Goal |
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A position in which I can apply my professional experience in small business management to craft and implement innovative strategies to affect positive social change while supporting [triple] bottom line returns. |
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About me |
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An accomplished, ambitious professional, my experience includes strategic and financial analysis, micro-enterprise consulting, small business management, marketing and design. With a diverse background that also includes an MBA in international management, a BS in anthropology, and experience working in a developing country, I bring a fresh perspective to organizational challenges.
Working with entrepreneurs in Mali, I demonstrated success creating and implementing tools to help small businesses improve their services and operations. Previously, I owned a successful graphic design studio. During that time, my achievements in the local community included creation of an advertising-funded online calendar of community events, and co-founding of both a local Apple User Group and an independent film society. Recently, I have been designing solutions for the disabled, hoping to create new products to improve the lifestyle of amputees.
The Cristina Nardone Foundation I have the honor of working with Cristina's sister Jackie and former colleague and Peace Corps Volunteer Ariel Wagner to establish a nonprofit foundation with the purpose of honoring Cristina and her dedication to improving the lives of the Dogon people of Mali.
Plans for our first project, construction and launch of operations of a Visitor Center in Bandiagara, have just begun. The need for a visitor center was evident and frequently discussed by Cristina and me in conversations with local guides and business owners. Already we have the support of the Mayor of Bandiagara, who has generously donated a plot of land, and we are lucky to have the support of the Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance/Pays Dogon (GSTA/PD). GSTA/PD sent a team to analyze the proposed site in June 2011 and prepared an architectural plan. Once our nonprofit status has been approved, CNF will work with GSTA/PD to raise funds for construction of the Visitor Center as well as staff training, fixtures and equipment. Soon we will be asking for your support to make this vision a reality. Visit cristinanardonefoundation.com or the Cristina Nardone Memorial Facebook page for updates. |
Recent topics of interestreSET Social Enterprise Trust sponsors a "Structure Lab" in Hartford, CT on April 17th. Participants explore how corporate structures and hybrid forms can enable or hinder effectiveness of organizational structure. "Waiting for the Bionic Man," by Michael Chorost, Wired Magazine, April 2012. The Swerve: How the World Became Modern. Stephen Greenblatt, 2011. On the Nature of Things. Lucretius, translated by Frank O. Copley, 1977. |
Publications
"Crucible of Ice: Leadership and Survival on Mt Elbrus," created for use in the Abundance Leadership 4-Day Immersion program, explores the leadership style of John Egan, adventure skier and mountaineer, when a sudden storm on Mt Elbrus threatens the survival of his expedition team.
Business case "Nine Dragons Paper, 2009," co-authored with Michael Moffett, PhD, Associate Professor of Finance at Thunderbird School of Global Management, is available as part of the Thunderbird Case Series.
An abbreviated version of this case, "Mini-case: Nine Dragons Paper," was published in International Business, 8th Edition, by Wiley Publishing in 2011. Download the draft mini-case.
Business environment analysis
While assigned to the Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance in Dogon Country, Mali, I collected research data (primary and secondary), conducted the analysis and wrote this report for prospective investors in November 2008. This is the Executive Summary only: the full report totals 27 pages.
View/Download Business Environment Analysis (PDF)
Working with local entrepreneurs, I created tools for micro and small business management customized to enable entrepreneurs in remote rural tourist region to improve business practices and develop products and services to improve the tourism experience:
- Introduced project expense worksheet to women’s textile cooperative in Bandiagara.
- Drafted profit and loss statement for local tour guide association to support their planning and start-up of a tourism and visitor center.
- Provided guidance to local hotel owners to emphasize differentiatiation in their marketing strategies. With one hotel, created cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) using local ingredients; with another, developed educational presentations (cosmology, local tropical herbs and fruits) to attract tourists.
- In collaboration with community stakeholders, planned local visitor center (opened September 2010) to provide central location for tourists and tourism providers.
HotSpot Durango, An Online Community Calendar 
In 1997, in partnership with a sales partner and software programmer, I created a local online calendar of events for Durango, Colorado, to serve the local community. The project is described in the following brief.
Shower Chair
Home medical products are generally made of hard plastic and aluminum, and come in any color you like, as long as it is grey. In this brief I propose an innovative solution for a shower chair, a piece of home medical equipment used daily by the elderly and disabled.
View/Download Shower Chair Design Draft (PDF)
Novak Design Studio, 1997-2003
Sole proprietorship, graphic design and advertising firm. Clients included local, regional and international companies in a wide range of industries. View examples of my past work: corporate identity, print design and web design.
New Adventures In AfricaMy thoughts and experiences while stationed in Bandiagara, Mali, from July to December 2008: http://www.newadventuresinafrica.blogspot.com brenda-pieA current and ongoing description of my recovery and rehabilitation following my accident in Mali in December 2008: |
Books I'm reading nowNatural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins and L Hunter Lovins, 1999. What the Dog Saw, Malcolm Gladwell, 2009. On my nightstandA Thousand Hills: Rwanda's Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It, Stephen Kinzer, 2008. Bossypants, Tina Fey, 2011. MusicWho do I listen to? House of G |
Additional information
I have lived and worked internationally and welcome the opportunity to experience diverse cultural environments. I also have a background in visual design and a love of art. I spend as much time as possible exploring the outdoors. A native English speaker, I am conversant in French and am studying Spanish.