6AM City In-house

What will work life look like in 2023?

These are Jeff Kaplan’s predictions for work life in 2023
Asheville skyline
Like everything else in life, changes will characterize work in 2023. | Photo by @photofern.wnc
In addition to resolutions and new restaurants, the new year also has us curious about the future of work in WNC. We chatted with startup savant Jeff Kaplan, executive director of Venture Asheville, for his predictions about what 2023 holds for the business sector locally.

“Based on the metro outlook and data, the big takeaway for work in 2023 is that it will be a year of contradictions and exceptions,” Jeff says. “Folks will have to do more with less and employers will have to navigate a tricky tension regarding work expectations and culture. This means meeting increasing professional needs while keeping people from becoming exhausted.”

For those who want to kick off 2023 strong, Jeff has three bits of advice:

Implement AI, stat

“Automation has been needed for years across industries, and it’s now become incredibly easy for people to use,” he says. “It may sound far-fetched, but it’s akin to the transition from typewriters to computers and then email.”

Because of widespread labor and supply chain disruptions, AI-enabled work is faster and more efficient. “What could take weeks before can now be done in minutes,” he says. In fact, Jeff uses AI technology to craft his newsletter and social media posts, allowing him to do more with less.

Think of work seasonally

“Workers have made so much progress for work/life balance, and in order to continue that and maintain productivity and avoid burnout, we need to think of work seasonally,” says Jeff. “It’s like with athletics: there’s pre-season, training, competition, post-season, and off season.”

“With Venture Asheville,” he continues, “we have a ton of events in the fall, so we spend the months before that planning, then we sprint and go hard, and generally take the last two weeks of the year off before we begin again.”

Culture is king

Particularly when it comes to remote work, “Culture is your competitive advantage,” Jeff notes. “It’s the differentiator. When company culture aligns with your purpose and values, that makes all the difference for jobs that you can do from anywhere.”
The Blood Connection

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Friday, Jan. 6
  • Tarot Card + Palm Reading | Friday, Jan. 6 | 4-10 p.m. | Bold Rock Taproom, 39 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Take a peek into your future while enjoying craft beverages from Bold Rock.
  • Chaotic Comedy | Friday, Jan. 6 | 7-10 p.m. | GiGi’s Underground, 122-002 College St., Asheville | $15 | Anything can happen at this evening of improv, sketch comedy, and magic tricks presented by Modelface Comedy.
  • 12th Night Party | Friday, Jan. 6 | 7-11 p.m. | Eleven on Grove/Club 11, 11 Grove St., Asheville | $10 | Celebrate this year’s Mardi Gras king and queen, enjoy a slice of king cake, and dance to tunes from DJ Chilligan.
  • An Extraordinary Tasting Adventure | Fri., Jan. 6 - Sat., Jan. 7 | 12-5 p.m. | VICARIO Distillery and Farm, 800 Old Jones Rd., Greer, SC | $15.00 | Enjoy a tasting and explanation of the herbs and fruits grown on Vicario’s farm to create its award-winning liqueurs and gin.*
Saturday, Jan. 7
  • Christmas Tree Recycling Event | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Jackson Park Ballfield #6, 640 Glover St., Hendersonville | Free | Bring your holiday decorations, wreaths, and Christmas trees to this annual recycling event.
  • Kid Hop Hooray! Wintertime Indoor Dance Party | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 10 a.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $6 | Kids can dance to family-friendly dance music and enjoy glow sticks, face painting, and snacks.
  • End Of The Line: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers Band | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 9 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $12-$15 | Enjoy an evening of Southern-fried rock classics from this tribute band.
Sunday, Jan. 8
  • Sunday Brunch with Trucking Delicious | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 12-4 p.m. | 7 Clans Brewing, 66 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Head to 7 Clans Brewing for diner-inspired brunch items, beer-mosas, and specially paired beers.
Tuesday, Jan. 17
  • Open House Events at Carolina Day School | Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 8:30-10 a.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 8:30-10 a.m.; and Thursday, Jan. 19 from 8:15-9:45 a.m. | Carolina Day School, 1345 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville | Free but please RSVP | Ashevillians are invited to tour Carolina Day during an upcoming Open House for an up close and personal visit to help them choose their child’s school for the 2023-24 school year.*
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
The Lobster Trap

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire
Portrait of businesswoman standing against a wooden wall in office.
SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area. | Photo by Dean Mitchell
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. 👀

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.

In just a few minutes, you can get matched with up to three financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest. Now that’s service.*
TRY THE FREE TOOL

Weather
  • 45º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain
Civic
  • Nearly $8 million in federal aid is coming to Buncombe County to help folks with their rent and utilities. The grant money, named the Emergency Rental Assistance NCPRO Two, was approved by the Board of Commissioners at its Jan. 3 meeting. Get application info. 💸 (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Trending
  • The first full moon of 2023 will be visible tonight, Jan. 6. Known as the “wolf moon,” it’s also a micromoon because it’s at the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, making it appear smaller and dimmer. Find out when it’s visible. 🌕 (Almanac.com)
Cause
Plan Ahead
  • Rhubarb’s next event in its Showcase Series, The Naughty New Year, will take place Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 SW Pack Sq. from 6-9 p.m. This adults-only event features indulgent food, dessert-themed cocktails + entertainment. Entry includes all that plus take home gift bags. Get tix.
Featured
  • Chemist Spirits has been featured in Forbes magazine. The artisanal gin geniuses were shouted out for their award-winning libations that are not only beloved locally, but gaining fans across the pond too. We’ll drink to that. 🥃
Eat
  • Looking for a light and sophisticated meal? Spicewalla’s portabella mushroom leek quiche with fiery Piri Piri spice blend fits the bill. The vegetarian dish includes rich Gruyere cheese and a flaky crust that’s ideal for brunch or supper. Get the recipe. 🍽️
Ashevillian
  • Happy birthday, AVLtoday member Avelino L. (Jan. 7). We hope your special day is filled with all of your favorite things in Asheville! Did you know when you become an AVLtoday member, you’ll get a birthday shoutout, too? Join today. 🎉
Seasonal
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6AM City In-house

Botany good plants lately? 🪴

Get ready for BB Barns’ second annual Plant Social Hour
avl houseplant social
Ain’t no party like a houseplant party. | Photo via BB Barns
Lettuce be frank. We’re super pumped for BB Barns’ second annual Houseplant Social, which takes place Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6-8 p.m. at the gardening supercenter (3377 Sweeten Creek Rd., Arden).

The event will feature after-hours shopping with houseplants galore for 20% off, including rare and unique varieties not typically kept in stock. In addition, there will be plant giveaways, raffles, and live music — plus sips and small bites to enjoy amongst other houseplant lovers.

Wanna attend this one in a melon event? Early bird tickets are available through Wednesday, Jan. 18. Get yours here.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Brook.

Editor’s pick: I loved speaking with Jeff Kaplan, and I found his words about work culture particularly insightful. I’m fortunate to work for a place with a phenomenal company culture. Want to know more about it? Check out my homegirl (and former AVLtoday editor) Ali McGhee’s work on 6AM City’s company culture and robust virtual workforce.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Don’t miss the 9 new eateries coming to town in 2023.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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