Entrepreneurial Traits | Gray Matter Experience

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ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET

Our focus extends beyond developing entrepreneurs; we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.

The success of our programs focus on the six key outcomes of our Signature Entrepreneurial Traits ™

These traits, cultivated through engagement in our unique programming, set us apart by addressing the most urgent social and economic challenges young people face in bold, authentic ways. Unlike traditional business education models, our approach delivers real-world transformation through mindset, mentorship, and momentum.

POSITIVE RACIAL IDENTITY

SOCIAL CHANGE AGENCY

SAVVY DECISION-MAKING

POSITIVE SELF- CONCEPT

INNOVATION

MOTIVATED MINDSET

POSITIVE SELF-CONCEPT

A positive self-concept is linked to better academic performance, increased resilience in the face of challenges, and a greater sense of overall happiness and fulfillment in life. Those who complete our program develop an unshakeable belief in their core values, ultimately building the confidence to take up space, speak their vision, and pursue bold goals across school, work, and life. Learn More >

For us, building a positive self-concept plays a crucial role in shaping a budding visionaries’ overall sense of belonging, positive public image, and ability to sustain continued growth.

Key Attributes and Skills Learned:

Identifies both personal strengths and areas of improvement for growth
Explains and demonstrates personal core values, in a meaningful way with an intention of creating impact
In diverse settings, feels comfortable advocating for oneself
Promotes personal ideas, opinions, and work in a positive manner

Responds positively to constructive criticism and understands how to implement change based on feedback
Represents self effectively and authentically, whether in person, virtually, or digitally, and recognizes the importance of a cohesive public image
Adaptability to diverse environments and the ability to leverage this for access and opportunity

INNOVATION

For young Black people, it’s essential to possess the ability to identify unique opportunities, disrupt the status quo, and reimagine existing systems. We equip budding visionaries and curious creators with the ability to critically evaluate their ideas and construct logical arguments that support alternative viewpoints, including their own. Learn More >

Innovation is or is related to 9 of the top 10 skills that global executives say is essential for 2020 and beyond, making it one of the most in-demand skills for success in any environment.

Key Attributes and Skills Learned:

Shares innovative ideas that challenge and subvert established norms
Approaches problems with a solution-oriented lens, recognizing the best way to navigate forward
Courage to challenge ideas or the status quo (including challenging own ideas) for improvement or divergent thinking

Ability to turn ideas into actionable plans with clear steps forward and achievable outcomes
Ability to utilize feedback to pivot, iterate, and redesign
Demonstrates forward thinking lens in envisioning future opportunities
Ability to identify and discuss complex challenges and gaps within local and broader community

MOTIVATED MINDSET

Students don’t just need ambition; they need tools to turn motivation into movement. The motivated mindset empowers them to lead with an enduring internal drive, enabling them to overcome personal and societal factors and seize opportunities. As a result, they are more likely to relentlessly set, pursue, and achieve their goals while embracing collaboration and feedback as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In order to succeed, almost 50% of entrepreneurs believe that having some sense of internal motivation is the most important factor.

Key Attributes and Skills Learned:

Embraces a "fail forward" mindset, perceiving setbacks as chances to learn and grow, rather than seeing them as obstacles or barriers.
Welcomes and integrates constructive criticism as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development, adeptly incorporating external feedback to align with their core vision.
Develops a plan when faced with a challenge, creating small achievable steps for improvement on the way to ultimate success

Approaches learning and new opportunities with curiosity and candor
Initiates calculated risks in experiences, learning, and ideating
Demonstrates persistence and resilience in challenging situations
Finds strength and opportunity in collaboration and community

SAVVY DECISION-MAKING

Research and lived experience tell us that our young innovators face additional barriers in decision-making. Barriers such as access to capital, socioeconomic conditions, and systemic inequalities can negatively influence the decision-making behaviors needed to effectively innovate. Savvy decision-making is a vital skill to possess – helping them problem-solve, mitigate risks, and make decisions that align with their core needs, goals, and values. Learn More >

We aim to equip young Black people with the ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal and outward-facing situations, despite these limiting factors.

Key Attributes and Skills Learned:

Creates and executes plans with intentionality, understanding how it aligns with core values and goals.
Solicits advice when needed from peers, mentors, teachers, and key stakeholders
Invites and utilizes feedback when making decisions and revising work, analyzing and prioritizing feedback as necessary

Weighs risks and rewards when making decisions and exploring ideas
Demonstrates flexibility and ability to pivot in various situations
Ability to problem solve individually and as part of a team
Ability to identify and construct decision making processes, utilizing relevant resources and information

POSITIVE RACIAL IDENTITY

We help students see their cultural identity not as a barrier, but as a superpower and gateway to opportunity. Through affirmation, education, and reflection, they build pride in their heritage and learn to harness it as fuel for leadership, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging. In doing so, they’re empowered to proactively tackle the most pressing challenges in their communities.

72% of Black Gen Z are proud of their heritage. TGME celebrates this and empowers young Black people to leverage the strength of belonging to the Black community, while cultivating a deep understanding and reverence for Black History.

Key Attributes and Skills Learned:

Utilizes asset-based language when discussing self and the Black community
Possesses a clear understanding of Black History and the contributions Black people have made to the economic and entrepreneurial landscape locally, nationally, and globally.
An understanding of current events and movements that have an impact on the Black community

Describes Blackness as a gateway to opportunity, not as a barrier or burden
Interested in solving problems in the Black community or emphasizing strengths in the community

SOCIAL CHANGE AGENCY

Our students want to succeed and make a difference. Through our experiential programs, they gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of social problems and learn how to channel their ideas, values, and voices into action that uplifts their peers, families, and entire communities. Their voices become vehicles for expression and impact, while also empowering and amplifying the voices of others.Learn More >

Gray Matter celebrates this and empowers all youth to leverage the strength of belonging to their cultural communities, while cultivating a deep understanding and reverence for their history.

Key Attributes and Skills Learned:

Demonstrates an understanding of community issues and their root causes
Ability to articulate how inequities impact society today and historically
Expresses a sense of empowerment, actively contributing as a valued member of their community.

Utilizes historical knowledge as a compass for addressing current problems, skillfully leveraging insights from the past to synthesize the most impactful path forward
Harnesses the power of their voice as a means of expression and influence, simultaneously uplifting and amplifying the voices of others to empower them.

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