Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship With A Lemon Twist
About Coach Ken
I started this journey at Arizona State University as an adjunct faculty member teaching courses in the principles of electricity, computer applications and numerical analysis.
Ironically, I’ve come full circle in this journey and once again I’m teaching in the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University with the life experience I lacked when I began.
I currently teach technology entrepreneurship, strategic innovation and new venture development to engineering graduate students who are ready to increase the value of their technical skill set through increasing their understanding of how to create value through innovation and new venture development.
Looking back, I see that teaching required more than knowledge and a keen mind. It needed experience. My mission then and my mission now are intertwined. Naturally I wanted my students to learn the subject. It occurred to me I could do something which would ensure that outcome—and which would encourage responsibility for their own results. Subject mastery was important of course yet I saw an opportunity to build awareness, responsibility and self-belief as well which are the primary goal of a coach.
This was the gist of my little experiment—give ownership of results—in this case their grade—back to the individual student. I made it my mission to remind them that they decided which grade they would earn. My role was to present the material and encourage them to realize their potential.
I enjoyed teaching but I needed more seasoning in the world of business.
I worked for a variety of engineering and computer companies gathering experience in systems analysis, sales, marketing, management, organizational development and business development. I excelled in sales, much to my own delight, and led my sales region for a record seven straight years.
One day I had a revelation that it was time to put away both suit and tie and venture into uncharted territory, first as a business development consultant for small to midsize businesses then as a cofounder in a startup. After four startups and a variety of business consulting engagements I came to realize that I was coaching people and organizations naturally.
I have coached many executive teams in leadership, cooperation, creativity and communication using ropes courses and other physical challenges to cultivate leadership and improve teamwork. As Yogi Berra famously observed, “You can observe a lot by just watching.” I did.
Through these leadership experiences and consulting engagements I observed first hand how many of life’s most important truths were paradoxical. However, I have developed a practical working philosophy that improves performance, life satisfaction and startup success. This is Ken of Zen.
Moving you forward!
Coach K
Ken Mulligan teaches Technology Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Mindset and Strategic Enterprise Innovation in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. He is an advisor to several startups focused on Regenerative Medicine, Cyber Security and Blockchain.
He is available for workshops, seminars, speaking engagements and trout fishing.
