Startup Study Hall: Navigating Business in an Era of Political Change

Event Description

As a business owner or leader, you operate in an environment shaped by political and economic forces. Stability, rule of law, and democratic institutions create the conditions for business growth—but what happens when these foundations are challenged?

Today, authoritarianism is on the rise, threatening free markets, economic stability, and the independence of businesses. According to The Economist's 2024 Democracy Index, one-third of the global population now lives under authoritarian regimes, and the U.S. has been classified as a "flawed democracy" since 2016. Indiana’s own democracy index has declined as well.

History offers crucial lessons for business leaders navigating uncertain times. When democracy weakens, businesses face risks—instability, overreach, and ethical dilemmas. But history also shows that business leaders can play a powerful role in upholding democratic principles and shaping a resilient economy.

Join The Startup Ladies for a special presentation by Dr. Jason M. Kelly, Professor of History at IU Indianapolis, where you'll learn:

• How democratic and authoritarian systems impact business and economic growth
• The historical role of business in authoritarian regimes—and the consequences of complicity
• What today’s business leaders can do to protect their companies, employees, and industries

This session will provide entrepreneurs, executives, and investors with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping today’s business climate—and equip them with insights to lead responsibly, ethically, and effectively. Be part of this critical conversation and gain the knowledge to make informed, strategic decisions for your business in an evolving political landscape!

AGENDA

12:00 pm - Login to Zoom and introduce yourself in the chat

12:05 pm​ - Welcome

12:10 pm - Jason leads discussion

1:00 pm - Wrap up and network

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Founders, investors, small businesses, non-profit leaders, solopreneurs

BIO OF JASON:

Jason M. Kelly is founding Director of the IU Indianapolis Arts and Humanities Institute (IAHI) and Professor of History at Indiana University Indianapolis. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Africana Studies and American Studies. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Royal Historical Society, and the Royal Society of Arts.

Dr. Kelly received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and is the author of The Society of Dilettanti: Archaeology and Identity in the British Enlightenment (Yale University Press and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, 2010), lead editor of Rivers of the Anthropocene (University of California Press, 2017), and co-editor of An Anthropocene Primer (2017).

Dr. Kelly’s current research projects focus on the histories of the environment, sciences, and art and architecture. He is currently writing A History of the Anthropocene, a deep history of human-nature relations.

Dr. Kelly has received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, National Science Foundation, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, Lilly Endowment, and the Clowes Foundation, among others. He is the recipient of the IUPUI Research Trailblazers Award (2013), two IU Trustees Teaching Awards (2011, 2008), the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI Student Council Outstanding Academic Adviser Award (2010), and the IU Bicentennial Medal (2021).

Connect with Jason

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmkellylinkedin/
• Bluesky: @jasonmkelly.bsky.social

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We believe that diversity and inclusivity makes our startup culture more fun, experienced, and intellectually stimulating. Anyone (including men) are invited to participate in ALL Startup Ladies educational programming, events, and membership.

The Startup Ladies strive to uphold the highest ethical standards of inclusiveness and respect. In the event of a violation of these standards, we reserve the right to terminate your membership or ask you to leave an event.

TICKETS

Members may attend Startup Study Halls at no additional fee. The public may purchase individual tickets to Startup Study Hall at $25.

*Tickets are non-refundable.

Admission

$25