Tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland

Today we took a tour of Belfast and learned a lot about the history of Northern Ireland and the ongoing conflict that is based on both political and religious differences. It is no wonder so many have lost their lives over the years due to the conflict resulting from these two differences; politics and religion are two topics that people are passionate enough about that they are willing to sacrifice their own lives.

This is the Belfast Peace wall that prevents access between the Protestant and Catholic areas in the evenings and weekends. 

Belfast Castle

Left to right - Myself, Patrick Hutchinson, Kaley Bundy, David Willman, and Anna Ferreira kissing the big fish.

Trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland for the Weekend

Today was an amazing day as we had the opportunity to hear from some of the most elite entrepreneur business men in Northern Ireland. 

I felt like a soaked sponge by the end of the day as I tried to soak in every bit of knowledge that was shared by these great leaders. 

I know that compensation is a big factor in peoples'decision of where they choose to work and whether they choose to stay or not, but is was interesting to hear the statistics on two greater factors for people other than compensation. 

1) Complexity - variety of tasks and challenging work. 

2) Accomplishment - actually seeing results that your work is providing. 

One of my favorite quotes of today that I will paraphrase, "if you do what you say your going to do, it will see you through." I think this is so true as in any role, however, I think it is especially true as a leader because those who follow you will continue to trust and follow you if you do what you say you are going to do.  It also applies to all aspects of your life, not just your career. 

Additional insight I captured is that goals are not strategies.  Goals are used to measure strategy.  If you don't have good strategies, you can go through a lot of money in a short amount of time, with little to show for it, which may be the difference in a startup's success or failure. 

Titanic Museum Tour

This is where they built the titanic. 

The size of the Titanic was remarkable for that time period.

Tie-down anchor 

Sports Vantage - Day 2

Today was our second full day working with Sports Vantage. We spent most of the day continuing analyzing the market and the competitive landscape.  We are making good progress; however, due to the broadness the market in which Sports Vantage could operate, there are numerous avenues with semi-competitors in each.  There is also a lot of ambiguity around the rights to the information that we need to sufficiently deliver a premium product to the end users.  We are at a good point now, as we have identified the various business problems and have some recommend solutions.  We will continue to work through the current competition in the recommended space, identifying owner of the rights, other possible B2B opportunities, and minimal go-to market requirements offering.  

We have an excellent team dynamic; however, at times it is challenging as we do not have a dedicated "project manager" and we all prefer and enjoy leading.  There are many situations where more than one team member desires to lead. In these situations, it is vital to realize that being a leader also encompasses being able to allow others to lead and assist the leader/group by asking the right questions and providing suggestions for consideration. 

Mercer Court 

Group dinner

Sports Vantage - Day 1

Today was our first day working with Andrew Parish and David Moran - partners of Sports Vantage.  We started the day with introductions, and as Andrew and David discussed their professional experience, it was easy to pickup on their leadership qualities; particularly, I noticed that they both spent more time asking questions and listening, then they did talking.  It was very apparent that they are passionate about their work and, and they spoke optimistically about both their successes and failures.  Failures were looked at as a part of the process to getting them where they are today.  I think that this same concept applies to every aspect of our lives.  As we take risks and go out of our comfort zone, we are bound to make mistakes along the way.  It is how we respond to these mistakes that makes us who we are...

Leadership & Management Advice
• Management is handling complexity
• Leadership is managing change…and leaders must be able to anticipate change.
• Managers manage things and leaders manage people.
• Biggest mistakes you can make are "hurry" mistakes.
• It is important to avoid hiring the "bad apples" or just the wrong people in the wrong roles.

Our nightly Gelato trip :)

We had an incredible meal at The Kitchen. 

Lift me up bro ... I want that sign :P

The Dáil - Irish Houses of Parliament

It was a great experience touring the House of Parliament, witnessing several live debates.  However, I regret to say that no pictures were allowed to be taken inside...

Iveagh House - Department of a Foreign Affairs and Trade

We were able to tour the Iveagh House, where the Department of a Foreign Affairs and Trade is located.  It was built in 1736 and inaugurated in 1939.  It was originally donated by the Guinness family; and it was absolutely incredible inside. 

We were also able to sit down with Searle Brennan at the Department of International Affairs and Trade and disguss Ireland's current strategy regarding foreign affairs and international trade as to grow their economy.  Ireland is continually striving to increase international trade and implement policies that attract new businesses, with a focus on startups.  A few of the efforts mentioned were tax policy favoring businesses, streamlining the visa process to make it easier and quicker, and expanding their Embassy Network.  Ireland, being an island, greatly depends on international business, and with the US contributing to 72% of foreign investment, Ireland's next US-based Embassy (Consulate) is planned to be located in Austin, TX. 

There are definitely similarities in both business and government.  Research and collaboration leads to strategies.  Once strategies are in place, it takes time to identify if the desired results are being received, then adjustments are made, if necessary.  In both cases, you don't always get it right the first time, but you keep trying until you do.  Moreover, the surrounding environments are continually changing, so strategies must be adjusted, as needed.

Bewley's Cafe

Bewley's Cafe for breakfast. 

Relocating to University College of Dublin and Leader Presentations

I was very impressed with each leader's presentation and enjoyed hearing about their experiences of both successes and failures.  An observation I made, was that each of them are successful because they learned from their mistakes and failures and were determined to keep trying.  There are some very valuable lessons learned when a person fails, and are usually not repeated.

They advised to be selective when choosing partners, investors, and employees.  Moreover, they recommended recruiting people for their passion, expertise, and opinions.  This same advice includes selection of investors; that is, choose investors that will provide a value to the company as a board member.  Otherwise, they may solely be there to protect their investment.  Board members should be proactively engaged and willing to challenge the CEO in order to help steer the company in the right direction.

As a CEO, it is important to have a trusting, ally type relationship with the chairman of the board.  By doing this, the chairman can help prepare the board for bad news, if needed, prior to the CEO informing them.

In addition, as a leader, whether it be a CEO or some other type of leadership position, you must communicate with those you lead.  This includes time of good news, bad news, or no news.  By saying nothing, you are communicating something...  

Openness + Honesty = Loyalty

Out the dorm window. 

My own bedroom! -Dorm room

One of the leaders speaking. 

We had a little finger pointing going on, but we made up :P

Went for a stroll around the campus. 

Irish Football Game

Enjoyed a little Irish Football (Soccer) game!  The group has a great dynamic and we have all seemed to meshed well.

Howth Harbor

Ireland is such a beautiful, scenic country.

 

Ireland's Eye from Howth Harbour. 

I thought the "Broncos" orange algae was fitting :)

I talked the group into checking out a church in Howth by the name of Church of the Assumption, Howth. 

This may have been inappropriate, but thought it would be fun to get a picture of me coming out of the confession booth.

Guinness Factory Tour

The tour of the Guinness Storehouse was really cool.  However, as a non beer drinker, I cannot tell you how good the Guinness actually tasted, or how good it tasted in comparison to a bottle of it in the States. :)

Who is the guy drinking the diet coke at the Guinness Factory? :)

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Goal is a former prison in Dublin that was built in 1796.  Public hangings took place out front of this prison.

Stop in London, England

I scheduled my flights with an 8 hr. flight delay in London so that I could spend a few hours site seeing downtown.

Big Ben

Buckingham Palace - getting ready for changing of the guards. 

London Eye

Trafalgar Square

Leadership Traits

I found Jan Rutherford's book, The Littlest Green Beret, inspirational on many levels.  I think that each of us have aspirations and insecurities and through our experiences and trials, we have the opportunity to overcome our weaknesses and become extraordinary leaders.

I believe identifying and studying leaders allows us to identify the character traits that set leaders apart from the pack.  Then the hard work beings... requiring discipline, determination, and sacrifice as we ask ourselves the hard questions and make the changes within ourselves.

Discussion led by Jim (James) M. Lyons

I had the opportunity to hear Jim Lyons speak about his experience attained in his Public service.  He was appointed by the Clinton Administration in 1993 to serve as U.S. Observer to the International Fund for Ireland, and then as President in 1997, witch was his last year.  He talked a lot about his role working with Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland during a time of hostility.  I found him to be confident and jovial as he expressed his passion for serving as a leader during his career in the Public service.

Goals for Ireland Experience

My goal is to attain as much knowledge as possible while working with entrepreneurs, Andrew Parish and David Moran, who have in-depth experience at both starting and running a business.  More specifically, I would like to have a better understanding of the obstacles surrounding start-up processes and the key strategies to overcoming those obstacles.  In addition, I would like to gain a better understanding of the processes available to obtain required capital to launch a start-up.  Finally, I would like to provide great value to Sports Vantage efforts for their willingness to provide us with this opportunity.