Entrepreneurialism is core to the health of any economy, and Greater Iowa City, Inc. has made it a priority to foster the ideas, talents, and aspirations of our community. One of the ways Greater IC pursues this priority is by hosting One Million Cups, a free, weekly gathering where local entrepreneurs present their ideas and business challenges to a supportive audience of fellow founders, professionals, and students. This week, local entrepreneurs were joined by high school students participating in Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection program.
This week’s One Million Cups presentation was by Tom Hicks, founder and CJO (Chief Juggling Officer) of Throw & Catch Consulting, who shared a portion of his signature keynote workshop while also offering insights from his experience launching his new company. Taking inspiration from a juggling kit given to him by his grandmother, Tom’s program uses juggling as a hands-on metaphor for resilience, learning, and personal development. Through laughter, practice, and a willingness to fail, participants experience how mistakes can become powerful learning opportunities.
This event was particularly special for Tom, as it was not only an opportunity to share advice with young entrepreneurs, but also a chance to reflect on his own journey. Almost one year ago, Tom presented an early version of his workshop at another One Million Cups gathering. Since then, Tom has seen his talent for inspiration (and knack for juggling) take off. He now regularly hosts leadership workshops for local businesses, schools, and community groups and credits the One Million Cups and connection events from Greater IC as a catalyst of his success.
Students and local entrepreneurs then had the opportunity to ask questions about Tom’s experience starting a business, his aspirations for what comes next, and to brainstorm ideas about how to take his venture even further. In response to a student’s question, Tom said:
“Everyone in this room has something unique or has experienced something that can be turned into a business idea. All it takes is knowing that when you fail, you can turn that failure into a learning opportunity by throwing your hands up and saying, ‘How fascinating!'”
After the One Million Cups program concluded, the students from the Workplace Learning Connection program also had the opportunity to learn more about economic and community development through the lens of Greater Iowa City, Inc.
Tom’s story (and events like One Million Cups) demonstrate how entrepreneurship and community intersect to enhance the vitality of the Greater Iowa City region. Local One Million Cups gatherings are hosted by Greater Iowa City, Inc. and take place every Wednesday from 9–10 a.m. at MERGE in downtown Iowa City. The event is free and open to the public, with no registration required.
Interested in engaging with local students through the Workplace Learning Connection Program? Please follow this link to learn about the ways you and your business can educate and inspire the next generation of business leaders!
