Enterprenuer
Dr.Ari Betof, MBA, EdD, is the co-founder of Mission & Data.
He is an internationally recognized speaker and expert on organizational stewardship, financial sustainability, and making the world a better country.
Dr.Ari draws on fifteen years of leadership experience and governance to build thriving organizations and maximize mission-aligned revenue growth.
His ability to manage group dynamics and organizational effectiveness is combined with his track record of fostering high-impact change.
Ari co-hosts the “EMA Impossible Questions podcast” with Hans Mundahl.
Ari is an instructor in the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn GSE MidCareer Doctoral program in the Educational Leadership and Leadership Master’s program.
He was a mentor in Harvard University’s School Leadership Program and a judge for the Cornell Emerging Markets Institute Case Competition and CASE Circle of Excellence Awards.
Ari graduated from Guilford College with a BS degree in physics and a BS in mathematics.
His doctorate was earned at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on financial and organizational sustainability.
Ari received his MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.
He was also an Emerging Markets Institute Fellow and recognized as a Poets & Quants Best & Brightest EMBA.
What is the story of Mission & Data?
Mission & Data was born naturally. My co-founder, and I, are fundamentally committed to mission-driven, community-centered, and data-informed decision-making.
Organizations should not be driven solely by data.
Organizations should be guided by their mission and informed by data to live the mission.
How do you stay productive?
There are no two days the same. The most crucial difference is whether I’m traveling.
The most critical difference is whether I am traveling.
This is mainly for projects and meetings.
Most days, I get in a good workout. Traveling can make my days longer.
I almost always start my day with an activity.
I will prioritize sleep given what we know about sleep, health, brain research, and rest.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I think aloud. Sometimes, I will think it through and write down my thoughts.
More often, I prefer to collaborate with others and brainstorm new ideas.
My day is spent analyzing trends and themes. Long lap swimming helps me to organize my thoughts and makes connections.
Also, it is essential to be strategic and manage processes for them to succeed.
What’s your favorite trend?
People want to be inspired and motivated by a mission.
They also recognize (sometimes reluctantly) that qualitative and quantitative information is crucial for quality decision-making.
It’s a great time to co-lead a company called Mission & Data.
What habits make you productive?
Entrepreneurs have a lot on their plates. I’ve learned to care for myself to be the best for my family, employees, and clients.
Regular exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep are all part of this.
What’s your advice for the Noob?
Take professional risks. It is terrifying to start your own business.
It is alarming to start your own company and merge it with a partner.
However, taking intelligent risks backed up by analysis and reflection can create opportunities unavailable on any other route.
What is one thing we can all agree on?
Philadelphia is America’s best-known sports city.
What do you recommend as an entrepreneur?
Learn what you don’t know, and then ask for help when you are in need.
There is no one skill that everyone can master.
Not every task you can perform is worth your time.
Outsourcing is an option that allows entrepreneurs to grow their businesses without having to spend a lot of money on high-quality support.
What’s your rich strategy?
My hubris is a problem. It doesn’t matter if I think something is a good idea or believe it is something the market needs or wants.
It doesn’t mean it is correct. Consultants are often asked for advice and counsel.
It is easy to lose your sense of balance.
Everyone makes mistakes (I know I am), and my family helps me stay grounded.
Wisdom is recognizing when you are off-track, correcting yourself, and learning from it.
How do you overcome Failure?
We have experienced several failures within projects, just like any other company.
These missteps don’t lead to more significant problems and dissatisfied customers.
Instead, trusting relationships are built on open communication.
Then, internally, we commit to exceedingly delivering.
As owners, we can see that commitment and make it a part of our culture.
While it will reduce margins in the short term, it almost always pays off in customer service, referrals, and follow-up engagements.
It is the right thing to be doing.
Can you share a business idea?
One member of my family suffers from severe shellfish allergies.
I would love to have a reliable meal service that could provide healthy, nutritious, and sustainable meals without worrying about cross-contamination.
What’s your recent best buy?
When a few unexpected hours threw our plans out of control, my wife and I went out to eat with our friends.
What are your favorite Softwares or Apps?
Slack. Slack. Slack is used primarily for internal communication within the company and partner organizations.
Although I don’t know if I use it properly, it has certainly helped improve my inbox.
Which book would you recommend?
I was just promoted! This 12-Month Roadmap for Success in Your New Leadership Role is written by my parents, Ed and Nila Betof.
It’s also perfect. The first edition was published in 1993, and the second in 2010.
It was published in 1993 and the second edition in 2010.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Luck comes only to the prepared mind.”
Louis Pasteur
TL;DR by Ari Betof
Your organization and you must be mission-driven and data-informed.
Take care of you so that others can take care of you
Even when things are going well, keep your hubris under control
Take risks, but be brave. You still have to analyze the results.
Even if it’s costly to correct a customer’s mistake, overdeliver
