The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) reposted this
“I learned everything I needed to know to be a CEO when I was little.” TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett, said last year at the commencement speech of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania’s MBA program. During childhood, Duckett built the skill that she claims to be central to her success: her character. “My purpose is fueled by my ownable asset—my character. Character is what drives it all,” she said, adding that she emphatically believes her purpose in life is to “inspire and make impact.” Duckett is currently one of only two Black women serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. And while character is an enduring virtue, the same can’t be said for our jobs. bit.ly/4eUFGL7
I remember when I got my first 'important person' title, I was in meetings with all the big names of the company and after 2 months I distinctly remember asking my friend (15 years older than me): "Why do I know more about their jobs and responsibilities than they do? How did they get there if they didn't know how to do these basic things?" What was supposed to feel like a hallelujah relief that I had finally arrived, was more like a big damp disappointment. Most of what I saw I in no way wanted to emulate. And then there were the few who were lifelong learners and recognised by working with me that even though they were very senior, we could learn from each other. The title might open a door but your character will keep you in the room.
Amen. Titles mean bupkiss...so do certifications and advanced degrees...unless you can also be trusted and have integrity AND common sense and decency.
The titles that individuals hold may change over time, but their character remains constant. I posit that personal growth and development can contribute to the enhancement of one's character.
This is a great reminder that leadership is about more than just technical skills or job titles. While a business degree can equip leaders with valuable knowledge, leading from a foundation of integrity and resilience is what separates good leaders from great ones.
Say it louder for the folks in the back! 👏👏👏
Hopefully, character is the mainstay of, and an essential element for, a person throughout their elevator ride from the ground floor (or from the basement) to their bird's eye view of society. Character is at the top of the Ten Life Value System. Character is at the bottom of the Lost Value System. The latter tends to be the prevailing wind, purportedly. 😊 @charactermatters
Facts! Character is really all that belongs to us. It's our God-given right to express what is true or what is a lie. Instead of finding artful ways to cheat, disenfranchise or to lie, how about finding artful, tactful, firm, resolute, power-building, uplifting, clearing-the-path-forward, ways to tell the truth? Truth in speech, in everyday, mundane movements, in business negotiations, in parenting, in associating in all the ways we relate to others; At the heart of character is building truth and integrity in ourselves as well as in others!
TRUMP AND VANCE IS A PERFECT FRANKENSTEIN MONSTERS......... EMPEROR AND THE COUNTRY......PSEUDO CHRISTIANITY AND TRUMP IS YOUR GOD. JUSTIFIED SLAVERY AND LACK OF INCLUSION IN THE SUPREME COURT..Goodbye Social Security. Medicare, Diversity, Peace, Health Care for All, Food Supplies, Accessibility to housing, No expertist in the Federal Government and all decisions are going to be Trump hand the rapist, the theif, the fraudsters, Espionage, America will be toast.
Thasunda Brown Duckett is so right - character is the foundation of true leadership. When we lead from the heart, treating people with genuine care and respect, that's when we make the biggest impact. Duckett's story proves that connecting with others on a personal level is the key to success, not just titles or status. People will always remember how you made them feel. So let's take a page from Duckett's book and make character our priority. Embrace authenticity, lead with purpose, and create meaningful connections. That's how we inspire others and leave a lasting legacy. The world needs more leaders like Duckett who walk the talk. #touchmoveinspire #LeadWithHeart #CharacterMatters #MakeAnImpact
Risk Advisor | Insurance Trainer | Coach | Speaker
1moI once heard a former marine make the distinction that there are leaders and then their leadership positions. Not every leadership position is filled with a leader, and not all leaders are in leadership positions. Character informs your capacity to the lead. A leadership position determines your authority to lead. Those who have been bequeath authority to lead who do not embody the character are trespassing. This distinction matters because corporate America is riddled people who hold leadership titles and disrupt evolution because they lack character. I hope more companies pay attention to her impact to learn how significantly valuable and evolutionary character driven leadership is. Kudos!