Want to Stay Relevant? Mentor!

The transformative stories from the BIF 2017 Summit are up!!  They are all incredible so if asked to choose a few favorites I'd be challenged.  Yup, mine is up too - how by mentoring I'm able to continually learn new things I can use with my clients and stay on my toes by having to think fast, challenge status quo and stay agile.  Here it is!

But there are so so many more you need to see! Like Angela Blanchard's about Hurricane Harvey & the 65 Million (yes! MILLION!) displaced people in our world, Mark Brand on counterintuitive and effective ways to alleviate hunger and poverty, Whitney Johnson's S-Curves in each of us, Alex Osterwalder's honest story of life, family & entrepreneurship, Carl Störmer's journey bringing his mother's art to all of us, and Alan Webber's timely exhortation to us to our citizenship seriously.  And many many more.  Please take the time to watch the videos - they will change how you think, act, and interact... they will transform!

When Shoveling Sh&t is Easier

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Sometimes, shoveling sh&t is easier than shoveling caviar. It's the path of least resistance.  It makes sense. No one argues with you.  It's usually the right thing to do. Who in their right mind would keep the sh&t and shovel the caviar? 

But.... what if the best thing for your business, your organization, is to shovel the caviar, not the sh&t? That's crazy!!! You've spent years investing in that rare and unique caviar.  It's a valuable niche! Sure, it's harder to get it due to increasing geo-political entanglements, environmental and regulatory constraints and access to product, but it still has a strong profit margin and, you believe, defines your brand.  But, whether you admit it or not, the business model has run its course.

Sometimes, you have to shovel the caviar and keep the sh&t.  It's been a great ride; be grateful.  The costs are sunk - yup, down at the bottom along with the sturgeons, not coming to the top anymore. Time to move on.  Time to get out of the office, into the world, see what people need and want, and create something new.  It's time to shovel the caviar and keep the sh&t.

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Mentoring is Key to My Business Model

Brown University Mentees at BIF2016

Brown University Mentees at BIF2016

One of the most wonderful weeks of the year starts Sunday, September 10th.  It begins with office hours and a couple independent studies I'm advising - one of which is all about haptic feedback (sense of touch) technology and applications for AR/VR.  

Next is BIF2017!!!!!!! The best gathering of the year for innovators, status-quo-phobes, and Blue Lobsters (stay tuned!!!).  I'm excited (and a bit nervous) about sharing my story!!!  Here's a sneak preview: FOR DEB MILLS-SCOFIELD, MENTORING IS A RESPONSIBILITY AND A JOY.

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The week is capped off with the B-Lab Pitch Night, featuring one of my unabashedly favorite startups, ProjectLETs and then the drive back to Oberlin - after my 'sabbatical' in Maine, #TheWayLifeShouldBe and Providence!  

In the midst of all this joy and fun, please keep those in Houston and Florida in your prayers - there are months and years of recovery and healing ahead for so many, including friends and family.  If you are willing to share a bit of your blessings, consider giving to BakerRipley - they know what to do, when to do it, and how to it - for the long-term.