Ten years ago, I was entering my final year of undergrad, and I had just received my last scholarship payment for participating in the Business Student Scholars program. The summer program was an interactive, translational research summer program that sought to identify and apply business principles to solve economic challenges in an historic community adjacent to campus. That program deeply influenced my decision to pursue economic development as a career.
Ten year years after that summer program, I'm thinking seriously about the next ten years. The world has drastically changed since December 2015, and it feels like the "brave new world" is here.
A global pandemic. Intense sociopolitical movements. Rapidly accelerating technologies. Economic restructuring.
What will the world be in 2035, and what will be my role in shaping it?
That's the question I'll be mulling and answering over the next few months. After a decade of nonstop, fulfilling work, I'm taking a brief career break to recalibrate, rest, and sharpen the image in the long-range scope.
In the past decade, I've "gotten my reps up." From that summer project to now, I have built my vocabulary of the private sector through consulting, small business management, and middle market finance; I've co-led the turnaround of a legacy organization and developed signature programs which attracted investment from global corporate philanthropies; I was an economic first responder during COVID-19; I've co-founded and piloted HAANDS which led to traction nationally; I've produced applied research at a policy think tank for a renowned expert; I've worked with my first consulting clients part-time; and I've broadened my network through fellowships at Next City and the Aspen Institute.
The years ahead appear daunting and uncertain, but they also provide an canvas for me to synthesize my experiences for educational advancement, initiative leadership, and entrepreneurial action.
THE "BRAVE NEW DECADE"
A few years ago, when I first entered a period of "stretch," a good friend of mine listened to me vent, and concisely replied, "you're on Windows 7, it's
time to switch to Windows 11."
That advice seems more resonant than ever.
I've taken that advice to heart, and I am excited to jumpstart my next OS upgrade to meet the challenges of tomorrow. In the most immediate term, I'll be doing the following:
I'm all ears too. I want to hear about what you're working on that's innovative. I want to hear about professional pivots and opportunities. I want to hear your educational advice. I want to hear the new album you're crazed over. Most importantly, I want to hear your thoughts about the "brave new world."
After my respite, I expect to emerge with better systems, renewed energy, and eagle-eyed focus.
Drop me a line at [email protected] to schedule a time to chat! I look forward to connecting with you, and building community over the cacophony.
As always, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Elijah E. Davis
P.S. If you're a Star Wars fan, I need your takes on the changes this year.
Ten year years after that summer program, I'm thinking seriously about the next ten years. The world has drastically changed since December 2015, and it feels like the "brave new world" is here.
A global pandemic. Intense sociopolitical movements. Rapidly accelerating technologies. Economic restructuring.
What will the world be in 2035, and what will be my role in shaping it?
That's the question I'll be mulling and answering over the next few months. After a decade of nonstop, fulfilling work, I'm taking a brief career break to recalibrate, rest, and sharpen the image in the long-range scope.
In the past decade, I've "gotten my reps up." From that summer project to now, I have built my vocabulary of the private sector through consulting, small business management, and middle market finance; I've co-led the turnaround of a legacy organization and developed signature programs which attracted investment from global corporate philanthropies; I was an economic first responder during COVID-19; I've co-founded and piloted HAANDS which led to traction nationally; I've produced applied research at a policy think tank for a renowned expert; I've worked with my first consulting clients part-time; and I've broadened my network through fellowships at Next City and the Aspen Institute.
The years ahead appear daunting and uncertain, but they also provide an canvas for me to synthesize my experiences for educational advancement, initiative leadership, and entrepreneurial action.
THE "BRAVE NEW DECADE"
A few years ago, when I first entered a period of "stretch," a good friend of mine listened to me vent, and concisely replied, "you're on Windows 7, it's
time to switch to Windows 11."
That advice seems more resonant than ever.
I've taken that advice to heart, and I am excited to jumpstart my next OS upgrade to meet the challenges of tomorrow. In the most immediate term, I'll be doing the following:
- taking a much needed vacation and planning for the future
- focusing on health
- writing and reflecting on what I've learned
- skilling up for the fifth industrial revolution
- deciding on the next step for my formal education
- guiding HAANDS into its next phase
- re-igniting my local civic leadership
I'm all ears too. I want to hear about what you're working on that's innovative. I want to hear about professional pivots and opportunities. I want to hear your educational advice. I want to hear the new album you're crazed over. Most importantly, I want to hear your thoughts about the "brave new world."
After my respite, I expect to emerge with better systems, renewed energy, and eagle-eyed focus.
Drop me a line at [email protected] to schedule a time to chat! I look forward to connecting with you, and building community over the cacophony.
As always, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Elijah E. Davis
P.S. If you're a Star Wars fan, I need your takes on the changes this year.