RISING ICON #70: Nicholas Engbloom
What name do you prefer to be called?
Nick for everyone
When in trouble only three people call me by my real “Nicholas” ☺
Where did you grow up?
Andover, Minnesota
What city are you currently based in?
Minnetonka, Minnesota but about to move into our new home in Chanhassen
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Nick Engbloom – Sr. Director Community Partnerships – University of Minnesota Foundation (mouthful)
I usually start off with Nick Engbloom how can I help get you connected
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
Ha, this is a great question. I am a huge sports nut! But, I have a huge passion for the fine arts. I was in Drama Arts all through grade school (The Opening sequence of The Lion King on Broadway always makes me tear up. I played saxophone (loved Clarence Clemons and LeRoi Moore) 5th-8th grade, and I love to draw when I have time, especially with my kids! I am also a Live Auctioneer – The AuctionCrasher!
Who do you help?
In my profession I help raise money and awareness for families in need at M Health Fairview.
I have a passion though in trying to help anyone that needs a connection or relationship.
What are you building now?
Well, there are some things in the works that are still in the infancy stages that are not public. A few of these projects will galvanize this community to do extraordinary things. Check back soon!
What were you building ten years ago today?
Programs and spaces at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital. This was such an amazing time in my professional and personal life. The Masonic Children’s Hospital had recently opened its new hospital and were out building a culture of philanthropy. We created some lifelong friends and built some amazing community driven spaces (Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone, The Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio and Give 16, The Wilf Family Auditorium, and so much more)
I also got down on one knee and proposed to my wife Christi during this time and we have built such an amazing life!
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
I really try to take it one day at a time, but I really hope that I can continue to bring people together to better our community!
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
Patient design is a different concept, one that invites patients to be active participants and stakeholders at the highest levels of decision-making in healthcare. This is called a “co-design” approach, and is defined as a creative practice that can be used to improve customer experience and enhance value. Patient empowerment has been evolving for decades, but information liquidity and access to technology made it explode in this century and it became much more visible in the last decade. We implemented this concept in the entire design and build of Masonic Children’s Hospital.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
This is not just about me. It takes a team to make the true difference. We work together collectvley to be a voice for those that may not have the platform. We raise crucial funds and awareness for programs, spaces and research that can get lost in the daily grind. When you step back and look at the achievements of what a team can build, that is what matters most to this community.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
This is so tough! I have so many mentors that have shaped different parts of my life at the times when I needed it most.
The OG has to be my father, who I looked up to. He tragically passed away in 2012. He taught me everything I need to know and really helped me shape the fabric of who I am. A mentality and presence that includes putting family first, being a great public speaker and advocate for what you believe in, carry a professional presence with confidence, help those in need (I have a brother with Down Syndrome), never take no for an answer, stay creative and innovative, work and hustle hard, and finally it’s not about being the accolades but rather the legacy you leave.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
There are two projects I was so honored and proud to be part of, it included two hospital supporters who are two amazing friends.
The first was the “Dear Kyle Rudolph” video that we worked with the Minnesota Vikings on in hopes to get Kyle to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year. He was nominated 3 times and we went all in on this initiative. It was so inspirational and was shared on ESPN and went viral. See Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYYvNldM37Y
The other was working with Lola Red and the Minnesota Wild in an effort to have Jason Zucker win the NHL’s King Clancy Award as the Humanitarian of the Year. He and Carly built the Give 16 dream and took it all the way to the NHL Honors in 2018 to be the first winner of this award in MN Wild history. It was amazing to be in attendance to see someone honored for more than just their athletic contribution. See Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3QaxqUP6zU
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
This is all just for fun and a pipe dream –
GQ – Creating a Fundraising Culture while looking good doing it!
Rolling Stone – I love music and I love seeing artists give back. Not sure how I would position this, but have loved the idea of writing an article about Music Therapy and the impact in makes on sick children. (Check out Stephanie Dillion – An iconic Minnesota Artist and Contributing writer to Rolling Stone)
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Gary Vaynerchuk – He is awesome! He has so many shared passions of mine. He works with athletes – I work with athletes, he loves wine – I love wine, He speaks on passion and purpose – I believe in the same message. He builds up communities, he always makes time for others, he grinds, he has failed and he has WON numerous times. So, I think it would be sweet to sit down on a podcast with him for 30 minutes and chop it up.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Passion and Purpose = P2
What award would mean the most to win?
Awards are cool, but at the end of the day we are all put on this earth to leave a lasting impact for those that come after us. If awards come with that impact made then “Great”, but I would rather have the moments and memories made be what really define who I am.
What makes zero sense to you?
Not finding a way to help each other! If we can all find “little and big” ways to help one another we make our community that much stronger!
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Not necessarily my direct industry but because of my brother who has Down Syndrome it’s hard to hear words such as “Retarded” “Dual Diagnosed” or “Slow”
What game are you changing?
I am always looking for ways to stay proactive rather than reactive in the partnership work that I do. I am very interested in thoughtfully engaging and bridging all generations of givers to work together cohesively to make a difference. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z we all can all make a significant impact, but let’s find ways that are not the norm but become the new wave!
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
As mentioned above there are exciting things in the works that will become public in the months ahead. Stay tuned…..
Where can we follow you online?
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-engbloom-52303b10/
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
I want to be a great leader and am always learning, but I think some of the best advice I have received and read about. Spend more time intently listening and asking more questions.
____________
We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Nick, for sharing your story!
LAUREL is a media relations partner for bold leadership. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped leaders build effective strategies for scale and growth specializing in key opinion leadership and go-to-market strategy for emerging brands. To follow along with the RISING ICONS series, nominate a leader or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. To accelerate your own rise, get our free guide to elevating your leadership profile, FIT(lite). RISING ICONS is made possible by grant funding from Knight Foundation.
“It takes a team to make the true difference. We work together collectively to be a voice for those that may not have the platform.”
Notice: It’s important for our readers to understand the origin of the interview content. The featured ICON contributed responses that were not edited from the original submission. All claims are made solely by the contributor and do not reflect the views of LAUREL or its partners. Thank you for supporting innovation leaders. We’re convinced, the future is bold.
