As you may know, big things are happening at SEED SPOT this month. On December 1st, Shannon McGhee stepped into the role of our organization’s Chief Executive Officer. She comes to SEED SPOT from mHUB, the leading independent hardtech innovation center in the United States. As she begins her tenure, we’re using today’s blog as an opportunity to introduce our community to Shannon. Recently, she met with our communications team for an interview, during which she discussed her goals for the organization and her thoughts on entrepreneurship.
Hi Shannon! Thank you so much for the time to meet with us. For those in our community who might not know you, I was just wondering if you could introduce yourself.?
My name is Shannon McGhee, the enthusiastic incoming CEO of SEED SPOT. While I’m new to this organization, I’m not new to this work in entrepreneurship or economic development. I’ve had the pleasure of spending the last decade plus in economic development.
I was a part of the founding team of a nonprofit incubator and venture-backed accelerator called mHUB. Our goal was to bring an incubator model to and close the investment gap for physical products as a mechanism for invigorating manufacturing in the Midwest.
I held successive roles at that organization, from leading marketing, to developing and leading our strategy to drive equitable access to entrepreneurship, to overseeing all programming and membership in the incubator side of the business. It was a challenging and fun ride, and I am so proud of what we built.
Broadly, my career has always been centered around connecting folks in marginalized communities with resources to help them navigate the structures that affect their everyday lives. First in public information and healthcare access, I have thoroughly enjoyed this last phase in economic development because I have come to understand that invention and ownership are two of the most powerful levers for economic mobility and then also equity.
At SEED SPOT, I’m excited to continue making an impact on entrepreneurs. Particularly in this moment when the fabric of resources for small businesses across the country is waning. Our organization is really well positioned to support entrepreneurs that might be left behind. In this work, I want to make sure that this country continues to push for the inclusive economy that Americans deserve.
What brought you to SEED SPOT?
At mHUB, I helped support manufacturing and product based businesses that were primarily venture capital-track. Entrepreneurs were solving problems to some of society’s biggest problems- in healthcare, climate and energy, and smart manufacturing. Though these ventures are essential to the economy, I’ve always felt a pull to support small businesses and entrepreneurs that are building on a community-level. I’m interested in how we can help these impact-driven small business owners be resilient and how we can help communities thrive. As a country, we will lose opportunities unless we continue to lean in and help business ownership be a dream that people can reach.
What do you see as the role of community in SEED SPOT’s work?
Well, the first is that entrepreneurship can be incredibly isolating and really hard, right? The odds are stacked against you. In my time working with entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that the way you get through that isolation is by building networks and comradery with other founders who are at your stage and with mentors who are just one step ahead of you. Regardless of just solving business problems and scaling businesses, humans need to connect.
One of the things that stands out about SEED SPOT is the community—the goodwill and support of the team, board, mentors, and alumni. That’s the hallmark of a successful entrepreneur support organization: holding and engaging a community of entrepreneurs who are willing to help each other navigate challenges.
On that point of connection, what are your hobbies outside of your work at SEED SPOT?
I’m really looking forward to spending more time in areas like Arizona and DMV and across the country where SEED SPOT has a strong history and density of founders. With that said, Chicago is where I call home. I love the city, especially its restaurant scene. My husband is a beekeeper, which keeps him tangential to the food and beverage industry. They sell honey to local breweries and local restaurants. So we really enjoy trying new restaurants, meeting the staff there, and building community.
Another thing I love is volleyball. I’ve played as an outside hitter my whole life and, though I’ve never really had height on my side, I still play recreationally today. In the summer our games are at North Avenue Beach and in the winter we play in school gyms through Chicago’s recreational volleyball leagues.
I also have a dog who’s nine years old now. His name’s Gonzo. My husband and I love going on long walks with him.
Lastly, I have a huge family and family has always been central to me. I have a ton of cousins and I spend a lot of time with them, celebrating birthdays and holidays. I also have a really strong network of friends. This idea of friends and family is really important to me.
All of us here at SEED SPOT are looking forward to Shannon’s leadership. Among many things, in the coming weeks she will be connecting with partners and getting to know our organization’s ecosystem. Exciting things are on the horizon for our organization and we’re looking forward to keeping our community connected in the coming year.
