Menlo Innovations CEO keynotes Calvin's Business Partners Awards Luncheon
On Monday, October 20, 2014, Calvin College will host its annual Calvin Business Partners Awards Luncheon. The event honors businesses and individuals that have partnered with the college’s business program to create outstanding learning opportunities for students.
Adding "joy"
This year’s keynote speaker is Rich Sheridan. Sheridan is the CEO of Menlo Innovations, a software design and development company in Ann Arbor, Mich., known worldwide for its “joyful” workplace culture. Sheridan recently authored the book Joy, Inc. where he shares how he created that culture at Menlo.
In his keynote address at Calvin titled “Build a Workplace People Love—Just Add Joy,” he will share how creating a culture focused on the business values of joy can unleash human energy, leading to greater productivity, more employee engagement and greater interest in outcomes.
“Joy’s the thing that God wired us for … Joy’s the thing that when God strikes the tuning fork, and when the world strikes the tuning fork, it’s what makes your heart sing,” said Sheridan at a recent speaking engagement.
“Rich Sheridan has created a value driven culture that challenges the conventional wisdom about work and organizations which will resonate well with much of our innovative West Michigan business community,” said Bob Eames, director of Calvin’s Center for Innovation in Business. "While painting a clear picture with examples from Menlo Innovations, Rich challenges us all to become people of vocation rather than occupation—to lean into Joy!”
Saying "thanks"
Event organizers say the luncheon will provide attendees with a great opportunity to network with west Michigan business leaders. It is also a time for Calvin to recognize a few outstanding partners for their continued commitment to Calvin’s business program.
The CCIB will honor Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. with an outstanding corporate partner award and will award Mary Tuuk (Fifth Third Bank), John and Judy Spoelhof (Bayside Capital) and Andy DeVries (Calvin College) with outstanding partner awards.
The Calvin Annual Fund and the Calvin Center for Innovation in Business are hosting the event, which will be held in The Great Hall of Calvin’s Prince Conference Center. A networking reception begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon to follow at noon. Sheridan will be signing copies of his book, Joy, Inc. in the Prince Conference Center after the event.