How to build successful projects
Before jumping into GROW, let’s start at the top: U-SCHOOL is a four step programme for entrepreneurial leaders that makes them IDEATE, JUMP/ACCELERATE, GROW and CHALLENGE in order to build successful projects. Each module is wrapped up in three intense days. U-SCHOOL’s aim is to equip individuals with a minimum of three years of professional experience with a hands-on entrepreneurial skill-set and a fantastic network of professors, practitioners and mentors.
From February 27-29 2020, our 11 participants got together in Berlin. They have highly diverse professional backgrounds, such as DZB BANK GmbH, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Sasserath Kienbaum Plus, erdbär GmbH, BearingPoint and others. In the GROW module, they developed their projects further by exploring the role of entrepreneurial strategy. They learned the methods and principles which entrepreneurs employ in uncertain situations. Moreover, they discussed the fundamentals of entrepreneurial finance, and deepened their skills in business communications and sales.
Expertise and practice
But what does this look like in a real U-SCHOOL setting? For example, Prof Martin Schmidt from ESCP Business School and Peter Borchers, who helped to build the Allianz Group’s venturing unit Allianz X, shared how successful companies do their accounting. Following up on these insights, the group explored how to set KPIs for innovation projects to persuade investors or boost the project’s growth in an engaging workshop.
Moreover, we had a very interactive session with Karina Collis from Liinea Sales Advisory. She explained why sales is not an art but an established process and presented her DYNAMIC sales model. With the help of this tool, the participants built and presented an investor pitch of their innovation projects.
Getting organizations ready for innovation
However, U-SCHOOL is more than input sessions and working on projects. We also had a lively session on new work and its elements. We want to get everyone ready to contribute to transforming their current working environment and making it more open to innovation! U-SCHOOL creates a safe and agile learning environment to develop your skills.
We thank everyone for joining for GROW – see you in April for CHALLENGE! If you’re not on board yet, apply now for the new round of U-SCHOOL starting in September. Join us for this amazing entrepreneurial journey around Berlin and Paris!