In a recent accountability group assignment, I was asked to discuss my top five, all time favorite quotes and the impact, if any, they had on me? without hesitation, I remembered Margaret Mead’s epic mantra – “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. Those words have served me well over the years, most particularly, during my early leadership days. I have a vivid memory, in the summer of 97′, of walking into an empty office space in Orlando overwhelmed by the idea of building a business in a city where I was a total stranger. There certainly was plenty of self-doubt and second guessing, but luckily, I met a hungry college kid who would become the Yin to my Yang and forever demonstrate the far-reaching impact that a small group can have on a fledging community. We had a magical run, and in eight years together, we build one of Orlando’s most admired businesses.
Today, when I think of Margaret Meade’s words, I think of my friend Brad Feld and the impact he’s having on the entrepreneurial community. Not only is Brad an accomplished entrepreneur, and a prominent venture capital partner; I believe his greatest contribution to the world is the startup revolution that he’s inspiring. He’s motivated by learning and I always love tapping his brain – In this episode, we discuss his latest book – Startup Communities ….