CEO and Founder of 听
Why did you decide to come to CU?
When I applied to CU, I was working in Boulder on a project to convert an old dairy processing plant into a performing arts center (now the Dairy Center for the Arts). As the Assistant Director, I worked closely with local business leaders, city officials and various arts groups. Between politics, competition for limited resources and the dynamics of various stakeholder groups, I quickly learned that in order to be an effective leader, I needed to hone my leadership, business and management skills. I applied to the MBA program with every intention of taking my degree back to the arts. I dreamed of running the Lincoln Center one day!
How did your time at Leeds impact you as a person?
I can remember feeling like a fish out of water during my first weeks of school, but my experience at Leeds changed everything. I caught the 鈥渟tart-up鈥� bug while majoring in Entrepreneurship and Marketing and met an incredible group of inspiring professors and students that introduced me to a world of opportunity. The program invoked a passion in me I didn鈥檛 know I had, and I realized I could fuel my desire for creativity through the lens of innovation and business. For better or worse, I never went back into arts management and instead chose the path of entrepreneurship.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
During my second year, I got to know Byron Koste at the CU Real Estate Center. After graduation, Byron introduced me to a developer who was launching a chain of nurseries and preschools across the country called Creme de la Creme. I had no experience in early childhood education, but was eager to put my degree to work. I stayed for a few years and eventually moved on to a career as an innovation and brand consultant. Years later, I had my first child. The convergence of an unmet need I had as a new mom with the knowledge I gained from my work at Creme (thank you, CU!), combined with my experience, insights, and thirst for innovation resulted in a seed that grew into my company, . Yoee Baby makes toys for bonding and play from day one.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
"The garden grows where it鈥檚 watered.鈥� If you turn all of your attention, focus, energy and desire towards your vision, it can become a reality. Tiny movements, every single day, lead to massive shifts and progress over time.
听听
To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu.
听听
To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu.
听
December 2017