iTTU Mentor

Oleg Petrenko

Functional Expertise

• Strategic Management

• Business planning and strategy

Industry Expertise

• Higher Education

• Research

• Leadership

Dr. Oleg Petrenko is a tenured Associate Professor and the Rath Chair in Strategic Management at the Michael F. Price College of Business, University of Oklahoma. With a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University, Dr. Petrenko has built a robust academic career with prior faculty roles at the University of Arkansas and Texas Tech University. His scholarly work, which includes over 20 published papers, focuses on the micro-foundations of strategy in both large corporations and new ventures. He expertly examines the psychology of executives and entrepreneurs, particularly how it influences strategic decision-making and firm performance. This rich academic background not only contributes to his recognition as a leader in his field but also informs his teaching and research methodologies.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Petrenko applies his expertise in a practical entrepreneurial setting as the Founder and CEO of the Founder Development Institute. Here, he translates his research insights into actionable strategies for entrepreneurs through a suite of tailored development programs. The Institute emphasizes improving the psychological resilience and decision-making skills of founders, which are critical to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Under Dr. Petrenko’s leadership, the Institute offers programs such as the Founder Intensive Program and Team Building Workshops, all designed to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. His dual role as both a scholar and practitioner uniquely positions him to empower emerging business leaders with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to succeed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.