How to Overcome Career Insecurity - Ken Rona

In Chapter 2 of 13 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, data analytics expert Ken Rona answers "What Factored into Your Decision to Take a Job That Would Relocate Your Family?"  As a newly graduated PhD working for McKinsey, Rona loses his job during the dotcom blow up.  The experience scars Rona and during the many years that follow, he remains wary of employer job security given his 'at will' employee status.  He learns to let go of this insecurity and need to have a backup plan and focus more about making a contribution and committing to a company, town and establish family roots.  Rona is currently VP Audience Insights and Ad Sales Partnerships at Turner Broadcasting.  Previously, Rona has worked in roles in data analytics at IXI Digital and AOL and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  He earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a PhD in Behavioral Economics from Duke University.

How Startup Business Development Prepares Corporate Executive - Ken Rona

In Chapter 6 of 13 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, data analytics expert Ken Rona answers "How Has Your Startup Experience Been Most Useful in a Corporate Role?"  In his role at iXi, Rona learns business development by providing technical and product support in sales meetings and through discussions with the legal team about contracts and deal making.  These skills prove transferable to Rona's work at Turner, specifically in his role managing the ad sales partnerships team.  Rona is currently VP Audience Insights and Ad Sales Partnerships at Turner Broadcasting.  Previously, Rona has worked in roles in data analytics at IXI Digital and AOL and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  He earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a PhD in Behavioral Economics from Duke University.

How to Concentrate and Process a Complex Idea - Ken Rona

In Chapter 7 of 13 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, data analytics expert Ken Rona answers "When Are You At Your Best?"  Rona shares his "concentration" look he uses when processing a complex issue or hard question.  In that moment he internalizes what was said and is able to leapfrog it and understand it.  He shares how this approach has served him well working with advanced topics and experts.  Rona is currently VP Audience Insights and Ad Sales Partnerships at Turner Broadcasting.  Previously, Rona has worked in roles in data analytics at IXI Digital and AOL and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  He earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a PhD in Behavioral Economics from Duke University. 

Creating Game Changing Moments Using Business Analytics - Ken Rona

In Chapter 9 of 13 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, data analytics expert Ken Rona answers "What Do You Enjoy Most About Telling Stories with Data?"  Coming from an academic background, Rona finds delivering game changing moments a highlight in his work.  By using business analytics and data, Rona can come across something new and create that game changing analysis that changes strategy at scale and creates very large bottom line impact.  Rona is currently VP Audience Insights and Ad Sales Partnerships at Turner Broadcasting.  Previously, Rona has worked in roles in data analytics at IXI Digital and AOL and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  He earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a PhD in Behavioral Economics from Duke University. 

Learning Leadership Language to Motivate Teams - Ken Rona

In Chapter 12 of 13 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, data analytics expert Ken Rona answers "What Leadership Skills are Becoming More Relevant as Your Career Progresses?"   Rona first makes the distinction between leadership and management, where managing is tracking tasks, holding each other accountable and working in teams.  He then discusses how he learns to turn a recognition conversation into a business impact one by using leadership language.  Rona is currently VP Audience Insights and Ad Sales Partnerships at Turner Broadcasting.  Previously, Rona has worked in roles in data analytics at IXI Digital and AOL and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  He earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a PhD in Behavioral Economics from Duke University. 

How to Develop Staff and Leave a Legacy - Ken Rona

In Chapter 13 of 13 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, data analytics expert Ken Rona answers "What Do You Find Most Fulfilling about Working in General Management and Staff Development?"  Rona shares how an ex-McKinsey colleague frames legacy ambition as team.  Rona finds a legacy is better framed via people and, more fundamentally, staff development.  Rona is currently VP Audience Insights and Ad Sales Partnerships at Turner Broadcasting.  Previously, Rona has worked in roles in data analytics at IXI Digital and AOL and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  He earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Stony Brook University and a PhD in Behavioral Economics from Duke University. 

How MBA Professor Finds Purpose Helping Entrepreneurs - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 1 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "To What Do You Aspire?" Ben aspires to have impact and hopefully alter how people go about being entrepreneurs. An experienced entrepreneur, Hallen tries to find tools to help others be more successful entrepreneurs in his academic research and teaching. Hallen is currently Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

Learning Business Strategy Research in Stanford PhD Program - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 8 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "What Was Most Challenging About Earning Your PhD at Stanford University?" Hallen finds the greatest challenge rising to the expected level of research. Understanding what it means to create high caliber research. Not only is it rigorous in understanding what is the right behavior to use, but also rigorous in that it strives to learn something that is not understood yet that applies in strategy and management. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

Using Entrepreneur Experience in Business Strategy Research - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 9 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Has Your Own Entrepreneurial Experience Informed Your Academic Development?" Hallen notes how it has given him a great appreciation of what entrepreneurs do each day. As an academic, Hallen embraces his ability to take the time to research different entrepreneurs and learn optimal behaviors shaping positive outcomes. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

Applying Entrepreneurship Passion Teaching MBA Strategy - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 11 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Do You Apply Your Passion for Entrepreneurship as an MBA Professor?" Hallen notes how fortunate he is to do both research and teaching. In the classroom, he gets to work with students who want to learn low power strategy and give them a tool kit for students the to go out and affect change in the world when there are limited resources. Entrepreneurship provides Hallen a great research and teaching platform to understand not only entrepreneurs but management, social behaviors, and strategic thinking underlying performance. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How to Develop Trust When Building Relationships - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 14 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Do You Establish Trust When Building Relationships?" Hallen notes trust develops in different ways. First, trust develops over escalating and repeating interactions. Second, trust can develop via signals where you have a reason to believer another person is credible. Third, trust can be transferred via a third party. Fourth, Hallen shares how sincerity and transparency can create trust. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How to Assess Business Network Relationship Strength - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 15 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Do You Balance Statistical Modeling and Interviewing to Better Understand and Deconstruct Relationships?" Hallen does both because each has its strength. Interviewing provides rich insight that is often unexpected. Statistical analysis - quantitative or empirical analysis - offers the ability to look at large patterns and draw conclusions between inputs and associated outcomes. He applies these approaches in understanding how entrepreneurs and venture capitalists form relationships. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How to Optimize and Expand Your Network - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 17 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Do You Teach Aspiring Entrepreneurs How to Use and Expand Their Networks?" As an educator, Hallen considers himself a consultant to his students, helping them use tools and approaches, including network theory, case studies, self-reflection, and relationship building fundamentals, to engage and develop. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How Successful Entrepreneurs Build Business Networks - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 18 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "What Elements Most Affect the Strength of an Entrepreneur's Network?" Hallen notes entrepreneurs inherit networks from previous experiences - education, religion, social, etc. This leads to a large and diverse network that can be valuable. Entrepreneurs can also be building networks while managing inherited networks. He details how great entrepreneurs use "casual dating" to build new network ties. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How to Make Your Business Network More Useful - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 19 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Can One Make His or Her Business Network More Useful?" Hallen begins by identifying critical needs and also by making sure the network extends into existing and future challenges. He differentiates sales and advice giving networks and puts a heavy emphasis on diversifying network contacts. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How Relationship Dynamics Impact Entrepreneur Fundraising - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 20 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "What Compels You to Focus So Much Time and Energy in Understanding the Process and Problems Involved with Fundraising?" Hallen channels his entrepreneurial experience into his academic research, focusing on high commitment relationship building and how entrepreneurs alter and change dynamics Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

Why Networks Matter Pairing Entrepreneurs and Investors - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 21 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "Why are Networks So Important for Pairing Entrepreneurs With Investors?" Hallen notes networks act as information pipes. When seeking investment, entrepreneur networks signal to investors who commands attention. This addresses character issues and turns the focus to the business and the classic and more recently developed networks that impact fundraising. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

Stacie Bloom on Teaching Business Skills to Young Scientists

In Chapter 16 of 19 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, Stacie Grossman Bloom answers "How Has Your Scientific Training Informed Your Development as a Manager?" She notes how management skills challenge scientists given they are not formally trained. Bloom highlights how organizations such as the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) provide scientists management training via programs such as the Science Alliance.

Stacie Grossman Bloom is the Executive Director at the NYU Neuroscience Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center. Previously, she was VP and Scientific Director at the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS). She earned her PhD in Neurobiology and Cell Biology at Georgetown University and did a post-doctoral fellowship at Rockefeller University in New York City. She earned her BA in Chemistry and Psychology from the University of Delaware.

Transcript: 

Erik Michielsen: How has your scientific training informed your development as a manager?

Stacie Grossman Bloom: Developing managerial skills, as a scientist, is not so easy. It’s not one of the skills that you learn in the lab. You can be naturally inclined to be a good manager, but I would say throughout graduate school and postdoctoral training, management is not the skills that you get. One of the things that we do at the New York Academy of Sciences is a science alliance program that provides career mentoring and skill development outside of the university. So, it’s a place where currently about 10,000 young scientists come to learn those kinds of skills. One of those is how to manage your lab, or how to navigate the visa process, or how to find a career outside of academia, how to be an entrepreneur, how to take your idea to an IPO. Those are the kinds of things that we are trying to teach young scientists at the Academy.