ABOUT SESSION: The session will focus on building creative confidence and curiosity, guiding participants to generate multiple ideas and solutions through activities like the Thirty Circles Exercise, which encourages free and enthusiastic thinking. Participants will also be introduced to the creative thinking framework that balances human, technical, and business factors to find the "sweet spot" where solutions are both innovative and practical. For instance, products like the Insta360 action camera, known for its impressive yet affordable technology, demonstrates this balance. Finally, participants will learn the Lean LaunchPad process, including the Business Model Canvas to understand key business aspects, the Interview Process to identify customer needs, and Agile Development to iteratively develop products based on customer feedback.
ABOUT SPEAKER: Dushan Nikolovski has a unique blend of 35+ years of startup and business experience and 30+ years teaching experience, educating thousands of undergraduate, graduate, executive MBA and community members in a variety of subjects and concentrations. Dushan is the inaugural Director of the Innovation Hub (iHub) and a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Valparaiso University and former Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Success and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Purdue University’s Chicago area campus. Dushan has founded a variety of companies from entertainment to fast-food company, and currently, he is the founder and president of IKANSTART; created to educate, train, inspire and motivate people to make a change in their life and start working on their dreams: to establish a new business, create a new product or service, become a better leader or just a better version of themselves and take on the next challenge in their life by learning new skills and strategies. He helps businesses reinvent themselves in this ever-changing economy and world.
Dushan has also implemented regional, national, and international programs, including the national idea competition, The Big Sell Entrepreneurship Competition, and the Chinese Executive Leadership Program. Moreover, he has been involved in working with organizations in China for over a decade, including conducting workshops for the prestigious Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (NASA of China).
Dushan's commitment to giving back extends to volunteering on community boards, speaking at public events and non-profit organizations, and providing educational programs for young people. He believes empowering today’s youth is extremely important because it develops leadership skills which can impact self-esteem, build character, and create thriving communities.
