Lead with Welcome: How FIESTA's Cherie Werner Connects Austin’s Startup Scene (Re-release)

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Cherie Werner, the force behind Fiesta, the largest community for founders and investors in Austin, and FoundHERs, a dedicated space for women entrepreneurs. Cherie shares her journey from startup life to building Fiesta almost by accident, and how “leading with welcome” has become her guiding principle. We talk about what it really takes to turn a crowded room into genuine connections, why consistency and inclusivity matter, and how women founders can push past the urge to be “perfect” before showing up. Cherie also offers simple conversation starters and follow-up practices you can use to walk into any networking event with more confidence. If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a room full of strangers—or if you’re looking for a better way to grow community around your own work—this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical tools. You’ll learn: How Fiesta grew into Austin’s largest founder–investor community Practical ways to break the ice beyond “What do you do?” Why consistency and inclusivity fuel stronger communities A mindset reset for women founders: show up before it’s “perfect” Follow-up strategies that turn quick chats into lasting relationships How to design events and spaces that make people feel truly welcome RESOURCES MENTIONED 🌐 Websites & Communities FIESTA → https://www.fiesta.community Grow.FIESTA (global platform) → https://grow.fiesta.community 📨 Newsletters The HERald → Women-focused newsletter Cherie publishes (first Friday after FIESTA events). FIESTA Focus → Founder/community newsletter (week before and after each FIESTA). 📱 Social Media Cherie’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriewerner (LinkedIn is her most active platform). 📚 Books Mentioned Let Them by Mel Robbins Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima Worthy - Jamie Kern Lima’s second book  🎙️ Podcasts Mentioned All-In Podcast On Purpose with Jay Shetty