Family businesses are the heartbeat of entrepreneurship — built on trust, shared purpose, and legacy. But behind every success story lies a unique set of challenges: navigating family roles, balancing emotion with logic, and managing the transition from one generation to the next. In this video, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV unpacks the real dynamics of working in, managing, and growing a family business — from the inside out. Drawing on years of firsthand experience across multiple generations of entrepreneurs, he explores what makes family enterprises both powerful and complex. 🧠 You’ll Learn: -What defines a family business and why they matter more than ever -The roles of founders, spouses, siblings, and in-laws — and how each shapes the business culture -How to balance family loyalty with professional management -The positives: trust, legacy, shared mission, and long-term perspective -The pitfalls: nepotism, role confusion, and emotional decision-making -How non-family employees can thrive within a family-run company -The art of succession, buyouts, and leadership transition -Opportunities for innovation and growth that are unique to family-based enterprises 👨‍👩‍👦 Personal Insights Dr. Kershner shares reflections from a lifetime in family business — from his grandfather’s original enterprise, to his father’s leadership and expansion, to his own journey building and scaling a consulting company. Each story reveals how legacy, values, and adaptability intersect in the real world of entrepreneurship. 🚀 Why Watch Whether you’re part of a family business, planning to join one, or simply curious about the lessons that shape generational leadership, this video will help you see how purpose, people, and performance come together to create lasting impact. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. #FamilyBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Legacy #SuccessionPlanning #SmallBusiness #BusinessLeadership

In this talk, Dr. Claude Kershner examines two of the most common yet misunderstood paths to business ownership: franchising and independent contracting. These models have become cornerstones of today’s economy—one built on proven systems and brand power, the other on flexibility, technology, and personal autonomy. The discussion covers what franchising really is, how franchise agreements work, and the differences between product and trade name franchising and business format franchising. It also explains concepts like master licensees, multi-unit ownership, area developers, and co-branding, showing how entrepreneurs expand using these structures. From there, the talk explores the world of independent contracting, freelancing, and the gig and sharing economies—how platforms such as Uber, DoorDash, Fiverr, and Airbnb have opened the door to self-employment for millions. Dr. Kershner breaks down the pros and cons of both paths: cost, control, risk, and long-term growth potential. This session is important because it helps current and aspiring entrepreneurs understand how to own a business without starting entirely from scratch. By comparing structured franchise systems with the freedom of independent work, the talk provides insight into which path best fits different goals, skills, and lifestyles—and what it really means to be an entrepreneur in today’s changing economy.

In this talk, Dr. Claude Kershner IV explores what it truly means to live the entrepreneurial life — not just to start a business, but to build one that creates impact, opportunity, and purpose. Drawing on real-world examples and timeless principles, he examines how small businesses drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and empower individuals to take ownership of their future. Dr. Kershner challenges the myth that entrepreneurship is only about innovation or wealth creation. Instead, he highlights the deeper calling: to lead with integrity, serve others, and build organizations rooted in trust and responsibility. Listeners will walk away understanding: ✅ The role of small businesses in shaping local economies and social change ✅ The mindset and values that distinguish great entrepreneurs from opportunists ✅ How ethical leadership and purpose-driven action create lasting success ✅ The connection between integrity, community impact, and entrepreneurial legacy Whether you’re a founder, student, or future leader, this talk will remind you that entrepreneurship isn’t just a career — it’s a way of life guided by courage, purpose, and service.

What truly drives people to perform—and how can leaders inspire consistent, meaningful effort? In this talk, Dr. Claude Kershner IV breaks down the science of motivation through Expectancy Theory, Goal Theory, and Modern Coaching Psychology. This session explores how belief, purpose, and recognition shape performance, and how effective leaders use coaching to unlock potential rather than rely on authority. In this talk, you’ll learn: ✅ What employee engagement really means and how it fuels performance ✅ How Expectancy Theory connects effort, performance, and reward ✅ Why clear, challenging goals drive stronger motivation than vague ones ✅ How meaning and recognition often outperform money as motivators ✅ The essential skills of modern coaching—trust, feedback, and purpose Whether you lead a team, teach, coach, or simply want to understand what motivates people, this talk offers practical, evidence-based insight into how great leaders build engagement and lasting performance. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” — John C. Maxwell

In this talk, Dr. Claude Kershner breaks down the often-ignored but essential connection between leadership, power, politics, and influence. Whether you’re a manager, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, understanding these dynamics is key to advancing your career and leading effectively. You’ll learn: -What “power” really means in organizations -The six major sources of power: ownership, dependency, opportunity, solving critical problems, proximity to power, and self-serving behavior -The difference between old power (top-down, controlled) and new power (participatory, shared) -Why politics exists in every workplace — and how to engage ethically -How leaders and employees both use politics (often without realizing it) -Practical tactics for building power and influence the right way Key takeaway: Leadership is not just about completing tasks — it’s about navigating the human system of power, politics, and influence with wisdom and integrity. If you’ve ever wondered why politics matters in leadership — and how to use power ethically to create real impact — this talk will give you the tools and perspective you need.

In this talk, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV explores the hidden dangers of the commodity trap—a cycle that forces entrepreneurs to compete on price, crushes margins, and keeps small businesses from growing. Drawing on the research of Dr. Michael Morris and real-world examples, this session breaks down each element of the trap—no differentiation, low entry barriers, high unit costs, limited capacity, intense competition, labor intensity, and low bargaining power—and shows how they reinforce one another. The discussion then turns to practical solutions: how to create meaningful and sustainable differentiation at the core product, tangible product, augmented product, and communicated product levels. With stories of companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, copier firms, bowling alleys, and community entrepreneurs, listeners will learn why competing on price is a dead end and how to become, in Jerry Garcia’s words, “the only ones who do what you do.”

Great leaders don’t just rely on a single style—they read the situation. In this talk, Dr. Claude Kershner explores two of the most important situational leadership models: Fiedler’s Contingency Theory and the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership Effectiveness. 🔹 Fiedler’s Contingency Theory shows us that leadership effectiveness depends on how favorable the situation is, defined by three key variables: Leader–member relations (good or poor) Task structure (high or low clarity) Position power (strong or weak authority) Situations fall into high, moderate, or low control. Task-motivated leaders thrive in high- and low-control settings, while relationship-motivated leaders excel in moderately favorable conditions. Leaders can also attempt to change the situation itself—by improving relationships, clarifying tasks, or increasing power—to make it more favorable. 🔹 Path-Goal Theory builds on this by focusing on how leaders adapt their behavior to both group member characteristics (ability, experience, locus of control, need for affiliation, achievement orientation) and task demands (clarity, stress, group dynamics, difficulty). Leaders clear the path to goals through four main styles: Directive – when tasks are unclear Supportive – when tasks are stressful or dissatisfying Participative – when tasks are varied and employees are motivated Achievement-Oriented – when tasks are challenging and employees are ambitious The outcome? Higher productivity, stronger morale, and greater clarity and confidence in your team. 👉 Whether you’re leading in business, education, or community work, the lesson is clear: understand the context, know your own style, and adapt—or reshape—the situation to maximize success.

Operations isn't just about logistics or managing a warehouse—it’s about the way your business actually works every single day. It’s where vision becomes reality. In this actionable talk, Dr. Claude Kershner IV walks you through the real-world essentials of operations strategy for entrepreneurs, small business owners, team leaders, and customer service professionals. You’ll learn how to build a business that consistently delivers—without burning out or breaking the bank. We’ll break down: What “Operations” Really Means Not just delivery trucks and supply chains. It’s about the systems, people, and processes that turn ideas into customer value. Whether you’re running a salon, staffing firm, restaurant, or online store—operations is the heartbeat of your business. Designing an Operating Model Learn to map out your value creation step by step: input → throughput → output. Identify bottlenecks and fix them before they cost you time, money, and reputation. Customer “Moments of Truth” Every touchpoint—greeting, invoice, delivery, follow-up—is a chance to stand out or drop the ball. We’ll show you how to consistently win those moments and shape customer loyalty. Front-Stage vs. Back-Stage Operations What the customer sees matters—but what happens behind the scenes can make or break the experience. Get clarity on how to build structure on both fronts. Capacity and Demand What’s your magic number? Learn how to measure your revenue-driving activities (calls, jobs, transactions), calculate break-even demand, and design operations to scale. Running Like a Franchise (Without Being One) You don’t need to buy a franchise to act like one. We’ll show you how to create repeatable processes that bring discipline, consistency, and clarity to your operations—no matter your industry. 🔑 Whether you’re: Struggling with daily chaos in your business… A student trying to understand business mechanics… Or a leader refining your customer journey... This session is a must-watch. 📌 About the Presenter: Dr. Claude Kershner IV is a business professor, consultant, and entrepreneur. His work focuses on helping organizations translate vision into execution through systems thinking, leadership development, and strategic operations.

In this video, Dr. Claude Kershner IV explores how strategic thinking drives success in high-tech industries — from the rise of killer applications and dominant platforms to the risks and rewards of being a first mover. Drawing from real-world examples like Tesla, Netflix, Amazon, and WeChat, we unpack how companies create value through technical standards, network effects, and disruptive innovation. You’ll also hear timely insights on the current debate around AI and the future of jobs: is artificial intelligence creating opportunity, or displacing workers at scale? Core topics covered include: • What makes a killer application — and how it shapes platform dominance • How companies win format wars and lock in standards • First-mover advantages (and why some pioneers fail) • Cost structures in tech: high fixed, low marginal • The Steve Blank model of experimentation and bootcamps • Organizational ambidexterity: how firms balance innovation and execution • AI’s impact on jobs in the U.S. — losses, gains, and the future of work This content is ideal for entrepreneurs, strategists, students of business and technology, or anyone looking to better understand how innovation and competitive advantage are built in today’s digital economy.

Business strategy sounds great in the boardroom—but it only works when executed on the ground. In this talk, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV unpacks functional-level strategy—the engine that drives day-to-day execution and long-term competitive advantage. Using real-world cases and proven frameworks, Claude breaks down the four essential pillars that functional teams must master to deliver results: 🔹 Efficiency – Achieve more with less through smart design, economies of scale, learning effects, and technologies like AI and flexible manufacturing. It’s not just cost-cutting—it’s cost-smart. 🔹 Quality – Go beyond checklists. Functional strategy embeds reliability (via tools like Six Sigma and TQM) and excellence (in design, features, service) to reduce defects and elevate brand value. 🔹 Innovation – Most ideas fail. Successful firms link R&D, marketing, and production to turn innovation into profitability. It’s not just about being first—it’s about being right, fast. 🔹 Customer Responsiveness – Give customers what they want, when they want it, at a price they’re willing to pay—without breaking your cost structure. That means listening, customizing, and moving fast with purpose. These four functional strategies don’t work in silos—they reinforce each other to execute the company’s business-level strategy. Whether your goal is low cost, differentiation, or market leadership, this is how you operationalize it. ✅ Perfect for business students, managers, and founders alike, this session brings strategic theory to life—with tools you can use across marketing, operations, HR, R&D, and more. 🔔 Subscribe for more on business leadership, execution strategy, and building organizations that work from the inside out.

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable—but how you respond determines whether it becomes toxic or transformative. In this dynamic workshop, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV unpacks the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)—a powerful framework for understanding how different people approach conflict. You'll learn the five core conflict styles—Competing, Accommodating, Avoiding, Collaborating, and Compromising—and when to use each based on context, personality, and leadership goals. This session goes beyond theory. We explore: -Real-world examples of how conflict plays out on teams -Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) -Why some people avoid conflict while others dominate it -Gottman’s Four Horsemen and how they destroy—or repair—communication Whether you're a manager, entrepreneur, educator, or emerging leader, this session will sharpen your self-awareness and equip you with practical strategies to turn conflict into growth. 🧠 Leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about knowing how to navigate it. Watch now and transform how your team communicates and collaborates.

What is Business-Level Strategy—and why does it matter for competitive success? In this engaging class session, Dr. Claude Kershner explores the core principles of business-level strategy, including the strategic choices companies make to create value, gain market share, and sustain profitability. Drawing from real-world cases like Walmart, Toyota, Nordstrom, and Cirque du Soleil, this talk unpacks the four generic strategies—broad low-cost, broad differentiation, focus low-cost, and focus differentiation—and explains how companies align their operations to deliver on their chosen strategy. Key concepts include: The difference between low cost and differentiation How to identify and serve a target market segment The power of value innovation and Blue Ocean Strategy Functional alignment and the importance of execution Whether you're launching a startup, managing a team, or studying for your business capstone, this talk is packed with insights to help you think more strategically.

What makes a company like Toyota so consistently successful—despite global competition, technological disruption, and changing consumer demands? In this masterclass, Dr. Claude Kershner IV explores the inner workings of strategy through the lens of internal analysis. Using the iconic Toyota case, this talk unpacks how companies identify and leverage distinctive competencies to build sustained competitive advantage. We walk through the VRIO framework, value chain analysis, and the foundational drivers of profitability—including efficiency, quality, innovation, and customer responsiveness. Whether you're a business student, aspiring strategist, or organizational leader, this lecture will help you: -Understand the strategic importance of internal analysis -Apply the VRIO model to real-world examples -Examine how Toyota’s operational philosophy creates value -Translate theory into action for your own venture or team 🎯 This is not just about Toyota—it’s about how you can think, plan, and lead with clarity inside your own business model.

Uber didn’t just compete—it rewired the ride-for-hire industry. In this External Analysis, Dr. Claude Kershner IV breaks down Uber’s rise and its impact on the traditional taxi market through the lens of Porter’s Five Forces. We analyze how Uber used technology, data, and scale to bypass entrenched regulatory barriers, transform customer expectations, and shift where power and profit reside. This isn’t just a case of disruption—it’s a textbook example of external analysis done right. Whether you’re a business student, strategist, or entrepreneur, this talk helps you see how competitive forces actually move in practice—and how a platform can become the new “rent-yielding factor of production.” 🔍 Key topics in this talk: Why the old taxi industry was so hard to enter—and who benefited How Uber shifted the power balance among customers, suppliers, and rivals What happens when technology makes regulation obsolete Why the app, not the car, became the asset Strategy lessons for businesses in regulated or stagnant industries This talk brings academic frameworks to life using one of the most relevant disruptors of our time.

What is strategy—really? This episode is a deep dive into the fundamentals of strategic thinking—not just what the textbooks say, but how strategy plays out in fast-moving, high-stakes environments. We go beyond surface-level definitions and explore how companies analyze, adapt, and compete with clarity and purpose. 🔍 Topics we cover include: -Why “What should we be doing—and why?” is the most strategic question -How to analyze your environment: industry, macro, and national contexts -The difference between internal capabilities and external opportunity -What a good SWOT analysis actually tells you -How companies identify, choose, and align strategies -The myth of perfect planning—and the role of emergence, serendipity, and intuition -Henry Mintzberg’s model of intended vs. emergent strategy -Common cognitive traps in decision-making (confirmation bias, escalation, illusion of control) -Techniques like devil’s advocacy, dialectic inquiry, and scenario planning that sharpen judgment We also kick things off with a quick discussion of the Google case—a perfect lens to examine real competitive advantage and the structure of dynamic industries. Whether you're leading a business, advising clients, or studying strategy at any level, this talk offers a clear, actionable understanding of how strategy really works.

What does it actually mean to have a strategy—and why do some companies pull ahead while others fall behind, even when they seem to have similar resources? In this talk, we go beyond the textbook definition of strategy and explore what truly drives performance in the real world. From how companies grow profitably to what separates sustained competitive advantage from short-term wins, we walk through the foundational elements of strategic thinking. You’ll learn why Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) matters more than just revenue growth… why profit is about more than margins… and how the most effective leaders align internal capabilities with external opportunities. We also break down practical tools like SWOT analysis and scenario planning, while challenging common decision-making traps like confirmation bias and escalating commitment. This is strategy not as theory, but as a discipline of clarity, execution, and adaptability. Whether you’re operating a business, leading a team, or building something from scratch, this talk will help you think more critically, act more intentionally, and better understand the landscape you’re navigating. If you’ve ever asked: “What should we be doing—and why?” this is for you.

What if your lack of resources isn’t your greatest weakness—but your greatest opportunity? In this inspiring and practical talk, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV introduces The Hustle Framework—a mindset designed for anyone building a future under pressure. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, or career starter with big dreams and a tight budget, this talk gives you the tools to move forward with grit, creativity, and confidence. Co-developed by Dr. Michael H. Morris, Dr. Donald F. Kuratko, and Dr. Jeffrey G. Cornwall, The Hustle Framework is rooted in years of entrepreneurship research and practical application. It equips individuals to thrive in turbulent environments by embracing urgency, improvisation, guerrilla tactics, bootstrapping, and resource leveraging. Drawn from real-world experiences—teaching inside prisons, launching businesses from scratch, and leading teams through uncertainty—Dr. Kershner brings the framework to life with personal stories, tactical insight, and a challenge to reimagine what's possible when you start with very little. 💡 In this video, you’ll learn: How to think and act like a resourceful entrepreneur Why guerrilla tactics can outsmart big-budget strategies How to leverage what you don’t own and build fast What it means to bootstrap with boldness and integrity Why your story, your network, and your energy are power From the wisdom of incarcerated college students to lessons from the frontline of small business, this is a powerful message of perseverance, creativity, and possibility. 💥 For students, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and everyday hustlers 📌 If you're ready to build something out of nothing, this is for you. 👇 Share your hustle story in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more content on leadership, purpose, and growth

Power is real. Politics are inevitable. The question is: will you use them well—or be used by them? In this bold and practical leadership session, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV breaks down the realities of power, empowerment, and organizational politics—and gives you the tools to lead through them with wisdom, effectiveness, and integrity. Drawing from timeless research and real-world insight, this talk explores: 🔹 The 7 core sources of power—and how to build influence beyond your job title 🔹 What empowerment really means (and why delegating isn’t enough) 🔹 The difference between personal power and positional authority 🔹 How to become a leader who multiplies others’ potential, not just controls outcomes 🔹 Why organizational politics are unavoidable—and how to navigate them ethically 🔹 The line between strategic influence and unethical manipulation 🔹 How to control dysfunctional politics and protect your team from toxic behaviors We explore practical leadership behaviors such as: Giving away credit to gain trust Asking for advice to build political capital Avoiding the blunders that sabotage reputations Practicing self-leadership to model empowerment from the top down Whether you're leading a startup, managing a team, or developing your leadership style, this talk will help you see power and politics not as dirty words—but as essential leadership tools that must be used with character, courage, and clarity. 🟩 Understand influence. Empower others. Lead with integrity. 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership talks focused on behavior—not buzzwords.

This talk isn’t about what leaders say they value—it’s about what they actually do. In this session, Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV explores one of the most foundational concepts in leadership research: the behavioral dimensions of Consideration and Initiating Structure, first identified in the Ohio State studies. These two core behaviors—relationship-oriented and task-oriented—continue to shape how effective leaders operate in real-world settings. 🔹 Consideration involves emotional support, trust, and human connection. It’s what creates team cohesion, loyalty, and morale. 🔹 Initiating Structure is about direction, clarity, and task focus. It’s how leaders organize work, drive performance, and hold people accountable. This talk dives deep into: 🔹Why Consideration drives psychological safety and culture—and what happens when it's missing 🔹How Initiating Structure improves execution, sets expectations, and reduces ambiguity 🔹Why over-structuring leads to stress and disengagement—and how to avoid micromanagement 🔹How to balance both approaches depending on your team, context, and goals 🔹The task-focused behaviors (like risk-taking, feedback, and strategy) that elevate outcomes 🔹The relationship-focused behaviors (like visibility, patience, support, and values alignment) that build loyalty and trust This is not about leadership theory in the abstract. It's about the actions that shape results. Whether you're managing people, building a company, mentoring others, or growing into leadership yourself, this talk will give you clear, practical, and research-backed tools to lead with both clarity and connection. 🟦 Consideration vs. Initiating Structure 🟨 Task vs. Relationship 🟥 What you do matters more than what you say 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership content based on real behavior—not buzzwords.

What makes a leader truly transformational? Is it their vision, their charisma, or their ability to inspire lasting change? In this talk, we apply the principles of charismatic and transformational leadership to analyze and compare the leadership styles of four influential figures: Steve Jobs, Jack Welch, Rudy Giuliani, and Beth Galetti—Senior Vice President of People at Amazon. Grounded in leadership theory, we explore how each leader embodies or challenges key dimensions of influence, including vision creation, emotional expressiveness, narcissism, leadership polarity, and communication style. This session highlights: How Steve Jobs turned product vision into cult-like influence How Jack Welch prioritized performance through transformation How Rudy Giuliani demonstrated crisis charisma—and its limits How Beth Galetti leverages structured empowerment and trust-building in one of the world’s most complex people systems We also explore the contrasts between socialized vs. personalized charisma, and what makes someone a truly transformational leader—one who reshapes people, cultures, and outcomes. This talk aligns with leadership learning goals such as: Understanding the traits and behaviors of charismatic leaders Breaking down the visionary and moral dimensions of transformation Identifying ethical concerns and blind spots in charismatic influence Developing authentic presence rooted in trust, values, and vision Whether you’re a student, a business leader, or someone curious about leadership in action, this session offers practical insight into what it means to lead—and be followed—in today’s complex world.