One of the biggest opportunities for folks who want to make an impact through entrepreneurship is to tackle things that Corporate America has gotten wrong and so we’ve asked some of the best and brightest in the community to share examples of what Corporate America is getting wrong in their industries.

John Casson

A formal education can earn you a living. But a self made education, particularly when combined with vocational training, can make a killing for you and the company you represent. Corporate America often overlooks a vast pool of skilled workers by focusing too narrowly on formal, degree-based education instead of hands-on, vocational training. This approach not only perpetuates the ongoing skilled labor shortage but also causes companies to miss out on talent that is ready to contribute immediately. As a result, jobs remain unfilled while millions of capable, job-ready individuals are sidelined simply because they lack a traditional degree. Read more>>

Jeff Kauffman

One of the biggest issues I see in senior housing is the corporate driven sales culture that prioritizes occupancy numbers over doing what’s truly best for families. Sales teams are often under intense pressure to meet quotas, leading to an “always be closing” mindset. As a result, communities frequently present themselves as the right fit for a resident, even when they’re not, just to secure a move-in. Read more>>

Natasha Federico

I feel in the pet industry corporate forgets that animals are not just “pets” they are really family members and deserve to be treated as such , they aren’t just a number in the ticket list they are living beings that deserve all the extra TLC when providing services such as grooming cause it can be such a vulnerable experience for them ,to be in a time crunched service times takes away from their individual needs think of it like you wouldn’t want to go get your hair done and be tossed in a tub and have a blow dryer in your face and sent on your way no conversation whatsoever . Read more>>

Lars Lawson

I think big agencies have lost their way. They have generally become yes men. Anything to satisfy the client and get paid. They tend to be over staffed and bulky. Too many people weighing in on every decision. There’s less educating the client. Less reliance on experience and expertise. That said, there’s also more folks in the industry with less talent trying to push their weight or control. Good, talented designers and creators are often rare, but when they are discovered, they should be trusted by clients. Corporate agencies are more about in & out, “better than good, it’s done”, pleasing the client and turning a buck. I don’t tend to work that way. Read more>>

Lauren Gay

I think the one thing Corporate America gets wrong in my industry beyond the importance of marketing a concept or product is their employee experience.

The employee experience should be a part of your company’s platform as a factor of how your company is growing to scale. Without a good team to support your concept, help is run, and be innovative to build a solid environment to feel safe to help you expand your brand beyond their role. Read more>>

Anna Fishbeyn

Corporate America likes to say it supports bold female storytelling, but in reality? It supports what’s safe, familiar, and market-tested. Anything that actually challenges the status quo gets labeled as “too niche,” “too risky,” or “too confusing for a mainstream audience.” Translation: we love women’s stories, as long as they behave. Read more>>