This Community Prepared Me for Business School
By Judy Wood In InsightI started business school at Boston University about two weeks ago. I am one of the only brick-and-mortar small business owners in the whole group, which numbers about six hundred. I am not the oldest, but I think I’m in the top twenty. It is a different world. Fortunately, being part of this community, Portland, Falmouth, Cumberland and the surrounding area, has been a fantastic training ground.
For nearly eight years I have lived my life with no barrier or buffer between myself and the needs of Centerpoint’s clients, employees and neighbors. There is no space for me to say, “not sure about that,” or “that’s so-and-so’s department, I’ll connect you.” Sometimes I wish I could say those things, particularly when the toilet is clogged, or there’s a complaint or problem. However, there is a great power in having to simply accept the truth and then get up the next day and change it. It has not always been pretty, and it is rarely easy.
On the other hand, being in business with no filter also meant that I am right there for the great moments as well. Seeing a child who was scared to get off the bus make new friends and become more confident in general. Watching a student get a Black Belt, or better yet watching Nolan or our other instructors get them there. Seeing Camille inspire the summer counselors to work as a team. Having a parent enroll their kids for the third year, the fourth year, the fifth year. Knowing that Centerpoint really is helping people.
Being in business school is pretty humbling. My study group includes an architect, a patent holder in implantable medical technology, a head of human resources, a computer science professor, a senior manager in a petroleum company…and a middle-aged guy who spent the better part of his professional career barefoot. Somehow, I’m finding my footing (terrible, I know), and I think I know why: human needs and human skills do not change, no matter how big the scale, and how complex the project. A small business may actually be one of the best places to learn that, which means that you have all been my teachers for the last eight years. I am grateful to all of you for your support, your patience and your trust.
I’m still dreading business math, though.