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The way innovation is actually done: Jim McKelvey Shares the Importance of Originality in Entrepreneurship and Art

Sydney Everett (Staff)
June 22, 2020
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On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, as part of the Skandalaris Startup Webinar Series and the Skandalaris Internship Program serial entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, artist, author, and WashU alumnus Jim McKelvey (EN'87) joined Skandalaris Center Managing Director II Luscri to discuss his latest book The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a TimeIn the conversation, Jim shared his journey to writing the book, the importance of having a "viciously honest editor", and why he wanted to write the book with a major publisher. 

Throughout the conversation, Jim shared important takeaways for entrepreneurs and innovators. On entrepreneurship, he shared, "we have to solve new problems... so bringing together interdisciplinary teams is really positive."

Jim emphasized the importance of combating personal bias. "Any bias that you have, you limit the potential of people that you could work with." For Jim, his lack of age bias allowed his relationship with Jack Dorsey to develop from him being Jack's first boss to Jack being Jim's first boss. Combating bias also motivates him to make strategic business decisions in his work to help tackle racial injustice in St. Louis. 

Watch the recording of Jim's conversation to hear his perspective on art, originality, market solutions, and more.  

The next Skandalaris Startup Webinar on July 9, 2020 will be hosted by Skandalaris Center Expert on Call Pat Mathias and will explore the Three Faces of Communication, effective communication in the business arena, social media, and interpersonal connection. For more information and to attend visit: https://skandalaris.wustl.edu/event/2020/06/15/skandalaris-startup-webinar-with-pat-mathias/