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Author: Griffin Connolly

Blog Posts

WashU Olin Business Program

WashU’s ‘Business Opportunity & Leadership Development’: Reflections on My Olin Business School Summer Program

This summer, I attended the BOLD@Olin Summer Pre-Collegiate Program at Washington University in St. Louis. From learning with esteemed Olin Business School faculty to exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, the experience was enriching and unforgettable. Highlights included a consulting project with a local school, personal branding and resume workshops, and building a new community with thought-peers from around the country. Discover how this program helped shape my academic and professional aspirations.

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Closing a Chapter: Reflections on My First Business Launch

It all started with a spark of inspiration and the drive to create something meaningful. In June 2023 Jacob and I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching Serene Habits LLC, a social media-driven e-commerce company. It was an adventure fueled by entrepreneurial passion, creativity, and the desire to better understand the challenges of building and running a successful business. Last month, after an amazing year, Jacob and I made the difficult decision to close the company. Join me as I reflect on the highs and lows, and the amazing lessons learned in my first year of entrepreneurship.

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Arvid Eriksson

Interview with Arvid Eriksson: Film Maker Finding Authenticity Through Creativity and Community

Recently I spoke with Arvid Eriksson, an award-winning director, film maker, and digital creative, currently working in New Zealand. On a multinational journey originating in Sweden, Arvid speaks to the universality of a need for community, as well as the importance of living authentically for the advancement of a better world. He emphasizes the importance of believing in your own stories and growing into an understanding that ‘if you can stay confident in your more sensitive, vulnerable areas that is where the really good stuff happens’.

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HOBY Arizona Leadership Seminar

HOBY Arizona Youth Leadership Seminar: A Weekend Full of Growth and Connection

Last weekend, I had the honor of attending the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar at Arizona State University. Founded in 1958 and now one of the foremost organizations dedicated to youth leadership development, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. This was an amazing weekend, full of growth and connection, on my journey towards becoming a more effective and compassionate leader making a meaningful impact on the world.

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Interview with Glenn Harley

Interview with Glenn Harley: A New Zealand Pioneer in Passive Housing

Recently I spoke with Glenn Harley, a passive home builder and consultant in New Zealand. On a journey that includes a tenure on the Board for the Passive Housing Institute of New Zealand, Mr. Harley breaks down the key differences between the sustainable housing market in the U.S. and New Zealand. He speaks to the fulfillment to be found in having a positive impact on your community, and innovation being the key to affordability in the passive house industry. Mr. Harley’s perspective is a great follow-up to my interview with Kyle Hanson from Timber Age last month.

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Kyle Hanson Interview

Interview with Kyle Hanson: Improving Community Culture with Timber Age Sustainable Housing

This month I spoke with Kyle Hanson, founder of Timber Age, a mission-driven startup in southwestern Colorado, which is revolutionizing the way we think about building materials and community impact. As we explore the growing awareness of the mass timber industry and its many benefits, Kyle Hanson speaks to the importance of community in entrepreneurship, his focus on sustainability, and the innovative timber technology that is allowing Timber Age to make waves in the construction industry.

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Interview with Brandon Clarke

Interview with Brandon Clarke: Community Building with StartupAZ and Scratch

This month I spoke with Brandon Clarke, who is both the Co-Founder of StartupAZ, a foundation that connects founders, partners, and resources to support Arizona’s strongest startups, and Co-Founder of Scratch, the first business management software designed for young entrepreneurs. As we explore technology trends and the emerging venture capital landscape in Arizona, Brandon Clarke speaks to the fulfillment to be found in community building and displays an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

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Interview with Chris Gomersall

Interview with Chris Gomersall: Successfully Weaving Creativity with Emerging Technology

This month I spoke with Chris Gomersall, founder of Atomized, about his entrepreneurial journey seamlessly intertwining creativity and the ever-evolving technology landscape. On a journey that takes in big brand advertising campaigns, Facebook, and selling a successful start-up, Chris Gomersall speaks to the art of embracing the struggle, the power of resetting, and the energy he finds creating on the leading edge of emerging technology.

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Interview with Chris Tabanico

Interview with Chris Tabanico: Simply Cash Homes, a Large-Scale Real Estate Investment Firm

Delve into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Chris Tabanico, co-founder of Simply Cash Homes, a large-scale real estate investment firm. From his corporate days at American Express to swiftly amassing a real estate portfolio, Chris Tabanico speaks to the importance of networking, testing in a controlled environment to mitigate risk, and surrounding yourself with people who motivate you.

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