No Snivelling

My friend, Gopi, shared this video of his Toastmasters presentation entitled "Ordinary People" -- it talks about how Gopi discovered microfinance through Kiva, and is a really effective presentation on the ways you can help to alleviate poverty around the world, right from your computer.



Gopi was at Wharton in the year ahead of me, and was a Toastmaster way back then -- he's taken it to all new heights, though, as he's one of 25 finalists in the national Toastmaster speaker competition -- go Gopi! (And, for those of you looking to become better public speakers, take a public speaking class!)

One final plug -- if you're energized by the microfinance story, and are passionate about education, I invite you to learn more about a new startup that I'm involved with called Vittana -- they're workign to enable education microfinance lending in developing countries.

Labels: microfinance, microlending, microloan, public speaking, toastmasters

It's been a tumultuous several months, with emotions running the gamut. But today's a great day, as we announce our launch of metro #6 (Chicago teachers and classes, here we come!) and also an addition $1.2 million of investor funding.

We've been running non-stop for the last year plus, and the launch of New York teachers and classes several weeks ago, plus the upcoming premium services launch (payments and more), has kept our hands very full -- we've recently been able to take a few days to reflect, paint the office, and refocus as a team, and that's been great.

One thing I'll share, that we found very motivating, is these two videos from Tony Hsieh (CEO of Zappos) -- if you can find 45 minutes, I'd highly recommend that you check them out -- they really highlight the type of company we're TRYING to build, with a mission-driven culture. We've definitely made some missteps along the way, but we're striving to continue to learn.

Labels: chicago, classes, education, learners, teachers, teachstreet

It's finally here -- the Seattle 2.0 Awards live event is upon us. And, Marcelo's asked me to present the award this evening to the Best Seattle-Area Venture Capitalist.

The finalists?

• Bill Bryant - Draper Fisher Jurvetson
• Bill McAleer - Voyager Capital
• Matt McIlwain - Madrona Venture Group
• Nick Hanauer - Second Avenue Partners

Of course, as an entrepreneur, I love them all pretty much equally... well, not really... Matt's actually cut TeachStreet checks, so I may call out his name regardless of what's in the envelope ;-) ).

But, the voters have spoken, so 3 will have to leave the island, and 1 will get to spend a weekend with me in Spokane -- it'll be wonderful.

Oh... if you'd like to participate in the event, but can't make it in the door (or, don't live in Seattle), they'll also be streaming the event live.

Labels: entrepreneur, seattle 2.0, seattleawards, startup