Happy #SmallBusinessWeek 🎉 This week, we celebrate the more than 36 million small businesses across America that power the nation’s economy. Share to spread the word! Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

Brigadier General (USAF, Retired) John Kubinec, President/CEO of the 21st Century Partnership; Bob Herrmann, Executive Director of the Middle Georgia STEM Alliance, and I were honored to attend the GA-AIM Coalition Meeting at Georgia Tech this week. Project leads throughout the state gathered there for the final convening of this impactful four-year grant. It was a powerful moment to reflect on the progress made in advancing AI-driven manufacturing and innovation across Georgia—especially within the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor (MGIC). A highlight of the week was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the public grand opening of the AI Manufacturing Pilot Facility. Hearing BG Kubinec share insights on the long-term impact of the GA-AIM initiative was both inspiring and affirming. His message was clear: the work accomplished through this collaboration is laying a foundation for sustained growth and innovation across the 11-county region for years to come. We are all so grateful to be part of a team—many of whom are reading this message—committed to driving progress, partnership, and opportunity. Dr. Joe

🚀Free, 2-Day, Boots to Business (B2B) Entrepreneurship Workshop, 28-29 April 2026, hosted by Fort Stewart TAP Academy | 8:30 AM-4:00 PM both days! 💰“Funded in part by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.” Total of 16!participants 👨🏻‍🏫Instructor: Georgia VBOC Instructor: Scott Ross 🪖This training is offered to all Active Duty Service members, Transitioning, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans of all eras, and their spouses are eligible to participate. 📚Topics will include: · What is Entrepreneurship? · Idea vs. Business Opportunity? · Doing Your Market Research – Customers and Industry · The Economics of Small Business · Selecting The Correct Legal Structure · Financing Your Venture · Business Planning · SBA Resources for You 🔗#smallbusiness #startups #entrepreneurship #veterans #Milspouses #governmentcontracting #LegalSupport #womensbusinesscenter #SBDC #accesstocapital 🌐SBA: https://sba.my.site.com/s/ Georgia VBOC: https://gavectr.org/VBOC/ SCORE: https://score.org SBDC: https://americassbdc.org APEX Accelerators: https://lnkd.in/g3xFd3zB ACE/WBC: https://aceloans.org MSU-RR: https://lnkd.in/gPJWPBYC Onward to Opportunity: https://lnkd.in/ec2ZpbG7

Hey Leaders, What is the one question you need to ask before it is too late? In this TED Talk Tuesday, Sharon Price John shares a powerful story of leading through crisis and the moment that changed everything. Faced with the potential collapse of her company, she did not start with strategy, spreadsheets, or quick fixes. She started with a deeper question that forced clarity, honesty, and focus. What truly matters? Her message is a reminder that in moments of pressure, leaders must resist the urge to react and instead choose to reflect. The right question can cut through noise, expose what is essential, and guide decisions that lead to real transformation. For leaders, this is a critical lesson. It is easy to get caught up in urgency and activity, especially when the stakes are high. But leadership is not about doing more. It is about thinking better. The quality of our leadership is often determined by the quality of the questions we are willing to ask. A few key insights from this talk: - The right question can create clarity in the middle of chaos. - Leaders must focus on what truly matters, not just what feels urgent. - Honest reflection leads to better decisions and stronger outcomes. - Simplicity often reveals the path forward. Here is your challenge this week. Pause and identify one area in your leadership where things feel overwhelming or unclear. Instead of pushing harder, ask a better question. Ask yourself: What truly matters here? Then align your actions with that answer. That is where breakthrough begins. Sharon Price John’s TED Talk, “The question that saved my company from bankruptcy,” reminds us that leadership is not just about having answers. It is about having the courage to ask the right questions at the right time. When we lead with clarity and purpose, we move closer to our mission at Axis Leadership: Better People, Better World. You can watch it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/sharon_price_john_the_question_that_saved_my_company_from_bankruptcy

@Joseph Richardson did a great job teaching us the do’s and don’t’s when using AI in business. My biggest take away is, AI is a tool not a replacement. It’s crucial to continue to develop and exercise our critical thinking skills and not become dependent on AI.