Rolfe Larson

Bio

Rolfe Larson’s leadership experience includes 30 years as a manager and consultant for entrepreneurial organizations in the private and nonprofit sectors. His roles included strategic leadership in areas such as information technology, finance, and communications. He has gained a deep understanding of how teams and organizations work and the strategies that propel them to success.

Education

Rolfe earned a B.A. in Linguistics and Psychology from Swarthmore College, an MBA from the Yale School of Management, and an M.A. from the Yale School of the Environment. He also earned a Certificate in Authentic Leadership from Naropa University.

Professional Background

Rolfe’s experience includes multi-year engagements with Minnesota Public Radio, The Nature Conservancy, Naropa University, Greyston Bakery, the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, and the University of St. Thomas. His award-winning book on business planning and social enterprise, Venture Forth!, was endorsed by the late Paul Newman of Newman’s Own and has been assigned reading in numerous college courses.

Teaching Philosophy

Rolfe is passionate about learning experiences that connect people and ideas in ways that help all of us learn to live and work better together. His approach to student learning and development emphasizes connection and scaffolding. By making connections with students and supporting them in connecting with each other, they learn and retain more. By recognizing and building on what students already know, and reinforcing and expanding their learning week after week, he aspires to build confidence and engagement, which are cornerstones in his approach to teaching and learning.