When times are tough, consumers tend to cut back, yet some companies manage to remain unscathed or even prosper despite such challenges.
Take men’s luxury retailer Harry Rosen, for instance. While many high-end retailers are taking a major hit, Harry Rosen’s CEO, Larry Rosen, said the global economic crisis hasn’t been catastrophic for business, regardless of some setbacks.
Or there’s Spin Master Ltd. At a time when many companies are struggling, Spin Master is achieving record growth and has become the largest toy company in Canadian history.
At an upcoming Ivey Idea Forum on April 16, Anton Rabie, President, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Spin Master Ltd., and Larry Rosen will share their experiences and insights on leading organizations through tough times.
“Driving Growth in Turbulent Times”, will begin at 8 a.m. at Ivey’s ING Leadership Centre in Toronto. Simon Parker, MBA ’80 Professor in Entrepreneurship and Director of the Driving Growth Through Entrepreneurship & Innovation Cross-Enterprise Leadership Research Centre at the Richard Ivey School of Business, will introduce the session.
Carol Stephenson, Dean of Ivey Business School, will provide opening remarks. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m.
Discussion topics will include challenges unique to the present economic downturn and what that means for small- to medium-sized enterprises, positive and creative strategies to optimize performance and how to approach growth in a recession and how small enterprises like Harry Rosen and Spin Master Ltd. identify and capitalize on opportunities to drive growth.
“The success of some companies in challenging times can’t just be chalked up to good luck,” said Parker. “Downturns are notorious for being hard on companies, but they also offer opportunities to reinvigorate a company. Companies that are resourceful, innovative and focused on their vision have greater chances of winning when there is an uphill battle.”
For instance, Rosen attributes some of his company’s success to the fact that it has found ways to reduce costs without cutting back on quality or compromising the brand.
“It’s about staying true to who you are,” he said.
The event is part of the Ivey Idea Forum: A Cross-Enterprise Leadership Series, which provides executives, Ivey alumni, business students and prospective students with guest speakers and events to develop cross-enterprise leadership thinking on key business issues.
To purchase tickets, contact Ashleigh Nimigan at 519-850-2999, animigan@ivey.uwo.ca or click here to purchase tickets.
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