Mike Panesis, Professor and Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at California Lutheran University, was recently awarded The Most Influential Leaders Award by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal for the second year in a row. This award, which was also given to Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler and President Chris Kimball of Cal Lutheran, honors leaders who have contributed the most to entrepreneurial energy in the San Fernando, Conejo Valley, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. To celebrate Mike we asked him some personal questions.
What's your earliest memory? I was 4-5, probably. Looking out the window of the house I grew up in, saw kids from the neighborhood going to school, wished I could go, too.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for? I’ll answer this question later, because it I had to choose something, it would be procrastinating.
What was your closest brush with death? Once swam in shark-infested waters in Hawaii. Didn’t see the warning sign until after I came out of the water.
What are some small things that make your day better? 1) Seeing students I know while walking on Regals Way 2) Cancelled meetings I didn’t really want to go to in the first place; 3) Having a chance to talk with friends and colleagues without an agenda.
What near-future event are you most looking forward to? Startup Weekend Conejo Valley, Nov 3, 4 & 5, http://www.startupweekendconejovalley.com.
What are you currently ... reading? Last book I read for fun was Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography....
Realizing? That my e-mail inbox will never again be empty. ☹
When's the last time you took a nap? Probably the last time I sat in my recliner to watch a football game on TV. I’ve rarely gotten through an entire game without taking a nap at some point.
What's the last nice thing a stranger did for you? Let me make a difficult left turn on Ventu Park Rd. in T.O.
What's worth spending more on to get the best? Anything you’re passionate about.
What should everyone do at least once in their lifetime? Spend a week at Disney World. It’s impossible to leave unhappy.
Last text you wrote? Telling my daughter I’m making one of her favorite meals when she comes home from college this weekend.
Operated by California Lutheran University in Westlake Village, CA, Hub101 offers coworking, community and mentorship for entrepreneurs and small business owners to start, grow and scale their startups with the help of mentors, coaches and service providers. #StartSomething
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