This past week, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking alongside some incredibly talented authors, entrepreneurs, doers, and thinkers at Rethink GNV, a day centered around “rethinking” the Gainesville, FL entrepreneurial ecosystem. Developed by the team at Student Maid, a cleaning and concierge service in the college town that has quickly become a community leader, the event was started to encourage the community to come together for a day of inspiration, connection, and learning.

What was a smashing success for the Gainesville community last week could, and most definitely should, be shared with the entrepreneurial community at large, so I have gathered exceptional quotes shared from the crowd at the event (through #rethinkgnv on Twitter) that will help you rethink your own city, business, and life.

Here you go!

1)  Jon Gordon, author of the worldwide mega bestseller “The Energy Bus” and President of The Jon Gordon Companies

“I believe you shouldn’t have a plan B when you’re going after your dreams.”

2)  Jessica Ekstrom, Founder of Headbands of Hope

“Awareness is only skimming the surface of change.”

3) Greg S. Reid, #1 Bestselling Author (most recently of “Stickability”) and ambassador to the Napoleon Hill Foundation

“Our greatest success usually comes one step after our greatest setbacks.”

4) James T. Robilotta, Leadership Speaker and Coach

“Role models are tangible and transparent. Heroes are not.”

5) Nick Friedman, Founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Author of “Effortless Entrepreneur”

“I tried finding the gap between wanting a job and knowing that ‘work sucks’.”

6) Tammy Tibbetts, Founder of She’s The First

“Leverage the power of your earlier self. It’s all about confidence over competence.”

7) Me! (Jared Kleinert), Co-Author and Co-Founder of 2 Billion Under 20

“There are many things that need fixing. If we all do a small part, we can really change the world.”

8)Peter Van Stralen, CEO of Sunshine Brands

“Life is not a career. It’s a mission.”

9) Christina Wallace, Program Director at the American Museum of Natural History

“Don’t be afraid to run for the bus.”

10) Charlie Hoehn – Author of “Play It Away” and “Recession-Proof Graduate”

“Life is not something that you tip toe around. Life is something for you to lean into and embrace.” 

11) Antonio Neves, Founder of THINQACTION and Co-Founder of The Ignition Lab

“If someone has ever asked you, “Hey, when did you get here?”, you don’t have charisma.”

12) Kristen Hadeed, Founder of Student Maid 

“Word of advice: don’t mix ammonia and bleach.”