November 7 marked our annual "Business as a Calling Day" with special guest Sonny Vu, CEO of Misfit Wearables. Vu shared with SBGE students, faculty, and staff his career story and philosophy of business and leadership.
Students peppered Vu with questions at the end of the talk, and he rewarded the "best question" with a Shine (wearable bio-device). The prize went to Erik Eissmann, who wanted to know how Vu maintains a servant-leadership model in his company. Vu's response centered around three strategies: creating the culture early, hire based mainly on cultural fit, and modeling the humility and honesty you want from your team. After the plenary session, students chose from five breakout sessions:
- Entrepreneurship and Careers in Fashion, Apparel, and Textiles (Dr. Raedene Copeland)
- Personality Profile: Identifying Your Entrepreneurial Traits (Dr. Herb Kierulff)
- The Spirit of Creativity: Theological Reflections on Life as an Entrepreneur (Sonny Vu with Rev. Dr. Bruce Baker)
- Hearing God's Call: Practicing Vocational Discernment (Dr. Bob Drovdahl)
- Panel of SPU alumni who have started businesses (Dr. Joseph Williams, dean of SBGE) Panelists Andrea Nakata '87, founder/CEO, Le Rêve Bakery & Café; Bryce Phillips '03, founder/CEO, Evo.