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Entrepreneurship can mean many different things to many different people. I come from an extremely creative family of artists and creators as well as a father who’s been a business leader in software as a service (SaaS) for over 30 years. As a result, I have been drawn to entrepreneurship as an opportunity to find creative solutions to genuine business challenges.

A career in business has always interested me, but did not really know what that might look like. I started my journey by getting a liberal arts degree at when I was recruited as a student athlete on the men's lacrosse team. In college, I  wanted to satisfy my curiosity about the world by broadening my  scope of politics and economics.

The combination of my competitive nature and hunger for a challenge, as an athlete, paired with my curiosity and creativity led my entrepreneurial journey to , a thriving consulting venture affiliated with the Leeds School of Business at the ��«����Ƶ, led by passionate MBA students.

My Journey's Genesis

My story began with uncertainty but overflowed with potential. After a period in advertising agencies, I found my niche in the dynamic realm of sales at , a UK-based customer generation and digital marketing company. As an early employee at their new US office in Austin, TX, it felt very much like a startup environment with the backing of a larger organization. Here, I honed my skills, learning from mentors and engaging with diverse clients, ranging from Fortune 500 giants to nimble startups.

During my time at MVF, I realized that I loved working with those ambitious clients who were willing and able to iterate, test and occasionally fail fast. Through close collaboration with those clients, I was able to convince internal stakeholders to iterate on our own standard marketing campaigns and provide solutions that were outside of the scope of typical relationships. This led me to be a part of a small growth team at MVF that explored launching new business models with clients that previously would not be a fit for our services.

Thanks to five enriching years at MVF, I had laid the groundwork for my entrepreneurial ambitions!

The Entrepreneurial Odyssey

To embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, I sought opportunities that offered real-world experiences. The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at Leeds School of Business presented a unique chance for me to take charge of my work, providing a valuable learning experience distinct from a traditional internship. Entrepreneurial Solutions, the venture I co-managed with , promised hands-on experiences and immersion in Denver and ��«����Ƶ's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, we delved into the intricacies of business development, marketing, market research, customer discovery and financial modeling.

Our journey with Entrepreneurial Solutions was diverse, spanning sectors such as cannabis, aerospace and outdoor recreation. This multifaceted experience enabled me to leverage my MBA coursework and past experiences in ways that a conventional internship could not have afforded.

The Influence of Education and Mentorship

My entrepreneurial prowess did not develop in isolation. The guidance I received from my predecessors, Liz Compos and , was invaluable. Their insights into establishing a business, building a robust online presence and managing finances became the foundation upon which my team and I constructed Entrepreneurial Solutions.

Additionally, the support from an esteemed advisory board, including Erick Mueller, Betsy Klein, , and , elevated our consulting game. Workshops on sales strategies, consulting essentials, and the art of business storytelling proved instrumental. The Leeds School of Business alumni network further expanded my horizons, connecting me with industry experts and offering avenues for valuable market research.

Launch Your Journey

Now, armed with newfound wisdom and boundless enthusiasm, I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to seize the initiative. I urge you to capitalize on the resources and events offered by the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. For those hungry for genuine experiences, I extend a heartfelt invitation: “Consider applying for Entrepreneurial Solutions as a consultant this spring!”