The Tech Bros Are Going to Etiquette School… And Honestly, I Am Not Surprised.

When I saw the headline, “Tech Bros are going to etiquette school,” I had to laugh — but not because I was surprised.

Because having lived in Silicon Valley, I can picture it.

The brilliant founders. The billion-dollar ideas. The hoodies in five-star restaurants. And now… etiquette classes.

Honestly? It makes perfect sense.

For years, I have been saying that etiquette was never really about knowing which fork to use or memorizing a list of “rules.” Those things are part of it, but they are not the reason etiquette matters.

Etiquette is about people.

It is about building relationships, creating trust, showing respect, and understanding how your actions impact those around you.

And in a world where so much of our communication happens behind screens, the ability to connect with people face-to-face has become one of the most valuable skills we can have.

Recently, etiquette training has started making its way into unexpected places: Silicon Valley, venture capital firms, executive leadership programs, and corporate professional development.

A recent class for tech founders focused on everything from hosting and fundraising etiquette to wine pairings and, perhaps most importantly, learning how to “read the room.”

The article was written with a little humor (because yes, there were caviar bumps involved), but the message behind it was actually very serious:

In the age of AI, being human is becoming a competitive advantage.

Technology can help us move faster, analyze information, write code, and solve complex problems. But it cannot replace the ability to build trust, make someone feel valued, or walk into a room and create a genuine connection.

Those are skills.

And just like any skill, they need to be practiced.

The “Soft Skills” That Aren’t Actually Soft

For years, soft skills were treated like something extra. A nice bonus. Something people either naturally had or didn’t.

But they are not extra.

They are the skills that help people become leaders.

They are the skills that help children make friends, teens succeed in interviews, young adults navigate college and careers, and professionals build meaningful relationships.

Knowing how to introduce yourself.

Knowing how to have a conversation with someone you just met.

Knowing when to listen instead of speak.

Knowing how to be a gracious guest, a thoughtful host, or a respectful colleague.

Knowing how to make people feel included.

These skills matter at every stage of life.

This is exactly why I created Reach for the Stars ATX — to help children and teens develop the confidence, character, communication skills, and social awareness they need to succeed in the real world.

Through my children’s etiquette classes, youth leadership programs, and life skills workshops, I teach students that manners are not about being perfect or following outdated rules. They are about becoming the kind of person others want to be around.

Because success is not just about what you know.

It is also about how you show up.

Etiquette Is Not About Being Fancy

This is something I talk about often with my students.

Etiquette is not about being stuffy.

It is not about pretending to be someone you are not.

It is not about perfection.

Etiquette is about awareness.

It is understanding that your choices affect the people around you.

It is putting your phone away when someone is talking because you are showing them they matter.

It is writing a thank-you note because someone went out of their way for you.

It is knowing how to confidently introduce yourself when you walk into a new environment.

It is being prepared for opportunities before they arrive.

These lessons are woven into every Reach for the Stars ATX program because I believe confidence is built through small moments of practice.

A child who learns how to shake hands, make eye contact, introduce themselves, and have a conversation today is a young adult who walks into an interview with confidence tomorrow.

Why This Matters for Kids Today

The reason I love teaching etiquette and leadership skills to children is because these skills do not magically appear when someone turns 18.

Confidence, character, kindness, and social awareness are built over time.

Just like we teach children how to read, write, and solve problems, we also need to teach them how to navigate the world around them.

How do you join a conversation?

How do you handle an uncomfortable moment?

How do you make someone new feel welcome?

How do you represent yourself when no one is reminding you what to do?

How do you show respect to people who may be different from you?

These are life skills. And they are just as important as academics.

At Reach for the Stars ATX, my goal is to create opportunities where children can practice these skills in a fun, encouraging environment. Whether through etiquette workshops, leadership programs, dining experiences, or confidence-building activities, students learn that kindness, professionalism, and character are qualities that will take them far.

The Future Belongs to People Who Can Connect

As technology continues to reshape our world, companies are placing more value on interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and professional presence.

I have been saying this would happen for years.

Because at the end of the day, success is not just about intelligence or talent.

It is about connection.

The best leaders, the best teammates, and the best friends all have something in common:

They know how to make people feel seen, respected, and valued.

So maybe the tech world is finally catching up to what parents, educators, and etiquette professionals have known all along.

Manners matter.

Character matters.

How you show up matters.

The table has always been about more than the meal. It is where we learn how to communicate, connect, listen, and make room for others.

And those are skills that will never go out of style.