Spring 2025 Entrepreneurship Center Speaker Series
Don't miss part one of the Spring 2025 Entrepreneurship Center Speaker Series:
The Entrepreneur's Heart: Conquer Your Fears and Fuel Your Success, featuring a panel discussion including Mo Stewart, Lev Buslovich, Shaun Holley, Akinyi Williams, and Matthew Syzdek and facilitated by Business Instructor Jason Cussler. See presenter bios below.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 5:30–7:30 p.m. on fourth floor of MEC (at Minneapolis College 1300 Harmon Place)
Get an inside look at the often-unspoken emotional side of entrepreneurship. Five local founders and 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 while building a business that thrives.
- 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
Presenter bios
Facilitator
Jason Cussler is a faculty member in the Minneapolis College School of Business and Economics. Prior to joining Minneapolis College, he worked as a CPA in public accounting and taught mathematics in Minneapolis public schools. When Jason isn’t working, you can find him on his bike or shooting hoops with his kids. He holds a BA in history from Middlebury College, a MBA from the University of Minnesota, and a MS in applied economics from St. Cloud State University.
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 and Quality at Target Corporation, and Operations Manager and Black Belt at GE Capital. He has a BA from Colgate University and a 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 non-profit that provides unique experiences to veterans, such as, 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, designing and constructing 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, a 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 also founded Hope for the Child, a Minnesota-based non-profit, and serves as the Chief Education Officer for a network of community schools she established for the poor in Kenya in 2007. Akinyi has a Med from Harvard University, a MBA from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Metro State University.
