Melissa Kelley discusses her role at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and their new student programs initiative.

Key Takeaways

- The Institute is expanding into student programs for middle school, high school, and college students to address the leadership skills gap

- Melissa emphasizes the importance of mentorship, vulnerability, and creating a safe space for growth in leadership development

- The Institute became a non-profit in July, enabling them to scale student programs through virtual cohorts, camps, and competitions

Topics

Institute for Entrepreneurship Background

- Founded by Chris Hanks and Melissa Kelley ~5 years ago

- Started with CEO roundtable program for business owners

- Developed executive leadership program for emerging leaders

- Recently expanded focus to student programs

New Student Programs Initiative

- Addressing 93% of business owners citing leadership/soft skills as essential, yet only 16% of students exposed to structured leadership curriculum

- Planned offerings:

- Virtual after-school cohorts

- Project-based curriculum

- In-person sessions (logistically challenging)

- Summer camps (targeted launch this summer)

- Business idea competitions

Melissa's Background and Role

- Former middle school teacher, transitioned to Institute in 2020

- Initially felt imposter syndrome, but grew into leadership role

- Focuses on building culture of support and shared wisdom

Advice for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

- Leverage mentorship both personally and professionally

- Give grace to developing leaders, recognizing the skills gap

- Create safe spaces for questions and vulnerability

- Focus on impact over impressing others

Book Recommendation

- "Atomic Habits" by James Clear - helps analyze and improve daily routines and behaviors

Next Steps

- Melissa committed to building out student programs this year

- Fundraising for non-profit to support camps, cohorts, and other initiatives

- Seeking partnerships with schools and businesses to prepare students for workforce

- Continuing to develop and scale CEO roundtable and executive leadership programs

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