Entrepreneurial Mindset for Innovation and Growth, with Dr. Joanna Berry, Durham University

Idea Time Innovation with Dr. Jo North

May 17 2023 • 35 mins

In this fascinating episode, I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Joanna Berry, an esteemed professor at Durham University and a luminary in the field of entrepreneurship. Dr. Berry is not just an academic, but a seasoned entrepreneur who successfully transitioned from running her own business to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

We delve deeply into the fascinating world of entrepreneurial mindset - a subject often misunderstood and underestimated. Dr. Berry demystifies what it truly means to have an entrepreneurial mindset, going beyond the confines of business startups and corporate environments. She offers insights into why this mindset is not just a luxury for the business-oriented, but a valuable life skill that can unlock potential in various facets of our lives.

Dr. Berry generously shares her wealth of knowledge on how to cultivate this mindset. She provides practical tips and strategies that listeners can immediately apply, whether they're embarking on a start-up venture, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply navigating life's challenges.

What sets this episode apart is Dr. Berry's personal journey. Her story is a testament to the power of the entrepreneurial mindset. From starting her own business to becoming a distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship, she illustrates the transformative power of applying entrepreneurial principles in real life.

One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation is a quote from Dr. Berry: "You can't climb a mountain by starting at the top." It's a powerful reminder that the journey to success is a process, and each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals.

This episode is packed with insightful perspectives, practical advice, and inspiring anecdotes. If you're looking to understand the entrepreneurial mindset, learn practical strategies to cultivate it, or simply enjoy an engaging discussion with a leading figure in entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

Dr. Joanna Berry and I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode. Did you have a favorite moment? What did you take away from our discussion? We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your reflections. Enjoy the show!

Dr. Joanna Berry’s biography

As Associate Dean, External Engagement for the Faculty of Business Joanna works closely with regional, national and international industry partners, as well as the School Executive Education team. She undertakes a wide variety of public and media activities on behalf of the School and University.

Joanna is Associate Professor (Entrepreneurship) at the Business School, and Director (Business, Enterprise and Innovation) of Durham University's globally renowned Durham Energy Institute ("DEI"). She sits on the University COP Steering Group and is Co-Programme Director of the new MSc in Energy Engineering Management, a joint programme run with Durham’s Engineering Department which launches in September 2023. She is Pathway Leader for the MBA Entrepreneurship Pathway, winning the 2020 Durham University Enhancing Learning and Teaching: Digital and Online Learning Award.

Joanna is a trustee and Board member of Acumen Community Buildings (where she focuses on community businesses and social enterprise). She was Regional Chair for the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Regional Vice-Chair for the Institute of Directors' Northeast branch. She is a Governor at Newcastle's Royal Grammar School where she sits on the Strategy and the EDI Committees, and she is an International Governor at Gifted Minds International School, Hoofddorp, Netherlands.

Joanna's professional experience runs from her Oxford University law degree in 1985 and encompasses not only law (mostly company and contract, practiced in South Africa from 1985 to 1987) but also science, creativity and technology. These interests are underpinned by significant and long-term exposure to new developments in media, marketing and advertising. Joanna's entrepreneurial spirit is underpinned by a deep and broad range of regional, national and international corporate and public sector contacts which she builds into her day-to-day activities. Her MBA dissertation focused on the impact of broadband connectivity on the TV industry, and her PhD took this one step further, looking into the impact of technology on the music industry's business models and value chains.

Her research and teaching interests encompass Problem Based Learning, energy and renewables, innovation, entrepreneurship, big data, ageing and health and the digital/creative industries. She has a particular emphasis on supporting women in business, and women in STEM in a variety of ways. She works closely with the Executive Education team and undertakes a wide variety of public and media activities on behalf of the School and University.

She is nominated as Mentor of the Year and Agent of Change in the 2023 Northern Power Women Awards, was delighted to achieve a position on the Northern Power Women Power List from 2020 and is a member of the NPW Newcastle and Teesside Power Circles.

Connect with Dr. Joanna Berry

Email: joanna.berry@durham.ac.uk

Links

Northern Power Women

Social Enterprise Acumen

Durham University Business School

Durham Energy Institute

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