Irving Grousbeck
The MBA Class of 1980 Adjunct Professor of Management at Stanford Graduate School of Business
Schools
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
Links
Biography
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Teaching Statement
Irv Grousbeck was cofounder and codirector of the Business School’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and coauthor of the textbook "New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur." His teaching centers on an objective means to develop a greater understanding of the issues faced by entrepreneurial companies and individuals. His course, Conversations in Management, places students in the role of CEO and challenges them to deal with difficult managerial issues by assessment, prescription, and execution, including frequent role-plays. Mr. Grousbeck also teaches a course at the Stanford Medical School, Managing Difficult Conversations, for GSB and medical students who aspire to improve their ability to deal effectively with difficult interpersonal situations.
Bio
With a partner, Grousbeck founded Continental Cablevision (later Media One) in 1964. He was President of that company through 1980, and Chairman through 1985. He was a Visiting Lecturer and then Lecturer at Harvard Business School from 1981-85. He became a Visiting Lecturer at Stanford in 1985, a Lecturer in 1986, and a Consulting Professor in 1996.
Grousbeck has served on numerous for-profit and not-for-profit Boards over the past 37 years, including (currently) Asurion Corp., ResponseLink, and the Boston Celtics. He was a Trustee of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Chairman and President of Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Chairman of the Board of Sponsors of New England Eye Bank, Overseer of Children’s Hospital (Boston), and Chairman of Menlo School and College. He is the principal owner of the Boston Celtics.
He holds an MBA from Harvard University, and Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.) degrees from Amherst College.
Academic Degrees
- MBA, Harvard University, 1960
- BA, Amherst College, 1956
Academic Appointments
- At Stanford University since 1985
- Codirector, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Stanford Business School, 1996-2013
- Lecturer, Harvard Business School, 1981-1985
- Instructor, Harvard Business School, 1962-1964
Professional Experience
- Chairman, Continental Cablevision, Inc., 1980-1985
- President, Continental Cablevision, Inc., 1964-1980
- Cofounder, Continental Cablevision, Inc., 1964
Awards and Honors
- Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.), Menlo College, 2016
- Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.), Amherst College, 2000
- Distinguished Teaching Award, MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business, 1987
Teaching
Degree Courses
2018-19
STRAMGT 510: Conversations in Management
This case-based course is offered for students who want to refine their ability to manage challenging professional conversations. The class, which is limited to 32 students, will focus on the preparation for and execution of role-played dialogue...
2017-18
GSBGEN 568: Managing Difficult Conversations
This elective 1-unit course is offered to 2nd-year, 3rd-year, and 4th-year Medical students, Residents, and Fellows, and to 2nd-year MBA students who aspire to improve their ability to deal effectively with difficult interpersonal situations....
STRAMGT 510: Conversations in Management
This case-based course is offered for students who want to refine their ability to manage challenging professional conversations. The class, which is limited to 32 students, will focus on the preparation for and execution of role-played dialogue...
2016-17
GSBGEN 568: Managing Difficult Conversations
This elective 2-credit course is offered to 2nd-year, 3rd-year, and 4th-year Medical students, Residents, and Fellows, and to 2nd-year MBA students who aspire to improve their ability to deal effectively with difficult interpersonal situations....
STRAMGT 510: Conversations in Management
This case-based course is offered for students who want to refine their ability to manage challenging professional conversations. The class, which is limited to 32 students, will focus on the preparation for and execution of role-played dialogue...
In the Media
Heroes of Small Business
Fortune, December 1, 2000
Failed at Your Last Job? Wonderful! You're Hired
New York Times, November 6, 1999
What It Takes to Run Your Own Show
The Christian Science Monitor, October 10, 1997
The Heart of Silicon Valley: Why Stanford
Fortune, August 7, 1997
Insights by Stanford Business
writtenFour Lessons for New CEOs
October 20, 2017
Stanford GSB faculty and industry leaders help young executives of search fund companies navigate their new roles.
writtenWhat it Takes to be a Search Fund Entrepreneur
September 25, 2015
Acquiring an existing company has lower risks than starting your own business.
writtenSusan Akbarpour: “I Want to Change the Way People Shop”
August 20, 2015
The founder of online tool Mavatar discusses consumer behavior, persistence, and the value of transparency.
writtenCase Study: Overcoming the Hurdles of Start-Up Life
August 6, 2014
A cosmetics company CEO faces a tough choice as her team members disagree.
writtenHow Do You Overcome the Hurdles in Start-Up Life?
March 21, 2014
A case explores the challenges Gregg Renfrew faced in launching her non-toxic cosmetics business – and asks you what to do next.
writtenMariam Naficy: Tech Startup Minted.com Crowdsources Artwork
October 28, 2013
A serial female entrepreneur advises women to take risks early in their careers.
writtenIrv Grousbeck: Finding One's Way on the Entrepreneurial Path
October 7, 2013
What are the characteristics of an entrepreneur? What are the risks? H. Irving Grousbeck explains.
written10 Ideas For Entrepreneurs Facing Personnel Issues
May 1, 2007
Entrepreneurs share notes on hiring, firing, and promoting employees in a growing company.
Videos
H. Irving Grousbeck - Entrepreneurship Speech #4
Dean Jonathan Levin in Conversation with Jim Ellis and Irv Grousbeck: "Entrepreneurship at the GSB"
H. Irving Grousbeck - Entrepreneurship Speech #1
Conversation with Irv Grousbeck
Risks, Rewards & Entrepreneur's Path
H. Irving Grousbeck - Entrepreneurship Speech #3
Read about executive education
Cases
Lighthouse | E628 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2017
2016 Search Fund Study: Selected Observations | E605 Peter Kelly, David Dodson, H. Irving Grousbeck, Susan Pohlmeyer, Sara Rosenthal2016
Bernard Wilsey | E583 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
Coley Andrews | E567 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
ConvenientMD | E550 H. Irving Grousbeck, Ryan Kissick2016
FreeMobility | E618 H. Irving Grousbeck, Jim Ellis, Graham Weaver, Sara Rosenthal2016
Richardson County Community Association Vignettes | E568 H. Irving Grousbeck, Bethany Coates, Sara Rosenthal2016
Wind River Environmental | E231 H. Irving Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2016
Healthy Buildings | E563 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2015
Starling Systems Vignettes | E570 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2015
Aegis Systems Corp. | E511 H. Irving Grousbeck, Jason Luther2014
Bonobos, Inc. Building A Technical Team | E514 H. Irving Grousbeck, Yin Li2014
Search Funds - 2013: Selected Observations | E521 David Dodson, Peter Kelly, H. Irving Grousbeck, Jason Luther, Sara Rosenthal2014
Two Interpersonal Challenges | ETH12 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2013
MobiChair | E491 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2013
Motivating Others - Selected Vignettes | E469 H. Irving Grousbeck, Justin Randolph2013
Beautycounter | E456 H. Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2012
Huntington University | E439 H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2012
Serena and Lily | E438 H. Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2012
Trunk Club | E458 H. Grousbeck, Austin Kiessig2012
John Stanton: Managing Successful Partnerships | E429 H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2011
Nuru International | E417 H. Grousbeck2011
Starling Systems | E425 H. Grousbeck2011
Dr. Curley's Perfect Storm | ETH10 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2010
Emergency Room Vignettes | ETH8 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2010
In the Line of Fire | ETH9 H. I. Grousbeck, Alexander Tauber, Elizabeth A. Zambricki2010
Search Funds - 2009: Selected Observations | E386 H. Grousbeck, Aimee LaFont Leifer, Tjarko Leifer, Lisa Sweeney2010
Compass Ventures | E378 H., Grousbeck, Claire Magat2010
Franklin Warranty | E390 H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2010
A Brief Note on Difficult Discussions Between Doctors and Patients | ETH11 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2009
Andy Smith's Struggles | ETH7 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2009
Helping to Ease the Pain and Suffering | ETH6 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber, Elizabeth A. Zambricki, Julie Makinen2009
Nixon, Inc. | E333 H. Grousbeck, Jocelyn Hornblower2009
Vector Healthcare | E346 H. Grousbeck, Claire Magat2009
Search Funds 2007 Selected Observations | E282 H. Grousbeck, Sean Harrington2008
Revolution Foods | E322 Bethany Coates, H. Grousbeck2008
Satura Cakes | E281 Katherine Bose, H. Grousbeck2008
ESPA Extended Service Plans of America | E242 Patrick Arippol, H. Grousbeck2007
John Stanton: Managing Through Adversity | E275 Bethany Coates, H. Grousbeck2007
The Private Bank | E253 Katherine Bose, H. Grousbeck2007
Carteleras de Puerto Rico | E235 H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2006
Rick Corcoran | E233 H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2006
Tea Collection | E227 H. Grousbeck, Joshua Spitzer2006
Three Common CEO Missteps (A Perspective From The Boardroom) | E201 Harold Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Jeffrey Pfeffer, Alex Tauber2006
Coinstar | E180 H. Grousbeck, Timothy Groseclose, Alicia Seiger2005
JetBlue Executing the Plan (A) | E182A H. Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alex Tauber2005
JetBlue Executing the Plan (B) | E182B H. Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alex Tauber2005
McQueeney's Publishing | E191 H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2005
Search Funds — 2005: Selected Observations | E215 H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2005
Wild Planet | E193 H. Grousbeck, Joshua Spitzer2005
A Note On Boards of Directors | E175 H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2004
Graham Weaver | E110 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2004
Insight Data Systems | E170 H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2004
Prospect Colleges | E179 H. Grousbeck, Alicia Seiger2004
Search Funds 2003 What Has Changed Since 2001? | E162 H. Grousbeck, Mu Li2003
Valley Fire Protection | E137 H. Grousbeck, Alicia Seiger2003
JetBlue | E150 Harold Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alicia Seiger2003
PDQ Personnel Services | E158 Jamie Earle, H. Grousbeck2003
Peter Kelly and Med-Mart | E124 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2003
Silicon Valley Bank and Bladerunner Technologies | E159 Jamie Earle, H. Grousbeck2003
Amy Baker and Nature's Cure | E105 H. Grousbeck, J. Feldstein2002
eBay | E74 H. Grousbeck2002
Gordon Biersch Vignettes | E121 H. Grousbeck, Andrea Higuera2002
New England Monthly | E4 Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel2002
Search Fund Study - 2001 : Selected Observations and Investor Return Analysis | E120 Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2002
SpaWest, Inc. | E132 H. Grousbeck, Andrea Higuera2002
Susan Nimoy and Mark Borden | E113 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2002
TRACE DIE CAST | E139 H. Irving Grousbeck2002
Arrival Communications | E101 Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2001
John Stanton (B) | E20B Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck, Nick Mansour, Joseph Welsh2001
Northwest Security Services | E103 Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2001
The Dolores Project | E104 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2001
Carillon Assisted Living | E75 H. Grousbeck, Keith Sigg2000
Discovery Zone | E63 Harold Grousbeck, Pratap Mukherjee2000
Jetsort | E58 Nathaniel Durant, Harold Grousbeck2000
Phoenix Industries | E26 H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare2000
RentWise | E81 Harold Grousbeck, Brian Trelstad2000
Vicinity Corporation | E71 Nathaniel Durant, H. Grousbeck2000
BestOffer.com | E78 H. I. Grousbeck, Keith Sigg1999
Trellis | E67 Harold Grousbeck, Pratap Mukherjee1999
Dan Moss | E59 Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
David Dodson II | E51 Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
InterMarket | E52 Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
Note on Angel Financing | E50 Harold Grousbeck, A Tauber1998
Valuation Techniques | E53 Charles A. Holloway, H. Irving Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
Eller Media | E40 Harold Grousbeck, N Mansour1997
Gordon Biersch | E2 H. Grousbeck, Nick Mansour, L. Snedeker1997
MSA Industries | E36 Harold Grousbeck, N Mansour1997
Ariel Capital Management | E28 H. Grousbeck, B. Keare1996
Sierra Expressway | E31 H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
StorMedia , Inc. (A) | E30A H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
StorMedia, Inc. (B) | E30B H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
Downtown Daycare | E25 H. Grousbeck, Joseph Welsh1995
Elmer Stephens | E18 H. Grousbeck, Joseph Welsh1995
Emergency Roadside Assistance | E21 Lauren Dutton, Jim Ellis, H. Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1995
Shelter Bay Bank Card | E19 H. Grousbeck, J.M. Welsh1995
Donna Bookout-Coe | E15 Jim Ellis, H. Grousbeck1994
Discounter's Supply, Inc. | E14 H. Grousebeck1994
Florida Air, Inc. | E13 H. Grousebeck1994
Spanos & Yecies | E11 H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1994
Supercuts ® | E12 H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1994
ColeTek, Inc. | E10 H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1993
Fresh Choice | E8 Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1993
Precision Printing | E5 Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1993
Kirk Riedinger and Jamie Turner | SB102 Harold Grousbeck, David Dodson1987
Lighthouse | E628 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2017
2016 Search Fund Study: Selected Observations | E605 Peter Kelly, David Dodson, H. Irving Grousbeck, Susan Pohlmeyer, Sara Rosenthal2016
Bernard Wilsey | E583 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
Bill Meehan | E617 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
Coley Andrews | E567 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
ConvenientMD | E550 H. Irving Grousbeck, Ryan Kissick2016
FreeMobility | E618 H. Irving Grousbeck, Jim Ellis, Graham Weaver, Sara Rosenthal2016
Richardson County Community Association Vignettes | E568 H. Irving Grousbeck, Bethany Coates, Sara Rosenthal2016
Wind River Environmental | E231 H. Irving Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2016
Healthy Buildings | E563 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2015
Starling Systems Vignettes | E570 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2015
Aegis Systems Corp. | E511 H. Irving Grousbeck, Jason Luther2014
Bonobos, Inc. Building A Technical Team | E514 H. Irving Grousbeck, Yin Li2014
Search Funds — 2013: Selected Observations | E521 David Dodson, Peter Kelly, H. Irving Grousbeck, Jason Luther, Sara Rosenthal2014
MobiChair | E491 H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2013
Motivating Others - Selected Vignettes | E469 H. Irving Grousbeck, Justin Randolph2013
Beautycounter | E456 H. Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2012
Huntington University | E439 H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2012
Serena and Lily | E438 H. Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2012
Trunk Club | E458 H. Grousbeck, Austin Kiessig2012
John Stanton: Managing Successful Partnerships | E429 H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2011
Nuru International | E417 H. Grousbeck2011
Starling Systems | E425 H. Grousbeck2011
Compass Ventures | E378 H., Grousbeck, Claire Magat2010
Franklin Warranty | E390 H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2010
Search Funds — 2009: Selected Observations | E386 H. Grousbeck, Aimee LaFont Leifer, Tjarko Leifer, Lisa Sweeney2010
Helping to Ease the Pain and Suffering | E336 H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber, Elizabeth A. Zambricki, Julie Makinen2009
Nixon, Inc. | E333 H. Grousbeck, Jocelyn Hornblower2009
Vector Healthcare | E346 H. Grousbeck, Claire Magat2009
Revolution Foods | E322 Bethany Coates, H. Grousbeck2008
Satura Cakes | E281 Katherine Bose, H. Grousbeck2008
Search Funds — 2007: Selected Observations | E282 H. Grousbeck, Sean Harrington2008
ESPA Extended Service Plans of America | E242 Patrick Arippol, H. Grousbeck2007
John Stanton: Managing Through Adversity | E275 Bethany Coates, H. Grousbeck2007
The Private Bank | E253 Katherine Bose, H. Grousbeck2007
Carteleras de Puerto Rico | E235 H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2006
Rick Corcoran | E233 H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2006
Tea Collection | E227 H. Grousbeck, Joshua Spitzer2006
Three Common CEO Missteps (A Perspective From The Boardroom) | E201 Harold Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Jeffrey Pfeffer, Alex Tauber2006
Coinstar | E180 H. Grousbeck, Timothy Groseclose, Alicia Seiger2005
JetBlue Executing the Plan (A) | E182A H. Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alex Tauber2005
JetBlue Executing the Plan (B) | E182B H. Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alex Tauber2005
McQueeney's Publishing | E191 H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2005
Search Funds — 2005: Selected Observations | E215 H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2005
Wild Planet | E193 H. Grousbeck, Joshua Spitzer2005
A Note On Boards of Directors | E175 H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2004
Graham Weaver | E110 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2004
Insight Data Systems | E170 H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2004
Prospect Colleges | E179 H. Grousbeck, Alicia Seiger2004
JetBlue | E150 Harold Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alicia Seiger2003
PDQ Personnel Services | E158 Jamie Earle, H. Grousbeck2003
Peter Kelly and Med-Mart | E124 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2003
Search Funds — 2003: What Has Changed Since 2001? | E162 H. Grousbeck, Mu Li2003
Silicon Valley Bank and Bladerunner Technologies | E159 Jamie Earle, H. Grousbeck2003
Valley Fire Protection | E137 H. Grousbeck, Alicia Seiger2003
Amy Baker and Nature's Cure | E105 H. Grousbeck, J. Feldstein2002
eBay | E74 H. Grousbeck2002
Gordon Biersch Vignettes | E121 H. Grousbeck, Andrea Higuera2002
New England Monthly | E4 Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel2002
Search Fund Study - 2001 : Selected Observations and Investor Return Analysis | E120 Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2002
SpaWest, Inc. | E132 H. Grousbeck, Andrea Higuera2002
Susan Nimoy and Mark Borden | E113 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2002
TRACE DIE CAST | E139 H. Irving Grousbeck2002
Arrival Communications | E101 Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2001
John Stanton (B) | E20B Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck, Nick Mansour, Joseph Welsh2001
Northwest Security Services | E103 Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2001
The Dolores Project | E104 Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2001
Carillon Assisted Living | E75 H. Grousbeck, Keith Sigg2000
Discovery Zone | E63 Harold Grousbeck, Pratap Mukherjee2000
Jetsort | E58 Nathaniel Durant, Harold Grousbeck2000
Phoenix Industries | E26 H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare2000
RentWise | E81 Harold Grousbeck, Brian Trelstad2000
Vicinity Corporation | E71 Nathaniel Durant, H. Grousbeck2000
BestOffer.com | E78 H. I. Grousbeck, Keith Sigg1999
Trellis | E67 Harold Grousbeck, Pratap Mukherjee1999
Dan Moss | E59 Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
David Dodson II | E51 Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
InterMarket | E52 Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
Note on Angel Financing | E50 Harold Grousbeck, A Tauber1998
Valuation Techniques | E53 Charles A. Holloway, H. Irving Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
Eller Media | E40 Harold Grousbeck, N Mansour1997
Gordon Biersch | E2 H. Grousbeck, Nick Mansour, L. Snedeker1997
MSA Industries | E36 Harold Grousbeck, N Mansour1997
Ariel Capital Management | E28 H. Grousbeck, B. Keare1996
Sierra Expressway | E31 H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
StorMedia , Inc. (A) | E30A H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
StorMedia, Inc. (B) | E30B H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
Downtown Daycare | E25 H. Grousbeck, Joseph Welsh1995
Elmer Stephens | E18 H. Grousbeck, Joseph Welsh1995
Emergency Roadside Assistance | E21 Lauren Dutton, Jim Ellis, H. Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1995
Shelter Bay Bank Card | E19 H. Grousbeck, J.M. Welsh1995
Discounter's Supply, Inc. | E14 H. Grousebeck1994
Donna Bookout-Coe | E15 Jim Ellis, H. Grousbeck1994
Florida Air, Inc. | E13 H. Grousebeck1994
Spanos & Yecies | E11 H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1994
Supercuts ® | E12 H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1994
ColeTek, Inc. | E10 H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1993
Fresh Choice | E8 Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1993
Precision Printing | E5 Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1993
Kirk Riedinger and Jamie Turner | SB102 Harold Grousbeck, David Dodson1987
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