Growing up in the south, one of my favorite writers was Lewis Grizzard, famous for his witty take on southern culture. Although I didn’t agree with a lot of his musings, one epiphany he had (and the excitement with which he had it) has always stuck with me. Once, someone trying to insult him, called him a “smart-a** white boy”. With great vigor and zest, he said “FINALLY I know what I am! I’m a smart-a** white boy”. After years of inner conflict, he was now able to put a word to his professional calling.
When deciding to develop a coworking community in Fort Mill, SC, I had to do a lot of self-reflection to be able to explain to others (and myself) why I felt that it was my mission to bring collaboration, community and creativity to our area … all for the benefit of local independent workers. I looked back over my time in higher ed, corporate America, professional associations and even social circles to determine what my talents (or self-professed superhero powers) are.