PaulSmith

I can say that I'm really excited that Ode has created this space for us. Ode has been a big source of inspiration to me. Especially the people that it has profiled in it. I wanted to do something as positive, life affirming, and solution generating as they have, so I went and got myself an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio School of Management in San Francisco http://www.presidiomba.org Translation: how to do business that is well rounded, considering people and planet, along with profit. Now (November 2007) I've moved to the small, vibrant, beautiful town of Grass Valley, California. It's a town of ~13,000, with 4 theatres, many health food stores, and lots of creative, health, and sustainability minded people. And many who are not. Which I see as an opportunity to practice dropping judgement, and looking for the commonalities. Let the adventure continue! Around here, they say it's "bring your own job." So I have: I created GreenSmith Consulting, a sustainability/green business focused consulting practice. Basically, I see possibilities where others don't. I make connections that others haven't yet. I help people to see them, and know how to best take advantage of them. My overarching talent is "bottom lining" complex ideas, in a way that is understandable and accessible to a variety of audiences, internal and external to a company. After all, if you have the greatest idea/product/service ever, and your staff or customers don't see the relevance to them, it doesn't really matter, does it? I look forward to getting to know, connect, and collaborate with you on here.