Entrepreneurship for Good | Jay Margalus

About This Talk

This presentation explores entrepreneurship through the lens of honor and ethics. It examines three essential judges every entrepreneur must satisfy: the user (does this make their life better?), the community (does this strengthen the world around us?), and yourself (can you be proud of how you built this?). Drawing on design principles, philosophy, and real-world case studies, it makes the case that building with purpose isn't just good ethics—it's good business.

Download PowerPoint

References

Core Concepts

Peter Drucker, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Jean-Baptiste Say (often cited via Drucker's work)

Design Principles

Dieter Rams' 10 Principles of Good Design (Vitsoe)
Design Thinking (Stanford d.school)
IDEO Design Thinking Resources

Philosophy

Wendell Berry, What Are People For?

Case Studies

Good examples: Basecamp, Iron Galaxy, Leaf & Grain
Cautionary examples: Theranos, Juicero, FTX

Engage with W&L Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Summit

Annual event bringing together students, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Visit Summit Website →

Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship

Hub for entrepreneurial learning and support at Washington and Lee.

Learn More →

Minor in Entrepreneurship

Academic program combining theory and practice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Program Details →

Entrepreneurship Competition

Annual competition where student teams pitch their business ideas.

Competition Info →

Ways to Get Involved

Mentor a student team
Speak at a class
Become a class judge
Entrepreneur In Residence Program