Episode Description
Join host Rob Herman as he speaks with Michael Goldberg, executive director of the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship at Case Western Reserve University, about his journey from international development to academia. Goldberg shares insights on developing entrepreneurial ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley, creating impactful online education, and balancing family life with world travel. Learn how his innovative “Beyond Silicon Valley” course has reached more than 175,000 students in 190 countries—and how Cleveland’s entrepreneurial model provides valuable lessons for transitioning economies worldwide.
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Episode Summary
Michael Goldberg’s career defies convention—weaving through refugee camps, post-apartheid South Africa, AOL’s China expansion, and Cleveland’s medical innovation ecosystem. His pioneering Massive Open Online Course “Beyond Silicon Valley” unexpectedly became a global phenomenon, resonating in places from Iran to Kosovo with its uniquely Cleveland-inspired model of entrepreneurial development that blends government support, philanthropy, and private investment.
Now leading the Veale Institute, Goldberg observes how today’s students arrive with entrepreneurial mindsets already formed, while he continues his passion for building bridges between entrepreneurs across continents—proving that innovation ecosystems can flourish far beyond traditional tech hubs when communities leverage their distinctive strengths.
“We’re not shoving a Silicon Valley model down someone’s throat. Cleveland’s struggle and experience in building entrepreneurial ecosystems feels more relevant to markets around the world.”
Podcast Description
The SuperPerformers podcast, powered by 4100FS, offers accessible insights from successful, driven leaders across various fields. Host Rob Herman engages guests from business, medicine, law, sports, entertainment, philanthropy, and other sectors to deliver compelling stories and valuable lessons from those who have achieved excellence in their fields.