I led a workshop yesterday for the 3rd Annual Business Management Academy hosted by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, DePaul, UIC, Roosevelt University, Turner Construction and the City of Chicago. This six-week educational program is for well-established minority and women-owned firms. The Academy focuses on the integration of management, leadership and business competencies, and offers important strategies for the business owner who is interested in exploring progressive new principles.

One attendee expressed the concern that when she started her business, she wanted to be kind hearted, but circumstances had made her colder and more calculated. I can understand. Having your own business can be very hard and you need to work to keep a kind and fair perspective in your mind and heart.