“The more challenges you face in life, the more of life you experience – this lived experience gives one the “influence” to impact lives of others.”
Ms. Lubno Olayan, CEO & Deputy Chair of Saudi’s multinational conglomerate, Olayan Financing Co.
In 2016, I resolve to …
- Narrow my niche market. Focus on emerging food entrepreneurs.
- Know my limits and stretching just beyond is enough.
- Be kinder.
- Learn acceptance is not surrendering but wisdom and compassion.
- Be curious – data science, design thinking, forensics, art appreciation, floral.
- Age is not just a number but a privilege. After all, it’s Fire Monkey Year!
- Be healthy, mind, body, and soul.
- Visit Italy, France, Fogo Island, NYC, and SFO in 2016.
- Breathe throughout the day and get plenty (7+ hours) of sleep each night.
A Superhero for the Underdog Entrepreneur!
Pat McNamara @patapex is a PR dynamo who has found a way to give back! She’s the poster girl of huge heart, self-effacing and ever so humble. She is the super-hero for the underdog entrepreneur!
#Entrepreneurs sometimes fall and fall hard for different reasons and need a second chance. Doesn’t everyone? Pat mentions ever so briefly that she had a second chance and her gratitude jumps out when you see her smile. 
As volunteer business judges, we spent the day listening and assessing the top 9 pitches in 3 categories – youth, women, and immigrant – and are at varying stages of start-up. By the end of the day, @IgniteCapital will have awarded $20k to each of the three category winners! Where does this money come from? From Pat’s 3 pockets for 3 entrepreneurs, $60K, to help move an entrepreneur’s dream forward.
This is no Dragon’s Den! Pat and her team have designed a process for cash-strapped, low credit score entrepreneurs (yep, you have to have a credit score LESS THAN 650) to be eligible. 2015 is Year 3 of Pat’s generosity and now is the time for other successful entrepreneurs to step up. Join Pat in helping those who deserve a second chance!
Protected: Everwise – A Dream Company
In with the “In” AND with the “Old”
There’s a lot to be said about the tsunami of all things internet aka #IOT and the virtual world.
Speed is of the essence. Speeches by the hip and cool contains words about speed – “fast, faster, fastest”, “nimble”, “hurry, hurry hard (oops, curling call to action)”. Time is ticking, dammit!
The “new” phraseoology (note the middle letters in this word, “SEO”) amuses me – “discussion” becomes “conversation”, “random” is no longer confined to math, “talking” becomes “texting”. Sometimes I feel like “The Martian” who got off at the wrong space shuttle stop and fell to Earth.
However, most of the time, I stand back in awe and amazement and celebrate what a wonderful world and age we live in… together – young and younger and youngest! Talk to me. I mean text me.
Inspiration 2015
Good-bye to 2014! Onto new projects in 2015!
Project Think Tank
Think Tank 2015 will be fun if nothing else! With no specific agenda, I am bringing together a group of smart young like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds to see what happens! Idea incubation = ideation ?
Project Mentors For Many
Finding ways to best engage my roster of Mentors from 2014! This brilliant and seasoned group of multi-talented greats have much to say and share!
Project Food Finds
On the hunt for foods which fascinate and need a hand in launching. Starting off on the spicy trail first.
Project 1st Book
Yes, it’s time to take a big step in this direction. Forward and format formed. Ready, set, go!
Project TED
I’m taking the plunge and honing my public speaking skills. With help from my media savvy friend-coach, it’s practice practice practice and maybe… hopefully…take the stage!
What are your projects, goals, dreams for 2015?
Taking care of Business
With a stroke of good luck along with the red lunar eclipse last night and tonight, everything on heaven and on earth is now aligned.
After searching high and low for our next big biz opportunity worth pursuing, FOUR (yep 4) crossed our path in one day – yesterday – same day our new msbizwiz.com was relaunched!
Thank you, Christopher, our IT Boy Wonder! Now we can really get down to business!