If traditional entrepreneurship education teaches how to build a sturdy ship, then future-focused entrepreneurship education is more about navigating the open seas—identifying direction and fostering collaboration among crew members. The Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business is pioneering the latter. Under the leadership of newly appointed Dean Dan Wadhwani, the center is undergoing a paradigm shift, placing human-centric values at the heart of its educational philosophy.

Dan Wadhwani: Championing Human-Centric Entrepreneurship

Professor Dan Wadhwani is a distinguished leader in entrepreneurship education with a career spanning Harvard Business School, where he earned teaching accolades, and the University of the Pacific, where he held the Fletcher Jones Chair in Entrepreneurship. His expertise bridges rigorous academic research and cutting-edge business practice, enabling him to deliver unparalleled value to students.

Since joining USC Marshall, Wadhwani has spearheaded innovative courses such as "Founder’s Dilemma" and "Entrepreneurial Imagination." He also leads the Founder Central Initiative, a platform for curriculum development, research seminars, and postdoctoral mentorship. These efforts have elevated USC Marshall’s entrepreneurial education and solidified the Greif Center’s commitment to human-centered methodologies.

Elissa Grossman: Laying the Foundation for Growth

Before Wadhwani’s tenure, Elissa Grossman served as the Greif Center’s director for six years, expanding its reach and impact. Under her leadership, the center developed programs tailored to diverse student needs, including the MS in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology at USC’s Iovine and Young Academy. Grossman’s contributions earned her the USC Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching and the USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year award, leaving a legacy of dedication and innovation.

The Human-Centric Philosophy: Redefining ROI

Wadhwani’s vision transcends mere technological or business model innovation—it places human needs, well-being, and values at the core of entrepreneurship. This approach redefines "return on investment" (ROI), shifting the focus from financial metrics to the broader societal impact of entrepreneurial ventures. Success is no longer measured solely by profitability but by a venture’s ability to address real-world challenges, improve lives, and create sustainable value—a stark contrast to short-term, exploitative business practices.

From Theory to Practice: Wadhwani’s Educational Innovations

Wadhwani’s courses exemplify his human-centric ethos. "Founder’s Dilemma" tackles the personal and managerial challenges entrepreneurs face, while "Entrepreneurial Imagination" encourages students to envision solutions to pressing societal issues. The Founder Central Initiative further amplifies this mission, serving as a hub for research, collaboration, and mentorship that fuels the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Essential Skills for the Future: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Empathy

In an era of rapid change, technical skills alone are insufficient. Tomorrow’s leaders must cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy—qualities embedded in human-centric entrepreneurship. This approach equips students to navigate complexity, connect with diverse stakeholders, and develop solutions that deliver genuine value, transforming them into not just business leaders but societal change-makers.

Building a Supportive Entrepreneurial Network

Wadhwani is fostering a vibrant "entrepreneurial community network" at Greif, deepening engagement with students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners. From classroom interactions to mentorship programs, the center is creating an ecosystem where trust, support, and shared growth thrive—ensuring its human-centric principles translate into tangible action.

Student Success Stories: Impact Beyond Profit

The Greif Center’s influence is evident in its students’ ventures, which embody its human-centric mission:

RampMeDaddy: A Disruptive MBA Startup

Named one of 2024’s most disruptive MBA startups, RampMeDaddy exemplifies Greif’s ability to nurture bold, industry-transforming ideas.

AirVitalize: Clean Air Technology for Public Health

Founded by USC alumna Serena Allen, AirVitalize advances outdoor air purification—a critical innovation as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

but cute: Mental Health-Focused Toys

Mikey Schumacher’s but cute brand reimagines plush toys as tools for children’s emotional well-being, drawing inspiration from his own childhood struggles with anxiety. The venture has garnered acclaim for its socially conscious approach.

Greif’s Global Potential in Entrepreneurship Education

As universities increasingly align entrepreneurship education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Greif is poised to lead. Wadhwani’s expertise positions the center to address pressing questions: How can entrepreneurship ensure AI serves humanity? How can it compete with—and collaborate with—global peers to cultivate visionary leaders?

With its human-centric foundation, the Greif Center is uniquely equipped to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs—those who blend business acumen with social responsibility to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.