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What if every college graduate left campus with the mindset, confidence, and skills to solve complex problems and create opportunities wherever they go?
In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Jeff Meade, Founding Director of Entrepreneurship at Paul Quinn College, where every student learns to think and act like an entrepreneur.
Rather than preparing students for jobs that may not exist in a few years, Jeff and his team are equipping them to solve real-world problems, create value, embrace failure as part of the learning process, and confidently adapt to an ever-changing world.
Together, they explore how entrepreneurial thinking transforms education, strengthens leadership, and prepares students to become innovators, intrapreneurs, business owners, and changemakers. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, educator, parent, or leader, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what education—and leadership—can look like.
What We Discuss
- Why every student – not just business majors – should learn entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurship as a mindset rather than simply a career path
- Preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet
- Teaching students to solve problems through building businesses
- The difference between owning a job and building a scalable business
- How venture-based learning develops confidence and resilience
- Why failure is an essential part of learning and innovation
- Creating businesses that strengthen communities, not just generate profits
- Reimagining higher education through entrepreneurship
- The leadership lessons behind building a transformative educational program
Episode Highlights
00:00 – What if every student graduated as an entrepreneur?
02:45 – Why entrepreneurship belongs in every degree program
05:15 – Entrepreneurship is a mindset – not just a business
07:05 – Preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet
10:20 – Teaching students to solve meaningful problems
15:30 – Lifestyle businesses vs. scalable businesses
18:45 – Entrepreneurship teaches life skills, not just business skills
22:30 – A vision for colleges that become financially sustainable
26:45 – Venture-Based Learning: Why real stakes matter
30:15 – Helping students embrace failure and build confidence
34:15 – What earns funding – and an A – in Jeff’s program
39:00 – The biggest leadership lesson in building the program
Memorable Quotes
- “We want students to graduate thinking and acting like entrepreneurs.”
- “Build a business that’s more like an aspirin than a vitamin.”
- “The future belongs to people who know how to solve problems.”
- “Fail fast. Learn faster.”
Episode Resources
Paul Quinn College Entrepreneurship Program: https://www.paulquinn.edu/entrepreneurship
Connect with Jeff Meade
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