Leading LeveUp’s Entrepreneurship Project at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Berlin was a truly rewarding experience. Watching a group of teenagers come together, eager to learn and grow, reminded me why I’m passionate about this work.
We started each day with a touch of MAGIC—Meditations, Affirmations, Gratitude, Intentions, and Creativity. It was a simple way to set the tone for the day. Meditation helped everyone settle into the present moment, creating a space where they could focus. Affirmations gave them a boost of confidence, reminding them that they were capable of tackling challenges. Taking a moment for gratitude grounded us all, making us aware of the support and opportunities we had. Setting intentions helped the teens think about what they wanted to achieve that day. Finally, creativity exercises encouraged them to think outside the box, opening their minds to new possibilities.
As the day progressed, the teens threw themselves into their projects. They brainstormed, built, tested, and pitched ideas with a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty. Mistakes happened—often—but instead of seeing frustration, I saw determination. I encouraged them to embrace our mantra: “Fail Fast, Fail Frequently, and Fail Forward.” It was heartening to watch them begin to understand that failure wasn’t something to be feared, but something to learn from. Each stumble became an opportunity to grow, to refine their ideas, and to move forward with a little more wisdom.
By the end of the project, I could see the growth in each participant.
They had not only picked up new skills but also gained a deeper understanding of themselves and the entrepreneurial journey. They learned that success doesn’t come from avoiding mistakes but from learning and adapting as they go.
For me, leading this project was about more than teaching business skills. It was about helping these teens build resilience, confidence, and a mindset that will serve them well in whatever they choose to do next.
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