Ethical Challenges of Historical Legacy with Scholar: Colinne S. Bartel a 3 Part Series

This virtual course provides an in-depth exploration of ethical dilemmas faced by corporations during historical periods of conflict, specifically focusing on the behavior and decisions of companies in Nazi Germany. The course will examine how these historical legacies continue to influence corporate practices and ethics today. Students will engage with case studies, historical analyses, and contemporary corporate challenges, developing a nuanced understanding of leadership, ethics, and corporate responsibility.

Scholar: Colinne S. Bartel is a lecturer with a diverse background in corporate strategy, business development, and academic research. Her research interests span corporate engagement in national development, World War II, defense strategy, environmental engagement, and cultural interchange.

Ms. Bartel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master of Arts in International Relations from Claremont Graduate School, and a dual MBA in Strategy and Finance from The Peter F. Drucker School of Management and EDHEC Business School in Nice, France. Since 2002, she has been based in Germany, where she has made significant contributions to various industries.

Her corporate career includes serving as Chief Operating Officer for a McKinsey & Company venture, overseeing a high-yield debt offering for cable television, and managing 29 acquisitions for an Advent International management team that executed one of the fastest-growing telecommunications buy-and-build projects in Europe. Currently, she is the owner of Truffle Time, a thought leadership platform that explores critical macro issues affecting the world today. Additionally, AC Innovation GmbH, where she is a key figure, acts as a marketing and business development catalyst for entrepreneurs.

Colinne’s diverse expertise and passion for sports, the arts, and cultural exchange further enrich her professional and personal endeavors.

Session 1: Introduction to Corporate Ethics and Historical ContextThe first session sets the stage for understanding the ethical challenges faced by corporations during times of conflict, using Nazi Germany as a case study. Participants will be introduced to key concepts, such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the balance between profit and corporate responsibility, to frame the discussion. The session will explore how companies navigated the complex ethical landscape of supporting government policies during the Third Reich while pursuing financial gain. By examining selected readings and testimonies, students will start to think critically about the long-term implications of these corporate choices and their impact on today’s corporate practices. The goal is to encourage participants to engage with these historical complexities and think in “shades of gray,” recognizing that decision-making in such contexts is rarely black and white.

To register, click here.