School of Hard Knocks

Starting on March 3, the Entrepreneurship Program will sponsor Jefferson's first School of Hard Knocks, a speaker series featuring some of Louisville's most successful individuals. Each week, speakers will cover topics that feature lessons you have not been taught in school but should have been.

The School of Hard Knocks will take place every Tuesday from 8:00-9:00am in Hartford Hall, room 206, on the Downtown Campus. There will be free coffee and donuts at each event. All students are encouraged to attend.

March 3: Character of Success

Character building and important traits to use and identify, time management.

Dr. Karl Gretz is the President of Gretz Consulting Group and the author or co-author of eight books and 25 articles. He has created numerous courses and training programs for over 70 firms around the world. In addition to basic skills, the number one thing CEOs look for in a job applicant is their character; their integrity and work ethic. In this workshop we ll discuss what character is, why it matters, where to get it, what CEOs want and how to use your character to get the job you deserve.

March 10: Relationships 101

Building, establishing, and maintaining relationships to further your and other's careers and lives

Jeff Peden, MEd., is an international speaker, consultant, and author of How To Grow Your Business Without Spending Money. What creates the ability to successfully navigate life? Explore some fundamentals that are important to all of us and fuel cooperation, participation and mutual support, and leave with a concrete picture of what you can do to support your long-term success.

March 24: Personal Branding

Includes a 30 second elevator speech workshop, how to portray yourself better, etc.

Jeff Rushton is a seasoned (old) internet professional with over 19 years' experience managing internet companies and online initiatives. He has been a C-level executive or owner of seven start-up companies. He is currently the Director of Digital Media for the University of Louisville. Managing your reputation in this day and age can be a full-time job. Not only do you have to watch what you do and say, you also have to monitor what your friends say about you. In this session you will learn why your reputation matters and how to protect and build your reputation, using digital technology.

March 31: Networking & Collaboration

Dick Wilson was part of JCC's first graduating class in 1970, and is now a Sr. Vice President at Morgan Stanley. He was named to Louisville Magazine s 50 Most Powerful list, and has operated mentor programs at UofL and JCTC for more than 30 years. Hear about the power of collaborating within your community and learn how you can help others and facilitate change.

April 7: Tackling the Job Search - Resumes, Interviews, and other daunting words.

Rick Kaestner has owned computer distribution companies and commercial printing plants, and comes from a long line of self-employed businessmen in the Louisville area. He'll be covering an overview of the job search process with information on how to effectively network, why sending out resumes is a bad idea and how to ace the interview. As part of the presentation students will develop an effective 'Me in 30 seconds' statement to be used during the job search process.

April 14: Entrepreneurship 101

Graduates from Jefferson's Entrepreneurship Program discuss the highs and lows involved in starting a business.

For more information about the School of Hard Knocks contact Griffin Cottle at griffin.cottle@kctcs.edu.