April 2011
1 post
Onward
This quote is an excerpt from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s newest book, Onward. It is ridiculously inspiring.
“There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe that the path we are...
March 2011
1 post
“My least favorite status is quo.”
– Dustin Curtis
November 2010
4 posts
1 tag
BOOK A WEEK 3: “Why We Make Mistakes"
Everyone makes mistakes. In his book, Why We Make Mistakes, Joseph T Hallinan examines how and why we make mistakes in the first place.
What I took from the book was less about mistake-making and more about widening perspective. Individuals have a very narrow view of the world. Bombarded by information, we’re forced to take shortcuts.
“The eye is not a camera. It does not take...
1 tag
BOOK A WEEK 2: "Now, Discover Your Strengths"
After reading Godin’s Linchpin, I started wondering/doubting if I had Linchpin status! I work really hard at my job and make it conscious focus to constantly improve, but let’s just say that I was due for a little encouragement.
On the suggestion of a friend, I picked up Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book hinges on a quiz that analyzes your strengths. I took the quiz, and here...
1 tag
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BOOK A WEEK 1: Linchpin by Seth Godin
As part 1 of my BOOK A WEEK Series, I started reading Linchpin by Seth Godin.
Quickly, let me back up. I’m really getting old. And by old, I mean mid-20s. Time for some self-improvement. Plus, I just really miss reading. Inspired by my friend Meg’s 52 cups blog, I’m going to try to read one book a week and post something about the message that I take away. I might not finish all...
October 2010
3 posts
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can...”
– Carl Sandberg
3 tags
Brain drain: Perception of Michigan a problem with...
The following article was featured in the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, October 10 as part of the “Mapping Michigan’s Recovery” series. Many thanks to Louise Knott Ahren for her journalistic abilities! We chatted about my awesome job, why I stayed in Lansing, and the mis-match between perception and reality of opportunity in our community. There is also a photo at the link...
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve...”
– Henry David Thoreau
[Mantain Perspective]
September 2010
2 posts
2 tags
In the news: Lansing emerges a winner among... →
Lansing State Journal’s coverage of the Next American City/ IBM Smarter Cities Challenge. Hundreds of Lansing residents submitted what projects/ partnerships/ assets make Lansing a “Smart City.”
LSJ called to ask why I love Lansing. Check it out and visit the Smarter Cities Challenge Tumblr Blog! The story will run in an upcoming NAC issue.
Young, single, childless women earn more than male... →
Breakin’ that glass ceiling! Ka-pow!
August 2010
4 posts
3 tags
Embrace the Epiphany (and why I quit TFA)
Today was the first session of Kick Ass Ladies Club. The brainchild of Megan Gebhart, the goal of KALC is to meet with female leaders in the entrepreneurial community. Five of us met at the East Lansing Technology and Innovation Center. Through a series of events, neither of our female speakers were able to join, but Scott Westerman, president of the MSU Alumni Association decided to join us. ...
4 tags
Breaking into the hidden job market
Today, the Lansing State Journal published an OpEd from Doug Stites, CEO of the Capital Area Michigan Works! about my journey to my current job. It highlights the relationships that were formed along the way and how connections, volunteerism, and following my passions have helped me into my current position.
Until I saw it in print, I wasn’t truly impacted by privileged I am to have...
July 2010
4 posts
4 tags
Networking: The Gen Y Approach
I read a very insightful blog post a couple months back about how Gen Y is refusing to network and make meaningful connections outside of generational boundaries. This was particularly apparent in an area of connection-forming affectionately known as “networking.” Apparently Gen Y just doesn’t do it. What? Really? Then how are we getting jobs?
I have been to numerous seminars...
2 tags
#LoveLansing is listed as one of the Top 10 US... →
I haven’t posted in a while, but this is awesome. Lansing has been recognized as one of the top cities in the US for young people.
“Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash...”
– President Barack Obama
1 tag
June 2010
7 posts
3 tags
Lansing-Student Connectivity: Messaging to the...
In part 1 of this series, I wrote about the importance of Including the Inquisitive. I cannot understate this. If a student is reaching out and exploring our community in proactive ways, the ought to be met with a smile and positive support.
But, what about Messaging to the Majority? Behold! Part Two.
I was recently in a meeting on talent issues in Lansing where a collaborator said something...
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Lansing-Student Connectivity: Including the...
People ask me how to attract student talent. Here’s how.
PART 1: Including the Inquisitive
Economic developers and community leaders have asked me and Spotlight Michigan essentially: “How do we reach MSU students?” often meaning “How do we project the message of Lansing to 35,000 undergrads?” True, most of campus doesn’t know what Lansing has to offer and...
3 tags
Guest Blog on GreaterLansingNext.com
Check out my latest guest blog on Greater Lansing Next’s website!
LEAP has made considerable efforts toward integrating Lansing’s leaders to bring about change in our community. They also were one of the generous sponsors of Spotlight Michigan’s research this past year.
Lansing certainly has a long way to go. With the help of business leaders, other economic developers, and...
4 tags
Today is why I #LoveLansing
Today is why I #LoveLansing
Most hump days are inherently good. By noon, you’re already halfway done with your week. Today was incredible.
> Ag Club Breakfast: Met the 2009 Ag Exporter of the Year- Zeeland Farm Services. Did a little networking. Ate some free breakfast.
> Radio Interview for LCC talking young talent and the unfortunate perils of my epic job search
> Met with an...
Dream Crusher
I’m at Biggby, which normally I love for its inherent ability to cheer me up (their B Happy marketing works on me).
But, today I am sitting next to two women talking about their high school sons.
Mother A: “I just told Todd [her son] that he cannot study Political Theory in college. He doesn’t like math or science, but in this day in age, it’s just not realistic for him ...
2 tags
Epic Job Search: Week Three
When I was in college and looking for jobs, I was fairly attuned to career search blogs and regularly read articles encouraging job hunters to not loose heart.
After jump-starting my job search three weeks ago, it has been difficult to not loose heart. While I would like to stay in Michigan and have dedicated the last three weeks to a singularly in-state job search, I have started looking at...
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Networking the Connectors
This past spring, I had the opportunity to Madison, Wisconsin to study how they are addressing the issue of talent infusion. My trip to Madison was part of a larger research investigation conducted by Spotlight Michigan, a student group studying talent retention issues in Michigan.
Madison seems to have the “spark” of a community that naturally attracts smart, talented...
March 2010
1 post
November 2009
1 post
Finding Purpose
Finding purpose is a great task indeed. Currently, that entails finding a job in my interest area that allows personal and professional growth. While I’m not sure exactly what that will entail, I have been working relentlessly to connect to the perfect position.
Additionally, I am a Communications Intern for the Capital Area Michigan Works and I am focusing on connecting students to...