Entrepreneurship from Diverse Perspectives

Catalog description

Entrepreneurship is often taught through a single lens. This course takes a different approach. At its core is the COOGLE framework - a structured model for developing the entrepreneurial mindset: the behaviors, perspectives, and capabilities that enable individuals to identify opportunities, navigate uncertainty, mobilize resources, and create lasting impact. Through that lens, students explore the many paths and leadership styles that drive entrepreneurial success. Over the quarter, students engage directly with more than 30 accomplished founders and investors building, and investing in, transformative companies. Past guests include Joanna Strober (Midi), Wemimo Abbey (Esusu), Ryan Nece (Next Play Capital), Ann Bordetsky (NEA), Mike Smith (Footwork Capital), Tara Viswanathan (Rupa Health), Suzanne Xie (Neo), and Albert Lin (Sequoia Capital). Former students also return to share their journeys: Mercedes Bent (Lightspeed), Jane Alexander (CapitalG), Lauri Moore (Bessemer), and Mada Seghete (Branch and Upside). Through candid conversations, case studies, and experiential learning, students examine the full entrepreneurial arc - from opportunity discovery and team building to raising capital, assembling boards, and navigating setbacks. The COOGLE framework anchors analysis of real-world decisions, leadership approaches, and venture outcomes. The course is designed for students at any stage: actively building, considering a future venture, or cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset applicable across organizations and life. Students work in teams to develop a new venture concept or evaluate an early-stage company. Each student also profiles an entrepreneur one-on-one, exploring how mindset shapes their leadership, decisions, and execution. The core belief: there is no single blueprint for entrepreneurial success. By engaging with a diverse group of founders, investors,…