A small watermelon with big ambitions

“Come see a surprise outside,” enticed my six-year-old nephew one Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday like clock-work, my two sisters and I visit my parent’s house for lunch. Noon-sharp – be there or … well, I’d say “go hungry!” but my mother is too kind for punctuation ultimatums. Just be there, and a home-cooked meal is waiting.

So, I proceeded to walk outside and see what this surprise could be – with my nephew’s imagination and tenacity to create things the surprise could be anything. Turns out “it” was three baby watermelons. “I planted these myself. They will be as big as me,” he proclaimed.

“I think you might be disappointed, when they turn out not to be as big as you.”

His optimism and imagination reminded me of a time not long ago, when I believed I could conquer the world with words, ideas and small purposeful actions. When corporations weren’t driving me into a pessimistic, cynical, numbers-driven fool. When I didn’t wake up with a headache and beg for the alarm clock not to go off … because it.was.just.too.hard to get out of bed.

So, why did I immediately try to set more realistic expectations? Because that is what stupid, boring adults do sometimes.

I’m reading The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone, which has spurred an entrepreneurial curiosity in me. I’m not saying I’m going out and starting a company – but I’m really interested in learning more about how organizations like TOMS, Amazon.com, Apple, TED (TEDTalks), SXSW and others began from a single idea, dream, question or experience.

The visionaries who lead these organizations have changed the way we live, interact, do business and create social change … all because they had the guts to transform the imaginary  into reality. There were naysayers along the way and roadblocks that almost crippled business models. And I’m sure a few who wanted to give up but persevered. Even though I might be “an adult” – whatever that means! – these people remind me of the beauty and power of imagination!

So, did I leave my nephew hanging? No way – I’m the cool aunt.

“Hmm … will they at least be as big as my head?” he inquired.

I smiled and nodded, “Potentially … the potential is there. We just have to wait and see what happens.”