Brewpoint Coffee reposted this
CEO Brewpoint Coffee | Co-Author Starting & Running a Coffee Shop | City Commissioner Elmhurst Economic Development | Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Innovation Dupage
Last week, I came away from the Call for Culture: Culture Impact Lab with energy that comes from being in sync with so many other values-oriented leaders; we were all across industry, state lines, and different roles. My main takeaway is this: In the food and beverage industry, I find myself constantly feeling like there isn’t enough financial resources to make sure everyone (on my team and through our supply chain) gets a slice of the pie, or if there are financial resources it comes at the high cost of over usage of our time, energy and balance. But why did I start Brewpoint Coffee in the first place? It was to create inclusive spaces through our cafes for the goal of transforming communities through real, in-person connection. For our coffee roasting, it is to fuel and encourage diverse entrepreneurship and workspaces through our brand and story. I needed that reminder this past week. The larger my business gets, the more my fear of failure grows and the more my priorities shift, but I know that constantly refocusing on why Brewpoint exists will get me further than focusing on my fears and limits. I love the challenge of being an entrepreneur, the challenge to figure out how to build an eco-system that pushes people to do amazing work, without losing their humanity, and (hopefully) with the comfort of going beyond making ends meet. The Culture Impact Lab gave me the space to reimagine the future of work and what it could be for Brewpoint. Very grateful for all the new friends I made and to my very good friend Angela R. Howard for your visionary leadership in putting this all together. Until next year 🥂
🥹🥹🥹 so grateful for you friend and your presence at the Lab was an absolute gift. Can’t wait to continue to build together 🫶🏽
The guiding principle for me is putting people first. By aligning with people's values, we can cultivate a sense of community, which in turn fosters a collective mindset focused on purpose and belonging.
"the larger my business gets, the more my fear of failure grows" is SO real and I appreciate your vulnerable share, thank you!! It was so wonderful meeting you and hearing about how you approach the ups and downs, managing your team and renewing your commitment to community in all its facets. So excited to follow and support your journey, Melissa!!
Very well said Melissa. Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
This is awesome!
Economic Inclusion for Women, Communities of Color, LGBTQIA+ | Investing in Chicago Startups | Illinois Innovation | Vice President of Innovation & Venture at World Business Chicago
3moMelissa your business ethos is EVERYTHING. If every business leader– from C-suite executive to first-time entrepreneur– thought with the same person-first principles that you do, the world would truly be a better place to live/work in! Thank you for sharing this- I'm going to share with with the Innovation & Venture team at WBC because these are the very same principles we try to bring to our work. Cheers to bringing a more authentic and human-centered approach to work 🍻