Achieve Success In the Workplace By Unleashing Your Inner Entrepreneur
August 4
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
(Doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
The entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t just apply to those who are starting businesses, it also applies to individuals inside organizations.
Creativity and innovation is key to business acumen when creating a culture of adaptability and growth. Leveraging the potential of an organization’s workforce adds value to organizational processes, employee satisfaction, and customer loyalty. A recent survey found that 93 percent of all working adults in the U.S. feel they possess some entrepreneurial qualities.
If your organization is trying to remain competitive, develop new products and services and fully engage the Millennial Generation workforce, join us at this workshop on August 4 at UWF Conference Center. The workshop is offered in partnership between the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Studer Community Institute.
Featured speaker:
Dr. Cheryl Kirby, Florida SBDC Headquarters – Pensacola. Associate State Director
Case Study with Quint Studer
Dr. Cheryl Kirby is the Chief Strategy and Branding Officer and the Associate State Director for the Florida SBDC Network. Serving in this role since August 2011, Dr. Kirby leads the statewide branding, professional development and continuous improvement of the network’s more than 40 offices and nearly 250 employees, providing oversight in the continued success of Florida’s largest and leading provider of hands-on business assistance for small and medium-sized businesses.
Under her vision to drive an organizational culture committed to innovation and continuous improvement, Kirby has led the network through the attainment of many strategic initiatives, including a successful rebranding, the development and implementation of the network’s strategic plan – Vision 2020 – and, most recently, the Florida SBDC’s application for the 2016 Governor’s Sterling Award, whereby the network received a best practice award for its Quality Improvement Program.
Kirby has over 20 years of experience in marketing, training, innovation leadership, and strategic planning. Prior to her tenure with the Florida SBDC, Kirby served as an Adjunct Faculty Member in the Communication Arts and Engineering and Computer Technology Departments at the University of West Florida.
Kirby earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and a master’s degree in Health Communication Leadership from the University of West Florida. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Capital Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a member of several distinguished regional and national associations, including the Board of Examiners for the 2014 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, America’s SBDC Accreditation Committee, STEM Story Board of Directors and Leadership Pensacola Class of 2008.
Rachael Gillette’s unique background combines over 20 years experience in leadership, speaking, coaching and training, and event management. Former Executive Director of Pensacola Young Professionals, she holds the Bar of England and Wales and a Bachelors in Law and American Studies from Keele University, England. She practiced as a Barrister-at-Law for 9 years in England and as a Family Mediator on the First Judicial Circuit in Pensacola, FL. Rachael is a John Maxwell certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker. She is a firestarter, passionate about leadership development, organization growth and making a difference.
Rachael joined the Studer Community Institute team as Director of Professional Development in 2015. With exceptional critical thinking skills, and a firm grasp of complex planning and coordination she is responsible for the creation of new and evolving curriculum, and the implementation of leadership training programs, conferences and online content. The Studer Community Institute will be a key part of driving citizen-powered change, and an important aspect of that will be professional and organization development.
Rachael also makes a difference serving as a Trustee of ARC Gateway Foundation and on the Board Of Directors of the Institute for Women in Politics of Northwest Florida. She has been a member of IMPACT 100 Pensacola for many years and has served on a number of committees.
Born in Denmark, Rachael grew up in Liverpool, England. She immigrated to Pensacola in 2002 to be with her husband, Paul. She became an American citizen in 2012.
An avid sailor, Rachael competes in local, national, and international regattas, and is the 2014 Women’s Gulf Yachting Association champion, winner of the Race for the Roses and Pensacola Yacht Club Sportswoman of the Year 2013 and 2014.
Founding Director-Center for Entrepreneurship
University of West Florida
February 2016 – Present (6 months)Pensacola, Florida Area
The Center, based in the College of Business, has the potential to reach students from all academic disciplines across the campus. The foundational roles creativity, critical thinking, team-based problem-solving and the innovation process play in complementing traditional entrepreneurial academics will be maximized. The Center’s donor has two priorities-increase enrollment and student retention at UWF. Some co-curricular activities which are both campus and community serving will be pursued.
