Profile: Scott Allen
Name: Scott Allen
Current Job: Associate Professor of Management at John Carroll University's Boler College of Business
City: Chagrin Falls
Hometown: Edina, MN
Q: What is it that you do at John Carroll University?
I teach leadership and management skills in the College of Business at John Carroll University. I also teach an elective on Technologies Enabling Disruption, which has become a passion of mine. As a faculty member, I write, teach, and consult with organizations in the community.
Q: What’s a problem that you are working to solve?
I am fascinated with the intersection of leadership and technologies enabling disruption. "IT" is moving from a department to a core component of strategy for almost every business, and I have come across several leaders who do not quite grasp what's coming (and what's already arrived). So how do we help our business leaders - and our students - remain on the cutting edge of where business is heading? That's what I am fascinated by right now.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that has helped shaped your work?
As a professor of management, it's easy to have the mindset that I need to be the expert. When I shifted my mindset (in certain instances) to one where I facilitate the learning instead of making myself the center of the learning an entire world of opportunities open up for my students and me. I teach a course in which we visit a different organization each week. It's likely I won't know as much as Goodyear about autonomous vehicles - so I am learning alongside my students, and year over year, my knowledge grows, and I become more of an expert in this space. It's intimidating at first though - and I know there are managers in industry who feel the same way I do. But I have found the best place to begin is to just start learning. For instance, if you are in human resources, simply Google "AI and human resources," or "sensor technology and human resources," or "chatbots and human resources" and you will find some amazing content.
Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that you believe doesn’t get enough attention?
For me, it's the convergence of multiple technologies. For instance, sensor technology, cloud, 5G, and AI offer up some cool new business opportunities for those with their eyes wide open. A goal at JCU is to develop the tech literacy of our students so they have a general knowledge of each technology, how they are being used, and how they could be used in their chosen profession or industry. While they are not the people coding or building the sensor, viewing their work through this lens can keep them on the forefront.
Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting?
I love the For Your Innovation podcast by ARKInvest. I also consume the many daily newsletters published by MIT Technology Review. They are wonderful resources that challenge my thinking. The best book I have read lately is called Lifespan by David Sinclair - he is interested in extending not only lifespan but also healthspan. It's an incredible read.
Q: What is your favorite place in Ohio?
I love Progressive Field and try to catch as many Cleveland Indians games as I can each summer. When I think of Progressive, I think of a beautiful ballpark, a sense of pride in our city, great food, good local beer, and some time to slow down and connect with friends and family.
Q: What makes Ohio special to you?
I grew up in Minneapolis, but Cleveland has become my home, and it's where we are raising our family. I love the state and the region. We have all four seasons, the cost of living is amazing, and we have access to world-class arts, athletics, and natural resources. We have stellar healthcare, multiple fortune 500 organizations, and young people can make a name for themselves quickly in the community if they are willing to get involved and make a difference.