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Welcome back to Mission Control, the podcast spotlighting executive directors and non-profit leaders impacting their communities significantly. Your host, Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia, is thrilled to introduce a new friend, Lauren, the executive director of Aspire.

Paul begins by welcoming Lhauren and asking about her role at Aspire. Contrary to what some might think, Lhauren clarifies that she isn’t the founder but the executive director, having taken over from her predecessor, Lori Bolin. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into Aspire’s mission and Lauren’s journey to her current role.

As Lhauren passionately explains, Aspire’s mission is to educate, equip, and empower individuals to make positive choices, develop healthy relationships, and become who they aspire to be. This mission is pursued through various means, including sharing resources, guest speaking, and holistic relationship education, which Lauren emphasizes as vital for community empowerment.

Lhauren’s story of joining Aspire is both lucky and inspiring. She became a part of the Aspire Relationship Education organization. While doing contract work across the greater Lansing area, a job description for Aspire came across her desk. Intrigued, she reached out to Lori Bolin, the founder, and discovered that Lori had developed a program that had profoundly impacted Lhauren’s life.

The program, known as the SMART program, had been pivotal for Lhauren during a tumultuous time in her life. It focused on sexual health education, emphasizing not just disease prevention but also broader aspects of sexual risk avoidance and healthy relationship skills. These teachings stayed with Lhauren, guiding her through her formative years and influencing her personal and professional decisions.

Lhauren’s educational journey and career path are equally fascinating. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, she was exposed to business operations at a young age. Her first official job was as a bookkeeper for her family’s Custom Built Designer Remodeling company. This early experience and subsequent roles in insurance and ministry leadership equipped her with a diverse skill set and a strong foundation in organizational management.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic marked her transition to Aspire in January 2020. This unexpected challenge forced Lhauren to rethink and innovate Aspire’s programming. Embracing a future-focused mindset, she spearheaded the development of an online academy to ensure the organization’s resources remained accessible, regardless of physical constraints. This move was crucial in maintaining the continuity and impact of Aspire’s mission during such uncertain times.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional support. Lhauren and her team launched creative collaborations, such as community painting projects, which provided a therapeutic outlet for participants of all ages. These initiatives underscored the value of artistic expression in fostering mental well-being and community connection.

Lhauren’s support system played a critical role in her leadership journey. Her husband, Nick, her family, her dedicated board members and team, and the collective encouragement and belief in her vision were instrumental. This support extended to community partners and grantors, whose contributions were vital in sustaining Aspire’s operations and outreach efforts.

Reflecting on her experiences, Lhauren acknowledges the profound impact of collaborative efforts and the importance of a supportive network. The pandemic may have posed significant challenges but also brought innovative solutions and strengthened community bonds.

Looking ahead, Lhauren is excited about Aspire’s future. One of her ambitious plans is to launch a capital campaign for a structured creative collaboration program. This multidisciplinary initiative aims to connect generations through art, storytelling, and other creative expressions. The goal is to foster personal growth and community engagement by encouraging participants to explore who they want to become rather than just what they want to do.

As the conversation draws close, all comment on Lhauren’s dedication and innovative approach to leading Aspire. He highlights the podcast’s mission to showcase leaders like Lhauren, who make tangible differences in their communities through resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment.

In summary, Lhauren’s journey with Aspire is a testament to the power of education, community support, and creative innovation. Her leadership during challenging times has sustained the organization and expanded its reach and impact. As Aspire continues to evolve, its mission of empowering individuals to make positive choices and develop healthy relationships remains at the forefront, guided by Lhauren’s visionary leadership.

Introduction

On the latest episode of the Mission Control Podcast, host Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia, welcomed Aaryn Richard, a long-time collaborator and friend. Aaryn, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Michigan State University, shared insights into his journey, the mission of the Burgess Institute, and the evolving communication landscape.

The Mission of the Burgess Institute

Paul began the podcast with the fundamental question: What is the mission of the Burgess Institute?

Aaryn explained, “Our mission is to prepare Michigan State University students for the real world by equipping them with an entrepreneurial mindset and supporting them as they build their businesses right here on campus.” This mission emphasizes fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their ventures.

The Role of a Communicator

Aaryn’s role at the Burgess Institute is multifaceted. While his title might suggest a straightforward marketing and communications role, Aaryn views his job through a broader lens. “Communicators in marketing and communication see themselves as storytellers,” he said. This storytelling approach is central to his work, allowing him to craft compelling narratives about the institute’s student entrepreneurs, known as makers, shakers, and change-makers.

Storytelling: The Heart of Communication

When Paul asked if storytelling was his main focus, Aaryn confirmed, “Yes, absolutely.” His primary goal is to craft vivid and compelling stories about the institute’s students. These stories not only highlight student achievements but also engage Spartan alumni for philanthropic donations and guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward valuable resources.

Aaryn’s background in storytelling has deep roots. Initially aspiring to be a secondary education English teacher, he discovered his passion for storytelling during his Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Poetry. This passion eventually shaped his career path, leading him from academia to professional storytelling.

From Academia to Professional Storytelling

Aaryn spent several years teaching courses like Women in Literature, Advanced College Composition, and Beginning College Composition at Front Range Community College. However, in 2011, he returned to Michigan with the aim of leveraging his storytelling skills in a new capacity. This opportunity came in 2014 when he joined the Michigan Biotechnology Institute (MBI).

Transition to MSU: Leveraging Storytelling Skills

At MBI, a nonprofit focused on commercializing Michigan State’s technologies, Aaryn worked on a fascinating project called APX, which aimed to transform agricultural waste into animal feed. His role involved branding and storytelling to bring this technology to the global stage. “It all started from a point of humanity,” Aaryn explained. By highlighting how this technology could improve milk production in developing nations, he crafted a compelling narrative that resonated with philanthropists.

The MSU Research Foundation Experience

Aaryn’s next chapter was with the MSU Research Foundation, where he became their first communicator in 43 years. The foundation has a vast portfolio of subsidiary companies, many of which focus on students. Moving to MSU and telling stories about students and faculty members who shape the future of the marketplace felt like a natural progression for Aaryn.

Joy in Communication: What Keeps Aaryn Motivated

When asked what brings him joy as a communicator, Aaryn responded, “Every day is unique. I love stepping into the office and working with students from all over campus. Watching these students grow and succeed, being part of their journey, even in a small way, brings me immense joy.”

Burgess Institute: Telling Entrepreneurial Stories

At the Burgess Institute, Aaryn’s role involves communicating as an entrepreneur. He drew parallels between artists and entrepreneurs, noting that both groups see problems and seek solutions. His experience as a storytelling artist aligns closely with the entrepreneurial journey. “We may approach problems differently, but we end up in the same place,” he said.

With around 800 students in the minor and 1,200 in venture creation programming, Aaryn focuses on telling the stories of underrepresented voices. His days are diverse, involving tasks like developing video series and crafting editorial calendars, all aimed at producing quality work and inspiring the public with their stories.

The Bigger Picture: Communication Challenges in Large Organizations

Paul inquired about the unique communication challenges Aaryn faces as part of a large public university. Aaryn described his team as bridge builders, working across campus to benefit students regardless of their major. His role is to ensure their stories celebrate the achievements of students and faculty across various departments. This cross-campus collaboration complements what’s happening in other departments and highlights student successes.

The Future of Communication: Insights and Observations

Discussing the communication skills of today’s students, Aaryn noted, “Students today grasp the immediacy and power of communication. However, they often lack patience and an understanding that meaningful connections take time.” He highlighted the influence of platforms like TikTok, where rapid results can create unrealistic expectations.

Embracing Technology: The Role of AI in Communication

Aaryn shared his views on the advancement of technology, especially AI, in communication. “We live in a groundbreaking era,” he said. AI is transforming how we communicate and trust information, requiring us to be more discerning and critically aware of what we consume. Despite the challenges, Aaryn believes the positives will outweigh the negatives.

Unwinding and Finding Balance

To unwind, Aaryn enjoys reading, gardening, and beekeeping. “Working with tiny animals that produce sweet honey is a great way to get out of my headspace,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of balance and finding joy in simple activities.

Conclusion

The episode wrapped up with Paul encouraging listeners to follow Aaryn on Instagram at ADRAwake and learn more about the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Burgess Institute MSU. Aaryn’s journey and insights into the power of storytelling and communication left a lasting impression.

Paul thanked Aaryn for sharing his journey and insights, and thanked the listeners for tuning in. He reminded them to subscribe on YouTube or their favorite podcasting platform and to leave a review.

Connect with Aaryn Richard and the Burgess Institute

For more information, follow Aaryn on Instagram at ADRAwake and learn more about the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Burgess Institute MSU.