Jim Krampen is the co-founder,  principal and executive officer at Seven Corners, Inc.

The diversity of industries represented at our roundtable discussion was encouraging, in that all were thriving!   Not once during the evening was there any note or comment of future “doom & gloom.”  Expressions of concern regarding the current state of the economy and government were mentioned, but then addressed with sheer commitment and confidence that companies, industries and the country will adapt and again return to profitable times.

The most prominent point I took away from our discussions was the emphasis of development and retention of human capital.   As markets fluctuate and revenues drop, the most valued resources are the management employees that will be able to foresee market shifts and guide a company through this period and adapt or create new business environments.  Chief executives need to not only cultivate these employees, but provide them with the opportunity and support necessary to implement a plan of action to accomplish both long and short term goals.

Many of the roundtable participants are involved in community and educational outreach programs.  Should commercial industry be engaged in education?   I think yes, to the extent that feedback to educators is needed in order to provide a curriculum that will be beneficial to both the student and industry.

I have had several occasions to speak to current or graduate MBA students from various universities.  It seems that the larger and more prominent the school, the more the MBA candidate is taught and believes in the “go big, or go home” philosophy.   This is great if it can be applied in a Fortune 500 company, flush with working capital and developmental infrastructure.  However, the plethora of MBA graduates far exceed the available positions in Fortune 500 companies.  The majority of MBA graduates are placed among small and mid-size companies, which are the backbone of the U.S. economy.  Does the “go big, or go home” philosophy work within these companies?  “Yes” in the emotional sense, but “no” in the working capital and infrastructure sense.  This is where developing human capital to adapt to realistic market conditions is key.  Everyone would love an employee ready to take on the world, but few companies can actually afford to employ all of the tactics and protocols presented in MBA classes.

I believe the state should continue in its quest to excel in educational outcomes from K-12 through post graduate programs.  However, the state and private educational systems also need to understand the needs of business and industry in the State in order to retain talent within the state.  Furthermore, the state needs to be more conducive for business.  It could be worse, but on the other hand, it could be better.   More business will create more employees.  More employees will create more tax base.  More tax base will create better schools and communities and thus more propensity to work, live and thrive in Indiana.