Joe Callahan: The Importance of “Managing Your Ecosystem”

On Oct. 23, Joe Callahan, founder of Ciright Digital Media, addressed an audience of aspiring Wake Forest entrepreneurs.
Callahan emphasized the importance of establishing a strong team in a
startup. “Being an entrepreneur is all about managing your ecosystem,”
advised Callahan, a Philadelphia native who received a dual B.S. in
engineering and information systems technology from Drexel University.
Callahan’s startup, Ciright Digital Media, focuses on serving the
needs of global brands and local companies by providing innovative
digital display solutions that improve localized marketing investments.
“It’s the people in the equation who are going to determine whether
you are going to be a successful entrepreneur,” said Callahan, who
manages 110 employees. “Hiring the wrong person is the biggest risk
[because his or her] goals are not aligned with those of the
enterprise.”
According to Callahan, anyone can become an entrepreneur in today’s
economy—as long as they have passion and emotional intelligence. “Being
able to read others…that cannot be outsourced.”
“You have more time now than you ever will again,” Callahan said.
“Seize the moment. Find the passion you want to follow and pull together
the people you need to chase that dream.”