Ep. 11 Talking with Dr. Donna De Carolis

Join Ken and Joe as they interview Dr. Donna De Carolis, Dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University. In this fascinating conversation, they explore the importance of entrepreneurship education in developing an innovative mindset and character traits. Learn how traditional education systems may not be suitable for entrepreneurs, and how The Close School has matched the customer need by putting students into "personas" such as creators, explorers, technologists, and family business individuals. Tune in now to find out more about this disruptive and successful program!

[00:01 - 07:56] Opening Segment

• Dr. Donna Decar is the Dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University
• The School focuses on developing an innovative mindset and character to recognize opportunities
• Entrepreneurship needs to be an apprenticeship
• Most entrepreneurs don't fit into the mold of the education system

[07:57 - 15:38] Unlocking the Inner Entrepreneur: How Drexel's Close School of Entrepreneurship is Preparing Students for Success

• Drexel's Close School of Entrepreneurship 
• Gen Zs have the desire to solve a problem
• All people have an inner entrepreneur that needs to be accessed

[15:39 - 28:38] From Ramen Noodles to a Successful Entrepreneurial School: The Journey of The Close School's Founder

• Close School of Entrepreneurship offers a $19,000 scholarship for students 
• Companies are looking for power skills such as the ability to work in teams, independently, and move things forward
• Students at the Close School are learning to be CEOs
• The transition from entrepreneur to CEO requires different skill sets, which can be taught at the School
• Entrepreneurship is not just about personality but mindset, cognition, and optimism

[28:39 - 29:44] Closing Segment

• See the links below to connect with Donna
• Final words

Quotes:

"Being an entrepreneur is really about an innovative mindset. It's about your character to see, about the ability to recognize opportunities to screen them." - Dr. Donna De Carolis

"I think that we're born with that desire to survive, to innovate, to move on, and then sometimes society beats it out of us." - Dr. Donna De Carolis

Connect with Donna:

• Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship: https://drexel.edu/close/ 

Connect with Joe and Ken! 

Joe Iredell's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-w-iredell-6380915/

Ken Jordan’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-ken-jordan-6a50885/