Harnessing the Power of Curated C-Suite Communities with Greg Raiten of The Suite

Greg Raiten, a former lawyer and a co-founder at The Suite, a curated community-based platform for C-suite executives, joins Erik Torenberg to share the evolution of The Suite, from a side project that grew into a revenue-generating model through membership and sponsorships. They also discuss the process of building and scaling community-based businesses, effectiveness of paid memberships, and exploring future community expansion into other C-suite roles. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj -- RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: 🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast - ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH Keeping econ entertaining. Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/econ-102-with-noah-smith-and-erik-torenberg/id1696419056 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs — SPONSOR: METAVIEW Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics _ LINKS: Explore the GC/legal community: https://www.lsuite.co Explore the CFO/finance community: https://www.fsuite.co Company website: https://www.thesuite.com Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/ — X / TWITTER: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @gregraiten (Greg) — TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (00:58) Greg's background and early career (03:17) Evolution of The Suite  (05:51) Vision and expansion (11:32) Business model (13:45) Community engagement and events (17:46) Online membership experience (20:22) Sponsor: Metaview (21:29) Sponsorship and revenue model (22:55) Challenges of future of events (28:44) Expanding professional communities (34:16) Building a network (35:49) Pricing strategies for community memberships (42:08) Scaling and fundraising (45:05) Future of paid vs. free communities (47:37) Successful community models (50:22) Wrap — This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.