#150: Interview with Bill Strickland, Founder of The Manchester Bidwell Corporation

In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, you’ll hear Doug Smith interview with Bill Strickland, Founder of the Bidwell Training Center.

L3 Leadership Podcast Episode #150: Interview with Bill Strickland, Founder of The Manchester Bidwell Corporation

L3 Leadership Podcast Episode #150: Interview with Bill Strickland, Founder of The Bidwell Training Center

L3 Leadership Podcast Episode #150: Interview with Bill Strickland, Founder of The Bidwell Training Center

Bill’s Bio: 

Bill Strickland was born in 1947 and grew up in Manchester, an inner-city neighborhood of Pittsburgh. His life changed when he became inspired by high school art teacher Frank Ross, a skilled artisan on the potter’s wheel. The relationship that Ross and Strickland initiated with a revolving mound of clay gave form to the future vision of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. The Guild began as an after-school arts program in a donated North Side row house that Strickland secured while still a college student at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1969, he graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in American history and foreign relations.

The decline of the steel industry created widespread unemployment, and Bidwell Training Center addressed the problem by offering vocational training to displaced and underemployed workers. Due to Strickland’s successful track record with MCG, he was asked in 1971 to assume leadership of BTC and guide its transition to providing skills relevant to Pittsburgh’s emerging market economy. Strickland’s involvement in both MCG and BTC doubled the strength of Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s ability to help the community. He envisioned a template for social change, and began to form relationships with businesses, government officials, and individuals who shared his vision.

Today, Manchester Bidwell Corporation has evolved into a national model for education, culture and hope. MCG Youth & Arts and MCG Jazz are both programs of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild: MCG Youth serves approximately 3,900 youth each year through classes and workshops in ceramics, photography, digital imaging and design art. MCG Arts gives students a chance to work intensively with visiting artists of national and international stature through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, residencies and school visits. MCG Jazz is dedicated to preserving, promoting and presenting jazz music by bringing audiences together with jazz artists at its 350-seat music hall in Pittsburgh for innovative four-day performances and recordings. After 20 years of operation, MCG Jazz has become an anchor of Pittsburgh’s cultural and community life. Bidwell Training Center provides market-driven career education created through strong partnerships with leading local industries. The center offers accredited Associates Degree and diploma programs in fields as varied as culinary arts, chemical laboratory technologies, health careers, horticulture and office technology.

Manchester Bidwell Corporation is a business model that works. The model works so well that Bill Strickland is replicating the Manchester Bidwell enterprise throughout the country. He has said, “If this country has a future, it’s because of the ability to form visions and partnerships. I believe that we can change the United States of America in my lifetime. We’ve got to change the way this country sees itself.”
Bill Strickland and his family reside on the North Side of Pittsburgh.

For thirty years, BILL STRICKLAND has used his innovative arts and training centers to transform the lives of thousands of impoverished adults and teenagers. A commanding speaker, his resonant message of self-worth leaves audiences in tears and on their feet. “Strickland is a genius,” says former e-Bay president Jeff Skoll, “because he sees the inherent genius in everyone.”

Bill Strickland has changed lives, restored our faith in ethical leadership, and reshaped the business of social change. As president and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation—an extraordinary jobs training center and community arts program—he and his staff work with corporations, community leaders, and schools to give disadvantaged kids and adults the opportunities they need to build a better future. (Centers are already running in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Grand Rapids, New Haven, Boston, and Buffalo; with many more in the planning stages, including international centers in Israel, London, and Japan.)

Recently, Strickland was named as one of the 25 members of the White House Council for Community Solutions by President Obama. And for years now, in front of enraptured audiences, this MacArthur Genius has shared his unshakable message of leadership, self-worth and the intrinsic ability in all of us to achieve remarkable transformation in our lives. He was also honored by the US Senate for his contribution to social innovation.

Strickland is also the author of Make the Impossible Possible, a recipient of The White House’s “Coming Up Taller” Award, and the founder of the Grammy-winning MCG Jazz, the most successful jazz subscription series in America.

CONNECT WITH BILL:

For media inquiries please contact his publicist:
Robin D. Beckham
Beckham Media, Owner
Robin@BeckhamMedia.com
www.BeckhamMedia.com
412-310-5967

For Speaking Opportunities contact: The Lavin Agency -web address: www.thelavinagency.com

Bill Strickland Speaker Profile at the Lavin Agency

​http://www.thelavinagency.com/speaker-bill-strickland.html

Sponsors:

Henne Jewelers

 

Henne Jewelers is the jeweler for life by providing exceptional service and beautiful, unique jewelry so that our clients can demonstrate their love and appreciation or their own sense of style. Our mission is to strengthen and enhance relationships.

Babb, Inc.


 Throughout our 80+ years in business, we have established a solid reputation as a leading, independent insurance broker, third party administrator and consulting firm – in Pennsylvania and across the country. With a unique perspective, extensive experience and innovative business strategies, we deliver to our clients the best services and options possible.

Alex Tulandin

Alex Tulandin

Alex Tulandin is a full-time Realtor with Keller Williams Realty whose team is committed to providing clients with highly-effective, premier real estate experiences throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.

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