This week I’m hosting an investor retreat and so thought it fitting to release this conversation with Priya Parker on the art of gathering.I’ve been interested in the topic of community and gathering for some time and along with the book The Art of Community, Priya’s book on the art of gathering is by far the best I’ve read. It is both conceptually interesting and extremely practical. In the book there is literally a table for how big a gathering space should be per person, sorted by the type of vibe you are after.We had a time constraint but I could have talked to Priya for much longer. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did, and that it inspires you to do something new and different with friends, family, or colleagues.For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast.Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub.Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_oshagShow Notes1:23 - (First Question) – Overview on what she does as a conflict resolution facilitator1:38 – The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters4:45 – Lessons about structuring a gathering from her early very difficult work and the idea of sustained dialogue7:43 – First event she facilitated9:38 – Importance of a good opening for any gathering12:30 – Identifying a good purpose for a gathering15:06 – Why being specific on rules/code of conduct leads to more success18:54 – Do rules help facilitate more creativity in groups21:22 – Segregating a good from bad purpose24:34 – Identity and good/bad gatherings26:50 – Purpose and the guest list for a gathering31:03 – Community building is line drawing32:27 – Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance34:29 – Importance of well crafted invitations35:17 – Making the middle of gatherings interesting39:21 – Exploring risk at gatherings41:28 – Patterns of Transformation41:43 – The hero’s journey46:54 – Making a meaningful transition out of these gatherings52:39 – Kindest thing anyone has done for PriyaLearn MoreFor more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast. Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclubFollow Patrick on twitter at @patrick_oshag