“The Trust Playbook”
November 22, 2023
Originally posted in our November 2023 Top of Mind Newsletter. Have you found yourself in yet another meeting focused on ecosystem building? Conference sessions, workshops, and initiatives worldwide focus on developing intentional entrepreneurial ecosystems, but how effective are these efforts? For some, they excel, but for others, the work may lead to unfortunate replications of the existing playfield. Where is the disconnect happening? In many cases, issues arise when there is a lack of trust between…
Read more“Creating Autonomy-Supportive Learning Environments”
Originally posted in our November 2023 Top of Mind Newsletter. Over the last decade or so, the role of autonomous learning in the classroom has been a subject of much discussion. But we often fail to consider the conditions that lead to this sense of control and choice that we want to see in our students. Long-time followers of ELI’s work will recognize that we are huge advocates for self-directed (autonomous) learning. Enter the work of…
Read more“Gen Z is the Hustle Generation”
October 20, 2023
Originally posted in our October 2023 Top of Mind Newsletter. If I asked you to consider what Gen Z is most known for, you might think of TikTok dance trends, social media personas, or even online activism. But they are also rewriting the career narrative. This generation stands in stark contrast to the traditional 9-5 corporate mold, with some actively shunning the once-promised stability of such positions in favor of forging their own paths. They’re weaving…
Read more“The Opposite of Toxic Positivity”
Originally posted in our October 2023 Top of Mind Newsletter. Tragic optimism, the antithesis of toxic positivity, is a concept rooted in the belief that even in the most challenging and adverse circumstances, one can find meaning and the potential for positive change. This mindset aligns remarkably well with the core principles of entrepreneurial thinking. Entrepreneurs, by nature, confront adversity head-on. They don’t turn a blind eye to problems; they engage with them, dissect them, and…
Read more“Teacher entrepreneurial ecosystems: How local communities support teacher entrepreneurs”
September 28, 2023
Originally posted in our September 2023 Top of Mind Newsletter. We’ve all seen think-pieces about the value of entrepreneurial ecosystems, from venture capital funding to small business development centers, incubators, and fab labs. These pieces tend to favor the tech, lifestyle, or service industries. They are often generalized in a way that can lead to gaps in policy development, support strategies, and even who is included in the ecosystem definition. One group of innovators that we…
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