Worknow_Aotearoa_NZ

I am a member of an incredible web start up community called the Distiller: A collaborative support network of young and aspiring entrepreneurs creating an environment wherein we support and encourage each other, offer feedback and share the highs and lows of the new venture journey, together.

It is organic, collaborative business community at it’s best, one which provides a shining example of an environment “…overwhelmingly governed by the trust/reputation/community approach…”

Throughout the year we hold 12 week “Sprints” as a primary means of sharing with and supporting one another. Each sprint is made up of six fortnightly “therapy sessions” : a forum to discuss the stepping stones towards our end goal.

Basically it’s about answering the question: where do you want to get to over the next 12 weeks? and then breaking this goal down into smaller action orientated tasks.

It is a practice in planning, intended to instill a sense of urgency and keep us focused on putting our plans into action. It is a great model and planning is an excellent disciple but a plan is only ever as good as it’s execution which of course comes back down to having the right people, as I discussed in lessons from an Angel

Failure to execute was seen as the number one reason that companies fail and for this reason – People – the management team is the number one factor influencing the angel’s investment decision.

It’s great to see that our Gen Y entrepreneurial spirit is being noticed in industry and investment circles. Another positive to hear talk of increased funding for young entrepreneurs.

I support the belief that failure offers a wealth of positive learning outcomes. I believe in collaboration, building shared intelligence and I recognise that we will always have much to learn.

Indeed, I welcome support for environments that nurture entrepreneurship, that offer networking and growth opportunities and increase resourcing options for young entrepreneurs.

“The industry knows where the opportunities are, and these young guys have the capability and capacity. We need to go to a forum where we can bring these elements together and allow the market to decide where the solutions are and where the investments happen…If government doesn’t do it, if the software industry doesn’t do it, if the investment industry doesn’t do it, it’s going to happen generationally…within the next 20 years as these kids grow from college to business, they are naturally going to get entrepreneurial understanding and experience. We can either do nothing and wait for that to happen or we can interject and start to facilitate a sort of collaboration, ” Source CIO

20 years vs 2012

Fortunately,  NZ will not have to wait 2 years let alone 20 to begin seeing the value contributed by it’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

I am a member of a brilliant web start up community called the Distiller. We thrive on collaboration and continually seek ways to connect with industry.

We would welcome government, business, community and industry investors to “interject” but  – so you know – the collaboration you speak of facilitating, the forums for connecting that you suggest, we are working on this already, perhaps even ahead of you on this one. Investment welcome:-) watch this space….

Leading yourself; to see yourself as others see you

I attended the launch of the Otago University MBA Mentoring Programme last night and am well impressed with the caliber of talent they have drawn together. It’s an emergent and future focused initiative that will no doubt add immense value for students while allowing business people to give back.

In the official speech Mr Ian Flattery of the MBA, told the story of watching the Lion King and explaining to his youg son the meaning of the word  “philosophy” as used in one of the songs.

“Son” he said, “philosophy is about what is important to you, the things that you value.”

“So then your philosophy is work and renovation!”

The charming and funny parable, which speaks of knowing how others see us,  was an analogy for the inherent value of the mentoring programme, which creates an environment for the types of constructive feedback that will enhance the leadership styles of tomorrows leaders.

Leadership, the collective capacity to create things of value.

Networking, connecting and collaborating -  whatever the purpose -  talking and working with others is one of the best parts of my job. Last night I went to represent not just myself and Worknow but also an amazing community that I belong to called The Distiller.

The Distiller is a community of young web entrepreneurs based (primarily) out of the Centre For Innovation on the Otago University Campus. We support and encourage each other, offer feedback and share the highs and lows of the new venture journey, together. It is organic, collaborative business community at its best, one which provides a shining example of an environment

“…overwhelmingly governed by the trust/reputation/community approach…” Source

The Distiller also emphasises for me the collective nature of leadership; the realisation of collective potential, working with others in a concerted endeavour to create something of value to all involved.  I am so thankful and immensely privileged to be part of such a great group of people. You guys Rock!

Building relationships with talented, passionate people is one of the most inspiring parts of my startup journey

Meeting talking and learning from others, whether supported and applauded or challenged and questioned is integral to achieving our vision to become a world class business that helps people and affects change.

Each and every person I find, connect and work with adds value to our idea, creating avenues from which to discover and explore new opportunities and challenge our thinking.

I am especially thankful for my two co founders, Jamie & Josh, without whom I would not be in a position to be pursuing a vision I am truly passionate about. And stoked on pursuing the path of entrepreneur alongside other talented people from both The Distiller and AIESEC communities.

The entrepreneurial mindset is surround yourself with great people

Worknow is a community and marketplace to help people find, connect and work together. Register with our talent community today to connect and collaborate with other inspiring, talented people .