We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cole Gibbs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cole, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a culmination of experiences and a mindset I’ve nurtured over time. Stemming from a combination of innate determination and the valuable lessons that have shaped my journey. Early on, I learned that every setback is an opportunity for growth.
During my entrepreneurial journey, setbacks were inevitable. Facing rejection, and moments where things seemed impossible became my teacher. Each obstacle was an opportunity to adapt, learn, and refine our approach at Dama. It’s not just about bouncing back; it’s about evolving, taking lessons from failures, and moving forward with newfound wisdom.
My passion for sustainability and my belief in our mission is the fuel that drives my resilience. When you’re fueled by a vision to make a positive impact, setbacks become stepping stones, failures become lessons, and challenges become opportunities to innovate.
The unwavering support from mentors, colleagues, and a dedicated team has also been crucial. Surrounding myself with resilient, motivated individuals has been an incredible source of strength.
Ultimately, resilience is a muscle that strengthens with every challenge. It’s about facing adversity head-on, learning from it, and using that knowledge to propel forward, stronger and more determined than before.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Certainly! As the CEO of Dama BioPlastics, I am Cole Gibbs, and my journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to sustainable innovation. Leading Dama, I am on a mission to revolutionize biomaterials and contribute to a greener future. Dama’s flagship product, Dama Black, Co-Created with Adam Dietrich, Director of Material Science, is a carbon-negative biomaterial that not only sets new standards for performance but also prioritizes environmental responsibility.
My passion lies in driving positive change by providing industries with sustainable alternatives without compromising functionality. Dama Black is a game-changer, influencing industries such as construction, automotive, and more, with its eco-conscious approach. From enhancing the strength of concrete to reducing the carbon footprint in various applications, Dama Black is a testament to the possibilities of green innovation.
One of the highlights of our work is our recent endeavors in the electric vehicle sector. Dama Black is reshaping this domain, contributing to weight reduction, lower carbon emissions, and cleaner mobility. The collaboration with the Polestar 0 Project exemplifies our commitment to influencing a sustainable shift in industries.
At Dama, we are not just creating materials; we are fostering a mindset that values both performance and the planet. The journey goes beyond immediate products, aiming to inspire industries towards environmentally responsible practices. With a talented team and a collective vision, we are making strides towards a future where sustainability and functionality go hand in hand.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey with Dama BioPlastics, three key qualities have played a pivotal role in shaping our success:
Innovation: The ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with a fresh perspective has been crucial. In a rapidly evolving industry, innovation is the driving force behind staying ahead. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace curiosity, stay informed about emerging trends, and fearlessly explore unconventional solutions.
Resilience: Building a sustainable business comes with its share of hurdles. Resilience is about navigating setbacks with determination and learning from each experience. For those embarking on their path, my advice is to cultivate resilience by viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Each obstacle is a chance to refine your strategy and emerge stronger.
Passion for Sustainability: Our commitment to sustainability fuels every aspect of Dama BioPlastics. Having a deep passion for the cause has been a guiding light. To newcomers, I’d emphasize the importance of aligning your work with a purpose that ignites your passion. This not only fuels your journey but also resonates with customers, partners, and collaborators.
For those early in their journey, I encourage a blend of these qualities. Embrace innovation, cultivate resilience, and let a genuine passion for your mission be the driving force. With this combination, your journey becomes not just a professional endeavor but a fulfilling and impactful adventure.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
At Dama BioPlastics, we are always open to meaningful collaborations that align with our mission of sustainability and innovation. We are particularly interested in partnering with:
Eco-conscious Businesses: Companies that share our commitment to creating positive environmental impact through sustainable practices and businesses that need high-quality and verifiable carbon credits.
Research and Development Experts: Collaborations with R&D professionals and institutions can accelerate our quest for cutting-edge biomaterial innovations.
Investors with a Green Vision: Visionary investors who see the potential in driving positive change through sustainable business practices.
Manufacturers and Distributors: Partnerships with entities involved in the production and distribution of eco-friendly products.
If you resonate with our mission and believe in the power of collaboration for a greener future, we’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out through our website or connect with me directly on LinkedIn. Let’s explore how our collective efforts can amplify the impact of sustainable solutions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.damabioplastics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damabioplastics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dama-bioplastics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUE_AehwqEU
