Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Bill George - Live from World Business Forum

Blogging live from New York Radio City Music Hall. WBF. There are about 5000 people attending. There are about 40 bloggers and twitterers in the press area with me. Powerful group.

First Speaker is Bill George. I met him last night and blogged about his book "7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis". He sits on the Goldman Sachs board so was on the front row in seeing how the financial crisis unfolded.

His speech is based on his book. He reiterates the 7 Lessons.

Gems from his speech:

"Get down on the playing field. " Get involved.

Crisis is when true leaders emerge.

The aftermath of the financial crisis may be worse than the storm. His message is less optimistic than the way I feel. I, personally, feel the crisis is passing and as with most challenges we will emerge stronger. Bill George does have some optimism that entrepreneurship can solve the challenges we now face.

He is highly worried about the lack of jobs. He thinks we need longer term thinking to solve this. We both agree that we need innovation to solve this. "saving jobs is less important than creating new jobs".

"Think Long Term". Much of the root cause (especially on Wall Street) is called by thinking too short term.

Learn from Crisis.

Be authentic and lead with integrity.

Invest during downturns.

Don't be a victim - change. We may not be able to control what happens to us but we can control our response.

"There is no substitute for good execution plans."

His final words were "we can all make a difference". (reminds me of and article I wrote about Being Galvanized - not Paralysed)

He is a good speaker. His energy and passion is inspiring. I like his belief in free enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship.


2 Comments:

At 10:15 AM, Anonymous Ellen Weber said...

Well capped Jim, and I am so glad you pulled the gems so well! Thanks. I am taking a closer look at crisis being opportunity ans asking the next question: "If crisis offers a wonderful window for refreshing solutions, why are we still swirling in old air? Your turn?

 
At 10:34 AM, Blogger Dr. Rae for The Baum Group said...

Thank you Jim for sharing this live WBF with us.

We feel as though we were there with you listening to Bill George's inspirational Lessons :)

With appreciation and gratitude...

Dr. Rae for The Baum Group

 

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