As the COVID crisis escalates, business is being disrupted and changing in unprecedented ways.  In less than one year, millions have grown sick or died, while others have lost their jobs. And markets are volatile, as companies grapple with how to adapt to the new social and economic paradigms. But this moment also represents an opportunity to study and learn from such real-time change. Old ways of thinking are being challenged, and rules being revised. In sum, we are witnessing innovation, and the evolution of business, right before our eyes.

From sports, entertainment, and retail to public health, urban planning, and privacy, students will be hearing from industry leaders about challenges and opportunities that face their industries. Students will gain a broader perspective on how businesses across the globe are being disrupted in response to the global pandemic, and the innovative solutions being developed to address them. There is a strong networking component to this course, and each session will culminate with an intimate networking event via Zoom breakout rooms. Here, students will be spending time with industry panelists, leaders, and Columbia alum to discuss these problems and innovations in a more personal setting. After 7:10 pm networking is optional, but highly recommended!

Application is due on Friday, August 14.  Please "Download Syllabus" to obtain an application.  You will need to submit your CV and a one-page response which addresses the following questions.

• Why are you interested in exploring industry issues affected by the pandemic?
• How will your background inform your contributions to the course discussion with fellow students, guest speakers, and industry panelists?
• How will you benefit from the networking component of this class?

Sheena Iyengar

S. T. Lee Professor of Business

Professor Iyengar has taught courses in leadership and entrepreneurial creativity. Her research addresses the implications of offering people, whether they be employees or consumers, choices. She has examined choice in a multitude of contexts ranging from employee motivation and performance in a global organization, Citigroup, to chocolate displays at Godiva, to the magazine aisles of supermarkets, and to mutual fund options in retirement benefit...

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