Posts by Claude B. Kershner IV
From Classroom to Marketplace: Reflections on Facilitating the Inaugural Capstone Consulting Experience
Eight consulting teams. Sixteen entrepreneurs. One semester. This is what happens when the classroom becomes the consulting room.
Read MoreFrom Furlough to Freedom: Entrepreneurship, Necessity, and the Power of Taking Action
Entrepreneurship from Furlough to Freedom
Read MoreJimmy John’s vs. Broadway Subs: A Tale of Efficiency and Differentiation
Standardization, customer-centricity, and the strategic logics of entrepreneurial leadership
Read MoreWhy Discussion-Based Teaching Matters: Learning with Dreamers, Doers, and Implementers
Discussion-Based Learning
Read MoreFinding and Working with an Entrepreneurial Mentor: A Story of Growth and Guidance
Imagine you’re standing at the base of a mountain. At the summit lies your dream—building a successful business. The path up is steep, winding, and full of obstacles. Now, imagine having a guide—someone who has climbed this mountain before, navigated its pitfalls, and found the safest, most efficient routes. That guide is your entrepreneurial mentor.…
Read MoreBusiness-Level Strategy: Lessons from McDonald’s and How It Can Shape Your Business Decisions
In our Capstone class last night, we dove deep into the fascinating world of business-level strategy, using McDonald’s as a real-world example. This topic can sometimes feel theoretical for students, but once we unpack it with practical examples, like McDonald’s, the “aha” moments come flooding in. Whether you’re in leadership, management, or marketing, understanding how…
Read MoreDebunking the Venture Capital Mindset
We challenge the prevailing narrative that positions venture capital as the only viable route for entrepreneurial success. This article delves into the often overlooked yet vital reality of entrepreneurship that operates beyond the high-energy pitch competitions. We highlight alternative support systems like the University of Notre Dame’s McKenna Center – Urban Poverty and Business Initiative, which provide crucial resources for a diverse range of business models. By exploring the Corridor Principle, we emphasize the emergent nature of entrepreneurship, where opportunities unfold dynamically as the journey progresses. Join us in rethinking the ecosystem of business creation, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability in supporting true entrepreneurial spirit.
Read MoreIndividual Needs and Team Dynamics: Lessons from Leading a Family Business
Explore the nuances of Team Leadership in Diverse Environments. This insightful article delves into effective leadership strategies for managing functional and agile teams, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs, flexible leadership styles, and fostering team cohesiveness for organizational success.
Read MoreAdopting Creativity and Innovation for Next-Generation Business Leaders
As a business owner or leader, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. One way to do this is by fostering creativity and innovation within your company. Not only will this help you stay competitive, but it will also attract the next generation of workforce leaders who are seeking exciting, dynamic work environments.
Read MoreSmall Family Business Sales: Navigating the Exit Process
Small family businesses play an important role in the economy, providing jobs and services to communities, and serving as engines of growth. However, as the owners age and consider retirement, they may face the decision of selling the business to a prospective buyer. This can be an emotional and complex process, as it involves not only the transfer of the business itself but also the financial and personal well-being of the owners and their families.
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