Which classes do you teach online?
MGT 360: Comparative International Management, ECO 305: Foundations of International Business
Why did you start teaching?
I love learning new things and I love transferring knowledge. It is a delight to see students grab tools and develop their curiosity, critical thinking abilities, and lifelong learner’s mindset.
What advice would you give to those considering the B.S.B.A. in General Business program?
Be ready to learn and immerse yourself in each course. Take responsibility for your learning experience. Stay on top of your work and communicate quickly with your group. Scan your environment for examples of what you learn in the course — this helps you relate to the material in a personal manner and helps with understanding and memorizing concepts.
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
Develop awareness of the differences in the business environments and cultures to be able to anticipate and adapt to change when doing business in your home country and in foreign countries.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in business?
The qualities needed at first are open-mindedness, intellectual curiosity, and an observer’s mindset. More qualities to boost as you go are:
- Critical thinking and the ability to develop the pros and cons of different viewpoints
- Taking a bird’s eye view to scan the environment for changes and differences, spot opportunities and threats, anticipate consequences, and adapt to the new situation
- Find the root causes of symptomatic events
- Be mindful of unintended consequences when making decisions
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in business face today?
An exponentially changing business environment requiring not only fast adaptation but a constant need for anticipation of the consequent changes.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“Taking Responsibility: Self-Reliance and the Accountable Life” by Nathaniel Branden.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I volunteer as a ski patroller at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. If you want to try skiing or snowboarding, let me know.
