By LIZ MARCHI
My baby girl is getting married a week from Saturday. Of course, she isn’t a baby, but a very strong young woman, hardworking and with a clear sense of what she wants in life. Her fiancé is a strong, kind and hardworking young man who clearly cares deeply for her. Together, they are more than the sum of the parts. I look so forward to sharing in the day she has planned so carefully for the last two years, to having my big southern family and friends invade Montana and to share in the joy of their commitment and values.
I think a lot about teams, partners and friends and what they enable us to do. As a “bossy” girl (now we know that means leader), I often felt if it was to be, it was up to me. I now think that is only a part of picture. One of the best of my life lessons has been to learn there really are people you can count on to make it bigger, better and more meaningful. And then there are those you can’t count on: so don’t.
Annie and Matt
Particularly in partnerships in business and life, don’t let yourself be emotionally sabotaged by someone you can’t count on. Move on, find your people and be productive. Don’t waste your emotional capital in anger or hurt, redirect those feelings to those who can and will share your passions, your ambitions and your values.
As I drive around Montana for Frontier Fund 2 and other endeavors, I am so energized by the partnerships and cross collaborations of groups and people who care so deeply about Montana’s future. Through the work of Hatch, Butte Innovates, One Montana, the Montana Women’s Foundation, The Blackstone Launchpad, Frontier Angel Fund, the Montana High Tech Alliance, Code Montana, Startup Weekends, Hellgate Venture Network and others strong partnerships are emerging to foster Montana’s prosperity, treasure our unique environment and work ethic and celebrate creativity.
The young talent in this state is astounding but most importantly they clearly are looking at Montana in global perspective. We are all on the same page that this is an extraordinary place and this is an extraordinary time to take hold of each other.
I wish my baby girl a rich and fruitful partnership knowing that the days that seem the darkest are the ones that enable the greatest joys. May the love that took root in Montana bloom and grow wherever you are.
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Liz Marchi lives on a ranch in Polson, Montana with her husband Jon. She is the Fund Coordinator for the Frontier Angel Fund and spends a lot of time thinking and learning about entrepreneurs, the economy and Montana’s unique place in the world. She has three daughters and a stepson and daughter and a grandchild. She graduated from Hollins College and is entering the final quarter of life…unless we go into overtime.