Insight_2nd Edition

brag about the things they have done, and simply con- centrate on how to apply their knowledge and skills in new situations in order to be adaptable and resilient, come through crises and flourish. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved over time? I used to be in the housewares industry, which included a lot of small businesses. All of a sudden, there was tremendous competition from China where products are made more cheaply and labor costs are lower. The housewares industry for small business collapsed for the most part. At the time, the man who brought me into the business introduced me to his dealings in scientific laboratory supplies. This was a flourishing area, so I changed gears. Scientific laboratories are all looking to contribute to vaccines for COVID-19, so the people who aim to invent new products have to have equipment. Mainly, it’s import- ant to be flexible and determine how you can fit in. What new innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? One of my webinars is about social entrepreneurship. Theideaisthatwhenpeopleareopenandlookforideas, they imagine the best ways to go about connecting with people to come up with something new. It also tackles the idea of bringing in other people who can benefit. This is a major solution to one of the terrible situations now — there is so much unemployment. I was fortunate to meet an educator who was working at MOMA and suddenly, the museum let everyone go due to financial reasons. I was devastated to see these high-quality people lose their jobs. When I read an article in The New York Times that a number of museums outside of New York were reopening, I suggested the opportunity to this friend. I love picking people up by suggesting new possibilities to them. It is our responsibility to work with people who think their careers are destroyed, to encourage them to look around and find new applications for their skills and knowledge. “ I love interacting with people from all over the world and finding ways for us to work together. As a result, even though I didn’t go to business or law school, I have been able to succeed in business. ” Second Edition | Marquis Who ’ s Who Insight 9 What excites you the most about your industry? I love interacting with people from all over the world and finding ways for us to work together. As a result, even though I didn’t go to business or law school, I have been able to succeed in business. My background is in academia, but I have always studied different re- gions of the world, industries and people. When I have been at a tradeshow or a conference, I have loved speak- ing with people. Not talking about my products, my ideas, or myself, but listening to people and finding out what is important to them. Then, I attempt whenever possible, to find areas that will allow us to cooperate and build something. It’s really just about being positive.