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  • January 2017 (Revised January 2017)
  • Case
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Sesame Workshop: Bringing Big Bird Back to Health

By: Rosabeth M. Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli and Jonathan Cohen
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:27
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Abstract

Sesame Workshop was transforming in 2016. CEO Jeff Dunn had reorganized and shifted the iconic institution to respond to digital disruption and a consensus culture. This case examines his efforts to turn Sesame Workshop around. It notes Sesame's storied history and the underlying financial troubles that Dunn confronted upon taking over in 2014. It shows how Dunn's leadership changes, increased communication, new partnership deals, and a focus on digital, sought speed, innovation, and accountability to better fulfill Sesame's educational mission. By 2016, Sesame was in the middle of its change, and Dunn contemplated how best to position the organization for success in the future.

Keywords

Restructuring; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Leadership; Technology; Education; Education Industry

Citation

Kanter, Rosabeth M., Ryan Raffaelli, and Jonathan Cohen. "Sesame Workshop: Bringing Big Bird Back to Health." Harvard Business School Case 317-086, January 2017. (Revised January 2017.)
  • Educators

About The Authors

Rosabeth M. Kanter

General Management
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Ryan L. Raffaelli

Organizational Behavior
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Related Work

    • January 2017 (Revised January 2017)
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop: Bringing Big Bird Back to Health

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli and Jonathan Cohen
Related Work
  • Sesame Workshop: Bringing Big Bird Back to Health By: Rosabeth M. Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli and Jonathan Cohen
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