Beware the Titanic Effect
Navigating Uncertainty to Keep Your Venture Afloat
Todd Saxton & M. Kim Saxton
Starting and running a company is a journey through uncertainty, where every decision—what to build, how to compete, whom to partner with, and how to fund growth—creates unintended consequences. These unintended consequences, or "hidden debts," accumulate beneath the surface, much like the icebergs that ultimately sank the Titanic. If left unrecognized, hidden debts can constrain growth, limit opportunities, and even sink a company before it reaches its full potential.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the concept of hidden debts and how they arise in four key areas: human, marketing, technical, and strategic decision-making. Participants will learn to identify, assess, and navigate these hidden risks. You will leave with practical strategies to steer clear of "debtbergs" and position your ventures for long-term viability and success. This webinar is intended for people who want to start a venture or are leading an ongoing concern, or those who like a good metaphor.
Key Takeaways:
• Learn more about the Titanic and the real reasons behind her sinking.
• Understand the concept of hidden debts and their impact on venture viability.
• Identify how hidden debts accumulate in human, marketing, technical, and strategic areas.
• Gain practical strategies to identify and mitigate hidden debts before they threaten success.
About Todd Saxton and M. Kim Saxton
Todd Saxton is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, the State ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ of New York’s flagship research university. He joined Buffalo in August of 2024. Todd is faculty lead on life science entrepreneurship programs for education, research and outreach.
Prior to Buffalo, Todd was an Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Indiana ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Kelley School of Business, and the Indiana Venture Faculty Fellow. Todd was an award-winning Professor in the Evening MBA, Kelley Direct MBA, Graduate Certificate in Medical Management, and Business of Medicine programs at Kelley. His research focuses on factors affecting early-stage venture traction and success. Todd has served as President of the Board of the Venture Club of Indiana, as well as on advisory boards for Diagnotes Inc., VisionTech Angel Partners, PERQ, DeveloperTown’s Healthcare Initiative, and the Indiana ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ MedTech Startup Task Force. Todd has consulted with a number of emergent and high growth ventures on their launch and growth strategy including several Inc. 500 companies. Todd helped start the Indiana Chapter of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs (SoPE) in 2018, and in 2019-2022 took on a joint appointment at Regenstrief Institute as V.P. of Business Development. He is an active angel investor and has been a member of the founding team of several ventures as well. Todd is co-author of The Titanic Effect: Successfully Navigating the Uncertainties that Sink Most Startups.
M. Kim Saxton, MBA, PhD is both a Clinical Professor of Marketing and the Faculty Director of the Behavioral Research Lab at the UB School of Management. Kim believes marketers should make data-driven decisions to improve their effectiveness. She came by her interest in data-driven decisions naturally, with a B.S. in Marketing from MIT, reinforced by an MBA and PhD in Marketing from Indiana ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ (IU).
Kim has more than 30 years’ experience helping companies make their data practical. Good marketers find a way to blend both art and science to be successful. She continues to hone her skills as a successful marketer by working with companies to test and refine their marketing communications through the use of neuromarketing tools. Kim has published broadly on new data analysis techniques, effective advertising and the impact of different kinds of promotions. She is currently an Associate Editor at the Journal of Advertising Research. At Indiana ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, her teaching was ben recognized with the following teaching awards: Schuyler F. Otteson Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award for Full-Time Faculty, the Teaching Excellence Award, the Lilly MBA Teaching Excellence Award and the IU President’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Kim’s community engagement includes being a board member of the Fight For Life Foundation, The Startup Ladies, and Linking Indy Women. She is an active angel investor, advises the First Capital Venture Studio, and co-wrote The Titanic Effect: Successfully Navigating the Uncertainties that Sink Most Startups.