Pono Shim is a gifted storyteller who is known for using illustrations to connect with his audiences. Pono believes that the majority of social issues facing individuals, organizations, local, national and international communities are symptoms of deeper problems that can and must be addressed today. In 2009, he was asked to take over the leadership of Enterprise Honolulu. At the time, the organization was in serious financial distress and had lost favor with the local community. Pono has deployed techniques of transforming the organization’s culture, collectively known as ADHOC (Aloha Defines Hawai`i’s Organizational Culture). Today, the organization is financially stable and considered an influential leadership hub in the state. Pono considers his exposure to Hawai`i leadership philosophies as a child to be the backbone to his ideas, actions and words.
He currently serves on more than 15 boards of directors and is an advisor of both nonprofits and private companies, as well as task forces, including: the Friends of Iolani Palace, Hawaii Public Charter School Network, University of Hawaii — West Oahu Council of Advisors, Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Steering Committee, Chamber of Commerce Public Health Fund Advisory Board, Malama Hawaii Advisory Board, Manehu Leo, Governing Board Member and Manager of Punawai ‘O Pu’uhonua, Envision Hawaii, Pa’i Foundation Advisory Board, Hawaii Green Growth Initiative Steering Committee Member, Tesoro Refinery Task Force and PUC IRP Advisory Group Member.
Pono is a leader who is working to bridge the members of our community. Pono was selected as one of Hawaii Business Magazine’s 2010-20 for 20 and identified as one of Hawai`i’s top 20 Break Out Leaders for the Next 20 Years. In 2012, Pono successfully led the efforts of Punawai O Puuhonua’s New Market Tax Credit Application and was awarded a $40 million allocation for economic development in low-income communities for Hawai`i.
We are looking forward to an insightful hour with Pono and our growing community of social entrepreneurs. See you at The Manifest next Tuesday, May 7, at 8 a.m. for free breakfast and an engaging discussion. Bring a friend! If you can’t make it, follow us live on Twitter @EnvisionHawaii and tweet using the hashtag #1stTuesday.
Q: What is The Manifest?
A: A modern coffee shop by day and a culturally sophisticated cocktail bar by night. And it’s our new First Tuesdays venue!
Q: Where is The Manifest located?
A: Chinatown/Downtown Honolulu. Their address is 32 North Hotel Street, Honolulu 96817.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Unfortunately, no. A cheap parking option is any of the municipal parking garages. You can see all your Chinatown parking options here.
About First Tuesday
First Tuesday is a free event for social entrepreneurs that features guest speakers every month from 8 to 9 a.m. Join other like-minded innovators for free breakfast and coffee to discuss key topics that are essential for organizational and business sustainability. Our goal is have an interactive conversation with the intention of inspiring, encouraging and motivating positive action.
