness to know that you know we're all continuing to learn and grow and so, going in not expecting that I'm going to get this perfect and I'm going to be the best, it's like. So we kind of want that feedback of like this was your best one yet and hopefully I mean again, even we get better. And then sometimes we'll have moments where it just doesn't go well, even if we're polished and we've had experience. It's just life. But I love your willingness to receive feedback, to know it. You know, learn, grow, see what you can do better, so that's awesome. Better, so that's that's awesome. So yeah, in these relationships you've described with people investors, partners, customers how do you maintain a balance of authenticity, that's a big word while still maintaining, like, the professionalism that's needed? What does that look?
Claire Neuman: 15:53
like for you. Yeah, consistency is the first word that comes to mind. It's key in every area of life for a at work, whether I'm at home, you know church, family, friends living. I've found I'm sure we've all experienced to some extent and I speak from personal experience that living dual lives is way too exhausting and it's not sustainable. It's not healthy for me as a person or for those that I surround myself with, and it leads me to be someone that vocation and decision to pursue. Starting a company is a pursuit that demands every aspect of your life. Every aspect is affected.
Claire Neuman: 17:09
As an entrepreneur, you're spending late nights, you know, away from your family and just pouring your heart and your soul into a product or a service that you're so passionate about. And I know entrepreneurs they appreciate, you know, consistency in that space, and the investor alike appreciates consistency. So I think that as long as we can approach, you know, our character and our relationships with others in a way that is consistent, that's going to be key. You know there's a quote out there that says if you always tell the truth, you know you never have to worry about being wrong or being caught. So if you just if you're always consistent, you don't have to worry about you know someone else, someone finding out a certain way you acted or whatever. So that's been really important in my life.
Carol Park: 18:05
Yeah, yeah, I. What a great response that I know comes from the heart and soul and I'm sure, as part of why you're in the position that you're in, can you explain to me and to listeners, as the executive director, where you are? You're representing investors, the board, these entrepreneurs, heads of these startups, these companies. What is your role? What are some of the things that you do in the day to day?
Claire Neuman: 18:37
Yeah, I've been thinking about making a day in the life video, so that would be awesome.
Claire Neuman: 19:24
Maybe that's what I'll be next, um, but you know, before I'll start, before I start work, I'm up, uh, you know with, with my husband getting him ready for his day, and we just start the day together with my husband getting him ready for his day, and we just start the day together, and then we'll spend some quiet time and, you know, often exercise.
Claire Neuman: 19:43
I'm an ex-soccer athlete, so that's definitely an important part of my life and it positively impacts my work during the day, so then I'll get my workday started. What I love about this role is how every day is different and dynamic and it just fits me so well. So I'm grateful for that and spend a lot of time, whether going out to meet current members or potential members and engaging in those relationships that have, you know, that have been built and I'm helping strengthen, or new relationships, and so just really love spending my days meeting new people, engaging with them, and so that's kind of more that the outward look. And then there's a lot that happens behind the scenes as well, as you know. Executive director, I am the marketing team, I am the business development team, I am the board management team and the event planning team. Right, you wear all the hats, exactly, exactly, so try to be excellent, and I can in all those areas, while facilitating and engaging those relationships while facilitating and engaging those relationships.
Carol Park: 21:02
Yeah, and you know, with your story, starting of being a connector of people is part of your role also. To connect, like investors, with the entrepreneurs who are looking for investment, is that part of your role too, or?
Claire Neuman: 21:12
Yes, yeah, it absolutely is, and some of that naturally happens at our events. So we have monthly events for the community and it's been really neat to hear tangible stories and examples of ways that our members have connected, whether organically or through an introduction that I helped facilitate. That has resulted in growing their businesses and, you know, always inviting the opportunity to create intros is something that I love to do.
Carol Park: 21:44
Yeah, it just fits. Like so much of this, I can see why you are where you are. So much of it just fits. So I had said trailblazer, but I'm going to interject the word now pioneer. So like, yeah, as as that pioneer in so many ways, success for you in your both career and then also as a person. What, what does that look like? How would you define success for yourself?
Claire Neuman: 22:15
Yeah, it's a big question and, yes, success in my role looks like what we've talked about growing membership, hosting well-attended events, representing the Venture Club brand. Well, there are definitely business KPIs that I work hard to achieve and can help measure success, especially alongside the board, and present that to them. Ultimately, you know what drives what drives that? The success at work, the success in my life. For me, if I am loving God and loving others, then this job suddenly has a greater purpose and that is to leave people better than when I met them.
Claire Neuman: 23:00
So, for every month, for every event, every interaction that I have, that's the. You know well, I don't do it perfectly. I'm sure folks listening to this will be like I interacted with Claire and did not feel that way and I am so sorry that is. That's definitely a measure of success in in my life, professionally and personally as well, and it's all about doing the best with what you currently have and being. You know, I aim to be a good steward of the resources, time whether that's time capital, relationships ultimately for greater impact. So, yeah, that would be success, both professionally and personally, for me.
Carol Park: 23:46
Yeah, that's beautiful, beautiful. So, looking ahead, what's next for you and the Venture Club of Indiana Like what's next for you.
Claire Neuman: 23:58
Well, venture Club's continuing to grow. We've doubled membership in the last year, which has been quite exciting. Congrats, yes, thank you. So definitely want to continue that momentum. And, you know, identifying gaps in the ecosystem that we haven't, that aren't yet involved, and reaching out to them and making sure that those relationships are made them and making sure that those relationships are made, that's definitely a goal.
Claire Neuman: 24:26
And continuing to add value through our programming, you know, always trying to stay ahead of the curve as far as topics that are relevant, that our members want to hear, and bringing in quality and contributive speakers to those panels and events. And we've recently incorporated a new type of networking through our Coffee and Connects and that's been a group of about, you know, 20, 15 to 20 folks that come together, compared to our, you know, 70, 80, 90, 100 gatherings once a month. And that's been a breakthrough for us as we really seek to establish, you know, those personal connections and interactions and just providing a casual space for investors, founders, business professionals to convene and purely network and share ideas. You know syndicate on deals, talk about current trends and opportunities, and so that's been a fun update for us and we just our goal is to continue moving upward in all those trends and being a collaborative partner in the entire Indiana entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Carol Park: 25:34
Yeah, you know. The two words that you started with stand out to me in that connections and synergy, you know, and so even with the smaller coffees, it's like more intimate connections, if you will, where people can get to know each other. Best definition of intimacy that I've ever heard is to know and to be known you know, and so, yeah, you're these smaller.
Carol Park: 25:59
So again, connections and synergy, trying to bring these two things together for this greater good, this greater energy, if you will. So and again, not trying to, because you could be here for the rest of your career, who knows? This is the uncertainty ahead of all of us in life. But at whatever point you move on, let's say is there something that you would like to leave as your legacy?
Claire Neuman: 26:28
there that I want to leave and, um, you know, I was just one of our family friends, uh passed away this last week and so was at her funeral, and that is always a sobering reminder, um to just reflect on how I'm living my life and the days, the hours, the minutes none of it is promised. Tomorrow's not promised. And, um, you know this incredible woman, she, she lived life to the full and left an incredible legacy. That was evident by the words that were shared um at her celebration of life and was certainly a reminder to me and just an opportunity to self-reflect on the legacy that I do want to leave. So hopefully that's an encouragement to the listeners and encouragement to all of us to be thinking about how we live. The dash is what I've called it right On our tombstone. You have your birth date and your you know death date and that dash in the middle. How do you live it? What impact are you going to live? What legacy are you going to live? And that's something that I constantly think about.
Carol Park: 27:50
Yeah, I hear that value in front of you. So, thank you, thank you. Thank you for your time, for this encouragement, for the inspiration and, yeah, I see the legacy that you're already building. And, again, who knows how long or what the next curves in life is. Like you said, we don't know that end date, none of us are promised, but I know that just from listening to you, I hear the legacy that you're already building and going to leave there. So, claire, thank you for your time today. So appreciate it.