Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sam Drazin, Founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives, located in Sacramento, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Changing Perspectives works to achieve systemic change to create more equitable, empathetic, and inclusive communities. Social-emotional learning is applicable to people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures. Developing these essential skills around collaboration, communication and empathy are universal to the betterment of schools, workplaces, and communities. We see our work as having a ripple effect. As we train people in one setting, they are able to move into other communities and have a positive impact on that communities.
Our goal is to educate, empower and inspire individuals to become the change makers for tomorrow by helping to build a more inclusive, just, and equitable society. Changing Perspectives supports K-12 schools in four ways: curriculum resources, individual coaching, professional development training, and resources for families.
Tell us about yourself
A nationally recognized educator and changemaker, Founder and Executive Director Sam Drazin apply his personal and professional background to lead Changing Perspectives' mission to strengthen school communities through social-emotional learning, disability awareness, empathy development, and inclusion. Sam was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder resulting in both facial anomaly and hearing loss. His experiences, both as a student with a disability and as a teacher working in an inclusive classroom, helped him recognize the importance of supporting students in developing the essential life and relationship skills that underpin equity, inclusion, and social change. The students and educators we work with around the nation are a constant inspiration for Sam.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is to take something I am passionate about and turn it into a living. Over the last few years, Changing Perspectives has been able to reach and impact the lives of more than 280,000 students across the globe!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come from being a business owner is the challenge of time management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When you run your own business, most likely, it is something (and should be something) that you are passionate about. Therefore it can be hard at the time to close the laptop and step away.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to take risks.
- Build relationships.
- Be open to new ideas, and let your business grow and morph organically.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://changingperspectivesnow.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changingperspectivesinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changingperspectivesnow/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/changingperspe1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changingperspectives/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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