We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kayin Griffith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kayin below.

Kayin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Finding the perfect name for our business felt like putting the final brushstroke on a painting – elusive yet crucial. Our executive team spent eight weeks tossing around ideas, scouring domain names, checking social media handles, and researching competitors. We were on a quest for a name that not only encapsulated our brand but also resonated with our values and aspirations.

We finally had five different options I was semi ok with, none seemed to quite capture the essence of what we wanted to convey. Then, amidst the deliberation, someone suggested “Greenhouse Collaboratives.” It struck a chord. Though hesitant to settle, one of my insightful colleagues urged us to embrace it, reminding us that we could always make changes down the road.

Looking back over two years later, I’m grateful we heeded that advice. At Greenhouse Collaboratives, our commitment extends beyond just the growth of our clients – it encompasses the nurturing and development of our own team. Our actions are rooted in principles of growth and generosity, making them the guiding forces behind everything we do.

Kayin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a creative, strategist, change manager, entrepreneur, and people leader, my approach to work is infused with love at every turn.

After years of serving in executive roles in higher education and corporate consulting, I made the bold decision to pivot and lead a team of consultants specializing in marketing and change management. At the time, Greenhouse Collaboratives was merely a side venture with a handful of clients. However, within just one year, we’ve blossomed into a cohesive team of 10 individuals dedicated to serving numerous clients.

Our ethos is simple yet profound: we prioritize love within our team dynamics and extend that same ethos to our clients. Our business model revolves around immersing ourselves in our clients’ operations and assisting them in their growth journey. Whether it’s managing social media and digital presence, providing strategic support to marketing teams, or crafting communication strategies, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each client, helping them carve out their space in the market.

This approach may seem unconventional, perhaps even contradictory to traditional MBA teachings. We haven’t confined ourselves to a specific market or service niche. Instead, we’ve cultivated a culture centered on love – for one another and for our clients. And therein lies our secret sauce – love acts as our miracle grow, nurturing not just our business, but also the success and flourishing of those we serve.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2020, when Covid-19 swept across the world, I was overseeing Housing and Operations at a university. Weeks before our first case, I began anticipating it and asking questions. The executive team, mostly members who had been in their roles for 25+ years, didn’t think it would be a big deal and pushed off my concern. I allowed myself to be silenced.

Something happened to me as the crisis hit our institution and shook our business model. Instead of waiting for anyone to give permission or tell me what to do, I transformed. I found myself in zoom calls with the president’s counsel. I pitched ideas to the CFO for ways to follow CDC guidelines and continue to make money. I oversaw cross-functional teams working to align vision and direction. I disagreed openly with colleagues who would have previously intimidated me.

That year, for my efforts, I was awarded administrator of the year.

That year taught me more than possibly the whole decade had before. No longer do I allow myself to be silenced or fall victims to systems where my leadership and strategy is buried.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Transitioning from higher education and the non-profit sector to consulting for Fortune 500 companies seemed like the path to leading and effecting change that I craved. However, reality proved starkly different.

While the financial compensation was enticingly higher, I soon realized that the systems were equally stifling. Hours spent crafting PowerPoint presentations and engaging in seemingly endless rounds of ping pong on teams and Slack failed to satisfy a growing sense of disillusionment. Amidst the chaos, I often found myself questioning the purpose of my endeavors.

Simultaneously, I spearheaded a small marketing firm, managing a handful of clients. Setting a goal to quit my consulting job once our business reached $10k in monthly clients, I experienced a mix of exhilaration and trepidation upon achieving that milestone.

It was undoubtedly the right decision.

Over a year into full-time dedication to our business, moments of disarray still arise, prompting the recurring question: “What am I doing?” Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there’s a profound sense of fulfillment derived from leading and growing alongside a team. I wouldn’t change it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greenhousecollaboratives.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenhousecollaboratives/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Greenhouse-Collaboratives/100091681834588/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayin-griffith-mba-ba414295/