LEARFIELD’s Post

Discover how Terri Burns

What makes a good business partner? My co-founder, Wendell Mackey, is like a brother. We have as many things in common as we do differences. •      We’re HBCU grads (and rivals!) •      Earned MBAs from top business schools •      Share a passion for art and photography •     Look for ways to give back to the communities we live and work in And our differences? We have complementary skill sets.  Wendell has the investment expertise. I have the business dev, product, strategy, and distribution expertise.   Good business partners -> good friends = a good culture. https://hubs.ly/Q02L-pVf0 #stockmarket #assetmanagement #valueinvesting

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the transformative 4-week journey called Summer Lab at The University of Auckland, and I can't help but share the incredible experience I had. 🚀 What is Summer Lab? For those unfamiliar, Summer Lab isn't just another program; it's an accelerator for change-makers. Over the course of four weeks, participants dive headfirst into a world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), we embarked on a journey to identify pressing issues, form teams, and develop tangible solutions through a blend of workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning. 💡 What Did I Learn? Benefits Beyond Measure The learning curve during Summer Lab was steep, yet immensely rewarding. From ideation to prototype creation, from customer interaction to pitching to investors, every aspect was meticulously crafted to equip us with essential entrepreneurial skills. Workshops on financial basics, negotiation, and intellectual property provided invaluable insights that I'll carry forward into my future endeavors. The benefits of Summer Lab extend far beyond the skills acquired. I had the opportunity to network with industry experts and like-minded peers. 🎉 A Community of Changemakers What truly sets Summer Lab apart is its vibrant community of changemakers. Collaborating with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines was not only enriching but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Together, we were driven by the common goal of translating ideas into impactful solutions. ✨ Gratitude and Looking Ahead As I reflect on my Summer Lab journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences, friendships forged, and skills honed. I'm excited to carry forward the lessons learned and continue striving to make a positive impact in the world. Special Thanks to the mentor of our team Sorin Mihăilescu, EMBA, Facilitator Deb Shepherd My Teammates #GreenJavelin Naufal Shidqi, Vincelia Wong, Dulani Jayasuriya, @June, Winnie Tandri Alia, Xiaoyu Cyaki Zhai Great minds behind this learning experience Darsel Keane, Judith Marecek, Nova Jackson, Sandy Lin, @Maru Maxwell 🙏 #GeenJs #SummerLab #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability #Impact #TeamGreenJavelin #ClimateAction

Need cash (and mentorship) for your startup? Check out the SCORE Mentors pitch competition!

Grant opportunity! Wray Forward is a free and inclusive programme designed to facilitate sustainable growth among Black-owned businesses, which are being held back with limited access to financial support, education, and opportunities. The programme incorporates expert-led business workshops, offering insights and skills on what is required to build and scale a business. Pitch Nights will also feature as part of the programme. These events will see applicants showcasing their business in front of a panel of investors and industry leaders for a chance to win a grant to support their venture. The following prizes are available: £3,000 for the Growth Stage Business winner £1,500 for the Early Stage Business winner £500 for the People’s Choice Winner UK registered businesses from all industries, which have at least one founder or C-suite who identifies as Black, may apply. Early stage businesses should have up to £50,000 turnover or be backed by investment. They must have launched their MVP and have been trading for at least six months. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eaTHSSQU.

the lessons can still be learned

I'm not not one for a healthy dose of self-promotion, but forget about me: Allan Grafman is one of the most appropriately qualified people to teach PE sponsors how to be more effective directors of their portfolio companies. See below, and join us on March 19th if you can, and you'll see what I mean... (To be clear, we'll be presenting at a basic level, aiming at junior PE professionals who have not yet served on many boards. And while much of what we will talk about will be applicable to directors of any company, PE-backed or otherwise, we will indeed focus our attention on the director of the PE portfolio company. #boardofdirectors #corporategovernance

Fringe was wonderfully represented at the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards! It is a great pleasure to support and celebrate the 50 exceptional companies recognized for demonstrating high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In fact, from 2019 to 2022, these companies generated close to 2 billion dollars in revenue and created more than 870 jobs. The belief that "we grow together" is not just a saying but a reality among these dynamic second-stage growth companies. Here's to continued success and collective growth! #Growtogether #floridabusiness #businessdevelopment

Today in Crain's Chicago Business, our vice chairman Charles Smith and Glenn Eden, chair of Choose Chicago wrote of a shared-perspective that is as compelling as it is true: Chicago is in the midst of a renaissance. Our world class industries, economy and wealth of meaningful partnerships put us in prime position to cross the finish line every time. What gets us there, however, is a mindset of resilience and a spirit to win. Read the full Op-Ed: https://bit.ly/3zohHDM