August 2020
Teaching Note
HBS Case Collection

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

By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Joyce J. Kim

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:10

Abstract

Teaching Note for Case No. 321-016. Beginning in March 2020, Sesame Workshop navigated a global pandemic, which caused unemployment, businesses shutdowns, school closures, and remote work environments along with a racial justice crisis, with a renewed mission that led to new partnerships and even greater social impact. Dunn and his team responded to the crises with strong leadership vision by communicating values of prioritizing people and mission to their staff. Sesame also partnered with CNN to produce a number of Town Hall specials that addressed the crises for children and their families. In the face of significant crises, Sesame rose to the occasion to be an educational force for good.

Keywords

Pandemic; Children; Health Pandemics; Social Issues; Crisis Management; Mission and Purpose; Education; Leadership; Education Industry; Media and Broadcasting Industry

Citation

Kanter, Rosabeth Moss, and Joyce J. Kim. "Sesame Workshop (C): Mission Critical Responses to Global and National Crises." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 321-042, August 2020.