This week, our team is touching down in Lisbon for Web Summit, the world’s largest tech gathering or, as Bloomberg perfectly puts it, “Davos for Geeks.”  Whatever you call it, it’s the epicenter of innovation and this year, ManagerEQ is on the world stage.

We’re here not just to attend, but to compete, connect, and showcase how the future of work runs on better managers.  From pitching in front of investors and founders from 160+ countries to sharing our vision during the Start-Up Showcase, this is our moment to represent a movement: redefining leadership for a new generation.

Why Web Summit Matters

For us, Web Summit is more than a conference, it’s validation.
It’s proof that what we’re building has global resonance.
Everywhere we go, leaders are asking the same question:

How do we prepare our managers to lead in a work place that’s constantly changing?

That question is universal whether you’re running a startup in Lisbon, a fintech in Lagos, or a healthcare system in Atlanta.

And that’s exactly what ManagerEQ was built for. Our platform combines micro-learning, data, and AI coaching to help managers build habits that actually stick. Think Duolingo for leadership.  We’re transforming the “accidental manager” crisis into a movement of intentional leaders, equipped, confident, and capable of building teams that thrive.

The Stakes

Let’s be clear: the way we work isn’t working.

• The U.S. alone loses over $1 trillion annually from voluntary turnover (Forbes).
• 60% of new managers fail within their first two years (CEB).
• And nearly 300,000 Black women have been forced out of the workforce this year (Forbes).

Meanwhile, we’re seeing large numbers of people leaving the labor force, which Business Insider describes as a huge red flag for America’s labor market because over time a smaller labor force leads to lower growth, lower tax revenue, and lower productivity.

You know the saying, people don’t quit jobs, they quit managers.  Well, it’s not just the managers fault, it’s a systems problem.  Because while it’s true an employee’s experience of their workplace is most impacted by their manager, managers are just a cog in the larger wheel (particularly middle managers).

What We’re Showing the World

At our booth this week, we’re demoing BremAI, our AI-powered coach that helps managers give feedback, build trust, and lead with emotional intelligence. We’ll also be debuting a live version of 1-800-Ask-BREM, a quick-access feature where anyone can ask a leadership question and get a real-time coaching response.

We’re showing that manager development doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be consistent, practical, and data-driven.

The Bigger Picture

ManagerEQ was built for a global workforce that’s burned out, disillusioned, and ready for something better.  Our vision is simple: when managers grow, teams grow. And when teams thrive, companies win.

Being selected as one of Web Summit’s featured startups is more than an honor, it’s momentum. It’s a signal that the world is ready for new ways of leading, learning, and working.

Want to Be Part of What’s Next?

If you’re a manager (or an aspiring one) who’s ready to build better habits and lead with confidence, we’re inviting you to be among the first to test our app.

Join our 21-Day Challenge Waitlist today and get ready to experience ManagerEQ can do for your team.