Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders

Carl Schramm, President of the Kauffman Foundation, examines the vital role of entrepreneurship in the changing economy. He emphasizes how entrepreneurs have a positive influence on the American economy by creating ways to reinvent and innovate the rules of life. For example, half of the jobs created in 2007 are from firms less than five years old. Entrepreneurs teach us about human needs we did not know existed, create jobs that provide security for people, and generate social welfare, he says.

In this audio podcast, Professor Bob Sutton discusses "breakthrough" ideas in his latest book about dealing with difficult and conflicting relationships in a work environment. Sutton describes strategies to deal with "jerks" in an organization, and he illustrates the application of his ideas by using real-world examples sourced from readers' email responses to his new book.

Mitchell Baker, "Chief Lizard Wrangler" at Mozilla, discusses the organization's unique, community-based culture and how it has contributed to their success. She explains how freedom, openness, and dedication to improving Internet usability fosters extraordinary contributions from Mozilla's employees and volunteers.

Steve Young, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, describes the lessons he's learned in negotiating with teammates, agents, and in his personal life. Interviewed as a guest in Stan Christensen's Negotiations course, Young provides insight through humorous anecdotes across a broad range of experience. In particular, he describes different negotiation tactics that were useful throughout his career as a quarterback, lawyer, and entrepreneur. While earning his spot as the fiery leader of the 49ers, balancing life with children, and undergoing multiple business ventures, Young highlights the use of accountability, soft skills to deal with personal feelings, and working hard with no excuses, to achieve success.

Warren Packard, Managing Director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Andrew Frame, CEO of Ooma, present 10 lessons for building a successful start-up. They highlight the importance of dislocating large markets, active recruiting, organizational design, board construction, alignment of vision, managing mis-hires, building for scalability, product development, intellectual capital, and mentorship in establishing a lasting enterprise that adds value in the marketplace.

Former California State Senator Jackie Speier and best-selling author Deborah Collins Stephens share engaging stories about taking risks, learning from failure, overcoming adversity, and challenging the status quo based on their extensive leadership experience.

Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett Packard (1999-2005), discusses her leadership experience in her journey from the job of a secretary to the leader of one of the biggest technology companies in the world. Fiorina describes ways in which leadership in business and entrepreneurship entails developing an appetite for risk and overcoming the fear of change. Fiorina concludes with a message that leadership is about building capability, collaboration and character.

Shai Agassi discusses his entrepreneurial journey from the enterprise software industry to his current work in clean energy. In the process, he describes the "physics of startups", drawing parallels between principles of business and the laws of physics. He emphasizes the importance of acting on an idea before it's adopted by the mainstream and navigating the inevitable uncertainties that can result in success or failure.

Mark Jung, former internet CEO and entrepreneur, discusses the personal and professional challenges in the five phases of a startup. Jung explores these phases, namely inception, growth, setback, rejuvenation and transition. He advises that the first stop is not the last stop, and an entrepreneur should continuously share confidence and faith with the organization while facing challenges.

Dr. William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense discusses lessons in leadership reminding us that a pivotal point in management is realizing that "It's your ship" and your own "crew". Perry draws parallels from his experience in business as an entrepreneur and in the government in various critical technology development roles and most recently as the Secretary of Defense (1994-1997). Perry ends with an incisive management principle applicable both in the corporate world and the government - "Take care of your troops and they will take care of you."

Prominent industry leaders team up with Stanford Faculty to discuss entrepreneurial solutions to problems in the areas of international affairs, human health and the environment. They tackle world issues from a global and technical perspective beyond the usual bureaucratic approach with a special focus on developing nations.

Steve Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Co., provides an overview of the life sciences industry, reflecting on insights he has gained throughout his career. Along the way, he shares his laws of survival and anecdotes that relate the keys to his success in the areas of biotechnology, venture capital and merchant banking.

Greg Waldorf, CEO of the online matchmaking service eHarmony.com, describes the essential components of a successful entrepreneurial career. He believes that working with great people, taking risks, adaptability, passion and timely execution of plans can lead to success for entrepreneurs. He draws parallels between the satisfaction found through finding the right career path and a fulfilling relationship.

In this candid entrepreneurial narrative, Reid Hoffman describes his journey from academia to PayPal, to finally founding the professional networking site LinkedIn. Hoffman suggests that to be a successful entrepreneur you have to take risks where others wouldn't and be willing to deviate from the beaten path.

Ray Lane, General Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Ron Bloom, CEO of PodShow, describe their relationship in building an online media entertainment company focused on meeting the fast-changing demands of today's web users.