Recently in Around Boulder Category

Finally, the Front Range is back into a typical winter routine. Fifty-degree sunny days are standard, with a few snowy ones to even it out. This November and December were atypically cold and the snow took a long time to melt and just got dirty.

Background:
The InterLink program is a club of 1^st year MBAs, half from the US and half from somewhere else.  International students are matched up with US students and they usually get together for coffee or lunch once a week. The result of these meetings are that International students get a point person to ask questions about US culture; US students get to expand their network internationally and learn some really interesting things. This weekend we decided to take advantage of our excellent weather and get out as a group for a winter hiking experience.

Destination:
The Ceren St. Vrain trail is just west of Jamestown Colorado and only 35 minutes from Boulder. There is a flowing river during the summer and several very large flat spots that would be excellent for a group camping outing.  We went there because this trail is a bit different than most trails in Colorado.

There are large meadows full of tall lodgepole pines with no pine needles until high up the tree. The result is a trail that weaves through many bare trunks - it looks really cool.

Picnic with a view:
I was really happy with this trip because we made it very high up on the trail. Miller Rock has excellent back range views of Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and Longs Peak. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had a picnic at a big rock table of pasta salad, sandwiches (Reuben, peanut butter and Nutella) and some Tzatziki sauce with pita bread to dip.  We try to keep it international, even when in the wilderness.

Afterglow:
We ended up getting back to Boulder around 4pm and headed straight to Boulder Beer Co for a few libations to cap off the trip. Unfortunately, they were closed. But no worries, I don't mind leaving the trip open. Memories of the trip have been creeping back into my head over the last few days.

This trip is a great example of why I love this program.  It's full of smart people who like the outdoors and are not afraid to try something brand new.

Women who Inspire Me

A few years ago, I ran across an article (gotta love Oprah) that reflected on the search that many women undertake to find their ideal mentor. It discussed how women often seek a single person that embodies perfection in various aspects of life...you know, the woman who exhibits perfect work-life balance as she climbs the corporate ladder, attends her children's school functions, leads a non-profit, and works out every day? Then frustration mounts as they have a hard time identifying a person to 'fit the bill' in terms of their guidance. No wonder, considering they are looking for a super-woman, right?!

The article goes on to encourage women to look at the relationships they have with a variety of female mentors, and to cling on to the aspects of each that match their ideal; building a cadre of supportive women to reach out to for advice, perspective, etc. I've decided to start a blog series highlighting some of the women in my life and the mentorship that they offer.

A Woman in Finance

A few weeks ago I flew to NYC to help a very special friend pick out her wedding dress. During this trip her fiancé facilitated a meeting between me and his boss, a female executive at a real estate private equity firm with nearly $3B in assets. The meeting was incredible! Though an undoubtedly busy principal at a major PE firm, she was warm, friendly and eager to impart wisdom about her industry and career path. It was amazing to have a candid and comfortable conversation with such a successful individual. Not only did we discuss the company and industry, but also had a fairly frank conversation about 'framing the discussion' with potential employers regarding career preferences post-MBA. Our conversation ended with an offer to keep in touch throughout my last year in the program and the job hunt process.

A note to MBAs: you've heard it before, but the time actually spent in the MBA program is one of your greatest assets. Make sure to ask for 'informational interviews,' as professionals are eager to impart wisdom in a 'low pressure' situation where they do not feel like you are only there for a job. Make friends whenever possible and you may be surprised about the connections you make and the job that may be waiting out there for you!

The Women who Make Me Sweat

Last week the Leeds School of Business National Association of Women's MBAs (NAWMBA) attended an event at Bar Method, a fantastic new workout studio in Boulder that incorporates principles of ballet, yoga and pilates into each session. The owner took us though a class then gave an entrepreneurship talk about securing her venture's funding and how to create a business plan. After working in publishing for ~15 years, she sought to bring a new fitness option to Boulder that was built around values of service, community and of course, a great workout.

I have been a member at the studio for a few months now and I love what Bar Method has to offer. Not only is it a great workout, but the owner is always sharing perspective and happy to do whatever she can to build a strong sense of community. It's inspiring!

Food & Wine Club

Since my last post, a team of students and I launched the CU MBA Food & Wine Club. For the event, each attendee brought a bottle of wine that 'described' them in some way and shared their description, wishes for the club and varietal with the group. The evening was a great success, bringing over 45 MBAs and professors together in the name of great food, wine and conversation!

Upcoming events take full advantage of the 'food' component of the club, with two dinners planned at local restaurants during First Bite Boulder week! Food & Wine Club members will be dining at Salt, the new addition to the West End of Pearl St. and Black Cat, both of which utilize a 'farm to table' approach for their culinary offerings. I can hardly wait!

1. Take a Hike! Less than 10 minutes from the center of town are number of beautiful hiking trails that can accommodate various skill-levels. Hike the beautiful Flatirons or follow Mapleton Ave. west to Mt. Sanitas trail. To get equipped, visit Boulder Running Company for a personalized shoe-fit experience.

2. Scope out the Local Coffee Scene. Boulder has a coffee culture that is rarely found outside of Seattle and if you're embarking on an MBA program, you'll want to have a few coffee shops to call home! Some of my favorites include Pekoe Sip House and The Cup. Also, be sure to check out the Laughing Goat, which offers ample seating for a long work session, an eclectic Boulder crowd and amazing live music (Dechen Hawk is a must see)!

3. Get your CU Buffs Football Tickets! The season opens on September 6^th with the CU v.  CSU game returning to Boulder! As the game returns to Boulder, students can attend with the purchase of their season tickets!! Visit the CU ticket office for season and single game tickets. GO BUFFS!!

4. Get Geared Up! While shopping for books and school supplies at the CU book store, be sure to pick up some Buff Gear! Checklist: Football Jersey (ladies can shop the kids section for these), comfy hoodie, and a great CU tee.

5. Determine your Workout Regimen. Remember those freshmen fifteen? Be prepared to experience the same in the first year of the MBA program if you're not prepared! Along with an intense school schedule that allows for little 'down time' and fun fall events (think tailgates pertaining to #4 above) will likely come a few extra pounds! Become familiar with the CU Rec Center, as well as local gyms and group fitness studios and work to establish a routine. Boulder provides ample outdoor activities and yoga studios like Corepower provide free week memberships for beginners, as well as ongoing student discounts.

6. Check out Concert Venues. See great bands up close and personal at the Fox Theatre on the Hill or at the Boulder Theater on 14th St. For a quintessentially Colorado experience, get tickets to see one of the many amazing groups scheduled to play at Red Rocks Amphitheater, located ~40 min from Boulder.

7. Float the Creek. For those of you who like a little adventure... drive a short way up Canyon Blvd. to Eben G. Fine Park and tube the Boulder Creek! Take advantage of the last hot days of summer and float the former kayaking course!

8. Get a Backup Plan. Cliff Rosell, MBA 2010 helped many students with computer repairs/restorations throughout the last school year. His recommendation is that everyone gets an external hard drive and creates a backup plan for their work. A little advance planning may save a lot of heart ache should something happen to your computer!

Good luck to the incoming MBA class of 2011! I am so looking forward to this school year, meeting the incoming class and enjoying what Boulder has to offer! If you have any additional activities to add to this list, please post them as a comment to this blog!

See you in a couple of weeks!