The Entrepreneur’s Heart: Conquer Your Fears and Fuel Your Success

Ever feel like your life is an emotional rollercoaster? You're not alone. Get an inside look at the often-unspoken emotional side of entrepreneurship. Five local founders, including a clinical psychologist, share their personal stories of navigating the emotional highs and lows of building a business. From dealing with the sting of failure to celebrating hard-won victories, they'll explore the full spectrum of emotions that come with the territory. Gain unique insights into managing your emotional well-being and building a business that thrives.

Join the College of Business and Management and the Minneapolis School of Business and Economics for this free panel discussion at the Management Education Center's Entrepreneurship Center.

5:30 p.m.: Reception and networking

6:00 p.m.: Welcome from Dean Hadidi and Dean Thomas

6:15 p.m.: Panel presentation

7:15 p.m.: Q&A and networking

The Facilitator

Jason Cussler is a Business Management faculty member in the School of Business and Economics at Minneapolis College. Prior to joining Minneapolis College, he worked as a CPA in public accounting and taught mathematics in MPLS Public Schools. When Jason isn’t working, you can find him on his bike or shooting hoops with his kids. He holds a BA from Middlebury College in history, an MBA from the University of Minnesota, and a MS in applied economics from St. Cloud State University.

The Panelists

Lev Buslovich is the president of Apadana Energy, a turn-key developer, engineer, and installer of solar, EV charging, battery storage, and other efficient and renewable solutions. Prior to joining Apadana, he was COO and co-founder of Noble Conservation Solutions, director of Strategic Planning for Carlson Companies, master black belt for Strategy & Quality at Target Corp., and operations manager and black belt at GE Capital. He has a BA from Colgate University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

Shaun Holley is co-owner of The Fabled Rooster, a Southern BBQ restaurant, located inside Graze Provisions + Libations in Minneapolis’ North Loop. A 13-year veteran of the Minnesota National Guard, Shaun helped escort troops in and out of Iraq in Operation New Dawn. He also works with Our Heroes Tour, a nonprofit that provides unique experiences to veterans, like exposure to water sports. He has an associate degree in Business Management from Minneapolis College.

Mo Stewart is a business coordinator in the Mental Health field in South Minneapolis and a facilitator for Co.Starters. She also runs her own business under the Mars Jameson brand, where she designs and constructs handbags. When Mo isn't working, she is sewing a handbag or spending time with her granddaughter. She has an AAS Degree in Administrative Assistance and Software Support from Minneapolis College.

Matthew Syzdek is a clinical psychologist and executive coach in private practice. He has served as chief clinical officer at Lorenz Clinic, director of Outpatient Mental Health for M Health Fairview, and managed integrated behavioral health at Hennepin Healthcare. His academic credentials include a doctorate in clinical psychology from Clark University, master’s degrees from Clark University and Boston College, an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and a graduate certificate in Organizational and Leadership Coaching from Northwestern University.

Akinyi Williams has been the founder/CEO of Cheyenne Mortgage Capital and the COO of Western Capital, Minnesota-based lending and broker firms for alternative real estate financing nationwide since 2018. She founded Hope for the Child, a Minnesota-based non-profit, where she serves as the chief education officer for a network of community schools she established for the poor in Kenya in 2007. Akinyi has an MEd from Harvard University, an MBA from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor of science in Business Administration from Metro State University.