The Bard Center Speaker Series offers the opportunity to interact and network with extraordinary entrepreneurs in the Denver area. Each of these entrepreneurs has unique and inspiring perspectives and insights, which have lead each to becoming very successful. Smart-work, dedication, frugality, self-motivation, good fortune and hard times, are all a part of the equation and these entrepreneurs are delighted to offer their tips and tricks to budding entrepreneurs.
The series encourages networking and seeking guidance from those who have been through the entrepreneurial process and those who may be going through it for the first time. The events are free and open to the public.
Bard Center Speaker Series events are held each fall and spring semester.
Takeaways from the fall 2012 speaker series events:
Tom Cycyota spoke about mission-driven organizations and how the mission grounds the organization in times of upheaval, helping to better results by keeping those making decisions from losing their way. Tom also encouraged organizations to keep their mission simple and stressed that it must be executed by all those in the organization, especially the executives.
In Craig Ross’ presentation, he focused on what Fortune 500 companies are looking for in up and coming entrepreneurs. One of the points he highlighted was being relentless about bringing ideas forward and driving leadership and engagement upward. Craig also spoke about management, suggesting that managers should go beyond engagement and create conditions for the entrepreneur to rise naturally.
Jan Rutherford gave advice for “hearing the unheard.” He stressed understanding what is not always obvious and emphasized uniting different aspects of business, instead of looking at them each individually. Being “self-reliant,” you have to know the right questions to ask yourself and having the courage to answer them. He left the group with a powerful thought, “In a year from now, what will you wish you had initiated today?”
The presentation from Charles Malek was focused on his journey through the corporate world and then into company ownership. He shared the twists and turns his careers took until he finally got to where he wanted to be. Charles strongly believes you should stick with your gut. He encourages everyone to work to figure out what you want in your career, and when you do, go find it and don’t settle for anything less.
Each speaker motivated and inspired those who attended by discussing their stories and offering their opinions on how to be successful as an entrepreneur.
Be sure to check back in for updates about the spring series event, which is a panel event scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2013.