Augusta native Ben Chestnut speaks to students for upcoming Innovate 2022 competition

By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief

Augusta University’s Innovate 2022 competition hosted a fireside chat with Mailchimp CEO and Forbes listed billionaire Ben Chestnut in the Georgia Cyber Center’s Shaffer MacCartney Building on Friday, Jan. 21. Chestnut is from the Hephzibah area of Augusta, Ga.

Innovate 2022 is a competition designed for students to solve a problem within the local community. Scott Thorp, chair of AU’s Department of Art and Design, Lynsey Steinberg, certified medical illustrator and AU alumna and Vahe Heboyan, associate professor of health economics and modeling, are the leadership for the competition. AU’s president Brooks Keel was also in attendance.

The floor was open for students to ask questions that would inspire them on their projects.

“As long as I have a problem to solve, I’m inspired,” Chestnut said. “I always wanted to become an entrepreneur.” 

Chestnut co-founded the company email marketing service Mailchimp in 2001. Headquartered in Atlanta, it was recently bought by Intuit for nearly $12 billion. Now as CEO of the company, Chestnut said that though leadership can be conceptualized, it takes work from everyone.

 “It’s a different kind of job,” he said. “As a CEO you’re managing lots of vice presidents… The real work is really down where people are meeting with customers and solving their problems.”

Chestnut said that growing up, he was surrounded by his family who valued working. He also accredited his wife and business partner for helping him on his journey.

“It’s not like I did it all myself. I had a really good foundation,” he said.

Chestnut said that young people often struggle in attempting to find a perfect job. He said that his father told him to look at work in another way.

“Love what you do, and then new opportunities rise from that,” he said.

Chestnut stated that though issues can arise due to setbacks, students should continue to move forward and innovate.

“Everything changes, you can change too… It doesn’t matter how much you complain, you just have to keep marching sometimes,” he said. “Keep pushing, keep trying. Innovation is up here. It’s in your head.”

According to Chestnut, technological growth is beneficial for the surrounding community.

Speaking on the subject of computers and computing for students, he said, “I would love to see more educational opportunities. The only reason I was really able to succeed is because I always had computers to play with.”

Aside from his work, Chestnut said that he enjoys reading.

“Reading is where I recharge,” he said. “Give me a bunch of books in a library and I’m in heaven.”

Chestnut mentioned that though he has become successful, he finds it important to give back to the community.

“If you’re going to become successful, remember where you came from,” he said.

Those interested in the upcoming events relating to the Innovate 2022 competition can visit https://www.augusta.edu/innovation/innovate.php for more information.

Chestnut answered questions and met with those who attended the talk. At top of page, Chestnut answers questions from Steinberg. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.