We're over half way through in our last semester, and I can't believe there are only 7 more weeks of this MBA journey. My team is really close to completing our Capstone Deliverable, and I thought I might share some insight from our current perspective.
1. Consider a Capstone team of atleast 4 members.
While 2 or 3 may do, you still have assignments for class in which you break into your groups for presentations and paper writing. Smaller teams mean more work.
2. Consider a Capstone project/deliverable that can flow with outcomes expected in the final semester. A student from the current 6th semester should be able to provide you a syllabus. Noting, items may change, it would help to determine what work you will already be expected to do, and see if you can match that up with your outcome or deliverables.
3. Frontload your semester. Currently the final semester is a 15 week Innvovation and Entrepreneurship class with 10 weeks of "capstone" sandwiching a 5 week leadership class. While the Leadership class does have a paper due pretty much every week, it's important to continue working on your capstone project throughout this time. Its important to manage 3 classes at once, even though only two are currently meeting. We scheduled calls with our company every other week. On call off weeks, we put together documents with their added input and documents for them to review for our next call. This next week should be our final call, already, and we will be finalizing our Deliverable 3, which for our group is the third section break out of the Program Strategic Plan that we are creating. All that will be left is compiling the paper from our three sections, and finalizing a presentation.
4. Stay on top of it. Our group has an established meeting time on Thursday evenings from 6-7:30, and we utilize WebEx to do something similar to a skype call while we can switch to eachother's screen and show documents and agendas. We also utilize Google Docs for a timeline I set up at the beginning of the semester where I combined the syllabi togther for each class. Column headings are the weeks of classes, and rows list each class, project mile markers, and each team member's names so they can update their schedules of when they are available or out of town.
5. Don't get bogged down. Currently the Capstone project is only a 2 hr credit. I know this will be changing in the upcoming semesters to a 4 hour credit (sorry future cohorts), but for now, keep this realiziation. For some companies, this really means they need more than what you can offer. Keep your scope narrow, so you can do well with what you take on.
If you have any other questions, or are a student working on your Capstone and have additional ideas, please feel free to comment and add on!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
New Developments
When I began my MBA I knew I was setting out to test my limits like never before. I was already providing the single income for my husband and I and supporting him through grad school. Taking on 6 hours additionally each semester seemed like a mountain... a surmountable challenge, but a challenge none the less. I knew I was putting myself in the position of pressure cooker, but it's funny how the mind can rationalize things... When it came down to it, the "truth" I bought into was "you can do anything for two years".
And you really do find, that the uncontrolled variable in life that you can always count on is that time continues. No matter what you do, two years from now, you will be 2 years older, 2 years of life will have passed, assuming you're alive. And here I stand, 22 months later. What I've gained is invaluable, and I've SURVIVED! I've almost done my two years.
Matt finished his grad program several weeks ago, and has nailed down a contract for this next year. In August I'll graduate from this MBA Program, Matt will be salaried, and we can count on two incomes again, and the newest developments??? Well I wanted to test my limits once again, and I now find myself navigating papers and group projects with the constant threat of nausea, because our newest little development is due on Christmas Day! I'll actually find out the sex of the baby the week after my graduation, and plan to do some type of graduation party/ gender reveal in one of the two weekends following graduation.
I'm not going to lie- This has been the biggest challenge through the whole program. I've been sick for almost 6 weeks straight, and currently get sick 1-2 times a day. It makes it hard to function at a basic level, and on top of that working through the capstone and all the assignments of this final semester is certainly challenging. But hopefully, I can continue to give it my best shot, and who knows, I might just make it through this program with my 4.0 intact.
We're 7 weeks through the final 15 weeks. Only 8 more weeks, and one of those is the Capstone Presentations. So hard to believe this chapter, no, this book is coming to an end.
Last night in Leadership-Making a Difference, we took turns looking back over the program and talked about the take aways.. why a personal leadership philosophy is important. It was like a moment we could all look back and see the value in the journey. It was a big surreal and really marked, for me, the beginning of the end. But as I've often noted, one's ending is just another's beginning, and I am so excited about the new journey that lies before me.
And you really do find, that the uncontrolled variable in life that you can always count on is that time continues. No matter what you do, two years from now, you will be 2 years older, 2 years of life will have passed, assuming you're alive. And here I stand, 22 months later. What I've gained is invaluable, and I've SURVIVED! I've almost done my two years.
Matt finished his grad program several weeks ago, and has nailed down a contract for this next year. In August I'll graduate from this MBA Program, Matt will be salaried, and we can count on two incomes again, and the newest developments??? Well I wanted to test my limits once again, and I now find myself navigating papers and group projects with the constant threat of nausea, because our newest little development is due on Christmas Day! I'll actually find out the sex of the baby the week after my graduation, and plan to do some type of graduation party/ gender reveal in one of the two weekends following graduation.
I'm not going to lie- This has been the biggest challenge through the whole program. I've been sick for almost 6 weeks straight, and currently get sick 1-2 times a day. It makes it hard to function at a basic level, and on top of that working through the capstone and all the assignments of this final semester is certainly challenging. But hopefully, I can continue to give it my best shot, and who knows, I might just make it through this program with my 4.0 intact.
We're 7 weeks through the final 15 weeks. Only 8 more weeks, and one of those is the Capstone Presentations. So hard to believe this chapter, no, this book is coming to an end.
Last night in Leadership-Making a Difference, we took turns looking back over the program and talked about the take aways.. why a personal leadership philosophy is important. It was like a moment we could all look back and see the value in the journey. It was a big surreal and really marked, for me, the beginning of the end. But as I've often noted, one's ending is just another's beginning, and I am so excited about the new journey that lies before me.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Greater Things
Last Friday I had the fortune of presenting to the graduating class of Leadership Round Rock. This incredible group of people banned together for the sake of others, and as a result, the Texas Baptist Children's Home's central kitchen was completely renovated, with donations totalling over $65,000.
As soon as I arrived at the dinner, I strategically found a chair (nearest to the bathroom, if I'm being honest), and little did I know, it was the head table and I sat across from Supreme Court Justice Dale Wainwright. Throughout the evening both Justice Wainwright and Mayor Alan McGraw talked of love for the community, and my heart began to grow with this new ache God has put in my heart for my community through my MBA program. As it came closer to time for me to stand to this group for what was next in the program, I began to pray. I wanted the words that I said to address the group to be words that were filled with gratitude. That these astonishing individuals in the room would know to the fullest what would be the impact and beyond of their actions for our great community.
At the close of the night, I went to say goodbye to Justice Wainwright and thank him for his attendance.
To be honest, he was someone who is going to leave such a lasting impression on me. For God to have given him such honor, and the man chooses to embrace grace, humility and a witty sense of humor. Its a great example to aspire to.
As the clamor of goodbyes rolled around us, Justice Wainwright handed me his card and asked that I call him the next morning related to a commission focused on children and families as they relate to our justice system and cases of abuse and neglect.
I called, and we spoke. He asked me to check out the website for this particular commission, and if I had interest, he asked me to consider following through with a letter to another of the Justices to pursue a role on that commission.
For now, it's a matter of prayer, but I can't help but see God's hand leading through my MBA to this very moment. During our call Justice Wainwright discussed several items related to the current Foster Care and Adoptive Systems of Texas. Thankfully, through my work in my MBA, I had already been doing policy briefings on the Foster Care Redesign, and was able and ready to share with the Justice.
Today, after picking up some lunch, and on my drive back to my office I was struck by a moment. A moment to realize that at age 28, God is potentially opening some doors that carry the weight of responsibility beyond what one might even think of in a lifetime. I remembered back to age 5 or 6 when I took God up on his offer to have plans for my little life, and that I would be ready for wherever He called.
Two songs then came on- Casting Crown's new song "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" and Chris Tomlin's "You're the God of this City." A couple years ago, on my way to a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, God gave me the second song to sing over my community. To strongly believe that "greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here"... it's as if God is whispering this greater plan to me, and I'm seeking my part. Then the first song hit in... its a song that brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it, really taking aim at the line that so many Christians have drawn between "us" and "them".
We are all "them."
I thought again of even the chance to serve on this commission at a state level. The children and families represented through this commission... they are us. The chance to work hand in hand collaboratively with others from all different perspectives, beliefs and backgrounds is an incredible opportunity. To rally in our diversity to have a great perspective and potentially a greater solution to the hurts and needs of our families... our children.
There is still much to pray about, but I'm just so thankful for the careful cultivation God has been doing through my education to embrace the greater things that are yet to come, and the greater things that are still to be done here.
As soon as I arrived at the dinner, I strategically found a chair (nearest to the bathroom, if I'm being honest), and little did I know, it was the head table and I sat across from Supreme Court Justice Dale Wainwright. Throughout the evening both Justice Wainwright and Mayor Alan McGraw talked of love for the community, and my heart began to grow with this new ache God has put in my heart for my community through my MBA program. As it came closer to time for me to stand to this group for what was next in the program, I began to pray. I wanted the words that I said to address the group to be words that were filled with gratitude. That these astonishing individuals in the room would know to the fullest what would be the impact and beyond of their actions for our great community.
At the close of the night, I went to say goodbye to Justice Wainwright and thank him for his attendance.
To be honest, he was someone who is going to leave such a lasting impression on me. For God to have given him such honor, and the man chooses to embrace grace, humility and a witty sense of humor. Its a great example to aspire to.
As the clamor of goodbyes rolled around us, Justice Wainwright handed me his card and asked that I call him the next morning related to a commission focused on children and families as they relate to our justice system and cases of abuse and neglect.
I called, and we spoke. He asked me to check out the website for this particular commission, and if I had interest, he asked me to consider following through with a letter to another of the Justices to pursue a role on that commission.
For now, it's a matter of prayer, but I can't help but see God's hand leading through my MBA to this very moment. During our call Justice Wainwright discussed several items related to the current Foster Care and Adoptive Systems of Texas. Thankfully, through my work in my MBA, I had already been doing policy briefings on the Foster Care Redesign, and was able and ready to share with the Justice.
Today, after picking up some lunch, and on my drive back to my office I was struck by a moment. A moment to realize that at age 28, God is potentially opening some doors that carry the weight of responsibility beyond what one might even think of in a lifetime. I remembered back to age 5 or 6 when I took God up on his offer to have plans for my little life, and that I would be ready for wherever He called.
Two songs then came on- Casting Crown's new song "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" and Chris Tomlin's "You're the God of this City." A couple years ago, on my way to a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, God gave me the second song to sing over my community. To strongly believe that "greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here"... it's as if God is whispering this greater plan to me, and I'm seeking my part. Then the first song hit in... its a song that brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it, really taking aim at the line that so many Christians have drawn between "us" and "them".
We are all "them."
I thought again of even the chance to serve on this commission at a state level. The children and families represented through this commission... they are us. The chance to work hand in hand collaboratively with others from all different perspectives, beliefs and backgrounds is an incredible opportunity. To rally in our diversity to have a great perspective and potentially a greater solution to the hurts and needs of our families... our children.
There is still much to pray about, but I'm just so thankful for the careful cultivation God has been doing through my education to embrace the greater things that are yet to come, and the greater things that are still to be done here.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Continuous Sustainable Innovation
This blur of a picture happens to be our guest speaker from Entrepreneurship and Innovation this week, Mr. Frank Paul, Co-Founder of Golfsmith. (My phone's camera make a loud noise right as the picture took, which embarrassed me and thus- the blur). He was tremendously warm and engaging... really seemed down to earth, which I had a whole new level of respect for after hearing his story about how he and his brother grew this business out of a home basement to what Golfsmith was in 2002 when they sold it.
He took the time to prepare notes and shared with us what it was like to grow a business, as well as some of the humorous stories that accompanied the journey. It was nice to see a man of his stature take seriously imparting his wisdom to us as students. Often times, not that it is wrong, speakers come in for a "fireside chat", and while I appreciate the candor that accompanies this style, there's also just something to a person who could do that, but taking anyways the time to show they value and prepared for the group.
One thing that really stood out to me about Mr. Paul was this constant grasp for innovation. Going from selling your own club, to extending to new product materials like Graphite, to opening large stores when none existed before. And that seemed to be so much of the case for Golfsmith, looking and seeing the opportunity that didn't seem to exist before. Someone in the class relayed this idea to Steve Jobs, and how Apple also seemed to sense and create a demand in their own market. Makes sense, but how do you do it?
Peter Drucker seems to fit right about here. His ideas for innovation and entrepreneurship stretched beyond being your own business owner. He was challenging the industries to go where they hadn't gone before. To look for the unexpected. To seek true innovation.
In my pre-grad school days, my psychology background would suggest that there is not an original thought, only new combinations of what has been relayed. How does this fit in with innovation? How do you maintain a working knowledge of your competitors, keep up, if not stay in front of them, and continually seek the "original thought"... the point of differentiation?
My minds flows to a thousand other questions- what does differentiation look like in nonprofit? What is true innovation in nonprofit? How do you stay innovative, when funders can initiatives direct the course of programming? Are there ways to work with funders to do research on the needs of the community and challenge beyond collaboration- to innovation?
I may not have all the answers, but I feel like questions fit me better than answers anyway...
And with that statement, perhaps I answered my own question about Golfsmith's sustainable innovation... they weren't afraid of not having the answers, and took on the challenge of asking that next question.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Considering Consulting?
As mentioned in previous posts, I now find myself in the last semester of the MBA Program. This week was week 3 of the final 15.
I got to class early . A couple of groups were meeting in adjacent classrooms finalizing their presentations and I sat with my friend Michael and was joined by our friend Cathy briefly in our class room. Kevin was practicing with his group, but for a moment it was just us- the original group from the first two semesters. I reminisced a little- thinking about those early days of group meetings. How I was much more timid those days about what this whole going back to school thing is all about. Later in the night I laughed when one of my current group members jokingly and lovingly referred to me as "boss". (There's a first for everything)!
This semester, each team had to declare a project manager. Since our capstone project is related to nonprofit work, the team unanimously nominated me, and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to put into practice what I've learned. Course this team doesn't make it hard. I've got a team that just seems to ooze excellence, and I really consider it an honor to be partnered this final semester with them.
I feel this week our Capstone project is going to finally gain some traction and momentum. Today I will provide our clients with an agenda and prospectus to review at our luncheon on Thursday. Our outcome of the projected will be a tailored strategic plan for one of Easter Seal's of Houston's newest programs- Bridging Apps. (http://www.bridgingapps.org/). The website serves as a portal for educational apps that can be used for children and people with special needs. The program is a merger from two sets of founders and our hope is that our work will provide them with a strong and shared foundation for the road ahead.
I'm enjoying the opportunity to serve in a "consultant's role", and after having read A Consultant's Calling, I wonder more about the pace and lifestyle to pull something like this off for multiple clients. I have the benefit of working for a family of nonprofits, and wonder if these skills I've developed could be utilized in a professional way here in my own backyard. I came into my MBA program wanting to help nonprofits utilize these business skills to serve more with less. Knowing what I know now, and heading into my second opportunity to work for a client building a strategic plan, I see that I will have the ability and know how to do this in practice. I'm really happy about what this means for my future, even though God's still not quite shown me what that looks like. I guess all one can do is stay tuned...
I got to class early . A couple of groups were meeting in adjacent classrooms finalizing their presentations and I sat with my friend Michael and was joined by our friend Cathy briefly in our class room. Kevin was practicing with his group, but for a moment it was just us- the original group from the first two semesters. I reminisced a little- thinking about those early days of group meetings. How I was much more timid those days about what this whole going back to school thing is all about. Later in the night I laughed when one of my current group members jokingly and lovingly referred to me as "boss". (There's a first for everything)!
This semester, each team had to declare a project manager. Since our capstone project is related to nonprofit work, the team unanimously nominated me, and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to put into practice what I've learned. Course this team doesn't make it hard. I've got a team that just seems to ooze excellence, and I really consider it an honor to be partnered this final semester with them.
I feel this week our Capstone project is going to finally gain some traction and momentum. Today I will provide our clients with an agenda and prospectus to review at our luncheon on Thursday. Our outcome of the projected will be a tailored strategic plan for one of Easter Seal's of Houston's newest programs- Bridging Apps. (http://www.bridgingapps.org/). The website serves as a portal for educational apps that can be used for children and people with special needs. The program is a merger from two sets of founders and our hope is that our work will provide them with a strong and shared foundation for the road ahead.
I'm enjoying the opportunity to serve in a "consultant's role", and after having read A Consultant's Calling, I wonder more about the pace and lifestyle to pull something like this off for multiple clients. I have the benefit of working for a family of nonprofits, and wonder if these skills I've developed could be utilized in a professional way here in my own backyard. I came into my MBA program wanting to help nonprofits utilize these business skills to serve more with less. Knowing what I know now, and heading into my second opportunity to work for a client building a strategic plan, I see that I will have the ability and know how to do this in practice. I'm really happy about what this means for my future, even though God's still not quite shown me what that looks like. I guess all one can do is stay tuned...
Monday, May 7, 2012
Community Engagement
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Leadership's Calling, and today I got my first look at the article I was interviewed for electronically. Its a great article about City Council elections in Round Rock and specifically about the uncontested races.
http://impactnews.com/articles/council-races-uncontested-for-third-election-in-a-row
For the City to put on an election it turns an expense of between $20,000-$40,000... can't remember specifically what, but a substantial amount of money. The reasons for the uncontested races range from a good ole boy's network, or just a general engagement in the current community, to happiness with the current job done, or another could argue voter apathy. I haven't made up my mind as to why not more are running for elected positions, but I am passionate about an engaged community. For me its beyond who is turning out to run, but its about those who even feel in tune to vote. Former Mayor Nyle Maxwell mentioned that its when people are unsatisfied that you have the major issues and everyone turns out. I think its just out of the love of a community that everyone would turn out, so this community truly would be reflective of them.
For me, this is about an identity. How do we get over 100,000 people to get to know the influencers, to know the issues and know our history so we know together where we are going. I'm not saying that if everyone just knew where we had been we'd all be of one accord, but even descent is more attuned and engaged than the apathetic community member. I'm not saying this is necessarily the nonvoter's issue. I own this and say how do we reach out? How do we connect? How does this community retain roots, but grow to become all its capable of?
I'm really interested in this from the grassroots perspective, because when everything is a volunteer commitment, you see true leadership and engagement. There's no contract dictating one's allegiance or loyalty. If the community really can come together rallied by non appointed officials, I think you get to see really what a full community is made of, and not just the talents and scope of a select few.
Please don't get me wrong. I see value in our elected officials. I am proud that many who currently serve, and hopefully serve in the next 10 years or so, are my friends. It takes the Nancy Rabb's who have never run for office along with the Alan McGraw's, Round Rock's Mayor, to make this community as great as it is. And even though it is great, we must never settle or say "this is good enough". Our community deserves better. It deserves to be engaged.
Once I get my MBA, I've got to figure out how I fit in all this to truly engage my community.
http://impactnews.com/articles/council-races-uncontested-for-third-election-in-a-row
For the City to put on an election it turns an expense of between $20,000-$40,000... can't remember specifically what, but a substantial amount of money. The reasons for the uncontested races range from a good ole boy's network, or just a general engagement in the current community, to happiness with the current job done, or another could argue voter apathy. I haven't made up my mind as to why not more are running for elected positions, but I am passionate about an engaged community. For me its beyond who is turning out to run, but its about those who even feel in tune to vote. Former Mayor Nyle Maxwell mentioned that its when people are unsatisfied that you have the major issues and everyone turns out. I think its just out of the love of a community that everyone would turn out, so this community truly would be reflective of them.
For me, this is about an identity. How do we get over 100,000 people to get to know the influencers, to know the issues and know our history so we know together where we are going. I'm not saying that if everyone just knew where we had been we'd all be of one accord, but even descent is more attuned and engaged than the apathetic community member. I'm not saying this is necessarily the nonvoter's issue. I own this and say how do we reach out? How do we connect? How does this community retain roots, but grow to become all its capable of?
I'm really interested in this from the grassroots perspective, because when everything is a volunteer commitment, you see true leadership and engagement. There's no contract dictating one's allegiance or loyalty. If the community really can come together rallied by non appointed officials, I think you get to see really what a full community is made of, and not just the talents and scope of a select few.
Please don't get me wrong. I see value in our elected officials. I am proud that many who currently serve, and hopefully serve in the next 10 years or so, are my friends. It takes the Nancy Rabb's who have never run for office along with the Alan McGraw's, Round Rock's Mayor, to make this community as great as it is. And even though it is great, we must never settle or say "this is good enough". Our community deserves better. It deserves to be engaged.
Once I get my MBA, I've got to figure out how I fit in all this to truly engage my community.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Beginning of the End
I've been thinking for a week or so on my next post... what to write about... With Leadership's requirement of a weekly leadership reflection, I ended up feeling a little "all reflected out". Since my last posting, we did wrap up the end of semester 5, and tonight we start the beginning of the end.
Tonight's the first class of Semester 6... the last and final semester of the Concordia MBA. I sometimes have a hard time believing that I'm really in that place that 5 semesters ago felt so far away. 21 months have passed, we are about to embark on the subjects of Entrepreneurship and our capstone projects. Also, not to be forgotten, the final leadership class titled Making a Difference.
As we head into our first class, I was a little frustrated. Again, before even having a class, we have over 100 pages of reading to do, and perhaps even a presentation to start in outlining a prospectus on our capstone project. And then I remember, this is the last time I have to do this, and for me that took the edge off.
Actually, some of that reading was pretty interesting. The Consultant's Calling got my brain spinning. I love the author's perspective. He works 70 days a year, focuses on living within his means, and focuses on the freedom he has with his time in life. It was the first time in a business text where I felt this life value come through. He admits that jealousy sometimes gets the best of him, and he envies those who make 3 times as much because they work 3 times as much, but when it comes back to his central beliefs, he can live on less so he has the time to live more on his own terms.
It sounds appealing, and I'm really looking forward to what I learn in class this semester to apply to my work currently. I love innovation. I love looking at the why's of the things we do. I'm hoping this semester will really help me to take things to that next level. We've got 15 weeks to see if that pans out, but as of going into my first class of the last semester I feel the beginning of the end is really where it's all just beginning.
Tonight's the first class of Semester 6... the last and final semester of the Concordia MBA. I sometimes have a hard time believing that I'm really in that place that 5 semesters ago felt so far away. 21 months have passed, we are about to embark on the subjects of Entrepreneurship and our capstone projects. Also, not to be forgotten, the final leadership class titled Making a Difference.
As we head into our first class, I was a little frustrated. Again, before even having a class, we have over 100 pages of reading to do, and perhaps even a presentation to start in outlining a prospectus on our capstone project. And then I remember, this is the last time I have to do this, and for me that took the edge off.
Actually, some of that reading was pretty interesting. The Consultant's Calling got my brain spinning. I love the author's perspective. He works 70 days a year, focuses on living within his means, and focuses on the freedom he has with his time in life. It was the first time in a business text where I felt this life value come through. He admits that jealousy sometimes gets the best of him, and he envies those who make 3 times as much because they work 3 times as much, but when it comes back to his central beliefs, he can live on less so he has the time to live more on his own terms.
It sounds appealing, and I'm really looking forward to what I learn in class this semester to apply to my work currently. I love innovation. I love looking at the why's of the things we do. I'm hoping this semester will really help me to take things to that next level. We've got 15 weeks to see if that pans out, but as of going into my first class of the last semester I feel the beginning of the end is really where it's all just beginning.
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