INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to purpose-driven organizations and passionate leaders and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Lawrence T. Wagner is the CEO/Co-Founder of Spark Mindset. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and learn more about Spark Mindset at www.sparkmindset.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Spark Mindset is a social enterprise focused on increasing a businesses’ profit margin by evaluating and improving the company’s culture, increasing student retention rates, and helping people discover and reach their full potential through our evidence-based programs.
With the revenue generated from these initiatives, Spark intends to help increase the opportunities for those living in poor and impoverished communities worldwide with leadership and financial literacy training.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
Spark Mindset envisions a world in which violence and poverty in low socioeconomic communities have been eradicated.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
Right now, I have given workshops in a few communities and I’m volunteering at an alternative school for students who dropped out traditional schools but have returned for their GED.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
I am someone who comes from an at-risk background. I understand the challenges that the people in these communities are facing, and I know they can accomplish more than what society is telling them.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
I want to empower people from low socioeconomic communities to take control of their own lives. For them to believe they can do anything and be anything that they dream of. Too not be deterred from their mistakes or circumstances.
Spark Mindset is creating a platform called “Spark Space” which will be an education platform within a Virtual Reality/Gaming Platform. We are working on a STEM program to teach coding and cybersecurity to 9th and 12th graders who are women and minorities in underrepresented communities. Some day, we would like to add an entrepreneurship program as well.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Finding clients willing to use our corporate survey and training to improve their company culture. We are new to the market, and trying to establish credibility has been difficult.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Make sure the product or services is just as good or better than your competitors. It’s not until then that the potential customer will be swayed by your social impact. Surround yourself with people who are going to give you a shoulder to cry on, celebrate your success, and push you toward your dreams.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Schedule us for a workshop or corporate survey. Spread the word about us and refer us to potential clients.