Retiring UNCG Entrepreneurship Professor Shares Business Sense – UNC Greensboro

Dr. Dianne Welsh, Hayes Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Founding Director of UNC Greensboro’s Entrepreneurship Program in the Bryan School of Business and Economics was featured on both podcasts “Family Business Today” and “She Means Profit.”  

This year, Welsh was honored with a lifetime achievement award for entrepreneurship from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 

Welsh retires this summer, ending 15 years of teaching students and inspiring new entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals at UNCG. 

Keeping it in the family

In “Family Business Today,” hosted by Greg Lewis, Welsh shares insight on her new book called “Entrepreneurial Family Business: From Survival to Success.” Welsh talks about her personal experiences and their influence on her perspective of family business and entrepreneurship.  

“Every generation has to be entrepreneurial to survive and be successful. One of the main things I bring home is to model entrepreneurship and teach entrepreneurship.” Welsh said. 

Some of her key messages include: The evolving landscape of family business leadership, the importance of being open-minded when considering successors, diversity in leadership, and the significance of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset. 

The right mindset

In “She Means Profit,” hosted by Melissa Houston, Welsh focuses on the theme of “Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset for Success.” She talks about the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset and about her background as an owner of three businesses and founder of two entrepreneurship centers. 

“There’s never going to be a perfect time to start calling yourself an entrepreneur until you actually start doing it,” Welsh said. 

Some of her key messages include: The critical role of financial management in business success, the potential within global markets, the qualities that can pave the way to entrepreneurial success, and documenting business succession plans. 

Story by Lauren Segers, University Communications
Photography by Jiyoung Park