Walking into TeachStreet World Headquarters on Day One of my summer internship, I had no idea what to expect.  Having only worked within large corporations prior to business school, I felt energized by the opportunity to experience a workplace where a mere handful of people run, sustain, and comprise an entire company.  While looking at different startups during my first year of business school, I had initially been drawn to TeachStreet’s focus on making lifelong education opportunities marketable and accessible to students of every age.  TeachStreet seemed the perfect example of a company utilizing deep experience in development and online marketing strategy best practices (e.g. SEO) to achieve a strong social end.  By Day Two, it was clear to me that not only does TeachStreet bring this clear and meaningful mission effectively to communities around the country; it also presents to teachers and students nationwide a helpful and (wouldn’t you know it?) a downright practical online product, powered by a team of brilliant, passionate (and really fun) people.

As I return to school, I’ll no doubt continue to reflect on the ways that each member of this small but impressive team brings something distinct and absolutely essential to TeachStreet:

Jenn’s incredible way of instantly understanding customer concerns and communicating the most effective, clear approach to solving them.  Phil’s lightning-fast reflexes with changes to the code base and calming / encouraging presence through every launch.  Joseph’s awesome laugh, and passion for developing a vibrant community with truly rich class offerings and dedicated teachers.  Daryn’s athletic “skills” and steadfast dedication to getting every detail ready for each launch (even if it means working in the office every night of the week into the wee hours of the morning, away from his adorable baby girl).  Scott’s keen ability to keep new ideas for development in check, ensuring they align as closely as possible with TeachStreet’s overall mission.  Steve’s awesome ideas, and razor-sharp wit and pingpong serve-angles.  Dave’s ability to generate energy and collective buy-in across the entire team through transparency and open decision-making sessions, while managing his team with that essential and all-too-rare combination of inspiring direction and humor.  Sanford’s brilliant way of articulating new and exciting project-ideas during early-morning brainstorming sessions, getting us all to share in his excitement for the TeachStreet student experience.  Greg’s perpetual creativity in designing the site, and in his wookie impressions.  Harold’s warmth and level-headed take on even the most complex problems.  Natala’s uncanny knack for balancing the goals of product management, marketing, and product strategy all simultaneously, all while never losing her contagious smile and unwavering passion for the user experience.

Most of all, it’s a pretty amazing experience to be a part of a team where the “big picture” is so thoroughly embraced in each action taken by every employee – every phone call,  meeting, conversation, and keystroke at TeachStreet World Headquarters is fueled by genuine passion for what we’re doing.  As I head back east to my second and final year of business school, TeachStreet headquarters will undoubtedly be the image that comes to mind when I visualize what awesome intention, vision, and execution looks like in an organization.  But perhaps even more importantly, TeachStreet will be the image I will carry of what a truly great team of people looks like, where each individual’s specific set of talents complements and even enhances those of his/her colleagues (Quick, someone please, what rhymes with “synergy”?!).

Thanks for an awesome summer, Team TeachStreet.  I love you guys.