Friday’s Entrepreneurs Unplugged with Ted Turner did not disappoint the capacity crowd at CU Law School. To begin the event, Turner was awarded the inaugural “Entrepreneurs for Good” prize by CU Law Dean David Getches. Following this award, Turner took center stage to describe both his business and philanthropic ventures in a 90 minute session moderated by Associate Law Professor Brad Bernthal. Turner was not shy in sharing his opinions on business or the world in general leading to an engaging if slightly random discussion. Among Turner’s more memorable comments were:
- “I wanted to make a contribution.” – Turner made the move from a highly profitable advertising business to media in the form of first radio and then cable television.
- ”It helps in life to be able to see over the horizon.” – Turner commented on his confidence that a 24 hour news network would be successful and his gamble to create CNN despite the fact existing networks remained committed to the two hours of news per day format.
- ”We sweated every payroll for ten years.” – Even as his business took off, Turner notes he “always had a lot of ideas” necessitating a balance between new opportunities and the resources available.<.li>
- “I’m an entrepreneur. I’m hustling.” – Turner made several arguments to the crowd in favor of purchasing his autobiography and eating at his restaurant chain Ted’s Montana Grill, which has several convenient locations in Colorado.
- “I worked myself too hard” – Running his media company and owning the Atlanta Braves and Hawks proved an unsustainable pace that substantially contributed to Turner’s decision to sell to Time-Warner.
- “Take care of your customers” – Turner marries this common mantra to a view that “everyone in the world is a potential customer.” This perspective has led him to significant investments in broader causes including campaigning against war and for environmental protection.
The next edition of Entrepreneurs Unplugged with take place on December 7 and feature Tim Enwall, President and COO of Tendril.
