Jillian Lakritz (MBA'97)
CEO and Founder of ج
Why did you decide to come to CU?
When I applied to CU, I was working in 91أغجز¸َ on a project to convert an old dairy processing plant into a performing arts center (now the Dairy Center for the Arts). As the Assistant Director, I worked closely with local business leaders, city officials and various arts groups. Between politics, competition for limited resources and the dynamics of various stakeholder groups, I quickly learned that in order to be an effective leader, I needed to hone my leadership, business and management skills. I applied to the MBA program with every intention of taking my degree back to the arts. I dreamed of running the Lincoln Center one day!
How did your time at Leeds impact you as a person?
I can remember feeling like a fish out of water during my first weeks of school, but my experience at Leeds changed everything. I caught the “start-up†bug while majoring in Entrepreneurship and Marketing and met an incredible group of inspiring professors and students that introduced me to a world of opportunity. The program invoked a passion in me I didn’t know I had, and I realized I could fuel my desire for creativity through the lens of innovation and business. For better or worse, I never went back into arts management and instead chose the path of entrepreneurship.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
During my second year, I got to know Byron Koste at the CU Real Estate Center. After graduation, Byron introduced me to a developer who was launching a chain of nurseries and preschools across the country called Creme de la Creme. I had no experience in early childhood education, but was eager to put my degree to work. I stayed for a few years and eventually moved on to a career as an innovation and brand consultant. Years later, I had my first child. The convergence of an unmet need I had as a new mom with the knowledge I gained from my work at Creme (thank you, CU!), combined with my experience, insights, and thirst for innovation resulted in a seed that grew into my company, . Yoee Baby makes toys for bonding and play from day one.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
"The garden grows where it’s watered.†If you turn all of your attention, focus, energy and desire towards your vision, it can become a reality. Tiny movements, every single day, lead to massive shifts and progress over time.
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To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu.
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To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu.
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December 2017