Women - Entreprl Ldr

This course asks how traditional gender differences impact the experiences of female versus male entrepreneurs. Historically, in the United States, the traits that are considered attractive in business leaders have a different effect on each gender. The course examines what has been traditionally valued and expected of a business leader (corporate and entrepreneurial) in the United States and discusses different styles of leadership and management. Students look at how society's assumptions about work-life balance and gender stereotypes often influence the motivations and growth aspirations of entrepreneurs. Women business leaders and entrepreneurs play an active and robust role in the U.S. economy. Cases and profiles of women leaders as well as the different types of women-led ventures such as high growth, lifestyle, and family business owners, are explored. Part of the course focuses on how venture capital firms in the US evaluate and choose which high-growth businesses to fund, and why assumptions about a business owner's gender have led to a significantly lower number of womenowned ventures receiving funding than their male counterparts. These issues are investigated while recognizing the ethnic, racial, and socio-economic diversity of American entrepreneurs. Lastly, the course requires students to conduct an assessment of their personal career goals and develop a plan that outlines how they will achieve them.