06
March
2014
|
09:33 AM
America/Chicago

MBA Hosts Spring Professional Development Series

The UHD MBA program recently hosted its spring 2014 Professional Development Series (PDS) with speaker Bryan Guido Hassin, founder and CEO of Smart Office Energy Solutions.

Hassin shared his experiences as a transformational entrepreneur with global experience in his presentation titled "Using Your MBA To Be a Job Maker, Not a Job Taker." He also shared his insights on what is and isn't entrepreneurship, how entrepreneurship differs from managing a large business, and why the entrepreneurial skill set is increasingly valuable in large businesses. MBA student Matthew Lewis commented, "Mr. Hassin challenged my existing definition of entrepreneurship and encouraged me to think of it as a mindset. In addition, he charged each of us with reflecting upon how we can reinvent an existing process, product, or service to drive value to our place of work."

Hassin has led four other start-ups around the world and his entrepreneurial ventures have specialized in the use of cutting-edge web and mobile technologies and innovative behavioral science to disrupt mature industries with entrenched players. In addition to serving as a director of innovative clean technology start-ups, Hassin also advises larger, more established companies on how to use agile, lean start-up techniques for competitive advantage.

Past executive speakers have included Laura Lopez, formerly with the Coca-Cola Company and branding expert; Steve Antry, CEO and chairman of the board for Eagle Energy Company of Oklahoma; and Larry Magee, president of Consumer Tire U.S. & Canada for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.

The UHD MBA, created by "Title V Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans," launched this series in fall 2012. Through PDS, MBA students and invited guests participate in four professional development events annually to network with local community professionals while sharpening their business skills. The series, which hosts executive speakers and workshops, enables MBA students and College of Business administrators to invite colleagues, supervisors and guests to participate in a sampling of the UHD MBA program's benefits, participating side-by-side with current MBA students.

Hassin