A peer-to-peer discuss with the Executive Director and Associate Vice Provost for Academic-Corporate Initiatives at Harvard University.

🎙️Steve Currall, joins panelists Ken Kring and David Ikenberry to share an insightful reflection on academic leadership, the strategic importance of corporate relations and progress on his transition into this inaugural role. 

“This is a new institution for me, even though I'm working in areas of industry engagement and innovation and entrepreneurship…I need to learn how that works in this particular institution, and how we can better knit together in a more coherent, more strategically coherent way, the overall innovation ecosystem at Harvard,” says Currall.

The conversation delves into the shifting dynamics of federal funding and its specific implications for business schools, offering a rare look at how institutional strategy must adapt to these broader economic pressures.

“Listeners may find it a little bit surprising…but this dialog at Harvard started back in 2023 and predated that,” says Currall.

Beyond high-level strategy, Currall offers pragmatic counsel for those aspiring to senior leadership roles, emphasizing the necessity of gaining exposure to a specific area future leaders should take note of building upon the foundational discussions started in Episodes 37 and 43.

A must-listen for current and future Deans as well as those in leadership roles at colleges and schools of business. Currall’s unique perspective highlights how a deep understanding of academic-corporate synergy can shape a more resilient and forward-thinking approach to institutional governance.

Listen to the full conversation here:

Photos courtesy of Harvard

Learn more about Steve Currall here.