Insights from Entrepreneur Becca Brown at USF St. Petersburg
TAMPA — Becca Brown, an inspiring figure in the entrepreneurial landscape, took center stage at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus this past Monday. Known for her appearance on the popular TV series Shark Tank and as the CEO of the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, Brown shared her entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable lessons and insights.
A Night of Networking and Inspiration
Brown’s visit formed part of the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship’s Conversation with a Founder speaker series, designed to connect students with influential leaders who are shaping the business environment in Tampa Bay. The evening kicked off with a VIP reception, where attendees were welcomed by David Blackwell, the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the USF Muma College of Business. He commended the Nault Center for its commitment to community outreach and for organizing events that enrich student learning.
Key Insights from Becca Brown’s Journey
Following the reception, the atmosphere turned electric as Brown engaged in a fireside chat with Allen Clary, the executive director of the Nault Center. Their discussion delved deep into Brown’s journey with Solemates, her innovative company that creates products to help women avoid sinking into grass while wearing high heels. When asked about her experience pitching on Shark Tank, Brown shared a pivotal lesson: the importance of authenticity in business.
“Authenticity is always going to rule supreme when you’re building a business,” she noted, emphasizing that her genuine approach made all the difference during her audition. This insight resonated deeply with the audience, as Brown recounted how the show’s producers responded positively to her authenticity.
Student Reactions and Learning
The feedback from students attending the event was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated Brown’s candid remarks and relatable experiences as she navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. Alonso Ramirez, a student present at the event, captured the spirit of the evening by stating, “Whatever you want to do in life, you want to see if people have done it before, and if you can use their advice as a shortcut to where you want to be.” His recommendation for fellow students to attend such events highlighted the value of learning from seasoned entrepreneurs.
José Sarmento echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on how Brown’s talk resonated on a personal level. “It was one of those conversations that felt real — not about success formulas or polished stories, but about courage, strength, and authenticity,” Sarmento remarked. “The biggest lesson I learned is that authenticity is a strength, often forgotten.”
Engaging with Students Post-Event
After the formal discussion, Brown generously stayed back to engage with students one-on-one, answering their questions directly. The queries ranged from her insights on the future of artificial intelligence to how her Shark Tank experience continued to influence her business once the cameras stopped rolling. This personal interaction fostered an environment of learning and connection, allowing students to gain firsthand knowledge from a successful entrepreneur.
Upcoming Opportunities
The Conversation with a Founder series continues to be a hallmark initiative of the Nault Center, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students. Those interested in attending future events can find more information on the Nault Center’s calendar. Additionally, students can follow the center’s social media platforms or join BullsConnect for updates.
This engagement with Becca Brown exemplifies the Nault Center’s commitment to enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tampa Bay, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring business leaders.
