1909’s Post

Blazing trails is harder work than cruising highways. Here's a story of 2 startups taking different approaches to the same sector. Which approach would you take? #businessstrategy #strategy #entrepreneurship #startups

Lessons from Every City #54 Louisville, KY-- What would a city look like without the innovators or inventors? Sure, there's the natural environment that draws attention to a destination, but the unique branding through innovation distinguishes a certain appeal. Innovation is the heartbeat of a city, shaping its identity and attracting attention globally. Louisville, KY, stands as a testament to this, where long-standing traditions have been transformed into iconic brands. From the Bourbon Trail to the Kentucky Derby, innovation has put this city on the world map, drawing in billions in revenue and fostering economic growth. The Louisville Slugger is a quintessential example, symbolizing American craftsmanship and ingenuity. Cities like Louisville prove that a blend of tradition and innovation can create lasting impacts on a community. When you think of cities across America, it's typically associated with a brand, like the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco, the neon lights of Las Vegas, and General Motors to Detroit. These innovators have brought billions of dollars to the cities they are based, including attracted other companies and tourism. Should these companies get royalties or residuals from the city? #Innovation #CityBranding #LouisvilleKY #Entrepreneurship

The Chair of a Self-Made Journey In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve sat in countless chairs—ones in shared workspaces, rented offices, and even those borrowed during meetings at cafes. Each chair had its own story, its own weight, as it supported me through brainstorming sessions, challenging client negotiations, and endless hours of planning. They were just chairs, yet they quietly carried the essence of all the battles fought and lessons learned. But today, this new chair feels different. It’s not just about the cushion or design; it’s about what it represents—a milestone in my journey as a self-made entrepreneur. In a business where financial struggles, back-to-back meetings, preparing strategies, drafting quotations, creating invoices, and quality-checking content can be overwhelming, investing in this chair felt like a small luxury. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of challenges, marketing efforts, and constant networking, there’s room for celebrating small victories. This chair isn’t just an office purchase; it’s a symbol of resilience, hard work, and the unyielding spirit of a multi-tasking entrepreneur. As I sit here, it’s not just comfort I feel, but a renewed sense of motivation and achievement. It’s a seat earned through dedication, a tech geek’s late nights, and a visionary’s dreams. This simple piece of furniture now holds the memories of struggles turned into triumphs, and it whispers one truth: every step forward, no matter how small, is a story worth celebrating. #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessJourney #SmallVictories #HardWorkPaysOff #Resilience #Leadership #Motivation #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupLife #DaUrban #DigitalMarketing #TheBrandMax

Building with a vision beyond the present Standing under the vaults of the majestic Milan Cathedral, a question crossed my mind: if the architects and builders of this masterpiece were today's startups, would the cathedral still be standing? Probably not, and here's why. In the past, buildings like Milan Cathedral were built to last for generations. These structures were designed and built with the community in mind, reflecting a commitment to future generations. The reasons for such monumental undertakings varied, with some seeking to demonstrate their power, while others sought to contribute to the community or express gratitude to the community for their contribution. Regardless of the motive, the focus was on creating something lasting. Today, however, the primary goal of many businesses is to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible. This way of thinking encourages a constant search for quick money-making opportunities. This creates the illusion of a constantly changing environment. But is that still the case? Is the environment around us still changing rapidly, or are we frantically looking for changes around us to justify our actions and unhappiness? Imagine if we shifted our focus from short-term profits to a long-term vision to build something that would stand the test of time. What if our projects and businesses were designed with future generations in mind, with the goal of contributing to the community and creating lasting value? Milan Cathedral is just one of many symbols that remind us that true greatness is not achieved through speed and profit, but through vision, commitment and a deep connection to people and the future. #Leaswolf #Leadership #Sustainability #LeadershipDevelopment #Commitment #StrategicLeadership #VisionaryLeadership

📝 Check out our newest blog post: Explore Two Cities for the Price of One in South America 🇦🇷🇨🇱 In this piece, we look into the architectural beauty, rich histories, and cultures of South American cities Click below to read more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e2S_5Rjm #TravelBlog #Travel #StartUp

Evermore journey began in 2022, not from a fancy office, but around a four-seater coffee table at our local CCD. Being from a tier-2 city, finding a co-working space wasn't easy, and leasing an office was out of the question. While we could have worked from home, we craved a change of scenery. So, Shivani A. and I made CCD our go-to workspace almost every day. I’d usually go for a lemon or peach iced tea, while Shivani would experiment with different coffees. The ambiance was lively, the staff friendly, and the free Wi-Fi didn’t hurt either. Fun fact: the CCD staff were the first people outside our family and friends to try our product samples and give us valuable feedback. On average we spent nearly ₹6000 to ₹7000 per month at CCD, not bad for a workspace with great energy and refreshments! In fact, our very first product shoot took place right there in CCD. A friend with a camera helped us capture the shots, and with the café's great lighting, it all came together beautifully. This went on for a few months until we launched our first product. From that point, home became our base for packing and shipping. Though we haven’t come that far in our journey yet, looking back at those early days keeps us motivated during tough times. It’s a reminder of how resourceful we’ve been, saving pennies where we could—something we continue to do to this day. A special thanks to Cafe Coffee Day for being more than just a café—it became the foundation of Evermore’s beginnings. #Entrepreneurship #Startup #Evermore #CactusSkincare #Founder #CafeCoffeeDay #CCD #DirectToCustomer #ConsumerBrand #IndiaDream #Building #D2C #Venturecapital #Investor

My Thoughts After Attending Start Up Week Denver Just returned from an inspiring Denver Startup Week with a renewed perspective on innovation, thanks to a key insight from my co-founder, Andrew. At the pitch competition, Andrew was struck by the caliber of ideas solving niche problems with impressive traction. That's when Andrew turned to me and said, "Great ideas don't happen in Q4 board meetings." This simple observation crystallized what we've been working on for the past year and a half. Reflecting on the week, I realized the most memorable moments and connections happened in non-traditional settings - bars, cafes, and casual spaces where I felt at ease, even among strangers. This led us down a fascinating research rabbit hole, uncovering quantitative support for the link between communal spaces and innovation throughout history. From Watson and Crick's DNA breakthroughs at The Eagle Pub to the birth of Southwest Airlines on a cocktail napkin, history is filled with examples of world-changing ideas sparked in informal environments. These "third spaces" create a unique atmosphere where hierarchies dissolve, diverse connections form, and creativity flourishes. For Boulder's vibrant tech and startup community, embracing these spaces could be transformative. They're not just for unwinding - they're catalysts for the serendipitous encounters and relaxed thinking that often lead to breakthroughs. The future of innovation in Boulder might very well be sketched on the back of a napkin at your local pub. So the next time you're mulling over a challenging problem, consider stepping out of the office and into a third space. You never know – that casual conversation over a drink might just lead to the next big breakthrough. Stay tuned for another article where I go a little bit more in depth. #Innovation #Startups #ThirdSpaces #BoulderTech #DenverStartupWeek

Innovation really can be for everyone. Read how we are driving socio-economic change in Slough and what the judges from Property Week Awards have to say about our recent win here: https://lnkd.in/efZ7DXXc #PropertyWeek #business #innovation #PWPropertyAwards #PropertyAwards #PWAwards #CommercialProperty #PlusXInnovation #DealOfTheYear #PropertyIndustry Plus X Innovation

Are you thinking of setting up or joining an existing family office? Before you take any action, here is the most important question you should ask yourself (and your family, if you have one): #familyoffice #purpose #startwithwhy #dogreatergood #multifamilyoffice #virtualfamilyoffice #virtualmultifamilyoffice #familybusiness #businessfamily

Meet the company taking co-working spaces to the next level! Nestled in the heart of Paris, STATION F is home to a thousand start-ups – all under one roof. Walking through the space, it feels like a cross between an airport and an Ikea warehouse, but it’s a vast hub for start-ups that France hopes can transform its economy. Places are in high demand and any company wanting a space must apply. So what makes Station F so popular? Since opening in 2017, Station F has housed many successful start-ups, gaining so much notoriety that it serves as a “quality stamp” for the companies that work here - something that can be crucial for small businesses to attract new clients. Station F has tapped into a long-known secret that building a strong network is key to business growth. With so many businesses from all sectors under one roof, this is a space where a chance encounter might just solve your #1 business problem. Dougal Shaw stopped by Station F to speak to the business leaders who call this unique hub home.