Claude Grunitzky - Case study analysis discussion prep PDF

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CASE ANALYSIS: CLAUDE GRUNITZKY PT A 1.

Claude Grunitzky's cultural heritage is inextricably linked to his personal development as both an individual and an entrepreneur. The case has painted him as an original thinker who has chosen to follow his own path. Grunitzky’s traditional African pride instilled in him self-determination, resilience, and respect for knowledge, all of which he has carried throughout his journey. Utilizing his instincts to guide this journey has allowed him to define the transcultural philosophy surrounding his entire career. Grunitzky's enrollment in College de Juilly triggered the sudden realization of the disadvantages of his race. However, in-between living worlds of privilege and poverty as well as navigating through different cultures and environments taught him how to channel his frustration with everyday life's injustices into a career. Beyond that, his passion for hip-hop as a subculture has evolved into a prosperous entrepreneurial career, reflecting his ambition and strive to bridge the powerless and the powerful, in-between cultures and societies that drift apart. To illustrate, at the heart of his transcontinental-focused media project, Trace TV, lies the essence of transculturalism within the lives of modern-day urban citizens – representing a new pursuit for gaps within identity and inclusiveness across cultures. Such urban media projects underline the rising tension between a city's preeminence and the existing homogeneity of a nation. With this project, Grunitzky has provided a platform for a flexible and uncontrolled expression of a city's communicative role. The Togolese-French-American entrepreneur has made significant impacts on global popular culture, as his businesses leverage the relationships and experiences from his own identity along with his professional identity to generate creativity and value. Amongst others, these aspects within Grunitzky’s life has established the foundation for his success as he could understand how to appeal to a diverse audience, as well as leverage his network.

2.

First, Claude Grunitzky set himself a clear goal before identifying influential individuals that can help him in further reaching that goal. To better understand this, the case illustrates the approach Grunitzky took when he met Jefferson Hack. Grunitzky conducted extensive research on the founder of the magazine Dazed and Confused to learn as much as possible before meeting him. Being equipped with that knowledge reassured him that they were like-minded individuals sharing similar worldviews. Consequently, Grunitzky was confident enough to approach Hack with an offer to work for free. Through this, Jefferson Hack became his "first true mentor." More than that, he was always alert and determined to follow up with every new person he met -attempting to meet face-to-face with those he considered to be necessary each month. Thinking in concentric circles, spending overwhelming periods to manage his networks, developing a system that consisted of meeting people, organizing contacts, and remaining in touch are all practical steps he has taken to build his networks. Moreover, he has made efforts to secure his networks with those not useful by maintaining interactions via birthday cards and invites to parties. He continues to demonstrate as such by utilizing electronic aid, such as email, to remain in touch with those on his list. As his network progresses over time, Grunitzky did not hesitate to sever ties with those networks that did not return the favor. Such an action would be detrimental to the relationships he has built. To him, every encounter was an opportunity. Grunitzky's networking was motivated by concrete commonalities that he identified through research, which has provided him with an authentic and meaningful relationship with Jefferson Hack – who also became his “first true mentor.” By aligning his goals and interests with that of the people he encounters, Grunitzky has effectively forged his first strong, and productive working relationship. Through Jefferson Hack, Grunitzky gained access to opportunities, individuals, new contacts and new networks. Grunitzky exhibited a self-starting, proactive, consistent and persistent behavior in developing all of his networks. Being proactive allowed him to maintain a long-term mindset for anticipating and preparing for potential future opportunities and threats. Given Trace magazine's near-bankruptcy early in his move to New York, Grunitzky was better prepared and did not miss promising opportunities that got him affiliated with New York's makers. In short, he was able to save his magazine very quickly. Through utilizing his network whenever necessary – which is evident in the efforts he has devoted towards the celebrities he has helped gain recognition through his magazines – Grunitzky unwittingly incentivized them to return the favor whenever he needed it. As such, this became his advantage when he began experimenting with businesses outside of Trace.

3.

PT B After earning a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology, I believe it is critical to recognize professional development and continuous learning in order to remain relevant in the field. (Shoenfelt 2021) For starters, cultivating a variety of diverse mentoring relationships may help me better understand the challenges that I would face throughout my career as such relations may provide a dynamic range of various perspectives. (Shoenfelt 2021) This will also allow me to expand the networks I need by connecting me with people outside of my current network who can provide me with valuable experiences and information. Under such a working network, Lamond (2000) identified groups such as those who can interpret the network to solidify it, those who may not be solid marketers but can provide substantial support for future ventures, and resources with a specific niche or skill set that is suitable for particular tasks. The key is bringing individuals together who can perform these tasks while also offering complementary skills. Having diverse skills ensures that the required skill set is appropriately secured, and some overlap assures that the role of the consultant participant is taken into account. While network systems can fail at times, taking part in organization events such as becoming a Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology member can provide credentials that might help me develop my experience, skills, and networks. (Shoenfelt 2021) Maintaining connections through these channels becomes essential, as many of these outlets allow for in-person networking. (Shoenfelt 2021) This enables me to expand my virtual networking and online presence, such as LinkedIn. SOURCES; Center, C., & Network, I. (2021). Retrieved 6 April 2021, from https://www.siop.org/Career-Center/I-O-JobNetwork Publications, R., Series, P., & Market, M. (2021). Retrieved 6 April 2021, from https://www.siop.org/ResearchPublications/Professional-Practice-Series/Mastering-the-Job-Market Shoenfelt, Elizabeth. Mastering the Job Market: Career Issues for Master's Level Industrial-Organizational Psychologists. Oxford University Press, 2021....