Oh my goodness, I finally did it yesterday, and by that I mean left Yelp. As some of you know by now, I have accepted a new position as head of fundraising for a nonprofit called Think Global Institute. (Whooo!!!!!). Another big change, I am moving to Denver early January. Whoa. Even as I write this I can hardly believe it's happening. Did I really just leave Yelp yesterday? Am I seriously moving to a state that has snow? Holy crap.
It's a little bitter sweet. I've been here in Phoenix for 2 years now and so many people here have become like family to me. So many. It's hard to believe that I've only got a couple more months. Although, as of yesterday, our nonprofit officially partnered with ASU so it does appear that there will be some back and forth, which means visits are in order :)
Yelp. Oh Yelp. Yelp was a great run, grew some thick skin (did I mention thick?) during all those cold calls, learned a lot about marketing, and consequently a lot about small businesses and many industries. It was weird leaving yesterday. I was grateful to them for what I've learned, but so, so ready to move on. Talking to (irritable) business owners day in and day out who may or may not have ever run a business before, oh the conversations I've had. Some good, but many frustrating. I am ready for more intelligent conversations and to be working towards a more meaningful goal. Advertising is certainly part of being in business, but our mission at the nonprofit means so much more to me. A shout out to the Yelp kitchen that kept me fed over many lunches. Boca burgers, black bean burgers, every kind of deli meat and cheese, a variety of red bull, my fave. Just kidding, red bull is gross and I'm a (wannabe) health nut.
If you're interested in reading about my career growth and striving to push the needle forward, read on ;)
For the last 2 years I've struggled I guess is the best word for it, with trying to figure out what I was meant to do. When I moved to Costa Rica for 3 years after college, I'll be honest. I got really, really lucky. I moved without a plan. I knew I would land on my feet, but I had no idea how. I was lucky to find a job that I adored. It was flexible on my time, my position wasn't limited and by that I mean that while I mainly sold luxury, custom designed (by yours truly) vacations to clients, I also got to give input on website improvements, training methods, our home grown CRM, and more. Oh and I got to travel all the time in a country that I adored for its outdoor activities and pura vida lifestyle, as well as to other countries around the world.
When I moved to Phoenix, I did the same thing. I moved without a set plan and just figured I'd land on my feet again. Well, I landed on my feet, but I have had career dissonance for some time now. Maybe that is part of being in your 20s. Figuring out what you're good at. What interests you. What stimulates you. What you can see yourself doing for a lifetime.
It all started a few months into living in Phoenix. I had this idea that I was interested in marketing and started surfing the web for ideas. I came across a listing that needed marketing/PR help for his business consulting. I applied and soon got my feet wet. Over time I grew and eventually went on to work at Yelp. Meanwhile, I kept in touch with the business consultant who became a good friend. Then one day he told me he was starting a nonprofit. A nonprofit that coaches women entrepreneurs around the world. I began working with him and his partner in my free time. It kept me sane from my days at Yelp. It was fulfilling and stimulating, something I desperately needed. I worked as a volunteer because I believed in what we were doing. Imagine my surprise (and delight) and we began to discuss my employment.
There is (career) joy in my heart again. I haven't felt this since Costa Rica and it's amazing. And it doesn't stop there. The nonprofit is a startup. The founders have been working hard over the past year to put everything together, all the while coaching women business owners in all corners of the world. We have been live for a couple months now. It's a very exciting time. Check out our new shiny website: http://thinkglobalinstitute.org/
My role is head of fundraising, working with businesses and foundations to secure funding for our programs. To be clear, TGI is a business accelerator, an incubator. We run 16 week programs with the women and find ways to expand their businesses, structure business models etc. Our first cohort will be mid-February 2014 in Denver. We will also be running a program in Phoenix next year sponsored by ASU. Current international regions of focus are Asia and Latin America, specific locations still pending. (Yay Latin America!! Hello translating opportunity)
I want to make a specific shout out to the volleyball community here in Phoenix, who in particular has truly been like a family to me, you are such a wonderful group of people. I hope you will keep in touch and come visit. Let's play in the snow!
And don't forget I'm not moving until January, which means there is plenty of time to hug it out :)
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