Walden Students Share Insights From World Business Forum

Eleven doctoral and master’s students from Walden University’s College of Management and Technology attended the 2012 World Business Forum on Oct. 2 and 3 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. There they heard global leaders in government, business, and media discuss ideas and trends affecting the future of the global economy. As representatives selected to attend based on essays they submitted, the students were eager to share some of their key takeaways and insights from leading experts such as Jim Collins, business consultant and author of Good to Great; Marcus Buckingham, author, researcher, and motivational speaker; Barbara Corcoran, real estate media mogul and businessperson; and Richard Branson, entrepreneur and Virgin Group chair.

• “With a specialization in Leadership in my degree program, the World Business Forum was an opportunity of a lifetime for me. It was very inspiring and life-changing from a business and leadership perspective. In the words of Jim Collins, ‘The x-factor of leadership is not personality, but humility combined with will.’ This simple, yet profound, statement shifted my perspective on many levels.” Derrick Haywood, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student, logistics claims manager, Newell Rubbermaid, from Duluth, Ga.

• “Some of the key concepts from the forum speakers included: Ursula Burns (if there is an easy way … take the hard way. Nothing trumps hard work, fearless living, and an understanding of right and wrong); Richard Branson (if criticizing, stand in front of a mirror and realize it’s a bad reflection on yourself); and Jim Collins (spend more time on how to be useful).” Janet Grams, MS in Project Management student, engineering project coordinator, Laser Devices, Inc., from Pebble Beach, Calif.

• “Marcus Buckingham differentiated what separates great managers and great teams from others by demonstrating that leaders are markedly more effective when they focus on presenting their best selves. In others words, rather than seeking to change who you are, focus your time and energy on elegantly presenting what you are.” Ann Huffenberger, RN, D.B.A. student, clinical coordinator, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, from Secane, Pa.

• “I learned from Barbara Corcoran that it is expedient to expand your business before you are ready. In other words, do not wait for circumstances in the business environment to overtake your business. Position your business ahead of success." Emmanuel Esem Ameh, PhD in Management student, Computer and Information Literacy faculty, Colorado Technical University, from Wilmington, Calif.

Walden was a sponsor of this year’s World Business Forum, and the university’s president, Dr. Cynthia G. Baum, introduced author and researcher Marcus Buckingham. The two-day event was broadcast live to students at 39 Laureate International Universities institutions in 19 countries, including Walden.

To view additional online webinars, webcasts, and videos that focus on emerging trends in business, technology and the economy, visit Inspiring Today’s Leaders at www.inspiringtodaysleaders.com.