How to Use AI and Events to Build Local Community

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the importance of human connection is often overshadowed by the promises of innovation. Yet, a growing number of entrepreneurs are leveraging technology not to replace human interactions but to enhance them. One such vision comes from the founder of Solo Social, a groundbreaking platform designed to combat loneliness by connecting people through shared activities and events.

Built on a foundation of personal experience, this founder’s journey into tech is anything but linear. From a career as a flight attendant to navigating the complexities of clinical trials, and eventually launching a tech startup, her story is a testament to the power of adaptability, empathy, and the potential of AI to bring people together.

In this article, we’ll unpack the key lessons from her journey, explore how AI can be used for good, and understand how leaders can foster innovation, diversity, and connection in the tech world.

From Flight Attendant to Founder: A Non-Traditional Path to Tech

The founder began her career as a flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic, spending over a decade traveling the world. While her role may seem unrelated to technology, it provided her with an invaluable skill set: adaptability, quick teamwork, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Flying taught her how to collaborate with strangers in high-pressure environments, a skill that became critical when transitioning into tech. During the pandemic, like many in the aviation industry, she found herself at a career crossroads. With a strong foundation in customer experience and problem-solving, she decided to pivot into project management, eventually landing in tech consulting.

This unusual journey highlights an important takeaway: diverse backgrounds - whether in hospitality, military, or healthcare - can bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to the tech industry.

sbb-itb-342b8b2

The Birth of Solo Social: Tackling Loneliness with Innovation

It was a personal insight that sparked the idea for Solo Social. Attending events alone had become second nature to the founder, but she noticed that many people found the idea intimidating or overwhelming. Recognizing the growing loneliness epidemic, she began to explore ways technology could foster real-life connections.

Solo Social uses agentic AI, machine learning, and data scraping to suggest local events and activities tailored to users’ comfort levels and interests. Unlike traditional social platforms that focus on swiping or curated profiles, Solo Social emphasizes low-pressure group activities where individuals can naturally build friendships.

"There’s something unique about people coming together to try something new, whether it’s cycling, painting, or attending a movie night", she explained. "It’s not about performance; it’s about showing up and engaging with others in a meaningful way."

Her approach taps into a broader trend: using AI as a tool for human empowerment rather than as a replacement for genuine interaction.

The Role of AI in Building Community

While much of the current AI landscape has focused on automation and efficiency, Solo Social is part of a growing movement to leverage AI for good. The platform’s use of AI isn’t about replacing human connection but enhancing it by making it easier for people to find activities and like-minded individuals.

Key features of Solo Social include:

• Data Scraping for Local Events: The platform identifies relevant activities in a user’s area.
• Customized Recommendations: AI interacts with users to gauge their interests and comfort zones.
• Community Building: By matching people who are attending events solo, it fosters an environment of mutual support.

This approach shows that AI can be more than a productivity booster - it can address real societal issues like loneliness and isolation.

Shifting Leadership Paradigms: Lessons from a Startup Founder

Transitioning from corporate roles to founding a startup has been a challenging but rewarding journey for the founder of Solo Social. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, vulnerability, and empowering others.

Building High-Performing Teams

One of her core strengths lies in her ability to quickly form and lead high-performing teams, a skill honed during her time as a flight attendant. "In aviation, you meet your team 20 minutes before a flight, yet you’re expected to collaborate seamlessly. That experience taught me how to foster trust and teamwork quickly", she shared.

In her tech roles, this skill translated into helping technical teams work more cohesively, often by addressing communication gaps and promoting inclusive environments.

The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

As a founder, she emphasizes being honest about what she doesn’t know and seeking help from mentors and collaborators. "I’m not afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. That openness invites others to contribute their ideas and expertise", she explained.

Her approach aligns with a broader shift in leadership trends, where emotional intelligence and authenticity are increasingly valued over traditional hierarchical models.

Diversity as a Superpower

The founder also champions diversity - not just in terms of race or gender but in life experiences. She believes that bringing together people from different backgrounds fosters innovation and creativity.

"People with non-traditional paths bring unique perspectives. Whether it’s someone from hospitality or a self-taught coder, these diverse experiences enrich teams and drive better solutions", she noted.

The Northwest Tech Scene: A Thriving Community of Innovation

Based in the Northwest of England, the founder highlighted the region’s vibrant tech ecosystem as a perfect environment for startups. Unlike London’s high-pressure environment, Manchester offers a sense of community and accessibility that fosters collaboration.

"The Northwest is full of creative pockets and offers a better cost of living, which attracts diverse talent. It’s a place where big companies and startups can work together to create something truly innovative", she said.

This collaborative spirit, combined with the region’s cultural diversity, makes it an exciting hub for tech innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Backgrounds Are Assets: Non-linear career paths can bring unique perspectives and valuable skills to tech.
• AI Can Foster Connection: Using AI for good - such as addressing loneliness - shows the potential for technology to enhance rather than replace human interactions.
• Leadership Requires Empathy: Vulnerability, openness, and emotional intelligence are key traits of successful leaders.
• Community Culture Matters: Regions like the Northwest of England provide fertile ground for innovation, offering collaborative spaces and accessible living.
• Take the First Step: Whether transitioning into tech or launching a startup, the key is to start small - network, learn, and experiment.

Final Thoughts

The founder’s journey from flight attendant to tech entrepreneur is a powerful reminder that anyone with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can make an impact. Her work with Solo Social demonstrates how technology, when used thoughtfully, can bring people together and address real-world challenges.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, stories like hers underscore the importance of putting people at the center of innovation. By focusing on community, diversity, and meaningful connections, the future of tech can be as human as it is innovative.

Source: "Building Community in Code: How Elle is Disrupting Loneliness" - PRG, YouTube, Aug 20, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFaBJTCu5bI

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.