This is kind of CRAZY - I am just about to JUMP on a plane…. ✈️ To attend a business networking event in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) 🤩😬 This makes no logical sense, as like most business owners I am already BUSY, and as I have no idea what to expect..... 🤷♂️ In the past, I would have THOUGHT and THOUGHT about this, and probably said NO. These days I TRY to follow my intuition. The reality is that, whilst this is a step into the UNKNOWN, this feels right. And I have learnt this is a much better way to LIVE ⭐️ I joined an amazing business community this year called the The Advance Innovation Society which is run by Ty Richardson, PhD and Kelly Roach, CEO ⭐️🎉 I have already met so many amazing people who are members of this community and can’t wait to meet so many of these individuals in person 😊 Taking time out, and spending time with individuals that inspire you is always when the magic happens.... 🔥 See you on the other side.... #peformhappy #performance #growthmindset #purpose

Right now, I’m working with several clients who are the 'conveners' in a larger ecosystem, and in each case their success hinges on identifying a common vision shared by all participating entities. This kind of vision is different than the vision and mission statements that guide a single organization. Rather, in successful collaborative partnerships, participating entities must share an inter-organizational big-picture goal. Because I often work with economic development organizations, these collaborative partnerships frequently coalesce around a shared goal of economic prosperity for the community. This is their unifying vision, and in moments of tension, which will happen, it’s what helps maintain synergy and cohesion. Building this kind of consensus and engagement across diverse stakeholders is a strategic process that requires looking at the entire ecosystem, and it applies to any complex partnership model. I am speaking on this very thing at the America's Business Development Center National Conference in September in Atlanta, and as I prepare for that talk, I’ll continue sharing my insights about these kinds of collaborations. In the meantime, get in touch if you’d like to learn more about building a common vision for your stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

#Kakahiaka Innovators, Inventors & AlohaPreneurs, It’s Hoʻomaikaʻi (thankful) Thursday, what might you be thankful for today? Today, I’m thankful for Langston Clark because he introduced Rory Verrett & I. Interesting enough, Rory Verrett, Justin Payton & I all have roots in this Port City where you can smell the aroma of Community Coffee riverside and enjoy a cup of chicory kope while sharing beignets. What city comes to mind? Mahalo nui loa Rory Verrett for making a pivot to be the Region V NSBE #GuestSpeaker at the upcoming #StartupWeekend #Topic: Pathway from College to C-Suite Protégé Search, don't just find talent, they cultivate excellence. Founded by Rory Verrett, the firm is a beacon of change in the executive search landscape. With a relentless focus on diversity, we've helped shape the leadership teams of iconic brands like The New York Times Company, Peloton, and PayPal. Our team of nine consultants spans the globe, operating from strategic hubs in Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Northern California, Atlanta, and even Lisbon, Portugal. Wherever you are, we're there to deliver unparalleled talent solutions tailored to your needs. But our impact goes beyond placements. Through Rory's acclaimed Protégé Podcast, it amplifies diverse voices and share insights from extraordinary executives. As pioneers in diversity, equity, and inclusion, the firm advised Congress on best practices in recruiting. Partner with Protégé Search and unlock the full potential of your organization. How might you grow your OC6 Executive Team with global emmersion opportunities? #AlohaVaMana, Kahuna Loeka W. #BeAlohaĀina #ImprovesQualityOfLife #PromotesBelonging #BeVaWarriors #LongerHealthierLife #DecreasesLoneliness #BeManaEnergy #ImprovesResilience #EnhancedTeamWellness

Up next for October, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be co-leading a breakfast conversation on Innovation at The Orchestrated Connecting Conference in New York City, alongside the brilliant Mamie Kanfer Stewart! 🗽✨ This isn’t your typical conference—there’s no small talk, no rushed networking, and no distractions. Instead, it’s all about deep, intentional conversations that help us build meaningful, lasting relationships. 🌱 Curated by the incredible David Homan, founder of Orchestrated Connecting (a community of connectors of connectors), this conference is all about connecting purpose-driven individuals in a way that encourages real collaboration and impact. David’s global community brings together entrepreneurs, family offices, and philanthropists, creating thousands of meaningful introductions every year—leading to tangible results for businesses, impact projects, and personal growth. 🌍🤝 In a world obsessed with quick interactions, this event is a breath of fresh air. We’ll be focusing on fostering real collaboration, sharing innovative ideas, and pushing each other’s goals forward—without the noise. 📵 Looking forward to connecting with some of you there, including Jennifer Warren, Amy J. Wilson, FRSA, Elvira (Elle) Ballard, Amman Jesani, CFA, and Annika Howe. If you’re attending, comment below and let me know—I’d love to meet you there! #Innovation #Collaboration #OrchestratedConnecting #PurposefulConversations #NetworkingDoneRight

Behind every impactful change lies the dedication of our incredible team! 💪🌟 Excitement fills the air as we get ready to unite for our annual 2-day conference — recognizing the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping a brighter future. Let's amplify our efforts and change the world together! 🚀 #TeamAppreciation #ChangeMakers #PositiveImpact #SocialEntrepreneurship

Not long now until The Inverness Chamber of Commerce Highland Business Week, and the Highland Spotlight event at The Drumossie Hotel Inverness. This will be our first Highland Business Week and we are more than a little bit excited. Not least because on Thursday 26th September, at the Chamber offices we will be holding this session "Innovation: it's easier than you think".. When we talk about innovating, we are really talking about is CHANGE. This change is important and value generating, and we believe it is going to be better than what we have already. As human beings we are all capable of making change happen (we have been doing it all our lives) and yet sometimes we can get stuck, and overwhelmed where it all seems too hard, or maybe we don't even now where to start, or who to get involved? Perhaps more importantly - what makes "Jammie Dodgers" a good example of innovation? (Thanks to "nibble my biscuit dot com" for the image) We will eat biscuits and explore - the myths around making change, or new things happen - why ideas get stuck, and how to unstick them - the mindsets that you need to be successful, and how to access them - and tricks of the trade that we have learned on the way, that anyone can apply and use in their organisation, and for any purpose. We will share what you need to have in place before you start; your "why" (the purpose), who in your organisation you will need support from, and how you can gain the resilience to keep going. This session will be part presentation, part Q&A, and we will even have you up on your feet and walking around (indoors, with tea & coffee - did we mention there will be biscuits?) We would love to have you join us, book your place (it's only £20, just to cover costs) by contacting neil@clan-alchemy.co.uk #innovation #change #makechangehappen #invernesschamber #HighlandBizWk #nibblemybiscuit

If you haven't registered yet for our 3-day Better Business Bootcamp, there are a few more spots left. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your business or make your dream a reality! Grant Slayer Dr. Shaun Glaze from Inclusive Data and so many other experts in their field will be there to help you bring your business to another level. Got questions? We got answers! 🚀 Event Details: 📅 Dates: March 1st through March 3rd 📍 Location: Station Square, Suite 136 Here's a breakdown of what's in store for you: 🌟 Friday, March 1st, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Networking: Kickstart your weekend by connecting with like-minded individuals and seasoned experts. This is your chance to expand your network and lay the groundwork for potential collaborations! 📚 Saturday, March 2nd, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Workshops: Dive deep into actionable strategies designed to propel your business forward. We've got you covered from smart planning to leveraging the latest tech trends! 🎤 Sunday, March 3rd, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Pitch Contest: Ready to showcase your entrepreneurial prowess? Step into the spotlight and pitch your ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. Who knows, this could be your moment to shine! But wait, there's more! 🌈We are thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker for this incredible event will be none other than Dr. Shaun Glaze from Inclusive Data. Shaun is a trailblazer in inclusivity and innovation, and their insights are guaranteed to inspire and empower you! 🌟 Secure your spot now by registering at https://lnkd.in/eqKyBtp5 Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce TJ Walker Station Square Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Small Business Administration NC IDEA Inclusive Data #minoritybusinessowners #ncidea #rockymountbusiness #rockymount #bettebusinessbootcamp #rockymountnc #firstfridaysnc #firstfridays #empowerment

🚀 Ever been in the right place at the right time... but not quite ready? Picture this: Last month, at the IAC Summit in Washington, D.C, I found myself in a crowded elevator. Among us was a super famous VC investor. Out of nowhere, someone starts eagerly sharing their startup idea. The investor perks up: "Perfect! Let's hear that elevator pitch" The room went silent, and the tension was undeniable. Everyone was thinking, "This is their big chance!" 🤞 But you won't believe what happened next... Before I get into that, let me tell you about Israeli-American Council (IAC) Summit. It’s not just any event - it's a huge gathering. Over 4,000 people come together, all passionate about supporting and strengthening our communities. This year was especially important as we remembered the heroes and victims of October 7, reinforcing our need for community and resilience. The summit was packed with amazing discussions and workshops. Topics ranged from fighting antisemitism to boosting community leadership. 🌍 As an international CS student in the US (more about it in the next post!), this summit was a fantastic place to meet people, find mentors, and see the many ways we can make a difference. Everyone was there - entrepreneurs, investors, artists, activists, tech industry leaders, and students like me - all ready to connect and share ideas. 💡🤝 Returning to that elevator moment... The entrepreneur who had captured everyone's attention? When it was time to shine, they froze completely 😶. A prime opportunity slipped through their fingers. This moment served as a powerful lesson for everyone there: Always be prepared. 🌟 Opportunities can emerge when you least expect them, and seizing them is crucial. Being clear, prepared, and passionate about your ideas is key to making the most of every unexpected chance.

Innovation thrives on collaboration and the confluence of diverse ideas. It's about connecting dots from different disciplines, drawing inspiration from the unexpected, and creating something truly groundbreaking. This doesn't happen in isolation; it happens in ecosystems where collaboration is not just encouraged but is a way of life. These ecosystems, where ideas are shared openly and creativity knows no bounds, are the crucibles in which vague notions are forged into clear, impactful innovations. Start looking around you, engage in conversations, and join or build these communities. Together, we can turn the sparks of today into the beacons of tomorrow. EDIT: I should probably add that if you are in the #Edmonton ecosystem and want to build an ecosystem, Shannon Phillips and Mike Procee, MBA, P.Eng. kick off the Edmonton Innovation Peer forum on Feb 21st. Contact them for more info. #Collaboration #InnovationEcosystem

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are a critical, often strategic, tool which businesses can use to achieve growth. Yet, M&A can be fraught with risks which is why so much due diligence goes into the process from multiple vantages, including legal, financial, and people lenses. A traditional aspect of the people-side of M&A has been the assessment of culture - typically at the executive level. This is necessary, but is it sufficient or is this just the portion of iceberg easiest to see? Often, the more granular layer of the individual strengths, values, and motivations of the rank-and-file workforce within a company is the portion of the iceberg below the surface. Fortunately, tools and techniques for rapidly, consistently, and effectively seeing the whole iceberg are changing the game. A leader in this space is Humanico which will be hosting a panel on the people side of M&A to discuss what they have learned in helping companies truly understand the humans in a business.