Member Spotlight – Amanda V. Wagner

Every business has its own journey to follow but there comes a point where working out of a spare bedroom or garage isn’t enough. This is where Venture X becomes the answer to the business owner’s questions about growing the business in a manageable way. Flexible coworking office spaces allow companies to grow at their own pace and decide what kind of space they need month to month without a long-term commitment . . . and without the hassle of setting up their own office. At Venture X, membership also comes with several amenities that make getting the job done easier including free coffee and tea, access to printers, super-fast Internet, networking opportunities galore, and so much more. Amanda V. Wagner, Community Manager at General Assembly (GA), works out of Venture X Downtown Orlando.

General Assembly leads the pack in tech education and career transformation; solving today’s skill gap. GA teaches tech skills with its award-winning curriculum while fostering and generating community through events, classes, and workshops. 

We asked Amanda some questions to get to know her a little better and learn about the journey she’s been on, career-wise.

• What made you want to get involved in this line of work?
  GA has an economic development focus that I fell in love with. We are building the workforce of the future by providing courses that meet the most in-demand skills. Through education, we are arming local talent to fulfill the influx of tech jobs that Central Florida is experiencing. 
• What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job?
  Bringing together like-minded folks who care about technology and education. 
• What’s the biggest challenge that you have faced in business and how did you overcome it?
  As a pop-up campus in a new market, we are still building trust with the community. Establishing that foundation is our biggest challenge that we are still working to overcome.
• What business tips would you like to share with others?
  As someone who has worked in the world of startups and venture capital – both fast-paced environments – I would say to know your personal boundaries. Avoid burning the candle at both ends by saying no and managing your time in and out of the office. When you actively practice self-care, you, your business, and your company culture flourish. 
• What has been your favorite part about working at Venture X?
  I’ve been at GA for roughly six months now. Everyone who works at Venture X is wonderful, accommodating, and helpful. In a lot of ways, they feel like an extension of the GA team.

A Personal Look at Amanda V. Wagner

Everyone needs a little inspiration (and a little downtime) from time to time. Amanda shared that for her, inspiration comes from her future self. She elaborated, “I ask myself, ‘where do you want to be in five or ten years, and who do you have to be to get there?’ The answer is always my guiding source of inspiration and motivation.” She also shared that when she does have some spare time, she can usually be found having a cocktail somewhere, planning a trip or hanging out with her family.

If the time has come in your business’s journey to find a flexible, professional workspace, Venture X is the place to be. It’s an ideal environment to grow your business because you’ll be surrounded by other like-minded professionals across countless industries. The upscale office spaces will help you focus on your business instead of worrying about setting up office space. Book a tour of your local Venture X space today!