121. Dig South. Lessons In Community Building.

Today on The Future of the Future, we sat down with someone who’s been at the center of Charleston’s growing tech scene and has spent the last decade connecting some of the most innovative minds in the Southeast: Stanfield Gray.Stanfield is the founder and force behind DigSouth, the premier tech summit and media platform showcasing what's next in technology, business, and culture across the South. From launching the first editions of DigSouth to bringing major tech leaders to Charleston, Stanfield has built something bigger than just an event—he’s helped shape a regional movement.In this conversation, we unpack his journey: how he got started in the tech world, what inspired him to create DigSouth, and how the landscape has evolved—especially through the COVID era. We’ll dive into his playbook for attracting big names to Charleston, his perspective on networking in a digital-first world, and what he sees coming next for the Southeast’s innovation economy.And of course, we’ll take a step back to learn more about the person behind it all—his lessons as an entrepreneur, his vision for the future, and what keeps him grounded when he’s not working.If you’re curious about building communities, driving innovation outside of Silicon Valley, or just want to hear a great story from someone at the intersection of tech, media, and the South—this one’s for you.Let 's get into it.