We believe storytelling is the best way to convey business principles, especially through theatre. Watching characters with different goals and behaviors creates memorable lessons and is more enjoyable than lectures.

Each year, students from Nanyang Technological University perform a business play we wrote, showcasing two different approaches and outcomes. We’d love your feedback on this new educational method.

The play contrasts two skateboard companies, Cheapskate and Above Board, as they handle relationships with employees, vendors, and customers. Each act has two scenes showing the differing approaches and outcomes, followed by a Q&A session.

Cheapskate operates with a limited wealth perspective (short-term, selfishness, competition), while Above Board has an unlimited wealth perspective (long-term, trust, cooperation).

Act 1: Employees – Cheapskate: Dismisses an employee’s request for time off and ideas, leading them to quit.

Above Board: Values a new applicant’s experience and ideas, accommodates their time-off request, and hires them enthusiastically.

Act 2: Vendors – Cheapskate: Treats a vendor poorly, makes minimal orders, and faces stricter credit terms.

Above Board: Welcomes the vendor warmly, engages meaningfully, and receives better credit terms and discounts.

Act 3: Customers – Cheapskate: Dismisses complaints, fails to provide support, and loses business.

Above Board: Appreciates the buyer, supports community events, resolves issues proactively, and strengthens the partnership.

When managing business relationships—with employees, vendors, and buyers—will you be a “Cheapskate” or an “Above Board”?

Read the full play here: https://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com/business-lessons-are-easier-to-recall-when-you-experience-a-play/

Who We Are

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.

Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.

They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.

Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.

To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.