Six years ago, I asked a question.
In August 2020, I wrote an article for ICSB titled “Arts & Entrepreneurship: A Marriage Made on Earth?” Note the question mark. An ICSB workshop with the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education had just opened my eyes to the intersection of business and the arts. I was exploring. I was not yet certain.
Last week, I got my answer.
At the 71st ICSB World Congress in Washington, DC, experts from around the world led workshops on finance, policy, technology, and global trade.
The Best Workshop award went to none of them.
It went to Casey Hayes-Deats, who taught creativity and collaboration to 24 Korean middle and high school students through art and play. No slides. No jargon. Just imagination, courage, and connection across cultures.
And here is what makes me beam with pride. Casey is a GWSB alumna and past President of our MBA Association. I have said it before. GWSB builds the next superstars. Casey proved it in front of academics, policymakers, and business leaders from 130 countries.
So is arts and entrepreneurship a marriage made on earth?
Yes. The question mark comes off. Both begin with a blank canvas. Both demand imagination, risk, and the courage to create something from nothing. Casey did not just win an award. She closed a question I have carried for six years.
Congratulations, Casey. This is only the beginning.
#Entrepreneurship #ICSB #GWSB #Arts #Creativity #HumanCenteredEntrepreneurship