A day with Defy Ventures has been among the most meaningful of my life. I’m on the Board of Defy Ventures. This winter I’d like Esteemed members to see why. If you lead a business and aren’t a member, you’re welcome too. Defy’s sign up form is open to everyone.
On Wednesday, February 3, 2027, Defy SoCal returns to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego for a Business Coaching Day. It is Defy’s first Business Coaching Day at RJD in about a year and a half. Sign up and clearance paperwork are due Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
What Defy Ventures Does
Defy Ventures runs entrepreneurship programs for people who are or have been incarcerated. On its site, Defy describes its mission as cutting recidivism in half by using entrepreneurship to increase economic opportunity and transform lives. You can read more at defyventures.org.
What Happens at a Business Coaching Day
You spend the day with Entrepreneurs in Training, called EITs. They are building their futures through Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program. According to Defy, volunteers help EITs in three ways.
- Polish their resumes and personal statements
- Refine early business ideas
- Build confidence through connection and conversation
Defy also describes icebreakers and empathy building moments through the day. Then the EITs showcase their business concepts.
Why It Matters for a Leader
I teach my students in The Esteemed MBAi that empathy is the superpower of an inspiring leader. It is also a difficult muscle to build. A day with the EITs at Richard J. Donovan is a booster shot of pure empathy.
You bring your experience running a business and your attention. The EITs bring the courage.
The Details
- Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2027
- Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm PT
- Location: Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, San Diego, CA
- Getting there: Volunteers drive themselves and arrive at the prison at 9:00am
- Deadline: Sign up and clearance paperwork by Tuesday, November 17, 2026
How to Sign Up
Defy keeps every step on one page. First, fill out the sign up form. Second, review and sign the volunteer waiver, which Defy requires for all participants. Third, click the button marked Continue to Clearance Paperwork and complete the clearance paperwork.
Because this is a correctional facility, the clearance paperwork matters. Give yourself time to finish it before November 17. Questions about the day go to the Defy SoCal team. Their contact is on the sign up page.
Sign up for the February 3 Business Coaching Day
Members and any leader who wants to coach are welcome. If February doesn’t work for you, that’s fine too. There’s no pressure in this invitation. If it does, I think you’ll find it’s a day you won’t forget.
Be Esteemed.
Gary Peterson
Executive Director, Esteemed
Board Member, Defy Ventures