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  • January 2017 (Revised May 2020)
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Sesame Workshop (A): Bringing Big Bird Back to Health

By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli and Jonathan Cohen
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:24
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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; Information Technology; Education; Media; Strategy; Education Industry

Citation

Kanter, Rosabeth Moss, Ryan Raffaelli, and Jonathan Cohen. "Sesame Workshop (A): Bringing Big Bird Back to Health." Harvard Business School Case 317-094, January 2017. (Revised May 2020.)
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About The Authors

Rosabeth M. Kanter

General Management
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Ryan L. Raffaelli

Organizational Behavior
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Related Work

    • April 2017
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop: Bringing Big Bird Back to Health (Abridged)

    By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli, Ai-Ling Jamila Malone and Jonathan Cohen
    • July 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop (B): Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder

    By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
    • July 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop (C): Mission Critical Responses to Global and National Crises

    By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
    • August 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop (B): Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder

    By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
    • August 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop (C): Mission Critical Responses to Global and National Crises

    By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
    • January 2017 (Revised May 2020)
    • Faculty Research

    Sesame Workshop (A): Bringing Big Bird Back to Health

    By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli and Jonathan Cohen
Related Work
  • Sesame Workshop: Bringing Big Bird Back to Health (Abridged) By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli, Ai-Ling Jamila Malone and Jonathan Cohen
  • Sesame Workshop (B): Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
  • Sesame Workshop (C): Mission Critical Responses to Global and National Crises By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
  • Sesame Workshop (B): Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
  • Sesame Workshop (C): Mission Critical Responses to Global and National Crises By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim
  • Sesame Workshop (A): Bringing Big Bird Back to Health By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ryan Raffaelli and Jonathan Cohen
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