Executive Education Business Afterhours #5: Innovative and Responsible Business Growth

Get ready for an insightful experience at our event:

Starting at 16:00

• The Rise of Corporate Responsibility in a Globalized Era by Dana Landau-Raviv

The rise of corporate responsibility (CR) as a global policy norm marks a significant shift in thinking about the nature and scope of “responsibility”, on the part of economic actors. CR is based on the belief that businesses have a greater duty to society than just providing jobs and making profits. It asks business leaders to consider their decisions; environmental and social impacts, reduce harm, and take ownership of their operations; positive or negative effects on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities, and the environment. One significant force that can be accounted for the increasing demand for responsibility from business corporations is- Globalization. However, it seems that Globalization has a multidimensional effect on responsible behavior: it can be both an opportunity and a threat.

• Corporate Innovations: Establishing Innovation Capabilities for Corporations by Kristaps Banga

In this dynamic session, we will examine the foundational principles of open innovation and the strategic importance of constructing robust innovation ecosystems. Attendees will gain insights into the distinctions between incremental and radical innovations and the critical role of cultivating an experimentation-driven environment within their organizations. We will investigate a range of internal strategies, including the formation of dedicated innovation departments, the establishment of innovation incubators, corporate accelerators, and the implementation of hackathons, analyzing their strategic benefits and inherent challenges. Furthermore, the session will address external venturing strategies such as venture capital investments, strategic alliances, and acquisitions, evaluating the advantages and potential pitfalls of each approach. The discussion will extend to hybrid venturing models that synergize internal and external strategies, emphasizing the governance of open innovation to achieve impactful results.

• Obsessive focus: the shortcut to business growth by Rolands Ozolins

There are many strategies for business growth. This talk will focus on perhaps the most accessible of them all: meeting the specific needs of a narrowly defined set of Ideal Profile Customers.

You will learn the practical impact of ICP focus as discovered by Pipedrive.

Additionally, we will explore how obsessive focus can lead to a truly Unique Value Proposition, which, in turn, can lead to a Unique Market Position and open up additional monetization opportunities.

• Reimagine Your Business Model: A Competitive Imperative by Andrejs Strods

The business model has become the new battlefield.

Join us to explore how to innovate, disrupt, and thrive in today's dynamic market. Discover the latest tools and case studies on business model innovation and learn how to outmaneuver your competition.

• Discover our exciting autumn lineup of SSE Riga Executive Education's Open Programmes and Courses starting soon.

From 18:00

Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals and faculty members.

About the speakers:

Dana Landau-Raviv holds an assistant professorship in the School of Management and Economics at the Academic College of Tel Aviv Yaffo (MTA). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Tel Aviv University, a Master’s degree in Labor Studies from Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in Organizational Behavior from the Coller School of Business, Tel Aviv University. Dr. Landau has taught both graduate and undergraduate courses at the Coller School of Business (Tel Aviv University); the Zicklin School of Business (Baruch College, CUNY); Stern School of Business (New York University), and executive courses in Israel, The US, Europe and the Far East. Dr. Landau has also served as a process consultant to Governmental, national, and multinational Israeli firms. Her publications include academic and practitioner papers and a book titled: “Vision and Change in Institutional Entrepreneurship”.

Kristaps Banga, with over 20 years of experience in business management, change management consulting, innovation, sales and marketing, is the Head of Innovation at Accenture Baltics. He excels in driving business growth, transformation, and innovation strategy development. Since 2023, Kristaps leads Accenture global Space Innovation's go-to-market activities in Europe, developing integrated strategies and enhancing business performance.

Kristaps has held key roles at Carlsberg Group, MTG, Peugeot, and TET, and founded several companies. He holds a Bachelor's in Economics (Ventspils University College), a Master's in Marketing (University of Latvia), and currently is a PhD student in Innovation Management (Riga Technical University). His education includes courses from London Business School, HarvardX, Dartmouth College, and HEC Paris.

An international speaker, lecturer, and workshop facilitator, Kristaps specializes in strategy, innovation, and business design. He is a guest lecturer at the Service Design Strategies and Innovations master's program and has lectured at BA School of Business and Finance, Business Academy, Riga Business School, Art Academy of Latvia, University of Latvia, and BMI Executive Institute. He is also an active mentor and board advisor to several startups.

Rolands Ozolins is a business growth strategist and former Microsoft executive with over 20 years of experience in sales, sales excellence, international business development, and B2B marketing. 

In 2017, Rolands co-founded IBD Consulting – a consultancy that helps technology companies achieve their growth targets in international B2B markets.

Andrejs Strods is a visionary entrepreneur and industry expert with a proven track record in transforming industries through technology. As the founder and CEO of a thriving Health IT and Insuretech company, he has fostered development and implementation of innovative business models that drive efficiency in healthcare.

With a passion for sharing his expertise, Andrejs is also an accomplished educator. He has authored and is leading an innovative entrepreneurship course at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. Andrejs has delivered keynotes and workshops on entrepreneurship and innovation across three continents, offering valuable insights to executives worldwide.