Andrew Hyde - Latest Comments in Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Robby Grossman — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:20:21 -0000

Leeds folk,

I met Andrew at OSCON 2008 and have been following him ever since. His blog is an indispensable resource for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and he's always excited to help out when I write to him. Trust me, you want him as much as he wants you.

--Robby

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Tom Chikoore — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:01:50 -0000

My B-school experience taught me that to be successful, one has to have the capability to make something out of nothing. Andrew has an outstanding track record of being able to make a whole lot of things out of nothing. There are numerous examples, however, Startup Weekend and Techstars are two example that I have witnessed first hand. Andrew's leadership skills, community organization skills and creativity will be a great asset to your B-school class and the University as a whole.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Jed White — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:47:54 -0000

To the good folks at Leeds,

You already say that Boulder is one of the most entrepreneurial communities in the country.

Well, Andrew is one of the reasons why.

My partner and I moved here from the other side of the planet to launch a new startup for just that reason. The whole community has been incredibly welcoming. But Andrew has just been amazing. Between his blog, his tweets, Ignite and hackspace and startupweekend and everything else he does, he's part of the glue and the spark for the local startup community.

Being a startup entrepreneur can be lonely. Trying to meet people and break into a new community can be tough. Andrew has made both easier.

He lives and breathes entrepreneurship every day in the most practical way imaginable.

For him to be part of the entrepreneurship program at CU would just be the rightest thing in the world.

All the best,
Jed

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Grant — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:06:46 -0000

I know it can be cliché sometimes to say that someone thinks differently, but Andrew truly does. His ability to look at a situation, product, company, whatever and come up with new and creative thoughts and input toward solving problems or achieving goals always amazes me. I think the only way he's able to do that is his passion for doing good work and his passion for connecting and helping people.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Scott Andreas — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:00:12 -0000

I had the pleasure of working and traveling with Andrew in the UK, some of his partners in the US, and in New Zealand. Conversations with him reveal both a broad perspective of his industry and an uncommon depth of insight.

Perhaps more importantly, he's fantastic at execution - Andrew will either tear into a project himself, find someone who can help make it happen, and get it done.

World-renowned alchemist. Would work with again, A++++.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Jan Kabili — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:46:53 -0000

I've known and admitted Andrew Hyde for several years. He is a special person--creative, charismatic, and wise beyond his years. He would be a true asset to your school.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

DavidCohen — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:45:57 -0000

Dear CU:

Andrew is a huge part of the Boulder startup community. He organizes many local events and puts his heart and soul into each one. Startup Weekend, his creation, has become a worldwide phenomenon. His work at TechStars has been strong - he's helped make us more accessible to the world by being out IN the world. If anyone understands the spirit of entrepreneurship, it's Andrew.

Take a chance on Andrew. It's a small chance. It will pay off.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Lisa Williams — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:38:23 -0000

To any admissions personnel at the Leeds School of Business, and anybody else who happens by:

Hi! My name is Lisa Williams, and I got to know Andrew during the summer of 2008 when I was participating in a Boulder, CO-based startup incubator program called TechStars.

What impressed me about Andrew was his commitment to what might be called a "startup way of life." I learned about his involvement with Startup Weekend, and TechStars, and his own independent projects, some of which were commercial and some of which weren't.

Andrew frequently volunteered his time, talent, and efforts to others' startups, and as a result he's in a unique position: he's probably seen far more innovative web initiatives, commercial and noncommercial, than the average person.

Harvard could have him; the MIT Sloan School could have him -- but Leeds ought to have him because of his commitment to the Boulder startup scene. I'd be perplexed if he wasn't accepted.

Best,

Lisa Williams
Placeblogger.com

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Ian Thomas — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:34:02 -0000

Just by looking at how many positive recommendations have been given is such short a time gives you a small sense of how many people Andrew has collaborated with, helped in some way, or inspired etc.

Andrew is a rare fellow who is is kind, intelligent, creative and remarkably accomplished . He's a sure boon to any project and will be a valued asset at your program while he's there and for many years beyond.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

InhaleExhale — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:39:59 -0000

Andrew is one of the most creative, smart, and generous people I know. It reflects well on Leeds that Andrew has decided that graduate work in your program is a good fit for his goals and aptitudes.

Best of luck in being able to attract Andrew to your program. If he applies elsewhere, those other programs will do their best to seduce him away from you.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Ryan Wanger — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:27:04 -0000

CU Adminssions, please do not accept Andrew Hyde. For if you do, he will have substantially less time to devote to organizing startup weekends, ad hoc conferences, social outings, communal hack sessions, evangelizing the Boulder community and startup scene, and offering insightful opinions, advice, and help to those in need.

Do NOT take our startup leader!

On second thought, maybe you should. I wouldn't want him forced out of town in pursuit of an MBA....

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Chel Wolverton — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:34:18 -0000

CU Admissions,

You cannot find a better candidate for your program than Andrew. His talent and inspiration of bringing communities together to create sustainable business is remarkable.

Bringing him to your community will help him to learn and inspire other students as well.

I wholeheartedly recommend his placement.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Kevin Owocki — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:29:39 -0000

I can't think of a better place for Andrew than Leeds. Going to such a fantastic business school will help bring Andrew's business Acumen to the next level.

And, I also can't think of a better applicant to CU than Andrew. Andrew is smart, creative , and thoughtful. He will truly make a great student, and mentor to other students.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

An Bui — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:29:09 -0000

I've known Andrew Hyde since Jan '08, when I met him at Seattle Startup Weekend. Since then, he has continually impressed me by hs ability to take an idea, develop it, get others to buy into and support it, and make something happen. In addition to Startup Weekend, his work with Boulder.me, the tech talent recruiting/networking let's-bring-talent-to-Boulder event, strengthened the ties within the local entrepenurial community as well as introduced talent to Boulder and vice versa.

He can engage on a highly intellectual level and I expect he'll have interesting perspectives to add in a classroom -- or a hallway. Andrew doesn't do things the hard way or the easy way; he does things the right way, a way driven by thoughtful action and values.

He'll continue to do great things, and I very much look forward to seeing them unfold.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Lucretia M Pruitt — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:04:22 -0000

To the Admissions Committee, Colorado Leeds School of Business:

If you've read this far, you are already aware that Mr. Hyde is well regarded by his peers, his community, and those who have had the pleasure to work with him. Additionally, you are also aware that he is approaching your application process as he does any other new challenge - with the refreshing creativity and ingenuity to engineer not only successful results, but also through enlisting the aid of those around him to make sure that the solution encompasses many viewpoints.

It has been my pleasure to recommend Andrew in more than one situation to someone as yet unfamiliar with his genius. I am happy to say that in the instances where I have, he has never let me down and has exceeded the expectations of those who have taken my recommendation.

Mr. Hyde is the sort of original thinker who many describe as someone who "thinks outside the box." I'd go so far as to say that they are understating his viewpoint. He doesn't merely think "outside" the box - he sees the box, realizes where it can be improved and where its strengths are, constructs a new box incorporating those strengths while replacing the weaknesses with innovative new ideas, and then teaches others to use the box in ways they hadn't previously considered.

Would he provide an asset to your Graduate Program? Undoubtedly. I'm sure that it won't take very long for his fellow classmates and instructors to agree once they've worked with him.

Best,
L. M. Pruitt

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Ken Oatman — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:33:43 -0000

I'm literally Andrew's next door neighbor, and I've learned a lot about modern community from him in several novel ways. First, when I started digging into social media, I immediately found how engaged Andrew was in the medium via Brightkite, after plugging in my own address there, and finding his footprints. Wow. This whole process has actually made me more social in the real world, which is exactly why I'm now a proponent of social media.

So I might not have gotten to know and 'follow' @andrewhyde, and lots of other people, if not for his example. Do you know anyone so creative that they're able to drag their semi-hermit neighbors out of their cave by example alone?

Since then, I've followed Andrew on Twitter, LinkedIn, Brightkite, Facebook...(what else?) and it's inspiring! Plus, we're not the kind of neighbors that walk past each other silently anymore, because I KNOW him, and learn from him, and want to be part of the community web he weaves so charismatically.

He's a bonus to my little community here in West Boulder, right next to the mountain, and trails, and we've been circling each other on a few minor community-building projects both online and off. Who better to represent Leeds as a stellar example of creativity, commitment, and engagement?

Andrew, thanks for the almost-instantaneous reply regarding our housing issue tonight via Twitter DM. It'll be nice to have your input on that.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Brian — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:59:53 -0000

Honestly, I think Startup Weekend alone should be enough to get you in. There are many things a School of Business can and should learn from innovative, creative thinkers (and DOers!) like yourself.

So in advance, cograts on getting in!

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Larry McKeogh — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:49:49 -0000

Dear CU Admission Folks:
You should snap Andrew Hyde up without reservation. As you have read from the comments above and those sure to follow Andrew is an eclectic individual. He buoys those around him either physically or mentally which has helped raise the Boulder Tech community to national status.

I for one would hate to have him apply and accept an opportunity outside of Boulder. This town would take a step backwards. I am speaking as a graduate whose has observed many changes over the years in Boulder.

Larry McKeogh
CU - BSEE, 1994

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Brett Borders — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:20:40 -0000

Dear CU Admissions,

Andrew is driven. I have no doubt he'll be a very successful business student who'll one day donate libraries, computer labs and maybe even an international airport to the Leeds School of Business.

Accepting him will be a good investment.

Just do it!

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Alex B. — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:35:38 -0000

Dear CU Admissions,

Despite knowing Andrew purely from his online presence (this blog, Twitter, Flickr, etc.), I would highly recommend that you admit him into your program. As you will see, he is exceptionally creative, hard working, informative, and helpful. The skill set that he displays on a daily basis (everything from clear, concise writing to masterful networking), and his proven track record for success, leaves no doubt in my mind that he will thrive in your graduate program.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

George Tziralis — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:19:59 -0000

Hi from Athens, Greece, I happen to met Andrew in the Start-up Weekend he organized in Athens and I was happy enough to spent some time with him, discussing -among others- how to create the "Start-up MBA" (a longer version of a Start-up Weekend).
To put it simply, Andrew is an enabler and if I were you I'd not just accept his application, but in parallel I'd hire him to bring my students closer to the fantastic world of entrepreneurship; the rest being history.

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Joanne White — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:49:32 -0000

Admissions officer,
Leeds School of Business

Andrew Hyde has many of those qualities which simply can't be taught, and which are key to a successful entrepreneur and businessperson.

Andrew manages diverse and complex relationships from a personal through to business acquaintance level with panache, experience and a professional balance which is an extremely rare commodity. His personality is magnetic and approachable, and his enthusiasm engenders the same in those who work with him.

His professionalism is undeniable, yet his personability invites people to take steps beyond their comfort zone. He both encourages and incites confidence in those around him.

As a current graduate student at CU, I believe Andrew exemplifies qualities directly in line with those sought by the University in achieving its Flagship 2030 goals. I am very pleased to be able to recommend Andrew for admission to your program.

Joanne White
Graduate Student/ TA
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Colorado at Boulder

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

lizwalk — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:48:46 -0000

Dear CU,

As a CU alum with both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University, I heartily recommend Andrew Hyde. His creativity and connection to the world of NOW is what is sorely needed at my alma mater. His ability to organize and execute strategy in the start-up world is amazing. You will be lucky to get him. Plus the PR value of his attendance at Leeds will increase the college's relevance in today's business environment.

Liz Walker

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Heather Capri — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:35:51 -0000

Dear CU,

As a native Boulder resident and fellow CU alumna, I am honored to recommend Andrew Hyde to the Leeds School of Business graduate program. Boulder is indeed "one of the most entrepreneurial communities in the country," and I can attest that Andrew is one of the most community-driven and community-fostering people in Boulder.

Andrew's ability to organize and ignite others to be proactively involved in their respective communities, entrepreneurial or otherwise, has been recognized and applauded by people across the globe.

Andrew is bright and friendly, and his charisma is magnetic. He will be a valued addition to your program.

Respectfully,
Heather Capri Buna
Electrical Engineering, 2004

Re: Colorado Leeds School of Business Application

Len Kendall — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:02:53 -0000

A significant part of the business school culture is networking. Clearly AH has mastered that art with the above. I strongly encourage his acceptance and know it would be an excellent investment for your program.