The Collaborative Group Blog

Cynthia Pasky has lived in Detroit since 1986.  She loves Detroit and its people and expressed this through her passion for the arts and caring for the homeless.  On March 22, she spoke to The Collaborative Group about doing what you’re really good at, even if it’s not what you love, because it will give you the resources that will allow you to do what you love.

Her company, Strategic Staffing Solutions, loves Detroit and what Challenge Detroit is doing. Reminding us perspective is important, Cynthia explained when the company first opened its doors in 1990, many of the great things we have in Detroit now didn’t exist:  Campus Marcus, Ford Field, and more.  Detroit still has some growing up to do, but when you look at it in  perspective, we’ve come a long way.

Her love for Detroit is in part because she believes there’s no other city in the world where CEO’s are so hands on in both business and community.  Recognizing the need for a strong core to make the surrounding communities attractive, Cynthia said we need to lead by example, and Challenge Detroit is a perfect example of this: over 900 people want to be here!

Cynthia reminded the audience there is no challenge in business that can’t be overcome. Hope is not a strategy, but coming together as a community can influence change.

Dr. David Chinsky, founder and CEO of the Institute for Leadership Fitness, discussed what attributes a leader must possess when navigating today’s opportunities at a March 7 event at The Collaborative Group. He created an enlightening dialogue between the “fit leader” and “today’s leader” in respect to chaos management. In Dr. Chinsky’s opinion, the qualities of a fit leader are clarity, confidence, effectiveness, and vitality. In contrast, he believes too many of today’s leaders are fearful, frustrated, and overwhelmed.

The Institute for Leadership Fitness, a Michigan based company, hosts quarterly workshops for one year with coaching between sessions.  Dr. Chinsky shared one of his essential lessons taught at the institute for everyone to benefit from: avoid the urge to over manage. A leader should construct a team of workers that do not need to be constantly observed. Leaders often think they need to have the right answers, but in reality they need to have the right questions and build their team around those. Changing the questions can change the perspective, the engagement and the outcome.

The entrepreneurial mindset was not one to be forgotten within his lecture. It is essential to assist people to understand what it takes to be a savvy entrepreneur. Gratification must be delayed and persistence is key, because as Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never give up.” Entrepreneurship brings about a recognizable relationship between risk and failure, but also between risk and success. It is the latter relationship that fuels the urge for leaders to encourage risks.

Dr. Chinsky discussed establishing a personal brand which often proves to be a differentiator between the common person and the fit leader. A brand establishes a promise to those who will follow and creates cohesion within the team.

For more information please visit http://instituteforleadershipfitness.com/fit-leaders-book-sustainable-leadership-program/.

When you think of the automotive industry, one thing that almost unanimously comes to mind is the bailout and how it has affected the region and nation in the last five-years.  From the beginning, when the Detroit automakers were set to go bankrupt, to the middle when the government stepped in, to present day when those same companies are making record profits, we can see how much the nation has changed because of bailout.

“Things aren’t always as they seem,” said Bill Vlasic, author of Once Upon A Car, referring to the automotive industry in a presentation to The Collaborative Group.

Vlasic is an award-winning business reporter with more than 15-years of experience specializing in the automotive industry, and has been a reporter in Detroit for 25-years. He is currently the Detroit Bureau Chief for the New York Times and previously worked as a reporter for the Detroit News and as a correspondent for BusinessWeek Magazine.

Vlasic said that he wrote his book so people could see the truth about the automotive industry and the automakers. He also touched on how Detroit was viewed across the country in response to the bailout.

“Detroit was synonymous for failure. Many believed that Detroit got what was coming to them. The competition is not only outstripping Detroit, they’re leaving them in the dust,” said Vlasic, who referred to Detroit as a place that needed to get used to change.

“I think Mr. Obama deserves credit for believing that the industry could be saved,” said Vlasic. He referred to the bailout as “probably the most remarkable turnaround” when you think of Detroit. “There’s a certain pride that is restored, asserting itself in ways that have people excited about this city [Detroit] again.”

Vlasic highlighted the change that the economy and the automotive industry had to go though in order to turn things around again. He brought inside insight from a reporter’s perspective.

“Change is hard, but the harder it is, the more profound it is. It isn’t supposed to be easy. If it is, it’s not very effective.”

Detroit is ready for some change. With that pride restored, people are beginning to believe in the city again.

“It’s impact through business, that’s how you relay your message to the world,” explained Vince Thomas, Founder and CEO of billhighway.com and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.  Vince spoke to The Collaborative Group on January 26 about creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build a successful business in the Detroit area. Vince started working when he was in the fifth grade at his parents’ business as a bus boy, cleaning the restaurant and the kitchen, all the while establishing a work ethic for himself.

From that young age, Vince has taken a unique (somewhat accidental) approach to building his business. “I started billhighway.com accidentally because I saw a need to solve the bill payment problem.” In a way to build up his efforts to succeed, Vince engaged with his roommates, friends, and neighbors in hopes that they would see the bill payment problem in the same light as he did.  Soon enough, people caught on and Billhighway was born.

Vince quickly rallied up $40,000 in investment and spent it developing a website. But, he soon realized he had used all of his money on building the product without considering the money necessary to market it.  To get the word out, he went on a road trip in a rusted out Ford Explorer to sell the bill payment technology to university students across the country.

After three years on the road, Vince’s personal time investment paid off: his business grew to 6,000 customers.  To further develop the business model and solidify his investments, Vince went through what he called a “solitary confinement phase,” working long hours alone in a one-room office.

Vince explained that his inspiration to launch Billhighway goes beyond solving the bill payment problem, “I started to think about the purpose of life, money, and what’s most important. I needed to observe the needs and issues across the world. My goal was to have a purpose and help as many people as possible through business.”

Billhighway’s core values, which focus on diverse collaboration and an aggressive sense of urgency, have helped save people time and money – over $125 million to be exact. Today, Billhighway has over 35,000 clients crossing the entire United States and Canada, and $5 billion dollars in transactions.  He notes that, “Although it took 12-years to become an overnight success, we were just getting started.”

“It’s about innovation.  How do we innovate?  How do we leapfrog the competition?” asked Mike Finney on December 1^st at an event at The Collaborative Group.  With other states doing exactly what Michigan was doing to attract business and economic development, Mike recognized the need for a change.  After years working in innovative environments like Ann Arbor Spark!, he joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) when Governor Rick Snyder took office in January of 2011.

Mike took a new approach to business development – giving businesses the attention they need by providing services, not just money, and treating investments like investors by providing access to capital, talent, and customers.  Today, governments across the nation are looking to Michigan to hear what we’re doing and why… A new spin for our state.

Mike said building an entrepreneurial ecosystem is a must.  Looking 20-30-40-years out and “not creating jobs for today, but for our future” is essential.  Mike expressed the highest priority as talent retention and attraction saying, “We’ll become a retiree state [unless] we figure out how to keep our young talent.”  Launched earlier this year, the MEDC’s LiveWorkDetroit! program introduces young people to Michigan’s urban core, focusing on job opportunities and lifestyle.

But, who will create the jobs?  According to Mike, immigrants are responsible for 33% of entrepreneurial activity in Michigan.  Together with the Governor, Mike wants to send a message that Michigan is immigrant-friendly (see the article below for more details on this initiative).  There are also numerous programs in the works with the MEDC, including a social entrepreneurship initiative set to create over 1,200 jobs in the state in 2012 and another program called Shifting Gears which targets individuals over 40-years old who were displaced in the recession and are looking to re-enter the workforce.  “Michigan is number two right now in the country for economic growth.  We’re leading the country out of the recession and doing things that matter, without asking permission.”

In the early nineties, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson founded the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3), a coalition of five south Oakland communities focused on zoning, land use, beautification, historic heritage, innovation, and how to move each community’s legacy into the next generation.  But, one key piece was missing: transit.  Heather Carmona, executive director of WA3, explained that, “The connectivity among these five communities speaks volumes and WA3 believes this topic is too important to avoid.”

In an effort to continue the transit conversation, WA3 joined forces with the Michigan Suburbs Alliance (MSA).  Associate director Melanie Piana, along with Heather, sought to build a partnership to help guide growth in these suburban communities and determine a plan for reinvestment.  Melanie knew it was essential to consider “how we look at transit north of 8 Mile Road.”  Together, Heather and Melanie created the Transform Woodward movement and sought out key stakeholders including local architect Mark Nikita who said, “Even if transit never comes to Woodward, this effort will still produce good land use and that’s important for our region.”

Looking at the communities along Woodward in Oakland County as a linear city was the first step.  Heather explained, “There may not be a train in the next 5-years along Woodward, but there will be redevelopment and we can work with our partners to influence that development to have a transit focus.”  Transform Woodward brings together public officials and private partners to talk about changing land use along Woodward Avenue to drive investment.  The team has brought over $3M to the corridor which is seed money that has been used for a complete streets master plan and much more.

Melanie warned, “In the United States, transit improvements can be a six- to eight-year process,” and it’s important to fill in the gaps along that long road.  One gap is developing an overlay zone to create a footprint of consistent development along Woodward.  The Transform Woodward team sees this as a mixed-use platform encouraging walkability and promoting the Detroit – Oakland County connection.

A two-year study is currently underway to determine the best type of transit for the area north of 8 Mile Road.  Transform Woodward focuses on a revenue-driven development plan with a focus on all modes of transportation for the surrounding communities because, as Melanie says, “An investment in transit is an investment in new jobs and new business.”  Transit will move our region forward.

For more details, check out the WA3’s website: http://www.woodwardavenue.org/Invest.html

Complacency and arrogance are a dangerous combination.  When Detroit looked inward and ignored the surrounding world changing, it lost the notion of innovation and reinvention, explained Dave Egner, President of the Hudson-Webber Foundation, who spoke to The Collaborative Group on October 6^th.  However, Dave believes that the current generation of young leaders has the right idea to move the region forward, recognizing that multiple answers exist and the revitalization of the region must be organic.

Unfortunately, Michigan continues to lose these young leaders at a disproportionate rate.  Perhaps it is based on misperception of job availability.  Perhaps the young leaders seek a dynamic lifestyle and city.  As Michigan continues to get older, less educated, and poorer it becomes more obvious that attracting young, educated professionals is essential for revitalization.

Hudson-Webber is doing its part.  The foundation established the 15×15 initiative in concert with other like-minded organizations as an effort to bring 15,000 educated households to greater downtown Detroit by 2015 – doubling the existing population of educated households.  The vision was embraced by the community with partners in Midtown developing LiveMidtown and partners in downtown developing LiveDowntown, both programs providing housing incentives to Detroit employees who work for partnering companies.

Dave also leads the New Economy Initiative (NEI), a consortium of ten-foundations each contributing $10-million to a $100-million fund focused on accelerating the transition of Southeast Michigan to an innovation-based economy.  NEI has made over 50-grants watching businesses emerge and grow, but recognizes that changing a culture will take time.

Regardless of what hat he is wearing, Dave recognizes Michigan’s wealth of assets.  From the world’s largest logistic capacity to its abundance of art and cultural institutions, Michigan must be recognized for its contribution to the world.  “Cities like Chicago are great places to dwell in; Detroit is a great city to create in,” Dave explained, noting the low barrier to entry and rich set of assets and accessibility.  “Showcasing these assets starts with us… We must embrace that this region is Detroit.”

“Tuesdays with Morrie” earned a place on the New York Times’ Best Sellers list for more than four years.  The highly acclaimed memoir reflects on a life-changing experience for Mitch Albom, the kickoff speaker for our third year at The Collaborative Group.

Before reconnecting with his old professor, Morrie, Mitch admitted he thought charity meant writing a check.  But, in the magic that came from Tuesdays spent with the old man dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease, Mitch learned that charity means so much more.

During one of their conversations, Mitch asked Morrie why he didn’t play the sympathy card, he was dying after all.  Morrie explained, “Why would I take?  Taking feels like dying.  Giving is living.”

Mitch, once addicted to his job, is now addicted to giving.  Nothing feels better than the giving he has done in Detroit and abroad, particularly in Haiti.  With over six privately funded charities bearing his name and his dedication, Mitch is most excited about:

• A Time to Help: This organization meets monthly and seeks out individuals willing to donate a small amount of time to sprucing up buildings, playgrounds, and neighborhoods in Detroit.
• S.A.Y. Detroit: Founded after a night spent in a local homeless shelter during an exceptionally cold Michigan winter, Mitch decided to raise enough funds to ensure that Detroit homeless could stay in shelters until the weather warmed; he raised so much money that he was able to start a local clinic for homeless children and their mothers as well.

“All you need is a good idea and a little bit of energy.  You can accomplish much,” Mitch expressed, noting again that giving really is living.  And, it doesn’t matter how much money or time you have because giving back is a sliding scale – you CAN make a difference with just one-hour or $10.  Give what you can.

What’s next for Mitch?  Believe it or not, he is starting two new charities:

• The Heart of Detroit: A partnership with Channel 4-WDIV.  This television show will profile local, unsung heroes who give of themselves while expecting nothing in return.
• Working Homes, Working Families: Taking two of Detroit’s biggest challenges head-on, this charity will match vacant homes with families in need of housing.

His addiction to charity is making an impact on our community, “Giving back is the best thing I do… [everything else] pales in comparison.”

Click here to watch a video of Mitch’s presentation courtesy of our member John Richardson of MotionEcho Media.

On Thursday, September 8^th members convened for the second annual membership meeting to discuss The Collaborative Group’s accomplishments over the past year and plans for the coming year.  Executive Director Deirdre Greene Groves shared that in its second year the organization:

• Hosted 18-events including roundtable lunches, panel discussions, proposal presentations, and a speaker series;
• Worked on multiple initiatives aimed at connecting up-and-coming entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial thinkers with established leaders to spur economic growth, including the launch of Challenge Detroit;
• Formed various strategic alliances with like-minded organizations, nonprofits, government, corporations, institutions, and media partners;
• Developed connections among members who have collaborated on new business ventures and transformational ideas; and
• Garnered media recognition including WJR, WWJ/CBS Detroit, Crain’s Detroit Business, and Downtown Publications.

Deirdre also welcomed several new members and three new Board directors including:

• Natalie Bruno, Vice President, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings;
• David Gasper, Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services; and
• Jim Reinhart, Partner, Plante & Moran.

For a complete summary of accomplishments and plans, click here to download the 2010-2011 Annual Report.

President Doyle Mosher provided an update on Challenge Detroit, celebrating strides and accomplishments made over the past year:

• Developed strategic plan;
• Committed 30-host companies;
• Launched beta website and social media pages;
• Engaged strategy and fundraising consultants; and
• Identified board of directors and supporters.

After introducing the Board members and reviewing the list of companies and organizations that have pledged their commitment to Challenge Detroit, Doyle discussed next steps and engaged the members to help by:

• Seeking out funding and in-kind support;
• Connecting to more companies for jobs;
• Suggesting solutions for housing, furnishings, transportation, etc; and
• Spreading the word!

You, too, can help.  Visit www.challengedetroit.org and check out the social pages at www.facebook.com/challengedetroit and www.twitter.com/challengedet!

Rounding out an exceptional year of educational, inspirational, and thought-provoking events, members and guests of The Collaborative Group visited Detroit’s RiverWalk on Thursday, June 9.  Detroit RiverFront Conservancy president and CEO, Faye Alexander Nelson, shared that the Conservancy was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit organization with a two-fold mission:

1. To connect the public to the riverfront; and
2. To serve as a catalyst for economic development along the riverfront.

To bring vision to reality, the Conservancy partnered with major local players including General Motors which made significant financial contributions and assisted with building out the waterfront in front of the Renaissance Center; the City of Detroit which made mixed-use development possible; and the Kresge foundation which contributed $50-million dollars.

Boasting over 31-acres, the long-term vision for the Conservancy is to host 5.5-miles of RiverWalk – Phase 1 is presently 80% complete.  As fundraisers, builders, and stewards, the team at Conservancy engages with the community at many levels to come together and focus on the waterfront revitalization and continued sustainability.  Public-private partnerships were essential to making the project and on-going efforts possible.

For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, maps, and more, visit www.DetroitRiverFront.org and check them out Facebook.