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

Ethical Challenges of Historical Legacy

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 2: Decision-Making and Corporate Accountability: March 26th, 2025

The second session dives deeper into the decision-making processes of both individuals and corporations during periods of ethical conflict. Focusing on case studies such as IG Farben, Krupp, Ford, and Standard Oil, the session explores how corporations balanced their business interests with ethical considerations under a totalitarian regime. Participants will analyze the roles that both international partners and governments (such as Sweden and Switzerland) played in these complex corporate decisions. Through engaging with these case studies and guest speaker insights, students will discuss how ethical dilemmas were navigated by corporate leaders and what lessons can be drawn for contemporary corporate governance. The session aims to foster a deeper understanding of the consequences of corporate actions and the moral responsibilities of business leaders both historically and today.

UPCOMING Session 3: Management Expertise, Ethical Dilemmas, and Legacy Management: April 9th, 2025