Capstone Development Partners, LLC’s Post

Over the weekend, I was able to celebrate the work of the Indiana University Dance Marathon in 2023 ahead of Indiana’s clash against Penn State at Simon Skojdt Assembly Hall. While I have been transitioning out of my post as the Director of Corporate Relations over the past few months, I wanted to reflect on some of the lessons I learned from my tenure. 1. Relationships Matter - Establishing and nurturing robust connections is essential for effective leadership, especially when working collaboratively with a diverse set of individuals. In my role, this involved 22 other student leaders on the executive council, 7 chairpersons and 60 committee members on my committee, and a portfolio of numerous businesses from across the nation. Fostering positive relationships with each of these groups is crucial, as it plays a vital role in achieving our common goal of contributing to lifesaving efforts for kids in need at Riley Hospital for Children. The utilization of authentic connections served as a pivotal factor in attaining shared objectives between stakeholders. 2. Be Decisive - Being decisive entails not only making informed and timely choices but also acting proactively based on data. Striking a balance between gathering sufficient information and avoiding prolonged decision-making processes is essential for progress. A decisive leader showcases confidence and clarity in their choices, fostering momentum and direction for the team. This approach not only instills a sense of purpose but also encourages proactive decision-making among team members. 3. Keep The Faith - Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, especially during challenging times, is crucial for leadership. Believing in the mission and vision of your organization can inspire others and help overcome obstacles. Acknowledging the highest of highs and the lowest of lows over the course of my tenure on the executive council added depth to this perspective. It was a year filled with both triumphs and tribulations. The journey, however, became meaningful through the unwavering support of my colleagues. Standing by each other during tough times and celebrating victories together forged a strong sense of camaraderie. While the frustrations of unproductive efforts were present, this collective perseverance made every endeavor worthwhile. In the end, the elation of celebrating the accomplishment of raising over $3 million for lifesaving healthcare with my best friends eclipsed everything, making the entire experience incredibly fulfilling. My time in IUDM was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me. It made me a better marketer, better leader, and most importantly, a better man. I will always look fondly at my time in the organization and I am incredibly grateful to FORVIS, Allied Solutions LLC, Solution Tree, Graduate Hotels, Mom Water, HospitalRecruiting, Papa Johns, and countless other partners for their generous support over the years. Go Hoosiers and FTK!

Learn more on what the Butzel Long Charitable Trust has done in the past year!

As a #grantwriter, it's always fantastic to be able to thank our partners. In this case, it's a #brand #new #funder for a very acute need we had -- funds to buy food so that we can serve #hot #readytoeat #meals to people experiencing homelessness. The support does not stop there -- case management and #referrals to long-term help, including #recovery are offered to every single person! I'm looking for a few new partners for this project. If you are a #CSR #ESG manager and looking to make a real #impact in the #Baltimoremetro region, please hit me up in the New Year! #Grants #grantsuccess #grantwriting #grantfunding #grantmaking #hopeinaction #hopeandhealing #hopeforchange #homelessness #homelessnessawareness #homelesssupport #recoveryispossible #recoverycommunity #recoverysupport #casemanagement #socialwork

Belief in Potential: The Power of Authentic Leadership "Belief in potential can drive incredible outcomes, turning challenges into unprecedented opportunities." In an era where the fast-paced nature of business and a quest for quarterly profits often overshadow the long-term vision, the power of belief stands out as a beacon. More than any strategy or policy, it is the belief in the potential of a team, of an individual, that can make the impossible seem attainable. For leaders, the act of believing isn't just about positive thinking; it’s about tapping into the latent energy of every team member, fostering an environment where people feel valued and motivated to give their best. Unfortunately, in many corporations, there's a significant gap between this ideal and reality. The allure of short-term gains, the pressures of share prices, or simply the race to outdo competitors can make some managers forget the most valuable asset of any organization: its people. A practice that's far too common sees leaders employing deceit, making questionable decisions, and prioritizing personal ambitions over genuine growth. Such actions might offer a temporary boost, but in the long run, they undermine trust, motivation, and the overall health of the organization. Middle management can often find themselves stuck in this conundrum, torn between upper management expectations and the realities faced by their teams. This disconnect can lead to mistrust, where managers might feel the need to "cook the books" or present an overly optimistic picture, rather than address genuine challenges. However, it’s essential to remember that true opportunities aren’t just about short-term gains or impressive numbers on a balance sheet. They are about creating lasting value, building relationships, and fostering an environment of growth and innovation. Enter Deon Sanders. His story serves as a refreshing reminder of what's possible when someone truly believes in potential. Instead of taking the easy way out or succumbing to the pressure of the moment, Sanders showcased that belief, paired with action, can yield phenomenal results. To all leaders out there: It's time to reevaluate your leadership style. Instead of perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and short-term thinking: Invest in People: Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Empower them to be the best versions of themselves. Open Communication: Foster a culture where challenges can be discussed openly, without fear of retribution. Prioritize Long-Term Growth: Instead of just looking at quarterly results, consider the long-term implications of decisions. In conclusion, the most sustainable way to turn challenges into opportunities is by fostering a culture of belief, trust, and genuine investment in potential. After all, in the words of Richard Branson, “Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business.” It’s as simple, and as challenging, as that. #BeliefInPotential

A lesson. ✔️Don’t settle. ✔️Don’t lower your salary demands. ✔️Don’t lower your rates. Instead, remind yourself of your worth and make sure you’re so good they’ll find the budget to afford you. #knowyourworth #negotiate #NOsettling

Here’s some pictures from today’s Impact Clay Train Orange Park event!

Here are three key points about dynasty trusts: Generational Wealth Transfer: Dynasty trusts allow for the long-term transfer of wealth across multiple generations. #WealthTransfer #DynastyTrust Charitable Giving and Family Unity: Families can use dynasty trusts to create a lasting legacy through charitable giving. Private foundations within the trust can bring family members together to support common causes. #Philanthropy #Legacy Business Succession Planning: For family-owned businesses, dynasty trusts can play a crucial role in business succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation. Click to watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/euDqp7UG #BusinessSuccession #FamilyBusiness #video #financialplanning

Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D., Executive Director of Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, shared why being a Nonprofit Member of BRAF is important to their organization and success: "BRAF allows us to understand the landscape of not only the Baton Rouge area, but of the entire state of Louisiana. As a statewide organization, [BRAF] is critical to our success in advocating for Louisiana's youngest learners to be connected to this important network." Learn more about Nonprofit Membership at BRAF by visiting: https://ow.ly/s8XA50Qa1bR.