Day two of HSM's World Business Forum offered an exciting lineup. Highlighted by Al Gore and James Cameron, the event certainly lived up to the first day's billing. Broken down into topics and major speakers, here's the recap:
Economics
Steve Levitt and Joseph Stiglitz started off the day by focusing on economic trends and insights. Steve Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics, stood on the stage and spoke to the audience in his midwestern, folksy way. More Garrison Keillor than corporate and economics visionary, Levitt spun personal stories about failure, striving for success and the importance of originality in a competitive market. Candidly, he shared his experiences of tremendous failings and how they pushed him to deviate from his more successful economist colleagues to focus on novel topics and studies. A truly talented storyteller, Levitt highlighted the value of inquiry and open-mindedness. In contrast, Stiglitz took the stage with a message and presentation that was much more traditional than Levitt. Referencing economic history, theory and esteemed colleagues, Stiglitz suggests that the United States is in a critical time, and efforts need to be made to stimulate the economy, provide jobs and partner academics with business experts to generate new ideas for progress.
Al Gore
Al Gore announced early that, "I'm going to talk today about sustainable capitalism and the climate crisis." His discussion was pointed and flowing, and focused on critical issues related to climate concerns. Specifically, Gore centered much of his attention on the successes that we've had in stabilizing the population, worries related to the use of outdated technologies, and our dated thinking about capitalism and democracy. Beyond the argument that has come to define Gore's current work, he appealed to the audience to lead courageously through the climate crisis. He cautioned against "short-termism," stating that, "We assign importance to short-term results, and it is hurting the U.S. economy." Gore gets excited and draws you into this idea that we are at a historical crossroads and the United States is in need of leaders who will stand up and strive to positively impact the challenge facing our environment, climate and future. As Gore passionately states, "Make no mistake, this is the overriding challenge of our time."
Al Gore announced early that, "I'm going to talk today about sustainable capitalism and the climate crisis." His discussion was pointed and flowing, and focused on critical issues related to climate concerns. Specifically, Gore centered much of his attention on the successes that we've had in stabilizing the population, worries related to the use of outdated technologies, and our dated thinking about capitalism and democracy. Beyond the argument that has come to define Gore's current work, he appealed to the audience to lead courageously through the climate crisis. He cautioned against "short-termism," stating that, "We assign importance to short-term results, and it is hurting the U.S. economy." Gore gets excited and draws you into this idea that we are at a historical crossroads and the United States is in need of leaders who will stand up and strive to positively impact the challenge facing our environment, climate and future. As Gore passionately states, "Make no mistake, this is the overriding challenge of our time."
Curiosity and creativity
A. G. Lafley, former CEO and chairman of the board at P&G, started off the afternoon with a challenge that he first accepted for himself, "I'm going to get curious about an area that I haven't been curious about," he began, "and I'm going to start exploring that area." In encouraging everyone to get curious, he set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Renée Mauborgne flooded the audience with insights and models that spoke to the importance of creativity in envisioning and capturing a market space, and Vijay Govindarajan continued by encouraging everyone to selectively forget the past while working to create the future. Govindarajan handed the baton to Brian Goldner, CEO of Hasbro, to discuss Hasbro's efforts to creatively advance. Goldner outlined the evolution of Hasbro, the trajectory from Mr. Potato Head to their "2 to 82" marketing effort. He spoke about Hasbro's efforts to re-imagine, re-invent and re-ignite, and showed a promotional video for Hasbro's new multimedia network, the hub, confirming that the organization has come a long way from potato accessories. In all cases, creativity and curiosity were paramount to success.
A. G. Lafley, former CEO and chairman of the board at P&G, started off the afternoon with a challenge that he first accepted for himself, "I'm going to get curious about an area that I haven't been curious about," he began, "and I'm going to start exploring that area." In encouraging everyone to get curious, he set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Renée Mauborgne flooded the audience with insights and models that spoke to the importance of creativity in envisioning and capturing a market space, and Vijay Govindarajan continued by encouraging everyone to selectively forget the past while working to create the future. Govindarajan handed the baton to Brian Goldner, CEO of Hasbro, to discuss Hasbro's efforts to creatively advance. Goldner outlined the evolution of Hasbro, the trajectory from Mr. Potato Head to their "2 to 82" marketing effort. He spoke about Hasbro's efforts to re-imagine, re-invent and re-ignite, and showed a promotional video for Hasbro's new multimedia network, the hub, confirming that the organization has come a long way from potato accessories. In all cases, creativity and curiosity were paramount to success.
I have read Levitt's book and must say that he is a different kind of economist and offers a unique take on the subject. I would agree with him that being open-minded is a good idea. Al Gore, in my opinion, is an odd brand of leader. Other people of my age find his exploits humorous, thanks to shows like South Park, but I feel that he brings up some strong points. While I agree that our climate should be a concern, it doesn't seem right to me that taking steps to improve the environment will help the state of our economy. I do agree that we have a problem of people seeking results in the short run when what we really need is long term successes. It feels essential to me that the best leaders should always be curious and creative. It seems that those go along with the sense of open-mindedness that is critical to a good leader. Failure to be curious and creative leads only to a path of failure and bad leadership. I don't really know much about the story of Nando Parrado. From what was written it seems he is a truly inspiring story and really speaks to the sacrifice and perseverance that was truly necessary in order to survive. James Cameron is someone who I personally admire. I wish I had even a shred of the imagination and creativity of Cameron. It has always been an aspiration of mine to create the next Star Wars or Harry Potter or now even the next Avatar. I think that he is a great leader and someone that few people would fail to even consider as a leader. I do, however, disagree with his assertion about 3D and personally do not like it. I feel very strongly about his quote though and think it would be a great way to set one's goals.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your comments on the economy. you state that "it doesn't seem right to me that taking steps to improve the environment will help the state of our economy." And your next sentence is "we have a problem of people seeking results in the short run when what we really need is long term successes." It seems you may be looking at economic success in the short term, rather than the long term. Am I off?
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