Who’s in your starting five?
Building a winning team is a lot like drafting your starting five. Each player has a unique skill set, but success only comes when they play as a team. My old basketball coach always quoted Bear Bryant’s famous saying “Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.” I carry this with me to this day. To me, it emphasizes the importance of defending the foundation your team stands on.
A great team is smart, well-balanced, and emotionally intelligent. A great team has your back (defends), and challenges you when you need it most (you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take). VCET has been around for 20 years, and while the team has changed a handful of times, one thing has remained — the foundation. At VCET, our team is built on trust, empathy, and camaraderie.
So without further ado, here’s our starting five:
Dave: Point Guard. Dave’s leadership sets the strategy and pace. He makes key decisions that keep us all moving forward. He’s the one who reads the game, sees the big picture, and ensures that the ball is in the right hands at the right time.
Sam: Shooting Guard. Sam’s role is about precision and consistency, providing insights that are as reliable as a great outside shot. She’s the one who sees things others might miss, offering the expertise and experience needed to execute key plays.
Nicole: Small Forward. The versatile player who can do it all. She’s creative, agile, and adaptable, just like a forward who can shoot, pass, and defend. Her work ensures our message is sharp and resonates with the right audience. She connects our vision to the world, making sure we stand out in a crowded arena.
Geoff: Power Forward. Like a dominant presence in the paint, he watches the numbers, making sure we have the resources to stay competitive. His strategic investments are the rebounds and blocks that fortify us and give us more opportunities to succeed.
Ema: Center. The backbone of our operations. Ema’s role is to build relationships and cultivate a strong sense of community in and outside of the paint. She is a dynamic connector and resource hub for entrepreneurs and innovators. There’s no turnovers when Ema’s in the game. She’s our rock.
In honor of our baller team, here are some big wins from the last month alone:
-Drafted Geoff Robertson, as the Director of Finance and Investments
-Added Chief Product Officer, Bashir Abdallah, to the Board
-Traded back Morgan Lee as a Venture Associate
-Named an Inc. Power Partner for 2024
-Celebrated our 10 year anniversary at 266 Main
It’s inevitable that teams change. Believe me, if the 2015-16 Warriors roster was the same today, the NBA would be so much better. But when you win a game — or better yet, a championship — you claim it forever.
Now it’s the fourth quarter….what’s your team’s record? How are you going to end the year? Do you have the right starting lineup? I’d encourage you to think about your own team through this lens. You got this.
Go team!
Nicole
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