Lecture Notes: Minerva University and Leadership Insights

Introduction to Minerva University

• Speaker: Mike McGee, President of Minerva University
• Major Donors: Successful entrepreneurs, e.g., founders of Netflix and ByteDance.
• University Nature: No traditional campus; focus on risk-taking and motivation.

University Selectivity

• Very selective with many applications.
• Currently small, but aiming to grow.
• Possibly better than Harvard for certain students.
• Focus on problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders.

Innovation and Learning Model

• Rankings: Most Innovative University in the world for the past 2 years.
• **Three Integrated Innovations: **
  1. Active Learning Pedagogy: Small, dialogue-based seminars.
  2. Project-Based Application: Application of skills to projects in global cities.
  3. Cultural Immersion: Living in culturally and economically vibrant cities.

Global Presence

• Headquarters: San Francisco
• First Year: Core Curriculum in San Francisco
• Subsequent Semesters: Cities like Seoul, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hyderabad, Taipei.
• Virtual Seminars: Under 20 students per class, live discussions on a virtual platform.
• Integration: Students in different cities can interact during classes and apply learning locally.

Unique Learning Experience

• Virtual Platform: Designed for Minerva, interactive and live.
• Bond Building: Stronger connections with classmates and professors compared to traditional universities.
• Graduates maintain lifelong bonds with professors.

Personal Insights on Leadership and Fulfillment

• Passion for Work: Emphasizes finding joy in daily work.
• Community Building: Schools bring diverse students together, fostering belonging and excitement for learning.
• Balancing Act: Importance of work-life balance, hobbies, family time, and health routines.
• Learning from Failure: Cites personal experiences, including health issues from lack of sleep.

Experiences with Career Changes and Risk-Taking

• Building from Scratch: Satisfaction from creating new institutions.
• Career Shift: Moved from academia to nonprofit, resulting in fulfilling career changes.
• Encouragement to Take Risks: Risks aligned with passions often lead to greater success.

Final Advice

• Passion and Curiosity: Pursue what you are curious and passionate about for success.
• Learning and Application: Always be open to learning more and explore if Minerva University is right for you.

Website: Visit Minerva University's website for application details.