Creating a Culture of Generosity and Giving

Better Learning Podcast

Mike Beckham's story begins in the nonprofit sector, where he developed a deep understanding of mission-driven work. Transitioning to the business world, he founded Simple Modern in 2015, a company now known for its premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Beckham emphasizes that at the core of entrepreneurship lies a desire to solve problems and bring new ideas to life. He believes that entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals get paid to solve problems and create something valuable.

A key takeaway from Beckham’s journey is the significance of a growth mindset. He shares that successful entrepreneurs are experimenters who love learning and decoding what people want. This mindset, combined with the ability to understand where to apply new knowledge, is crucial for entrepreneurial success.

Beckham stresses the importance of having a clear mission and purpose from the outset. Simple Modern’s commitment to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations, is a testament to this principle. He believes that building a company without knowing its mission and purpose is like trying to drive a car without knowing where you’re going.

Mike Beckham’s story is a powerful example of how a clear mission, a growth mindset, and a commitment to values can drive entrepreneurial success. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference through entrepreneurship. Tune in to the Better Learning Podcast to hear more about his inspiring journey and insights.

Takeaways:

1. Entrepreneurship is driven by a belief in a vision and a desire to solve problems.

2. Having a growth mindset and a love for learning are key traits of successful entrepreneurs.

3. Entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals create something new and bring it to the world.

4. A company can prioritize both values and purpose, creating a unique culture and giving back to the community.

5. Entrepreneurs often combine different skills and experiences to find innovative solutions. Start with a clear mission and purpose in entrepreneurship

6. Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn and grow

7. Build relationships and have a clear vision before starting a business

8. Transform and adapt your business model when faced with challenges

9. Create a culture of generosity and giving in organizations

Regan has worked on numerous public and private K-12 learning spaces throughout the greater New England area, including Eliot Innovation School, Gibbs School, and Leicester Middle School.

She is passionate about design for education and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring. She is also an advocate and thought leader in restoring and preserving our historic buildings, including adapting them for new, contemporary uses.

Sound Bites to Ponder:

"Entrepreneurs are first and foremost, they're kind of experimenters that love learning and love kind of decoding what's going on and what people want and how to serve people."

"Entrepreneurship is getting paid to solve problems."

"It usually starts with survival first and then we find our way."

"Having the desire to learn and the willingness to grow plus the judgment of understanding where to apply that, that's what gets you where you want to be."

"Building a company when you don't know the mission and the purpose is like building a car while you're trying to drive it without knowing where you're trying to drive."

Follow on Mike Beckham on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/

Twitter: https://x.com/mikebeckhamsm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebeckham/

Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.com/

Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.

For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/

Episode 186 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

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