Ascend National Cohort  2025 - 2026
Curriculum Material 

Foster Hub

Morehouse Hub

VIRTUAL SESSIONS

• Oct. 10, 2025

  UW Foster- Prof. Léo Boussioux

  Recording: https://vimeo.com/1126995168/df848cf034?share=copy

  Prof. Leó´s teaching materials (lecture slides, podcasts, videos): www.leobix.com/genai

  Resources and advice to learn more about GenAI and create a lifelong learning mindset (highly suggest checking): 

  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hfpvr4A2NOw1NtO7YdwnM608oI0hxzVuX5xE7VWQhGs/edit?usp=sharing

  For those interested in Prof. Léo´s research in AI x Creativity and Entrepreneurship, two paper readings:

  • The Crowdless Future? Generative AI and Creative Problem-Solving: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/full/10.1287/orsc.2023.18430
  • Narrative AI and the Human-AI Oversight Paradox in Evaluating Early-Stage Innovations: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4914367

  Slide deck in PDF as a reminder:

  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gw0WjjFiSQ46sYhVh3pAgUeRhMEk-e83/view?usp=sharing

• Oct. 24, 2025

  Financing Middle Market Growth–JP Morgan

  9 AM – Noon PST / 11 AM –  2 PM CST / Noon – 3PM EST This session explores practical strategies to help you earn more and spend less while making smarter financial decisions. You’ll learn how to analyze complex expenses—including vendor relationships—and gain insights into the four types of customers every business needs. The session also covers how to position yourself in the market and price your offerings effectively for long-term success. Invite the person managing finances in your business. This is a two-part session. Also, have your high-level business´financial information at hand during the session, so you may perform ratios in real time.  Navigation Your Cash Flow Notebook (Will be used during the session.) Session Notes JPMC Survey-Feedback Link: https://jpmc.surveymonkey.com/r/32TKWM6

• Nov. 07, 2025

  Leadership & Teams – Bruce Avolio

   

  Session Description  This session focuses on how to develop one’s leadership to lead successful growth in teams and organizations. In our workshop, we will examine 5 basic components that contribute to being an effective leader in one’s team and organization.  We will consider how the situation or context in which leaders and teams operate can impact the trajectory of growth and performance of leaders, teams, and organizations.   My primary goal is to have you leave this workshop with at least one specific application that can be used to enhance your leadership and how these enhancements can contribute to team and organizational performance.   Links and Materials for Class Discussion  Readings to Complete Before Our Session  What Employees Want Most in Uncertain Times  The Power of a Clear Narrative  A Nobel Purpose Alone Won’t Transform Your Company  Bridging Faultlines in Teams   Other Materials for In-Class Discussions  Google Sheets to Organize Feedback for Breakout Sessions  Read Team D Case & Supporting Slides Prior to Our Session  The Leader Intent Exercise Follow-up to Our Session   Preparation Questions  Please come prepared to discuss the following questions with classmates. You do not need to write-out your answers.   What are the core challenges facing your organization?  What are areas of leadership you feel you need to develop?  What are the needs of your followers that need to be addressed?  What are your primary intentions in terms of leading others and your purpose?  Readings:  A Noble Purpose Alone Won´t Transform Your Company Bridging Faultlines in Diverse Teams The Power of a Clear Leadership Narrative What Employees Want Most in Uncertain Times Case D ppt ZOOM Link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/91573296876

• Nov. 21, 2025

  Technology Transformation–RSM

   

  This session aims to help Ascend business participants understand the challenges and pathways to success in moving from small to middle-market businesses. We will focus on accounting issues, risk-mitigating threats, and technology constraints.  Each Company must complete an Assessment Form, fill out and email back to martha@ascenduwfoster.com. DUE DATE: THU, 11/20/25. ZOOM Link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/98543657549

• Dec. 5, 2025

  Financial Middle Market Firms– JP Morgan

  ZOOM Link:

  https://washington.zoom.us/j/94305986859

• Jan. 9, 2026

  B2B Marketing I (Value Prop.) – Vivienne Long

  ZOOM Link:

  https://washington.zoom.us/j/99694767819

• Jan. 23, 2026

  Financial Systems Transformation–RSM

  In November, RSM professionals provide an overview of key transformation considerations related to financial systems. This session follows up on that conversation and will address specific questions about financial systems during breakout sessions. RSM will also rely on the assessment tool (assignment) and apply those learnings to strengthen your capacity for a changing competitive landscape.

  https://washington.zoom.us/j/91686055089

   

• Feb. 6, 2026

  Scaling Your Business–Ben Hallen

   

  In this session, we’ll discuss leading for scaling, including specific strategies and approaches leaders use to guide their company through the scaling process. We’ll further discuss hiring for scaling and how to scale your business when financial resources are scarce.  ZOOM Link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/91344816491

• Feb. 20, 2026

  B2B Marketing–Vivienne Long

  ZOOM Link:

  https://washington.zoom.us/j/99656624265

• March 6, 2026

  Leadership–Andy Hafenbrack

  ZOOM Link:

  https://washington.zoom.us/j/98278929244

Foster Opening Sep 22 - 25, 2025

• Day 4- THU 9/25

  Profs. Masha Shunko and Sarah McVay
  • Prof. Masha Shunko PowerPoint
  • Prof. Shunko: A Contrast in Operation Strategies
  • Prof. Shunko: The Seven Deadly Wastes
  • Prof. McVay: Ratio Case
  • Prof. McVay: Healthstream #s
  • Prof. McVay: Health Spreadsheet
  • Prof. McVay: Mesa #s
  • Prof. McVay Mesa Spreadsheet
  • Prof. McVay Veru #s
  • Prof. McVay Veru Spreadsheet

• Day 3- WED 9/24

  Prof. Crystal Farh- Leadership Strategies for Scaling
  • PowerPoint

• Day 2- TUE 9/23

  Prof. Ben Hallen- Strategic Foundations of Driving Growth
  • PowerPoint

• Day 1- MON 9/22

  Pitching & Problem Statement
  • Christy Johnson PitchPowerPoint
  • Christy Johnson Pitch Worksheet
  • Accenture Problem Statement PowerPoint
  • Accenture Problem Statement Worksheet

Foster Opening Reading Assignments

• Opening: Day 2 Readings

  Please read in preparation for 9/23/25 Session with Prof. Hallen

  Reading 1: Session Description + Prep Questions

  Reading 2: Background on Competitive Advantage

  Reading 3: INPAX Case Study Part A

• Opening: Day 3 Readings

  Please read in preparation for 9/24/25 Session with Prof. Farh

  Worksheet 1- Download and fill it out. 

• Opening: Day 4 Readings

  Please read in preparation for 9/25/25 Session with Prof. Shunko

  Reading 1

• Challenge Statement

  Sep 22-25, 2025

  Please download the Challenge Statement Template, fill it out and email it to Martha@ascenduwfoster.com by August 29, 2025.