Dr. Michèle G. Turner, Associate Vice President for Business Opportunity at the University of Southern California, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris to discuss how small businesses can strengthen their competitive edge in today’s increasingly complex economy.

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, the conversation explores what it means for entrepreneurs who must now think strategically about infrastructure, data, and long-term planning. Drawing on her experience in technology and enterprise strategy, Dr. Turner explains why AI is not simply a trend but an inflection point for how businesses compete, grow, and deliver value.

The episode also highlights the role of anchor institutions like USC in expanding economic opportunity for local communities. Through programs, partnerships, and initiatives such as the USC Access Small Business Summit, the university is helping entrepreneurs build the skills, networks, and operational strength needed to compete at scale.

From leadership development and business accelerators to supply chain partnerships and market positioning, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs navigating growth in an AI-powered economy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why artificial intelligence is a new inflection point for small business strategy
• The role of competitive advantage in building resilient companies
• How anchor institutions like USC can expand economic opportunity for local businesses
• Common mistakes small businesses make when planning for growth
• What entrepreneurs can gain from the USC Access Small Business Summit

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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