Rising Vikes: Anthony Leanza

My Journey with the Weston Ideation Lab

Anthony Leanza, current CSU MBA Student

When I first walked into the Weston Ideation Lab, I felt something different—a kind of energy that pushed me to think bigger. I wasn’t just sitting in another classroom; I was entering a space that invited creativity, collaboration, and the chance to try something bold.

During Ent 443, I came up with the idea for WorkME, an on-demand workforce matching app for blue-collar industries. What started as a simple class project quickly turned into something much larger. My idea caught attention, and with encouragement from Lynn Buchinsky and support from the lab, I decided to see how far I could take it.

Within a year, I had built out a legitimate business model, launched a website, filed for an LLC, and competed in multiple pitch competitions. Weston gave me the structure and encouragement to turn a classroom assignment into something real. We earned funding through a microgrant, competed in pitch events like Bounce (where we placed 4th), and joined Weston’s first Accelerator cohort. The mentorship from seasoned CEOs and entrepreneurs was invaluable, as was the camaraderie of working alongside other ambitious students.

Of course, not everything went according to plan. In 2024, WorkME failed to launch as intended. For a time, I shut the project down completely. That year, I shifted my role to mentoring other students at Startup Vikes and Hackathons, sharing what I had learned from both successes and setbacks.

But entrepreneurship is never a straight line. In 2025, WorkME pivoted into a small business solutions company, tackling project contracts across multiple services. We began securing clients, forming a solid team of CSU students and alumni, and building momentum once again—all from within the walls of the Weston Ideation Lab. Today, WorkME is alive and growing, holding weekly meetings at Weston and benefiting from the same collaborative spirit that first drew me in.

The impact of Weston stretched far beyond the business itself. My academic journey transformed because of it. Suddenly, classroom theories weren’t just theories anymore—they were tools I could apply directly to my company. Learning about market demographics wasn’t abstract; it was about understanding my target customer. 

Forecasting wasn’t a class exercise; it was projecting real revenue streams for clients. That shift from theoretical learning to applied practice made my education far more meaningful.

Along the way, I also discovered one of the most important lessons of entrepreneurship: flexibility. Failure isn’t the end; it’s a teacher. Shutting down WorkME for a year was tough, but it gave me the perspective to pivot, build a stronger team, and approach challenges differently. As Lynn often says, “Not everyone hits a homerun their first time at bat.” That wisdom has stuck with me.

Now, I’m pursuing my MBA, continuing to grow WorkME, and staying deeply connected to the Weston community. The lab has given me mentorship, resources, and—most importantly—relationships that continue to shape my path forward.

To other students considering Weston, my advice is simple: jump in. Don’t just treat it like a class. Use the lab as a launchpad. Test your ideas, learn from failures, and surround yourself with the mentors and peers who will push you further than you can go alone.

For me, Weston wasn’t just a resource. It was the turning point where I stopped dreaming about entrepreneurship and started living it.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, my door is always open. Connect with me on LinkedIn—I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned.