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Alpha Movement Activation Primer

My Personal Guide to Building a Generational Movement Through Elite Briefings
Gary Sheng - May 30, 2025

For: Best Served Cold, Ron Roberts, Tim Joo, and all collaborators working on the June 14th Alphas Activate event - but also relevant for anyone building the Alpha movement.

After an incredible day at the Texas Venture Forum Gala where I met Ted Cruz and over a dozen other hyperagents, I've crystallized my learnings about how to activate powerful people for the Alpha movement. This document serves two purposes:

  1. Part One: How to talk to people at non-Alpha events to drive them to our Briefings/Activation events
  2. Part Two: How to design transformative Briefing/Activation events like our June 14 Alphas Activate

After reading this, you should understand how to better activate people for Alpha and what we need for successful events.

Part One: Activating People at Non-Alpha Events

My Core Philosophy: Every Person is a Unique Contributor​

I've learned that movement building starts with recognizing that every person has a unique life story, hopes, and dreams. They can co-create the Alpha movement in ways I cannot imagine if I remain closed to their contributions.

I treat each person like a unique individual - not to fit them into existing organizational boxes, but to discover how their specific experiences, connections, and talents can expand our movement in unexpected ways. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and my job is to help them discover what that is.

People's lives are fascinating. If you don't agree with that, it's your loss because you have so much to learn from everyone. Especially in curated rooms with high-density interesting people - you should be eager to listen and learn.

My Conversational Framework (The Nearly 100% Hit Rate Formula)​

Opening: Break the Ice with Genuine Curiosity​

My default opener: "What brings you here?"

Sometimes I'll open with situational humor, but the key is being authentically curious about their story. This simple question has led to nearly 100% positive conversations where people would say "that was worth the time we spent talking."

Middle: Listen, Learn, and Connect​

  1. Let them talk - I'm genuinely curious
  2. Ask follow-up questions - Show I'm interested in going deeper
  3. Wait for them to ask about me - It naturally comes up
  4. Share my authentic "why" - Tailored to the audience

Example "Why" I Used at Texas Venture Forum:​

"I'm spreading the word about Alpha Schools to the business community because while I'm glad we're building AI data centers and creating tax incentives, if we don't pair economic development with the right talent pipeline, what are we doing? We need homegrown, hyper-local talent development - not just importing workers. Memphis kids deserve Memphis opportunities."

Closing: Channel Enthusiasm into Action​

Everyone enters a funnel - the meta funnel is getting excited about Alpha's possibilities. For high-status individuals at elite conferences, I appeal to their desire to be in rooms with other elite people. I appeal to their sense of power and influence.

I provide both default pathways AND space for them to design their own contribution based on their unique superpowers.

Key Mindset Shifts I've Made​

  • From: Fitting people into existing organizational boxes
    To: Discovering how their unique superpowers can expand the movement

  • From: Last-minute enrollment drives
    To: 18-24 month relationship building with influential advocates

  • From: Filling seats
    To: Curating rooms of America's most influential change-makers

The Love Principle​

Movement building is about love - not romantic, but the deep belief that someone's life would be better/more fulfilling by being part of the Alpha movement. This conviction that this is true cannot be faked. You must truly believe in Alpha's mission to get others to believe.

It's all about communicating through your energy and frequency that you really believe in them.

Part Two: Designing Transformative Briefing/Activation Events

The Evolution: From Enrollment Event to Movement Activation​

I'm no longer optimizing for filling last-minute admissions. MacKenzie Price and others like Joanna from Admissions have confirmed that the ideal is 18-24 month lead time for nurturing parents and students. So where does an event in June fit into all this? These briefings support this multi-year funnel. They are critical because we need people that others respect to spread the word about Alpha, whose evangelism can pay off with enrollments, yes, immediately but also years later.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the inspiration and high-caliber attendance at these events naturally leads to seats being filled for this fall. When influential people get excited about Alpha and see the transformative potential firsthand, they often want to act quickly for their own children. But that's a welcome side effect, not the primary objective. The main goal is activating powerful advocates who will help build the movement over years, not just months.

The White House Briefing Model​

I'm modeling these after the private briefings Ron Roberts and I experienced at the White House for faith-oriented leaders. A metaphor to consider with these Alpha briefings is that we are creating something like a "Southern White House" where we inspire everyone in attendance to take responsibility for our country's educational future. The idea is that, as the Alpha Activators community, we're full of hyper-agents able to enact their will on the world.

Who We Want in the Room: The Hyperagent Archetypes​

This isn't just a parent event, though parents are critically important. We're curating a room of people who can reshape America's educational landscape. Here's who we're targeting and why:

Parents (Especially Moms!)​

Why they matter: Let's be clear: parents are the ultimate stakeholders. Moms, in particular, have consistently been the most passionate and effective evangelists for school reform we've encountered. They see the daily impact of education on their children and are fiercely motivated to find and build better options. Their networks are built on trust and shared experience. (I'm actively working on connecting with groups like Moms for America because their energy is exactly what we need).

Real Estate Developers & Brokers​

Why they matter: Real estate professionals are super-connectors to wealthy families who could send their kids to Alpha. They know who's moving to Austin, who's building generational wealth, and who cares about their neighborhood's future. Plus, they understand the connection between great schools and property values - when Alpha succeeds, entire communities thrive. They're often the first to know when influential families are looking for schools.

Investors, Family Office Directors & High Net Worth Individuals​

Why they matter: These aren't just capital sources - they're connected to networks of wealthy families who care deeply about their children's education. Family office directors often advise multiple ultra-wealthy families on everything from investments to education choices. When they believe in Alpha, they can influence dozens of families who trust their judgment. High net worth individuals move in circles where educational excellence is a constant topic, and their endorsement carries weight that marketing never could.

Politicians & Policy Thinkers​

Why they matter: Education reform happens at the intersection of innovation and policy. We need lawmakers who understand the future of learning and can remove regulatory barriers while policy thinkers help us navigate and shape the landscape.

Founders & Entrepreneurs​

Why they matter: They've built things from nothing and understand the challenges of scaling innovation. Many are parents frustrated with traditional education. They bring operational expertise, growth mindsets, and often become our most passionate advocates.

Pastors & Faith Leaders​

Why they matter: They shepherd communities and shape values. When a pastor understands Alpha's mission, they can activate entire congregations of families looking for education that aligns with their values and develops character alongside intellect.

Culture Leaders & Content Creators​

Why they matter: They shape narratives and reach audiences we can't touch through traditional channels. A single podcast, YouTube video, or social media thread from the right creator can introduce Alpha to thousands of aligned families.

Journalists & Media​

Why they matter: Not for PR pitches, but because the best journalists are truth-seekers who can help tell the Alpha story authentically. When they experience our mission firsthand, they become powerful storytellers for the movement.

The Common Thread: Passionate Advocates, Parents or Not​

While many of these archetypes (Investors, Founders, Politicians, etc.) can and ideally are also parents, it's not a prerequisite. What truly matters is their passion for educational transformation and their ability to act as a force multiplier. We welcome anyone who shares our vision for Alpha and is ready to contribute their unique talents to the movement, whether they have school-aged children or not. The magic happens when these diverse hyperagents connect.

Event Design: The Alpha Activation Experience​

A quick but important note: Kids and spouses are always welcome at these activation events! We want to create a family-friendly atmosphere where people can bring their whole selves. This isn't just about abstract policy; it's about real families and real futures.

Core Concept: Adult Shadow Day​

Just as Alpha students find and step into their Ikigai (finding their purpose at the intersection of what they love, what they're good at, what the world needs, and what they can be rewarded for), adults at our briefings will get help discovering their Ikigai within the Alpha movement.

Venue Transformation (Simplified to 2 Key Showcases)​

  1. Main Presentation Space: For speakers, panels, and collective experiences
  2. Lael Alexander's Tech Showcase: Demonstrating how he'll build a great Alpha school and contribute to Alpha having the best ed tech in the world for the best K-12 experience, including for future industrialists
  3. Second Showcase (TBD): Another equally impressive demonstration of Alpha's transformative potential

Key Programming Elements​

Rather than rigid timing, here are the essential components:

  • Arrival & Elite Networking: Setting the tone for high-level connections
  • "State of Education" Briefing: A candid, uncensored assessment of the current education system (ideally by MacKenzie Price, but we'll ensure someone delivers this critical reality check regardless)
  • Panel Discussions & Speakers: Transformation stories and possibilities
  • Activation Workshop: Ikigai-style exercise for attendees
  • Commitment & Connection: Creating personalized action plans

The Alpha Activator Commitment Card: Sealing the Intention​

This isn't a generic pledge card; it's an Alpha Activator Initiation Card. The goal is for each attendee to leave with a tangible representation of their personal commitment to the movement, flowing directly from the Ikigai/Activation workshop.

Card Design & Feel:​

  • Branding: Prominently feature "Alpha Activator" and the Alpha logo.
  • Quality: Printed on high-quality cardstock, something that feels substantial.
  • Personalization (Ideal): If feasible with RSVP data, pre-print cards for attendees who RSVP before a specific cut-off (e.g., 5 days prior to the event) with their name and an honorific title like: "[Attendee's Name] - Alpha Activator, Initiated June 14th, 2025." This makes it a true keepsake. For later RSVPs, we can have a designated team member with excellent handwriting to personalize them on-site.
  • Tone: Inspiring and personal, not transactional.
  • Tagline Idea: "Activating My Genius for America's Future" or similar.

Information & Commitment Section:​

  1. Personal Details (if not pre-printed):
    • Name:
    • Email:
    • Phone:
  2. My Alpha Activation Commitment:
    • A brief prompt like: "To co-create America's educational renaissance, I will leverage my unique gifts. My initial SMART goal(s) for the next 30-90 days will be:"
    • Goal 1 (SMART): [Space for a concise, actionable goal]
    • Goal 2 (SMART - Optional): [Space for an additional goal]
    • (Attendees can draw inspiration from the Activation Pathways listed below or define something entirely unique based on their Ikigai reflection.)
  3. Affirmation: A closing line like, "Let's build the future, together."
  4. Date: To mark the moment of commitment.

The Commitment Experience & Memorialization:​

  • Dedicated Station: Set up an inviting "Activation Station" where attendees can reflect and fill out/complete their cards. Provide good pens! (Logistical Note: Pre-printing names requires accurate RSVP data by a cut-off date and a smooth check-in process. For those personalized on-site, ensure a seamless experience with a designated calligrapher/scribe).
  • Photo Opportunity: With their permission, offer to take a photo of each attendee with their completed card. This act can solidify their commitment and provide us with powerful visuals (again, with consent).
  • Dual Purpose: One copy/portion for us (for follow-up) and they keep their card as a personal reminder and symbol of their initiation.
  • Follow-Up: The collected information and stated goals are crucial for our team to provide tailored follow-up, connect them with relevant resources or people, and support their activation journey.

Example Activation Pathways (To Inspire Goal Setting - Not a Checklist on the Card)​

These are the kinds of areas where people might identify their SMART goals. The card itself focuses on their specific distillation of how they'll act.

  1. Parent Pathway: e.g., "I will host an informational coffee for 5 families in my neighborhood about Alpha by [Date]." or "I will schedule a shadow day for my child by [Date] and share my experience with my parent group."
  2. Investor Pathway: e.g., "I will facilitate an introduction to 2 other potential mission-aligned investors by [Date]." or "I will explore a specific investment model for Alpha expansion and provide feedback by [Date]."
  3. Influencer Pathway: e.g., "I will create one piece of content (podcast episode, blog post, video) sharing my insights from this briefing by [Date]."
  4. Builder Pathway: e.g., "I will research the viability of an Alpha micro-school in my community and present findings by [Date]."
  5. Connector Pathway: e.g., "I will identify and make 3 strategic introductions for Alpha leadership to hyperagents in my network by [Date]."
  6. Custom Pathway: e.g., "I will leverage my expertise in [specific skill] to develop a [specific resource/project] for the Alpha movement by [Date]."

The key is giving people enough context and inspiration to come up with plans that might be even better than what I could imagine, while also providing default paths for those who need them. The SMART goal format encourages concrete first steps.

Measuring What Matters​

For Conversation Success:​

  • Did they leave feeling the conversation was worth their time?
  • Are they excited about Alpha's possibilities?
  • Did they commit to attending a briefing?

For Event Success:​

  • Quality of spontaneous connections made
  • Number of commitment cards completed with multiple pathways
  • Follow-up meetings scheduled within 48 hours
  • "Immediate introductions" facilitated

My Leadership Philosophy​

I don't want to patronize anyone. I give people as much context as possible so they can potentially come up with better plans than I could. It's about illustrating what the game is, letting people play the game, but also letting them modify the game if they can design a better one.

Scaling the Vision​

If June 14 succeeds, this becomes our template for regional briefings in every state that matters, eventually every city. These aren't information sessions - they're activation ceremonies for people who make things happen.

Remember: This is a Test​

June 14 is our prototype for a new genre of event. While we're primarily focused on activating America's most capable change agents to take ownership of our educational future, I won't be surprised if their enthusiasm leads to immediate enrollments too. The beauty of this approach is that it creates both immediate impact and long-term movement building.

The real success will be measured not just in commitment cards filled out or even seats filled this fall, but in the ripple effects - the conversations sparked, the introductions made, the initiatives launched, and yes, the families who discover Alpha is exactly what they've been looking for, whether they enroll this year or three years from now.

Appendix: Guiding a 10-Minute Ikigai-to-SMART Goal Activation (Run of Show)​

This script outlines how to guide attendees through an Ikigai reflection related to Alpha, culminating in them defining a SMART goal for their Alpha Activator Commitment Card. This is designed for the Activation Workshop portion of the event.

(0:00-0:30) Introduction: Connecting to Our Students' Journey

"Alright everyone, we've talked a lot today about the future of education and Alpha's vision. One of the core things we do at Alpha is help our students discover their 'Ikigai' – their unique genius, their reason for being. It's about finding that incredible intersection of what they love, what they're good at, what the world needs, and what they can be rewarded for. Today, right now, we're going to do a mini-version of that for ourselves as Alpha Activators."

(0:30-1:30) What is Your Alpha Ikigai? (Visual: Ikigai Diagram)

"Your 'Alpha Ikigai' is how you can uniquely and powerfully contribute to this educational renaissance we're all so passionate about. It's about finding that sweet spot where your personal passions and talents meet the real needs of the Alpha movement. Think of it as activating your genius for America's future. We're not asking you to do everything; we're inviting you to do something uniquely you."

(1:30-4:30) Quick Reflection: The Four Circles for Alpha

"Let's take just a couple of minutes for a quick personal reflection. You might want to jot down a few thoughts.

  • First (1 min): What You LOVE about this Mission? What aspect of Alpha's vision, or the broader challenge in education, genuinely lights you up? What makes your heart beat faster? Is it empowering students? Challenging old systems? Fostering innovation? Building community? What part of this are you truly passionate about? (Pause for reflection)

  • Second (1 min): What Does the Alpha Movement NEED from You? From everything you've heard today, where do you see a pressing need or a powerful opportunity for Alpha to grow its impact? Think about spreading awareness, connecting us to powerful networks, developing new resources, mentoring, advocating for policy changes. Where could someone like you make a real difference for Alpha? (Pause for reflection)

  • Third (1 min): What Are You Uniquely GOOD AT? What are your God-given talents, your hard-won skills, your unique experiences, or the resources you have access to? What do people consistently tell you you're great at, or come to you for advice on? This could be anything from public speaking to quiet strategic thinking, from connecting people to creating content, from organizing events to offering financial wisdom. (Pause for reflection)"

(4:30-6:00) Finding Your Intersection: Your Alpha Ikigai Sweet Spot

"Okay, now look at what you've jotted down or reflected on. Where is the overlap?

  • Where does what you LOVE about this mission intersect with what the Alpha Movement NEEDS?
  • And how can what you are GOOD AT be the bridge between those two?

That intersection, that's your current Alpha Ikigai. It might be one clear thing, or a couple of related ideas. This isn't about a lifelong commitment to one role, but about identifying where your energy and talents can best serve the movement right now."

(6:00-8:30) Crafting Your SMART Goal: Making it Real

"Now, let's turn that insight into a concrete first step. This is what you'll capture on your Alpha Activator Commitment Card. We want this to be a SMART goal:

  • Specific: What exactly will you do? (Not just "help Alpha")
  • Measurable: How will you know you've achieved it?
  • Achievable: Is this realistic for you in the next, say, 30 to 90 days?
  • Relevant: Does this clearly flow from your Alpha Ikigai and support the movement?
  • Time-bound: By when will you aim to complete this first step?

For example: Instead of: 'I want to help with networking.' A SMART goal might be: 'I will identify and facilitate warm introductions for Gary to 2 potential strategic partners from my network by July 15th.'

Instead of: 'I'll tell people about Alpha.' A SMART goal could be: 'I will host one informational coffee or Zoom call for 5-7 families in my community to share what I learned today by August 1st.'

Think about one, maybe two, clear, actionable SMART goals that you feel energized to pursue." (Give them a minute to formulate this)

(8:30-9:30) Your Alpha Activator Commitment Card

"On the 'Alpha Activator Initiation Card' you have (or will receive), you'll find a place to write down your name, contact info, and these one or two SMART goals.

If your card was pre-printed with your name and 'Alpha Activator - Initiated June 14th, 2025,' that's fantastic! If not, our team is ready to personalize it for you.

This card is for you as much as it is for us. It's a personal declaration. It's your first step as an initiated Alpha Activator."

(9:30-10:00) Call to Action & Next Steps

"Please take a few moments now, or as you mingle afterwards, to complete your card at our Activation Station. We'd also love to (with your permission!) take a photo of you with your commitment – a way to memorialize this moment.

This isn't just about today. This is the start of a journey. We are so incredibly grateful and excited to see how you will bring your unique genius to this vital mission. Let's build this future, together. Thank you."