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Friday, July 13, 2012

An MBA that is Music to my Ears

This week we had special guest, Dr. Matt Hinsley, Founder and Executive Director, Austin Classical Guitar Society visit our Entrepreneurship and Innovation class.  Matt began the class with what had to be one of the best starts we ever had... a personal concert in classical guitar fashion.

I really appreciated the perspective that Dr. Hinsley had to share, especially regarding his background.  When Dr. Hinsley was in undergraduate school he talked about the many times that people encouraged him to major in something other than classical guitar.  People were talking about how there isn't a viable future in the arts.  Dr. Hinsley then set out to do a dissertation focused on the disconnect between the sustainability of the arts and our culture.  He even pursued an accredited mentor to guide him through the dissertation, who was in full support, but surprised Matt when before he graduated.  This man pleaded that he not continue a career in the arts, and instead put his mind into law school.

After discussing his background, Dr. Hinsley shared about the connectivity of nonprofits in the arts and the value of connecting with community, youth, patrons, and donors.  Each of his perspectives embodied the heart of passion he shared for his service, and he did so in such a polished manner.  One can tell this man is well thought out, as he discussed even the nuances he instructs his staff to never begin an email without a salutation to ensure the value of the message is upheld.

What I took from the night is a glimpse, hopefully, down the road from my own journey.  I believe in pursuing life and the passions you are gifted with.  It would be easier in life to find a viable and sustainable career.  To go with what seems safest in the long term of building a resume and what is guaranteed to provide a sustainable financial future.  This is smart, and has its own rewards, but it's not what holds me.  I didn't pursue my MBA so I could just find the next bigger or better thing.  I did it so I would be well equipped to push the limits.

Dr. Hinsley is a great example of what goals I am aspiring to.  He's not just all heart and following his passions.  He's pursuing the best with smart and calculated moves.  He's strategically embracing and moving his passions forward and to a place where it betters the lives of youth, patrons, donors and the community.  So often it seems that the nonprofit world can contain great people with a passion to do something.  But how they do that something is everything.  We must be calculated.  We must be founded, well rooted, and smart about how we advance the mission of the disenfranchised.

Business school and theory are all great.  It's important to know.  What I appreciate about my experience here, is I'm learning how that all works within the systems we have.  These systems are flawed, often unpredictable.  They are within the confines of human socialization.  I'm thankful to have the educational experience that provides this balanced perspective.

Friday, July 6, 2012

The end is just the beginning

Graduation is now more than a light at the end of a long dark tunnel.  It's technically a month away from two days ago.  Now technically we have two weeks of class required after that, so there's 6 more weeks of MBA as we know it.

This has been a tremendous experience for me, and I am so thankful I decided to take on this additional challenge the last two years.  I've gained remarkable friends through the program, learned far beyond what I ever would have gained in the work place, and have the confidence to know what I can specifically bring to a team.  I've identified my strengths both personally and professionally, and I am eagerly looking for opportunities within my work and volunteering to utilize these skills.

I'm so glad for the experience, but also eager for it to come to a close.  I've been putting together agendas for my capstone team's meetings, and on this last one, I outlined what projects remained that we didn't have completed yet.  There were only like 4 projects left.  We put together a suggested timeline, and I'm hopeful that we will have absolutely everything ready to go and completed by Aug.3rd.

August 3rd is a special date for me... as I've mentioned in a prior post, there's a new development on the way for the Keeter's, due Christmas Day.  I've been very conscious about mentally finishing school out before I really dive into anything baby related.  We've not talked names, we haven't picked out nursery themes, we've been holding for Aug 3rd.  August 3rd is our second sonogram, and supposedly when we find out if we're having a son or daughter.  For me the 4th will not only mark graduation, and the following celebration, but it's when we will share with our families the sex of the baby.  For me this will be such a celebration.  It will be the marker of completing the race.  Of working to put both my husband and me through school, of finalizing a chapter of a successful run at an MBA (currently, still holding onto that 4.0), and the real marker of the beginning of Matt and my next chapter with starting a family.  I'll be learning how to balance who I am as an advocate for community and some one's momma. I'll get to balance thoughts from innovation and entrepreneurship to names and nurseries.  Really, as I finish out school, I get that feeling after you've finished packing and are just about to head out on a big trip.  The tools are there.  Everything's prepared- now it's time to go.  The journey's just beginning.