In this engaging episode, we sit down with Wendy Bolger, the dynamic director of the Simon Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Wendy brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Mercy Corps and her extensive background in social entrepreneurship. Recognized as one of the Baltimore Business Journal’s Women to Watch, Wendy shares her journey and insights into the world of intrapreneurship, where she has excelled in starting new initiatives within existing organizations.
Key Highlights:
- Intrapreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship: Wendy discusses her passion for social entrepreneurship and how her upbringing surrounded by entrepreneurs naturally led her to intrapreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of this role in driving innovation within institutions and preparing students for rewarding careers.
- Building the Simon Center: Wendy shares her experience of building the Simon Center from the ground up, highlighting the significance of having seed funding and supportive leadership. She reflects on the challenges and motivations behind establishing the center and how it has evolved over time.
- Innovation vs. Entrepreneurship: The episode delves into the differences between innovation and entrepreneurship centers, with Wendy explaining her decision to prioritize innovation in the center’s name to make it more interdisciplinary and accessible, especially in a liberal arts environment.
- Challenges in a Liberal Arts Institution: Wendy candidly discusses the initial skepticism she faced in a liberal arts institution and the strategies she employed to gain acceptance and foster collaboration across disciplines.
- Student and Faculty Engagement: Wendy explores the balance between focusing on students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of student-led initiatives and the role of faculty in reaching a broader student audience.
- Mentorship and Community Building: The episode highlights the mentorship approach at the Simon Center, where Wendy curates mentor matches based on industry and expertise, and the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem that balances technology with human relationships.
- Future Trends and Challenges: Wendy shares her thoughts on the future of higher education and entrepreneurship centers, discussing the impact of changing demographics and the potential of AI in shaping the educational landscape.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Wendy Bolger as she shares her vision for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education and beyond.
