“5–1/2 Questions” from CJ Cornell is a new series of mini-interviews with leaders in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem around the world. In less than a half-dozen short questions, we’ll try to learn more about each leader, and what makes them successful and unique.
The questions are designed a little like a “Magic Eight Ball” (my GenX colleagues know what this is): A set of questions, posed at random. Plus, at least one question, or half-question, is designed to find out something about their personality that most people might never suspect (I mean expect).
Tim Kelley – Grand Canyon University
About Tim Kelley
Tim Kelley has over 25 years of experience as an Entrepreneur in Construction, Education, Finance, Real Estate and Software in Mexico, South America, the US and Africa (Angola). He has raised more than $100 million dollars, managed more than $200 million in projects and has built more than 10 companies with hundreds of employees. Tim is current Chair of Entrepreneurship at Grand Canyon University and Chair of Canyon Angels. He and his wife also own Spanish Immersion Preschools and Tim is a Minor Partner in a Multibillion Dollar Real Estate Fund.
Five and One-Half Questions
1- What is the biggest impact you ultimately hope to have in your current role?
As a professor, my function is to inspire. If I can in anyway persuade the students in my classroom that they do indeed have the power to change the world and make it a better place — that would be the ultimate impact I can hope for.
2- What is the one quality or behavior that you often admire in other people?
Humor — without a doubt, humor. If we can laugh at ourselves, then it makes the world a tolerable place.
3- What skill do most people lack when starting out in their careers?
Communications. Our youth have lost so many communication skills, particularly writing. And tragically, the education system does not create clear succinct writing projects that students have to complete. Instead they are encouraged to write fluff — writing useless statements that fill word count rather than conveying clear messages.
4- Tell us about the strangest meeting you ever attended?
Maybe not the strangest — but the most embarrassing meeting that I’ve ever had: I was in Mexico City with colleagues from my company, negotiating a very large deal with one of the largest companies in the world. Walking from the parking lot to the HQ building, I happened to step in something … vile — without realizing it. Gradually, in the course of the meetings with top executives, the stench starts to become obvious. Crossing my legs but still not realizing, the offensive smelling stuff got on my pant leg, and eventually got on my hand. And then I touched my nose. So literally, I’m trying to negotiate with the CEO of a multinational corporation, with excrement on my nose. I immediately left the meeting.
[Tim assures us it all eventually worked out fine].
5- At the end of your workday, how many unanswered emails are in your inbox?
None. I always go through my emails and answer every one of them. Primarily because it’s annoying to leave it undone. Now then, some emails I may devote more time to later — but I try to give each email some attention before the end of the day.
…. And … the bonus question:
5–1/2. If you had your choice to you create something new — what would it be?
Sculpting — like in marble or granite. I would like sculpt something.
[Why?]
Permanence. Mainly because it’s something that will last far beyond my time.
You see old roman statues. You see stony carvings in mountains. Sculpting seems like one way to leave a lasting legacy.
For more 5–1/2 Questions Interviews, see:
CJ Cornell is a serial entrepreneur, investor, advisor, mentor, author, speaker, and educator. As an entrepreneur, CJ Cornell was a founder of more than a dozen successful startup ventures that collectively attracted over $250 million in private funding; created nearly a thousand new jobs; and launched dozens of innovative consumer, media, and communications products — that have exceeded $3 billion in revenues.
He is the author of the bestselling “The Age of Metapreneurship — A Journey into the Future of Entrepreneurship.”
And the upcoming “The Startup Brain Trust — A Guidebook for Startups, Entrepreneurs, and the Mentors that Help them Become Great.”
Follow him @cjcornell or visit: www.cjcornell.com