Cornell University The Johnson School at Cornell University

Park Leadership Speakers Series

The Park Distinguished Lecture series is supported directly by the Triad Foundation and is designed to bring influential "thought leaders" and corporate executives to campus to give a lecture or seminar, and engage in candid interactions with students. The series has rapidly gained a reputation for hosting and engaging high-profile speakers, including:

Ken and Margie Blanchard, of One Minute Manager fame.

John Bogle, co-founder and former CEO of the Vanguard Group

Dan Carp, CEO of Eastman Kodak

Rod Chu, MBA '71 and chancellor of Higher Education for the State of Ohio

Orit Gadiesh, managing director, Bain Consulting

Robert Galvin, former CEO of Motorola

Harvey Golub, chairman and CEO of American Express

Jim Johnson, former CEO Fannie Mae

Paul Hawken, environmental businessman and bestselling author

Perry Odak, CEO of Ben and Jerry's

John Pepper, chairman of Procter & Gamble

TJ Rodgers, president & CEO, Cypress Semiconductor

Irene Rosenfeld PhD '80, president of Kraft Canada

Michael C. Ruettgers, executive chairman and former CEO, EMC Corp.

LTG Walter Ulmer, former head of the Center for Creative Leadership

Jay Walker, chairman, Priceline.com

Ben Zander, conductor, Boston Philharmonic

The Park Distinguished Lecture Series is an essential part of the leadership development program. All the presenters have been well received, and each has emphasized the importance of values, ethics, character, and service in the performance of his or her responsibilities. The series provides the Park Fellows and other Johnson students with an opportunity to hear mature views on leadership and develop role models based on the experience of seasoned executives. We believe that this is an essential step in arousing the motivation and confidence necessary for students to learn about and explore these issues on their own. In 2002-2003, additional speakers will include:

  • Tajudeen Afolabi Adeola, MD & CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigeria
  • William McDonough, leading thinker in socially responsible business