Abstract

This case discusses the entrepreneurial skills and visionary leadership of Frederick W. Smith (Smith), the founder of FedEx Corporation (FedEx). The case examines his contribution in creating the express industry. It details how Smith transformed FedEx from a loss making company to a $22.5 bn logistics industry major by focusing on information technology, human resources and globalization. Finally, the case examines the nature of the criticism of Smith’s entrepreneurial and leadership style.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Role of an entrepreneur in creating a start-up and growing its business.

Keywords

Entrepreneurial skills, visionary leadership, Frederick W. Smith, founder, FedEx Corporation, FedEx, $22.5 bn, logistics, information technology, human resources, globalization, leadership style