This Wednesday, March 3rd, we are holding a special section of my class on Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach. Class will be held in an auditorium at Stanford, at Gates B01. Our guest star for the day is IDEO Partner and head of marketing, Whitney Mortimer (pictured to the left). I have invited Whitney because our class is currently studying how to build and sustain a culture of innovation, and IDEO is the poster child for this feat. \
I've know Whitney more than 10 years and she has often been a guest in this class. In general, she has refrained from being a public face who represents this great company, leaving that to others like the amazing Tim Brown and David Kelley. But whenever I hear Whitney talk about IDEO, I always see them from a different and compelling vantage point, as her perspective on the links among IDEO's culture, strategy, brand, and history is unique, despite all that has been said and written about this great company and its leaders.
This event is open to the public, but there are a few details and constraints. First, pizza and soft drinks will be served right outside the classroom from about noon to 12:25. Then Whitney's talk will commence from 12:30 to 1:30. Because the room only holds about 200 people (and we will occupy perhaps 100 seats with our students and some other guests) we only have room for about 100 guests. In addition, we need to know how much pizza to order. So, if you are going to join us, please send and rsvp to Carol XU, her email is jxcarol2001[at]gmail[dot]com.
Also note that we are "closing" the invitation at 9AM on Weds. morning or when we are sold out, whatever comes first. We hope to see you there, it should be great fun, and it is a fun chance to learn about the history of one of the greatest and most civilized companies I know, and from a perspective that is a bit different than is usually told.
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