📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Kodak CEO Jeff Clarke on What It Takes to Turn Around a Fallen Brand (VIDEO) Clarke explains why he took on the task of reviving Kodak and what he has learned about leadership and innovation.

By Nina Zipkin

entrepreneur daily

How do you come back from the brink and rebuild? That's the question Eastman Kodak CEO Jeff Clarke asks himself every day.

Kodak, the iconic film company behind the "Kodak moment," filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2012 after 131 years in business, and an uphill struggle in the digital photography market, despite having been the site of the invention of the digital camera in 1975.

Related: Problem-Solving Pointers From the SEAL Who Helped Bring Down Bin Laden (VIDEO)

The company emerged from bankruptcy a little over a year later, following a restructuring and a new emphasis on "imaging for business." Clarke took on the role of CEO in March of 2014 and has set about continuing to grow the legacy brand and take it in new directions.

Clarke sat down with Spartan Up! Podcast 90 days into his tenure at Kodak to talk about the importance of playing to your strengths, making past work relevant to today and pushing research to "the cutting edge." For more on Clarke's take on mentorship and how to take care of yourself during times of stress, check out the interview above.

Related: How This Olympian Nurtures a Winning Mindset: 'Never, Ever Personalize Your Failure' (VIDEO)

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

Most People Have No Business Starting a Business. Here's What to Consider Before You Become an Entrepreneur

You need to find the right business opportunity at the right time and take the right steps to beat the odds.

Leadership

AI vs. Humanity — Why Humans Will Always Win in Content Creation

With the proliferation and integration of AI across organizations and business units, PR and marketing professionals may be tempted to lean into this new technology more than recommended.

Business News

Passengers Are Now Entitled to a Full Cash Refund for Canceled Flights, 'Significant' Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced new rules for commercial passengers on Wednesday.

Growing a Business

Who You Hire Matters — Here's How to Form a Team That's Built to Last

Among the many challenges related to managing a small business, hiring a quality team of employees is one of the most important. Check out this list of tips and best practices to find the best people for your business.

Franchise

Franchising Is Not For Everyone. Explore These Lucrative Alternatives to Expand Your Business.

Not every business can be franchised, nor should it. While franchising can be the right growth vehicle for someone with an established brand and proven concept that's ripe for growth, there are other options available for business owners.

Management

7 Ways You Can Use AI to 10x Your Leadership Skills

While technology can boost individual efficiency and effectiveness, it's essential to balance their use with human intuition and creativity to avoid losing personal connection and to optimize workplace satisfaction.