On October 30, the Daviess and Martin County Cohorts embarked on the next leg of their Indianapolis journey, with an inspiring visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home court of the Indiana Pacers. The experience offered more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a state-of-the-art sports facility—it provided a chance to connect with six influential leaders who shared invaluable career and life lessons.
The cohorts engaged in enriching discussions with department heads Ashley Chitwood, Missy Zielinski, Rico Francis, Erika McKey, Malik McCord, and Mark Gruber. These dynamic leaders emphasized a central message: trust the process. Their wisdom resonated across a spectrum of topics, leaving a lasting impact on the young entrepreneurs.
Among the many lessons shared, some key takeaways included:
1. Be a self-starter who takes initiative.
2. Anticipate needs and remain proactive.
3. Approach challenges with a can-do attitude and resilience.
4. Be flexible and open to adapting when life throws curve balls.
5. Delegate tasks and trust others to succeed.
6. Prioritize self-care and advocate for your needs.
7. Cultivate strong communication and networking skills.
8. Recognize and nurture transferable skills that apply across various fields.
9. Perfect your 30-second elevator pitch to make a strong first impression.
A recurring theme of the day centered on finding and embracing one’s personal "sparks"—those moments of passion or interests that ignite a sense of purpose. The speakers also stressed the importance of camaraderie, building community connections, and the empowering belief that everyone has the ability to shape their own reality.
The cohorts expressed deep gratitude to the Indiana Pacers for supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering an atmosphere of learning and inspiration. The visit concluded with the cohort enjoying the thrill of watching the Pacers in action, rounding out a day filled with motivation and mentorship.
This visit was a reminder that success is built not only on skills and hard work but also on the ability to connect with others, adapt, and pursue what truly inspires you.
