DeCarolis Serves as Keynote Speaker for AWE

Donna DeCarolis, Ph.D., associate dean for strategic initiatives at LeBow College of Business, served as the keynote speaker for the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) conference. LeBow College recently became an academic sponsor of AWE.

The AWE is a group of current and aspiring leaders of and investors in high-growth companies. The organization’s mission is to provide support for women who are starting businesses and careers through programs that connect, educate and inspire women entrepreneurs.

In her address, DeCarolis told the crowd that entrepreneurship is a process, a leadership style, and a necessary skill for all types of companies.

She cites new macrotrends, including global competition, rapid advances in technology, and increased diversity, as changing the business landscape.

“During the next several decades, these seismic environmental forces will transform our business models, our products and services, and the way we stay entrepreneurial, as our companies move to next level.”

She called this time a “crossroads” within business, and says “our challenge lies in maximizing human capital in new ways that are in harmony with these new environmental dynamics.”