Episode 140: The Power of Imperfect Ideas

In today’s episode, Mike talks with Dr. Brett Jacobsen. As CEO of Mount Vernon School and Ventures, Brett helps organizations learn how to innovate. He believes learning can provide a competitive advantage over culture and strategy. Brett provides tactics like isolating ideas to small teams, creating parallel tracks, and constantly asking “help me see what you see” to spur momentum. Tune in to pick up tangible tips for getting your team unstuck.

Dr. Brett Jacobsen’s Bio

Entering his 15th year, Dr. Jacobsen is the CEO of The Mount Vernon School, Mount Vernon Ventures, and Mount Vernon Online – The Global Online Campus. Leading Mount Vernon through a transformational period since 2009, the School with 1,2500 students strong, has gained a national reputation for innovation in education.

As a result, Dr. Jacobsen launched a Transformation R&D consulting company known as Mount Vernon Ventures, partnering with schools throughout the world. Most recently, in August 2022, Mount Vernon Online, Mount Vernon’s online high school, welcomed its first cohort of students to the School.

Outside of overseeing a portfolio of business units, Dr. Jacobsen frequently shares his journey of innovation and entrepreneurial impact at national and international conferences. The Atlanta Business Chronicle recognized Dr. Jacobsen as one of the 2017 Most admired CEOs in the education category.

In This Episode…

• Learning can be a competitive advantage over company culture and strategy
• Shipping an idea, even an imperfect one, creates movement and momentum
• Focus on getting better to serve your customers, and they’ll demand you get bigger
• Ask “Help me see what you see” to make your own story more complete

Links & Resources Mentioned…

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrettjacobsen/
• https://mountvernonschool.org/