SURE Program at University of Houston

I got to be a "guru" for SURE Program at University of Houston during a training session for their student business consultants. It was refreshing to guide these students to critically think through practical solutions to real cases. Thanks Saleha Khumawala Charlie Becker Esther Bailey for continuously including me in this amazing program. Keep up the impactful work! #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship #supplierdiversity #drpj #businessgrowth #smallbusiness #houston #houstonobo

[For those of you who don’t know I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy a little over three weeks ago, so in the following pictures, I look a lot scarier than I look in person I promise it is not that bad] With that disclaimer out of the way! I have to share some amazing Friday accomplishments, not for me, but from a few amazing women that I’ve had the opportunity to mentor, teach and coach over the last month They have been preparing their pitches for weeks, been part of an initial competition with over 60 people other local Small Business onwers, that came down to the top 10 finalist and ended with a Second and Third place in last nights IgniteHtx Pitch competition with BakerRipley ! And, it was such an amazing honor to be involved, and be apart of their process and journey! As a Small Business Coach, Mentor, and Program Developer this kind of success, this kind of impact, and this kind of outcome is what truly, truly makes me happy and feel incredibly fulfilled!! HUGE Congratulations to: (Winners I Coached) Adriana Rubio-Clausen who won 2nd place in the category of Products for a prize of $3,000 for her company MenoWake Crystal Lister who won 3rd place in the category of Services for a prize of $2,000 for her company Mommy and Me: The Listers (Winner who completed in the Kaufman Fastrac Small Business plan under my instruction) Peregrine Chapman who won 2nd place in the category of Services for a prize of $3,000 for her company Fresh Tails Mobile Dog Grooming AND to the other 7 participates and Winners, as well!! Proof of the outstanding Small Business owners that Houston is incubating!!!

Register now for the SURE Application Day on August 3rd: https://lnkd.in/gtXCNEpQ (Questions? Email SUREinfo@uh.edu)

About a month ago, the world’s second-richest man declared that “DEI must DIE.” And Elon Musk isn't the only one who feels that way — plenty of other powerful people are crusading against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in corporate America. In this week’s Wake-Up Call at Work, we examine what’s behind the siege on DEI, the policy’s flaws, and its future — with insights from "Indivisible" author Denise Hamilton, Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei, leadership coach Anne Morriss, and other top-tier experts. #DEI #diversityandinclusion #marketing

Seven years ago, we had an idea at SURE: what if we asked the students to write short case studies based on their work with their client entrepreneurs? As an experiment, we made writing two short case studies the final assignment of the semester. Dr. Saleha Khumawala and I were floored by the quality and breadth of what that first group of students turned in. The next semester, we asked, "wouldn't it be fun if we brought entrepreneurs and executive mentors to campus to discuss these cases with the new student consultants as part of their training? It would be like mentoring the students in advance." The first "Guru Day" was born. Last night we were grateful to have thirteen volunteer Gurus come out and discuss six cases with our forty student consultants in training. At the end of the night, each of the Gurus shared their experience and a little bit of wisdom with the students. Every semester, students share that this is one of the most fun and impactful exercises that they've ever participated in as a college student, and the Gurus have no less glowing praise. Last night alone they said working with our capable, optimistic students has reinvigorated them in their own purpose at work and made them excited about the future of our country. I would like to thank our Spring 2024 SURE Gurus! Pictured from Left to Right: S. John Castellano, Myself, Danna Bonano, Farhan Durrani, Jerome M. Austin, Dr. Saleha Khumawala, Alejandro Sanoja, Dennis Silva, Willy Verbrugghe, Jim Davis, Dr. Esther Bailey, Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt, Dr. Michele Byrd, Th.D., Ralph H. Miller, Oscar Martinez, and Pradeep Anand (If you are interested in volunteering as a SURE Guru in the future, please email me at SURE at UH.EDU).

Embark on a transformative business journey with the SURE Program at the University of Houston! Join them on January 13th for a free Application Day workshop and discover the comprehensive program which guides over 700 Houston business to success. Don't miss this hands-on opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial skills. Register at https://shorturl.at/bcEIQ.