TRANSFORMED LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED SYSTEMS
PERMISSION TO PLAY, RAPID PROTOTYPING
“T ransformed lives are transformed systems.” MBA Director Prof. Lyna Matesi once said this to me in one of our many visioning conversations. Both CREATE and the MBA program at UWSP are intentionally designing initiatives that lead to transformational impact. I’ve witnessed significant thought leadership and activation of individuals doing tremendous work through these two organizations. Adding in the layer of network or community is critical here, because we know transformation doesn’t happen alone. In Prof. Elizabeth Martin’s Wisconsin Leadership Seminar, a key takeaway for me was defining success as the equivalent of our network plus what we have together. I’ve learned to be deliberate about building networks and connections – they don’t just happen accidentally.
I’ve also been a part of something deeply important – women supporting women. I’ve enjoyed the network of powerful and inspiring female leaders who make up my MBA cohort – some of whom are already amidst the work of transforming systems – including Lizzie Messerli, Jessica Andreae, Quyen Hom, Paula Erickson, Meilyn Xiong, Natalie Aneskavich, Emily Swanson, Lauren Van Natta and Maddie Williams to name just a very few. Women can be a powerful force, especially when we’re one another’s active partners, allies and mutual mentors. CREATE, as an organization, is leading transformational work – some may even call it a movement – in communities and individuals, and the future of their work is incredibly energizing. Though my fellowship has ended, the work is just beginning. The mindset shift that has occurred while working with CREATE has equipped me to lead organizations, networks and
Ann Vang, Barry Calnan
A ccording to agility expert Pamela Meyer, agile teams are described as “more productive, collaborative, and innovative; and agile organizations more profitable.” Agile leaders challenge the status quo and try unconventional strategies. Agility is about developing competence, capacity and courage in ourselves and our teams. And the potential for impact is only as strong as our teams. CREATE sees capacity and prioritizes action – helping individuals and teams recognize they are prepared to get started, and that we might miss out if we wait until things are perceived, in our eyes, as perfect. I’ve learned to lean on my expertise and track record in place of what I would call “preparedness.” I’m not advocating for leading without strategy – in one of Prof. Lyna Matesi’s classes she shared a quote that has stuck with me: Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. I agree with this wholeheartedly. I’m advocating for more elasticity around strategy – and integrating what Meyer describes as “permission to play” and “rapid prototyping.” When we give ourselves
permission to play, we enable our teams to join us. Our strategies become nimble, working strategies that are responsive to our dynamic environments. I continue to be so impressed with CREATE’s ability to pivot. The organization has an ability to find meaning and key learnings from all challenges and respond effectively and appropriately. CREATE has cultivated an incredible network of expertise that allows for quick and effective shifts and solutions. When the impacts of COVID-19 struck mid-fellowship, a few of our prospective clients fell off the map – understandably. We led with a nimble mindset and took the time to truly listen and propose new directions in communities during this pandemic. As a result, the organization is on the cusp of securing its third contract since the beginning of the year, and it continues to be in conversations with communities and regional leaders around how CREATE’s initiatives make tremendous sense as a regional model.
When we give ourselves permission to play, we enable our teams to join us.
As a fellow through the MBA program, I’ve worked within a network at CREATE that demonstrates the power of connecting. CREATE has perhaps the strongest network of innovative, creative, impact-seeking thinkers in the region, like Jeremy Solin, owner of Tapped Maple Syrup, who was a critical piece in helping us work through key questions and informing our strategy early on. I’ve also been fortunate to be a part of a wicked talented group of professionals in my cohort. My colleague Amanda Elsen has enthusiastically joined me at CREATE – jumping right in and volunteering her time and talents. Through Amanda, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with Mary Gronen with Schmid Innovation center in Dubuque, Iowa, doing incredible work in community building.
communities forward. It’s empowering to consider our potential when shifting our mindset, viewing limitations as nothing more than constraints set within ourselves and our organizations and fully embracing the power of connection.
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