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Hello Reader,

In my client work over the last few months, I've been thinking a lot about the definitions of entrepreneurial ecosystems. When the rubber meets the road and we're implementing ecosystem building strategies, it is key that we all agree on what we mean by ecosystems. There are a handful of useful definitions (here's an overview) but most times, the smartest thing is to keep it simple and agree on the most common, shared goal: to make sure that the information, talent, resources and opportunities are easily accessible for the changemakers who need them.

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Playbook was co-created through mass collaboration during the early ESHIP Summits, that's probably why their definition of an entrepreneurial ecosystem resonates most with me:

On that note, I have a question for you:

I want to be of service to all of you and wonder what questions you have when you first signed up for this newsletter. What is something you wish you had that

• makes life a little better
• makes work a little easier or clearer, and
• reminds you that you're not traveling alone on this journey?

If you have suggestions, please reply to this email and let me know! I will share this free download (or whatever it sends up being) with all new AND existing subscribers. Send me your wish list!

Between my ears

Life, most recently: Things I'm excited about, pondering and trying out:

• Here in the US, we're getting ready for Thanksgiving. One of my favorite cookbook authors and recipe champions for clean, whole-foods-based meals, Eating Birdfood, shared her Thanksgiving meal plan. If you're looking for some healthier options this year, check it out!
• If you run and online business like me, you might enjoy this episode of Bound & Determined: Richelle Fredson interviews my friend Michelle Martello, one of the smartest digital strategists and designers out there (she has earned the nickname Smartello).
• I am about to drop the first sneak peek for season 7 of Ecosystems for Change. If you want early access to this content, you can sign up here:

• We are watching The Perfect Couple on Netflix. Apparently, rich people's lives and troubles are extremely fascinating!
• I'm launching a new service in the new year and will be looking for some early beta-testers in two weeks! Whether you're in the throes of ecosystem building and need help, or you're just starting out - we might get a chance to work together soon! Keep an eye out for my next newsletter!
• For those of you keeping track, I completed Rowvember! 60,000 meters of rowing in the month of November! Here's a little recap with extra corny music - you're welcome!

On my Bookshelf

I've spent the last three (!) weeks reading One hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, our pick for Staunton's next International Book Club and I will switch to the audiobook to finish it. Magical realism might just not be my thing. I'm 200+ pages in but I'm losing enthusiasm for the plot (what plot?).

I've picked up a lighter read to pull me out of my reading slump: The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams.

On one of my book shopping sprees over the summer, I bought The Age of Magical Overthinking and finally started it. Non-fiction reflections on current day pop culture and society. Chapters like "Are you my mother, Taylor Swift?" and "The Shit-Talking Hypothesis" had me on page 2 and so far Amanda Montell lives up to the premise. Witty, well researched and refreshingly critical of much of the BS social media tries to convince us of.

If you're as passionate as I am about supporting Independent bookshops, go visit yours for all your reading needs (they'll be thrilled to see you!) or shop online through Bookshop:

On my radar

Here are events to keep an eye on:

• February 12-15 : USASBE 2025 in Las Vegas, NV
• April 6-9: InBIA’s ICBI39 in Philadelphia, PA
• April 7-9: Main Street Now! in Philadelphia, PA
• May 2025: Startup Champions Spring Summit in Nevada (just announced!)
• June 2-4: Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC 2025) in Indianapolis, IN

Shen-ANIKA-ns

The end of the year is a celebratory time in my family! As a German, I celebrate St. Nicolas on December 6, my birthday on December 9 (I'll have a surprise for you in the next newsletter!) followed by Christmas, New Year's and my daughter's birthday. My poor husband has entered gifting season.

I don't know about you, but wherever I go online or in-person I am assaulted by a cry to shop! buy! save! spend!

This year, my wish for this season is quality time with people who are important to me over gifts. Here are the different ways in which I'm making time for my people:

• December 2: I host a dinner with friends at my house. I cook and feed everyone and - if we're lucky - we end the night around the fire. An Aperol Spritz bar is in the works ;)
• December 3: I'm taking a birthday friend (hi Jen!) out to dinner and leave our kids with her husband.
• December 7 & 8: We're spending the weekend in DC with family and friends to see some art and stroll through Georgetown's Indie bookshops.
• December 9: International Book Club - a night of discussion with fellow booklovers at Staunton Books & Tea (come join us if you're local!)
• December 10: Our CreativeMornings team is taking a day to plan for 2025 and soak in the Warm Springs.
• December 13: I'm taking my daughter to Germany for some quality time and Christmas markets!

December 12 will be my last work day until January - the newsletter will also take a break until the new year.

I will be back in your inbox in two weeks with a fun opportunity for us to work together!

AND I will be announcing a project I'm SUPER excited about (and that has nothing to do with ecosystem building or making money - eeeek!).

In camaraderie,

Anika