Thursday Thought Leaders -- Ken Bernhardt

Strategic plans are meant to drive focus and results—but too often they end up on a shelf. In this engaging and practical talk, Ken Bernhardt will highlight ten common mistakes that cause even well-intentioned strategic plans to fall short. Drawing on real-world business experience, he’ll help leaders recognize these pitfalls, understand why they happen, and walk away with clearer insight into how to make strategic planning a tool for action rather than a binder of good intentions.

About Ken Bernhardt

Ken Bernhardt is Regents Professor of Marketing Emeritus at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University in Atlanta. In addition to his faculty job, Ken’s other roles at GSU included chair of the Marketing Department, Assistant Dean for Corporate Relations, Special Assistant to the Dean for Corporate and Community Relations, and Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Planning. 

Dr. Bernhardt has published 12 books and monographs, as well as numerous articles on marketing and consumer behavior.  His other work experience includes consulting for a number of organizations, including Chick-fil-A, UPS, Primrose Schools, Leapfrog IT Services, Federal Trade Commission, Delta Air Lines, the Coca-Cola Company, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, and many others. Ken is a past chair of the Atlanta Braves Advisory Board and has served on the boards of directors of several companies.

His civic activities include service as past Chairman of the Board of WABE, Leadership Atlanta, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the 46,000 member American Marketing Association.

He has facilitated the strategic planning process for over 50 organizations. For 13 years Ken wrote a bi-monthly Marketing column for Atlanta Business Chronicle.

He received his MBA from the Harvard Business School and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.