Stories

Tech for Good: How One Leader is using Design Philosophy & Change Management to Transform the Public Sector Roshen Sethna, Partner at Exygy

“When you launch a product, it’s the best hypothesis of what you know… The same applies to you. Even if you are a foremost expert - your work is going to be the best hypothesis of what is needed. You’re going to be in the role, improve, iterate, get feedback, and get better. No one has ever truly ‘done it’ the moment they begin. “

It Takes a Village: Building an Agency that puts People & Relationships First Greg Norton, President at R+M, Brand Experience Agency

"One of my favorite quotes is 'A ship in a harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.' by John Shedd. Have the guts to stand out and be ridiculed. Nurture your first few followers as equals to demonstrate it is clearly about the movement, not you. Have the courage to follow and show others how to follow. After all. It takes a village."

Sending Love Across the Globe: Supporting Community Development in a Rural Village in Zambia Bethany & David Morgan, Founders & Stateside Directors of Love Abounds

"Write your dreams/passions/desires down. Do it for the short-term and the long-term. Every so often check in -- how are you working towards accomplishing that dream? What dreams have you accomplished, how did you get there, who do you need to thank for helping you achieve it? For every goal you achieve -- add a new one. Don't settle or become comfortable when it comes to making your life the life of your dreams."

An Untraditional Lens: How Team Building Can Take Your Business to the Next Level Kimberley Jutze – Chief Change Architect, Shifting Patterns Consulting

"People are at the heart of results. If you’re willing to invest in their professional development as well as in their ability to work well together, you’re much more likely to achieve your goals."

Using Innovation to Tackle Pollution & Climate Change Corey Lien & Tammy Hu – Co-Founders, DOMI Earth

"You have to believe that you are the one that can make it happen. It starts with your vision. In the beginning, you may not know exactly what that vision is, but that’s ok. It comes. From there, define the strengths that you have and the strengths you need to rely on others for, in order to make your vision happen. Once you reach the point where you realize, 'If I can’t make it happen, then no one else can,' you’re set. You’ll be able to do whatever it takes to realize your vision."

Fresh, Heart-Felt Approach to the Same Old Legal System Richard Bobholz - Senior Managing Attorney, Law++

"The advice I like to live by is to think about how you want to change the world as an investment. What can you do today, tomorrow, and over the next 5 years that will lead to a major change over time? You can make a big change in aggregate by taking small steps over time that add up in a big way. "

Mixing Trouble, Fun, and Altruism to Drive Positive Change Danny Rosin - Co-Owner and Co-President of Brand Fuel & Co-Founder of Band Together

"You have to want to do whatever you set out to do for the right reasons. Look in the mirror and you’ll know. To do what you will do for reasons bigger than yourself. You have to have a special mix of optimism, rebelliousness, and empathy to be able to fight the battle and make your give-back dreams come true."

Creating Impact through Storytelling: Tales of a Purpose-Driven PR Agency Lorraine Schuchart, Founder & CEO of Prosper for Purpose

"Start with your ‘why.’ I know it’s cliché, but it’s important to know what you want to do and why you want to do it. A lot of people think it has to be your full-time job, but that doesn’t work for everyone. It’s not always possible to follow your heart and turn it into a full-time job. I advise people to figure out what you are called to do and why you are called to do it."

How a Global Life and Career Shaped an Activist for Social Justice and Economic-Inclusivity Esther Benjamin - SVP, Global Public Affairs & Chief Benefit Officer of Laureate International Universities

"I think in our country and in the world, we’re at a crucial moment. It’s about inclusion. Inclusion has become a buzzword, so it’s important to be intentional about what we mean. For me, it’s inclusion from an economic perspective, it’s inclusion from a race, and gender perspective. How are we shaping our work and our careers to support the building of a more inclusive world? I think we all need to be asking this question."

Creating Opportunity for All: Helping Refugees & Durhamites Experience the American Dream Tucker Stevens – Managing Director, Amplio Recruiting

"Go with your gut and listen to your body. This is not just in regards to your health, but in regards to life and job decisions. I was about to accept this job in Austin when I was 23. I was hyperventilating talking about all of the positives of this job. My Dad said ‘look at yourself, you’re sitting in a chair, holding your knees to your chest and you can hardly breathe. Obviously, you don’t want this job.’ My body was physically rejecting the opportunity. If you listen to it, your body will tell you what you need to hear."