Whitehead Encourages Students to Aspire to Lead

Addressing a capacity audience in Spangler Auditorium in December 2005, John Whitehead (MBA '47) implored students to embrace leadership opportunities. During a Q&A dialogue moderated by Bill George, professor of management practice at HBS and former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Whitehead discussed his leadership philosophies and shared stories from his days as cochairman of Goldman Sachs, his experiences handling diplomatic crises during his tenure as U.S. deputy secretary of state under President Ronald Reagan, and his current role as chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Whitehead highlighted the importance of engaging across sectors and the benefits he gained from his varied experiences. "You are all leaders," he emphasized. "Not just in your first job, but in your life. Aspire to it. Don't drop out! The world is crying out for great leadership.

You are all leaders. Not just in your first job, but in your life. Aspire to it. Don't drop out! The world is crying out for great leadership.

—John C. Whitehead,
Founding Supporter, Social Enterprise Initiative