Meet John Wensveen, Ph.D | Chief Innovation Officer, NSU and Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Wensveen, Ph.D and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

All too often, I partake in discussions related to the topics of “rich” and “wealth” and there is a distinctive difference between the definitions. Conventional advice often dictates that to become wealthy, you must first become rich. I strongly disagree with this advice as I do not equate rich and wealth together. From my perspective, “rich” refers to having a high income or substantial financial resources implying a significant flow of money via a high-paying job, successful business ventures, or other sources of income. While others may define “wealth” as being asset-focused supported by ownership of valuable properties, investments, and other forms of capital, I wholeheartedly disagree. To me, “rich” refers to financial resources and “wealth” refers to non-monetary assets and resources including intellectual, social, health, time, and environmental wealth. I challenge those reading this article to ask a family member, friend, or colleague to ask them if they are rich or wealthy and see what the response brings. I am extremely wealthy!

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Starting a business is never easy and I love to be challenged especially when you are educated about trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting an industry need requiring a strategic solution. One should not start a business for sake of doing so but because it has impact, and this is what truly drives me. I like to consider myself an applied futurist, someone who uses knowledge of future trends, technology, and societal changes to make life for humankind better. My innovation mindset focuses on applying the principles of future studies and foresight to practical situations. I cannot predict the future, but I am positioned to analyze current trends and use that understanding to forecast potential future scenarios. Virtually all the businesses I’ve been associated with somehow advise on technological advancements, societal shifts, economic changes, or environmental factors that impact industry with local, regional, national, and international impact.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

I love taking risks as it is a calculated leap into the unknown. I’ve never been a 9-5 desk jockey and I thrive on constant change and organized chaos personally and professionally. Risk-taking involves a mix excitement, uncertainty, and the potential for growth. In my case, taking risks has been about stepping out of my comfort zone which has played a pivotal role in my development acting as a catalyst for learning and progress. I would never be where I am today if I did not take risks. Some of those risks were not well thought out while others were very calculated. I love to explore new ideas, dive into uncharted territories, and embrace opportunities that seem intimidating at first. As I get older, I continue to embrace risk and given lessons learned, I make more calculated decisions than ever before. I do my best to evaluate potential outcomes, understanding the consequences, and consider how much I’m willing to invest which includes time, effort, and resources. The risk-taking mentality has shaped my journey nudging me to adapt, learn, and evolve in ways I might not have otherwise.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

This is very interesting question as it forced me to think about good and bad habits which is really a due diligence exercise. Consistency, continuous learning, effective time management, resilience, and strong communication have been pivotal in my journey toward success. Establishing and maintaining routines aligned with my goals has kept me organized and focused, while a thirst for new knowledge has kept me adaptable in a rapidly evolving world. Prioritizing tasks, setting achievable goals, and embracing setbacks as learning opportunities have cultivated resilience, allowing me to bounce back stronger. Additionally, honing communication skills has been crucial in expressing ideas effectively and fostering collaborations. These habits collectively form a framework that promotes productivity, personal growth, and adaptability, driving my success in various aspects of life and career pursuits.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

I believe in making a lot of “firsts” happen that ultimately result in disruption in a positive way. Much of my success is based on going where others have not gone before knowing there will be successes and failures along the way. In my current role, I have had the ultimate freedom to design, build, and operate “The World’s First Theme Park for Entrepreneurs™” and the impact is local, regional, national, and international in scope. The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center) is a game changer and the only incubator/accelerator model in the world supporting all the Founder’s Journey through all four lifecycles of the entrepreneur including ideate, incubate, accelerate, and post-accelerate. We have proven to the world that it is possible to reverse engineer the success of an entrepreneur by defining the exit strategy in phase one and working backwards. We have figured out the “secret sauce” for success as it relates to breakthrough ideation, creation of new technologies, talent skills pipeline supporting emerging technologies, company formation, job creation, and scaling of businesses. A business can be successful if it has the “right” plan, “right” people, and “right” money. Our success is based on the ability to adapt to the constantly changing environment around us alongside fostering meaningful connections resulting in extensive professional networks acting as ambassadors for what we are building.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

The most pivotal lesson my career has instilled in me is the profound value of resilience. It is an understanding that setbacks and challenges aren’t dead ends but rather opportunities for growth. Embracing these moments as chances to pivot, adapt, and learn has been transformative. This mindset shift has not only helped me overcome professional hurdles but has also shaped my personal approach to facing adversity. Furthermore, it’s taught me the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness in navigating the dynamic landscape of business and life, emphasizing the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability for sustained success.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

There is no such thing! My response might open a great debate, but I truly believe there is no such thing as work life balance for an entrepreneur. Finding a work-life balance has been an evolving journey and I strive to maintain a healthier equilibrium between work and personal life for overall well-being, but it is a challenge. Entrepreneurs operate 24/7 constantly thinking about new ideas and building businesses. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint hearted which make us a special breed. I prioritize tasks efficiently during work hours which are generally 12-to-16-hour days, but work does follow me home and interrupts my sleep patterns. I do my best to be productive and effective and candidly, I need to do a better job of looking after myself. It is important to recognize when to disconnect from work, setting boundaries, and nurturing personal interests that recharge and rejuvenate me. Easier said than done!

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

For the current business I am involved with, the original vision to create an “innovation center” was spearheaded by Dr. George L. Hanbury III, President & CEO, Nova Southeastern University and a South Florida philanthropist and successful business leader, Alan B. Levan. Once I understood the initial vision, I was given the freedom to take it to the next level. The design and buildout of the 54,000 sq. ft. facility is based on the Founder’s Journey which also incorporates much of my own journey including the ups and downs. When I sat back to think about what we had the opportunity to build, it was a great opportunity to set one rule – there are no rules! Imagine creating a giant collision station that for the first-time forces entrepreneurs to collide with academia, industry, government, funders, wraparound services, professional networks, and more. We built and continue to build an economic development engine that ultimately leads to increased economic prosperity in South Florida.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

As a young child in school, I had a difficult time concentrating on the different subjects because I was “bored” and needed to be fueled with creative opportunities. Unfortunately, along my journey, I did not have a lot of mentorship opportunities to guide me and much of my success is based on trials and errors experienced. During my undergraduate studies, a professor saw something in me and gave me the freedom and flexibility to be creative outside of the standard curriculum and it was this moment in my life that I truly recognized my career pathway was not just going to be creative but a calling – a innate desire to express myself and have a unique contribution to the world. Creativity has this amazing ability to transcend boundaries founded on a passion for innovation and I cannot imagine what life would be like if I could not share my voice, vision, and perspectives with the world.

What are you inspired by?

As a Chief Innovation Officer and applied futurist, I am inspired by the boundless potential of human creativity and innovation. I find inspiration in the limitless creativity and innovation of humanity, witnessing individuals push boundaries across disciplines, from science and technology to the arts and humanitarian efforts. The resilience displayed in overcoming challenges, coupled with the determination to create positive change, serves as a constant source of motivation. Additionally, stories of compassion, empathy, and collective support within communities deeply move me, highlighting the inherent goodness and kindness within us. Nature’s intricate beauty and its delicate balance also inspire contemplation, reminding me of the importance of preserving our planet. These diverse sources of inspiration, from human endeavors to acts of kindness and the wonders of nature, continuously fuel my passion and drive. Despite all the “bad” we hear and see in today’s world which is portrayed via the media, there is more “good” than “bad” happening. Human survival isn’t guaranteed, but our ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate offers hope and I am optimistic, based on history, people will continue to be resilient. I am inspired about a thriving future and playing my part to make this a success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My current role is as the Chief Innovation Officer at Nova Southeastern University and the Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation. What sets our business apart is our innovative approach to entrepreneurship and innovation support. We’ve created a unique model known as Innovation Center 2.0, which provides comprehensive support to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from ideation to post-acceleration. This model combines academia, industry, government, funders, professional networks, and wraparound service providers to create a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on the local, regional, national, and international levels. Our center is a game-changer, and we’ve proven that it’s possible to reverse engineer the success of an entrepreneur by defining the exit strategy from the very beginning. We focus on breakthrough ideation, the creation of new technologies, talent skills pipelines, company formation, job creation, and scaling of businesses. Our success is based on having the “right” plan, the “right” people, and the “right” resources.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy, but it’s been immensely rewarding. Entrepreneurship is a challenging path, filled with ups and downs, but it’s the passion for innovation and a drive to make a positive impact that keeps me going. I’ve faced personal and professional obstacles along the way, but I’ve learned that setbacks and challenges are opportunities for growth. Embracing these moments, pivoting, and adapting have been essential to my success.

One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the value of resilience. Setbacks aren’t dead ends; they’re chances to pivot, adapt, and learn. This mindset shift has not only helped me overcome professional hurdles but has also shaped my personal approach to adversity. Flexibility and open-mindedness are crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of business and life. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential for sustained success.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we are dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating a positive impact on our community and beyond. Our mission is to empower individuals to dream big, think creatively, and achieve their entrepreneurial goals. We believe in the boundless potential of human creativity and innovation and strive to be a catalyst for positive change in the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation: Check-in at a beautiful hotel in the area.
Take a leisurely walk along the beach or waterfront to unwind after the journey.
Dinner at a local seafood restaurant to enjoy fresh catches of the day.

Day 2: Explore the Arts and Culture:
Visit the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to explore contemporary art and stunning architecture.
Lunch at a trendy cafe in the Wynwood Arts District, known for its colorful murals and vibrant atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon exploring Wynwood Walls, an outdoor art gallery showcasing urban street art.
Evening dinner and drinks in the heart of Miami’s vibrant nightlife scene, such as South Beach or the Design District.

Day 3: Nature and Adventure:
A day trip to the Everglades National Park for a thrilling airboat ride to spot wildlife like alligators and exotic birds.
Picnic lunch in the park or nearby nature reserve.
Return to the city and unwind at a spa or wellness center for some relaxation.

Day 4: Historic Exploration:
Explore the historic district of Coral Gables, known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and charming streets.
Visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and stroll through the lush gardens.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local Italian restaurant in Coral Gables.

Day 5: Day Trip to the Florida Keys:
Take a scenic drive to Key West, enjoying breathtaking views along the Overseas Highway.
Visit popular attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square, and Duval Street.
Savor fresh seafood for dinner at a waterfront restaurant with sunset views.

Day 6: Beach and Water Activities:
Spend the day at one of the beautiful beaches in the area, like South Beach or Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, or paddleboarding.
Lunch at a beachside cafe.
Evening cocktails at a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the coastline.

Day 7: Culinary Delights:
A foodie tour exploring local cuisine and culinary hotspots.
Visit the local farmers’ market in the morning to sample fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Try diverse dishes from various cultures at different restaurants throughout the day.
Wrap up the trip with a farewell dinner at a gourmet restaurant.

Throughout the week, I would also make sure to introduce my friend to some of the most interesting and exciting people in the area, such as fellow entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. We’d attend networking events and local gatherings to connect with like-minded individuals and soak up the vibrant local culture.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Larry McCann: Dr. McCann was my professor during my undergraduate studies, and his mentorship and belief in me had a profound impact on my life. He saw my potential and encouraged my creativity, setting me on the path to entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Team at Nova Southeastern University: I am fortunate to work with an incredible team at NSU, including President & CEO Dr. George L. Hanbury III and philanthropist Alan B. Levan. Their support and vision for the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation have allowed me to bring my ideas to life and make a positive impact.

The Concept of Innovation Center 2.0: The concept of creating an innovation center that supports entrepreneurs throughout their entire journey, from ideation to successful exit or global expansion, is something I’m proud to be a part of. It’s a forward-thinking model that can bring economic prosperity to regions worldwide.

The Power of Resilience: The most important lesson I’ve learned in my career is the value of resilience. Embracing setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth has been transformative for me, both professionally and personally.

The Boundless Potential of Human Creativity: I’m continually inspired by the limitless creativity and innovation of humanity. Whether it’s witnessing individuals push boundaries across disciplines or the compassion and kindness displayed within communities, these sources of inspiration drive my passion and drive for innovation.

So, I dedicate my shoutout to these elements and individuals who have shaped my journey and contributed to my success. Their support, mentorship, and the innovative spirit of entrepreneurship have been instrumental in where I am today.

Website: https://www.nova.edu/innovation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sflinnovation/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwensveen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFLinnovation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sflinnovation

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfIEDp2OPRN0-SkA-XqSR3A

Image Credits
Levan Center of Innovation