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Mendoza News
The first Notre Dame CMO Summit focused on "Meaningful Marketing" and featured insights from leaders at GE, Google, Spotify, and more. With 150 attendees at the Mendoza College of Business, key takeaways included the importance of connecting with company associates, creating useful marketing, respecting consumer privacy, and understanding true competitive advantages. Speakers emphasized the need for human connection and the careful balance between sophistication and complication in marketing strategies.
First Person
Christmas has transformed into a season dominated by commercialism, with decorations and sales appearing as early as November 1, overshadowing the religious significance of the holiday. The blending of various customs, from Santa Claus to Christmas trees, reflects a historical evolution rather than a singular focus on the birth of Jesus. Despite its roots in the Catholic tradition, the essence of Christmas today often competes with economic interests, prompting a debate on how believers can honor the holiday's true meaning amid the festivities.
Salt and Light
Katie Hench, a graduate of Notre Dame, has turned her lifelong understanding of autism—sparked by her relationship with her younger brother Jon—into a successful career as the CEO of Infiniteach, a Chicago-based software startup. Founded in 2013, Infiniteach develops technology to assist individuals with autism, focusing on early academic skills and adult living strategies. The company's innovative apps use techniques like video modeling and visual supports to help users navigate job expectations and enhance their daily lives.
Eva's Village in Paterson, New Jersey, founded in 1982 by Monsignor Vincent E. Puma, is dedicated to addressing homelessness and poverty in the community. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to include recovery programs, healthcare clinics, affordable housing, and workforce development, providing vital support to individuals and families facing addiction and homelessness. With over 330,000 meals served annually and thousands of individuals seeking help through their various programs, Eva's Village remains committed to treating each person with dignity and respect. For more details, visit their website or contact Heather Thompson directly.
Carol Phillips, a marketing adjunct professor at Notre Dame, has been engaging MBA students in real-world brand strategy since 2003. A chance meeting with Perri Irmer, CEO of the DuSable Museum of African American History, led to a collaborative project where students developed innovative marketing strategies to help the museum reach key goals, such as attracting millennials and increasing visitor engagement. The proposals varied widely, focusing on the museum's role in the community and Chicago's identity, and will influence DuSable's future marketing initiatives.
Mendoza Profiles
The Maker Movement is often viewed as revolutionary, but for Jim Spencer at Mendoza, it's simply a natural expression of creativity. Spencer, who has crafted a quadcopter drone from scratch using a 3-D printer, embodies the maker spirit as he reassembles his inventions after mishaps. With millions in the U.S. identifying as makers, the movement transcends hobbyism, touching on deeper themes of consumerism and innovation—suggesting a cultural shift that could signal a new industrial revolution. Spencer's story illustrates the fundamental joy and fulfillment that comes from making things with one's hands.
Janet O'Tousa (MBA '88) embodies a spirit of service in all her roles, from coaching a Special Olympics swim team to guiding clients with their taxes and teaching business students. Her journey began in the sciences, where she studied ecology, before transitioning to taxpayer education and eventually academia. O'Tousa's passion for teaching and her commitment to making complex subjects accessible have made a lasting impact on her students and the community.
Ask More of Business
Caroline Yeager reflects on her transformative experience at Notre Dame, highlighting the strong sense of community and support she found at Mendoza. Her journey led to a passion for finance and a career at GE, where she continues to engage with the Notre Dame network and give back to others. A recent service trip to Malawi, where she helped build a school for a local community, underscores her commitment to providing educational opportunities for those in need.
Mendoza Profiles
Paul McCarthy, an influential businessman and Harvard graduate, is remembered for his unique contributions to event planning, including his role as executive director of the White House's America's Millennium celebration. His career journey took him from practicing law in Chicago to creating successful boat tours that showcased the city's architecture, eventually leading to his life on the pristine waters of Captiva Island, Florida. McCarthy's story reflects both his professional achievements and his passion for community engagement through innovative events.
Mendoza News
Research by Craig Crossland reveals significant differences in decision-making processes on gender-diversified corporate boards. While the inclusion of more women on boards is rising, with 42 percent of Fortune 1,000 companies reaching a 20 percent female representation, the impact on strategic choices, particularly mergers and acquisitions, is complex. Crossland's study suggests that boards with higher female representation tend to make fewer acquisitions and engage in more extensive discussions, potentially due to varied perspectives that may lead to more contentious deliberations.