I can't believe it has almost been a year since Year One of the EO/MIT Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP) (formerly called Birthing of Giants)! I learned so much from that first year and am eager to share one of many fruits that came from my one-page strategic plan.

My “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal” (BHAG)—a Verne Harnish term we fondly use in the program—is “to be the Southwest Airlines of the portable storage industry.”

When I used to say this goal out loud to my “Boxperts”—my employees—I said it as more of a rally cry. What I didn't realize was that it was my way of sharing my dream for Falcon Storage with the world. From EMP, I learned that when my Boxperts are on board with my BHAG, they can help make my dream come true in ways I never dreamed possible.

I recently lectured at the Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Austin. When someone in the audience asked where I envisioned Falcon Storage in 30 years, it was only logical to mention my BHAG. Afterward, one of the professors who heard me speak happened to know Herb Kelleher—one of the founders of Southwest Airlines—and recommended that we meet.

Herb and I had lunch this past Friday, and needless to say, it added some jet fuel to my BHAG! My meeting with Herb helped me understand what it means to be the Southwest Airlines of our industry. I gained so many nuggets of wisdom from him, and he helped me gain a laser-like focus on my BHAG.

I'm grateful to Verne Harnish for providing such a great framework, and I'm looking forward to attending EMP Year 2!

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For more information on EMP, one of EO's executive education programs, click here.