This week, Nancy introduced me to Greg Fripp, who founded Whispering Roots. Listening to Greg tell his story encouraged me to look back on my summer school teaching experience in a new light. Greg shared how he takes the same types of aquaponics system to each classroom or setting and yet, each time there is a different application. It depends on the needs of the learners and the teacher. It made me reflect on each of my entrances to the classroom, did I have that kind of mindset or did I have an agenda to run through?

Beyond that, Greg talked about meeting with partners and asking them what they do the best. Most of the time, they mention more than 8 things they “do”. When he focuses on what they do best, they smile and give him 1-2 things they do. Then he directs his attention to these things and works towards using these assets in his organization. I thought it was a great way to assess potential partners to see how we can work together.

Here is a great article about Greg and his work at Whispering Roots.