Thursday Thought Leaders -- Ken Bernhardt
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
Thursday, March 12, 2026
11:30 - Noon: Networking and LUNCH IS SERVED
Noon - 1:00 pm: Program and speaker
Registration closes at NOON on Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Location
Hilton Atlanta Northeast
5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Fees/Admission
Includes Lunch Buffett
SWGC members, $34
Nonmembers, $40
Description
Speaker: Ken Bernhardt
Presenting Sponsor
Strategic plans are meant to drive focus and results—but too often they end up on a shelf. In this engaging and practical talk, Ken Bernhardt will highlight ten common mistakes that cause even well-intentioned strategic plans to fall short. Drawing on real-world business experience, he’ll help leaders recognize these pitfalls, understand why they happen, and walk away with clearer insight into how to make strategic planning a tool for action rather than a binder of good intentions.
About Ken Bernhardt
Ken Bernhardt is Regents Professor of Marketing Emeritus at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University in Atlanta. In addition to his faculty job, Ken’s other roles at GSU included chair of the Marketing Department, Assistant Dean for Corporate Relations, Special Assistant to the Dean for Corporate and Community Relations, and Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Planning.
Dr. Bernhardt has published 12 books and monographs, as well as numerous articles on marketing and consumer behavior. His other work experience includes consulting for a number of organizations, including Chick-fil-A, UPS, Primrose Schools, Leapfrog IT Services, Federal Trade Commission, Delta Air Lines, the Coca-Cola Company, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, and many others. Ken is a past chair of the Atlanta Braves Advisory Board and has served on the boards of directors of several companies.
His civic activities include service as past Chairman of the Board of WABE, Leadership Atlanta, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the 46,000 member American Marketing Association.
He has facilitated the strategic planning process for over 50 organizations. For 13 years Ken wrote a bi-monthly Marketing column for Atlanta Business Chronicle.
He received his MBA from the Harvard Business School and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.
