About Shawn Smallwood Welcome to my blog! My name is Shawn Smallwood, and I’ll be exploring various business-related topics and sharing my personal work. I’m a graduate student studying innovative leadership and entrepreneurship at Western Carolina University, where I also earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in management and one in innovative leadership and entrepreneurship. Before…
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Image Credit: 🔗Risk Mitigation by Shane Howard Welcome back to the professional student! Last week, I shared my experience living through Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina and offered some insights into small business recovery from a community and economic development perspective. When disaster strikes, small business owners have limited options: After speaking with […]
5.2.2025 21:06Western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene, and Small Business Recovery, Part II: RISK MITIGATIONAs a resident of Western North Carolina (WNC) working in community and economic development, I have come to know and understand the many unique challenges that both residents and small businesses face, such as the land and unique mountainous terrain, the price and lack of affordable housing, the lack of childcare and affordable childcare, and […]
30.1.2025 20:28Western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene & Small Business Recovery, Part 1wow!! 111Principled Entrepreneurship: Triple Threats & Why You Need Them
8.10.2024 14:44Comment on The Ups & Downs: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by stolzenburgmourya97The triple threat entrepreneur: creative, managerial, and financially savvy. Does such a thing exist? I was told no by an experienced professional, which is wrong. If you’re an entrepreneur or think you’re well versed in entrepreneurship, step 1, the most obvious, is always retaining an open and growth mindset. You might as well hang up […]
3.8.2024 22:24Principled Entrepreneurship: Triple Threats & Why You Need ThemIn reply to <a href="https://theprofessionalstudent.blog/2024/06/21/the-shaping-americana-a-400-year-history-of-american-capitalism-by-bhu-srinivasan/comment-page-1/#comment-96">Macie Cruz</a>. Dear Macie, I appreciate your feedback and summation as you captured the essence of all 7 blogs combined. I wasn't sure where this journey would take me when I began reading, but it was an insightful reminder of this country's past. I'm not sure how many people my blog postings reach, but regardless, I want to make the most of this platform and use it to spark deep inner thoughts and personal growth. Kindly, Shawn
26.6.2024 17:26Comment on The Shaping: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by The Professional Student<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawn, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Your reflections offer a compelling and thought-provoking journey through American history, weaving together the critical developments that shaped the nation. Your detailed exploration of the economic, social, and technological advancements provides a comprehensive understanding of America's evolution, from its early colonial days to the height of the Industrial Revolution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You begin by shedding light on the grim realities of America's past, particularly the exploitation of African slave labor in the tobacco and cotton industries following the American Revolution. This historical context underscores the deep-rooted issues of inequality and systemic racism that continue to affect society today. Your call to reflect on personal biases and strive for a genuinely equal society is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Your narrative also captures the shift from agrarian to urbanized society, driven by technological and industrial advancements. The mention of significant figures like Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford adds depth to your discussion, illustrating how these industrialists embodied innovation and capitalism, propelling the American Dream forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These insights not only offer a rich historical overview but also encourages critical reflection on both personal and societal levels. It serves as an insightful reminder of the importance of learning from the past to build a better future, emphasizing the need for continual adaptation and growth in an ever-changing world.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great work, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Macie </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->
26.6.2024 16:28Comment on The Shaping: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by Macie CruzIn reply to <a href="https://theprofessionalstudent.blog/2024/06/23/final-thoughts-americana-a-400-year-history-of-american-capitalism-by-bhu-srinivasan/comment-page-1/#comment-90">Tonya Thomas</a>. Dear Tonya, I am glad you enjoyed the posting, and thank you for sharing your feedback and thoughts! I couldn't agree with you more, and if there was a heart emoji available, I would hit it 1,000 times. Everything you said is true. We are the "greatest nation in the world," but our quality of life and living isn't ranked #1? Schools get shot up, and mostly anyone can walk into a store and purchase a gun. Kindly, Shawn
26.6.2024 03:02Comment on Final Thoughts: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by The Professional StudentIn reply to <a href="https://theprofessionalstudent.blog/2024/06/23/final-thoughts-americana-a-400-year-history-of-american-capitalism-by-bhu-srinivasan/comment-page-1/#comment-89">ivanhuffman</a>. Dear Ivan, The unknown is always a little scary, but I have hopes we can continue moving forward in the right direction. If not, then I fear our system will eventually collapse as the wealth gap gets larger and chaos will ensue. What kind of chaos? I am unsure. A civil war? Marshal Law? I think thats when it would hurt our nation. It is interesting to see how other countries react to their government when they do not agree. Imagine France when protests outbreak and buildings and vehicles get set on fire with huge outraged crowds. Imagine if that happened here. It isn't something I would ever wish for, but everyone has a breaking point and eventually enough people will reach theirs and act out in desperation because they feel there is no other alternative. Kindly, Shawn
26.6.2024 02:56Comment on Final Thoughts: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by The Professional StudentIn reply to <a href="https://theprofessionalstudent.blog/2024/05/25/first-thoughts-americana-a-400-year-history-of-american-capitalism-by-bhu-srinivasan/comment-page-1/#comment-88">ivanhuffman</a>. Dear Ivan, I can empathize with you; though I have not worked in an unhoused shelter, during my Army days, I have lived in different countries that Americans might look down on simply for their way of life. I've lived in buildings in Afghanistan that were made of literal sticks and mud and infested with rats. I slept on the floor and in a tent with over 500 people in the blazing desert of the Middle Eastern sun, and both of those situations could be considered luxurious, depending on your perspective. A shelter for the unhoused being compared to a dormitory in China really helps put things into perspective. Thank you again for sharing your unique perspective and thoughts! Kindly, Shawn
26.6.2024 02:51Comment on First Thoughts: Americana, A 400-Year History of American Capitalism By Bhu Srinivasan by The Professional StudentIn reply to <a href="https://theprofessionalstudent.blog/2024/06/21/the-shaping-americana-a-400-year-history-of-american-capitalism-by-bhu-srinivasan/comment-page-1/#comment-87">ivanhuffman</a>. Dear Ivan, I am glad that my blog resonated with you and your upbringing. Nothing is truly free. I think the notion of freedom is great as we are afforded many freedoms that others are not, but I also think it can be used as a controlling device to keep society in check, and by check, I mean keeping us separated, as you've pointed out. Thank you for your insights and for sharing a part of your upbringing. Kindly, Shawn
26.6.2024 02:47Comment on The Shaping: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by The Professional StudentIn reply to <a href="https://theprofessionalstudent.blog/2024/06/09/diving-in-americana-a-400-year-history-of-american-capitalism-by-bhu-srinivasan/comment-page-1/#comment-85">Zane Breeding</a>. Dear Zane, Our country was founded on religious freedom, but I do think capitalism comes in for a strong second, as evident by our history, which has largely been driven by capitalism. Tobacco use is decreasing while marijuana and THC based products are increasing, but vaping has also increased. It would be interesing to see if the same amount of people are still using some form of tobacco based products. Like tobacco in the early years, we didn't know its effects. I think the same can be said by vaping, as its often compared to as a "better" or "healthier" alternative. The aging rate (appearance) of those who vape in younger generations says otherwise. Thanks again for sharing your feedback and perspective! Kindly, Shawn
26.6.2024 02:41Comment on Diving In: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism By Bhu Srinivasan by The Professional Student<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawn,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good job on your final reflection! When I tell people that McDonald's actually doesn't make most of their money on sales they don't believe me. I tell them that franchises actually make that money and pay a percentage and sales and rent to the corporation for the right to use their name. McDonald's is the biggest real estate agent. They are also the biggest toy supplier. People are always "wowed" by that. I also like that you spoke about are money being taxed repeatedly until there is nothing less. Why is that we pay tax dollars for hospitals and such, but can't afford to go to the doctor. Why is the U.S. in so much debt and still borrowing money and individual citizens can't borrow money to buy houses and essentials. Why are so many people homeless and hungry but we can finance all these wars and people in different countries? I agree that humans are very greedy. The pursuit of money and happiness leads people to forget the important things about life, and blinds them from compassion for humankind. Life is just a breeze and somehow we don't even have time to enjoy what matters most in that time because of corporate greed. Thanks for sharing!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kind Regards,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tonya T. Thomas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->
25.6.2024 23:36Comment on Final Thoughts: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by Tonya Thomas<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawn,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really like your closing questions, such as will the wage gap get larger, will the American Dream disappear? I think the best answer to these questions is we don’t know. I think this is both a good and bad thing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good, because American’s have the right to the Pursuit of Happiness. Even Thomas Jefferson eluded that we will never be truly happy, humans are greedy, but we can pursue happiness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bad, because while we pursue happiness, and this American Dream we may be ruining our lives waiting for the next big thing, rather than appreciating what life has to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In such an individualistic county as America we have this opportunity to make our own life, rather than everyone else’s and to your point. When does this hurt us as a nation?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->
24.6.2024 19:48Comment on Final Thoughts: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan by ivanhuffmanWelcome back to The Professional Student! Today, I would like to take some time just to reflect on the previous 6 blogs. I don’t think I knew what I was getting into with the book I chose to do my reflection posts on, but I am a history fan. History is one of those things […]
23.6.2024 18:04Final Thoughts: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu SrinivasanWelcome back to The Professional Student, and thanks for stopping by to check out my book review! Reaching the end has been a long journey, but we are almost there. During my last post, I left with baby boomers and a booming economy, but those were not the only things booming! The middle class was […]
22.6.2024 22:59Wrapping Things Up: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu SrinivasanWelcome back to The Professional Student! I hope you’ve caught up on the previous book review blogs, but if not, no worries. We are going to keep moving forward and talk about a lot of highs and lows. We’re in the 20th century, and things have progressed rapidly in America. The early years of the […]
22.6.2024 20:54The Ups & Downs: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu SrinivasanWelcome back to The Professional Student! In my previous post, I discussed how America’s economy was built off slave labor, the development of the steam engine, the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the American Civil War, and more innovations that changed and reshaped the American landscape. Moving into part 2 of the book, there is […]
21.6.2024 23:49Urbanization, Corporate America, and Federal Regulations: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu SrinivasanWelcome back to The Professional Student. Today, I’ll be posting a few different entries to catch up on the reading I’ve been doing over the weeks, as I’ve enjoyed engulfing myself in the pages of the book. Moving past the colonization of America, the book progresses from the popularity and successful farming of tobacco to […]
21.6.2024 21:54The Shaping: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu SrinivasanMoving forward into the book’s first four chapters, I was quickly reminded of the history behind the United States and how it came about. Most of us know the story of the pilgrims coming over on the Mayflower. Still, I was fascinated to learn that the pilgrims were religious people who had left England and […]
9.6.2024 18:31Diving In: Americana A 400-Year History of American Capitalism By Bhu SrinivasanHello, and welcome back to The Professional Student! I’ve been slightly absent from posting as life has been busy, but that is about to change. In the third course of my Master of Entrepreneurship in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship program at WCU, Entrepreneurial Feasibility Analysis, students have been tasked with a book reflection assignment. The […]
25.5.2024 21:22First Thoughts: Americana, A 400-Year History of American Capitalism By Bhu Srinivasan