Two general sessions made the entire trip worth while:
Colin Powell on Leadership and Taking charge. What a time to be awake! I left that session ready to take on the world. Check out John Ryan's blog for notes on Mr. Powell's session.
Bill Taylor's discussion with ING Direct CEO Arkadi Kuhlmann. Probably one of the most unconventional banker's on the planet. A rebel with a cause. Key points from Arkadi Kuhlmann:
- Nobody alone is as smart as everyone together.
- Do more experimentation in our businesses.
- Look to different industries for ideas. Arkadi says he would rather hire a jazz musician over a banker.
- Arkadi doesn't like rich Americans (against ING Direct business model)
- A home is not a financial transaction. It is a place to hang your hat, kiss your wife, raise your kids!
- We all fantasize about being successful or doing great things but are not willing to make the emotional commitment.
- Hire outside of the banking industry because you can't raise the dead. A resurrection only happened once in history (comparing bankers to the dead... ha!)
- Create a crisis to force change.
- We try to hard to be right.
- Be authentic and sincere in your business.
- Leaders need to create stories to tell.
- We should strive to be known personally.
- Be Fair
- A love affair is simple. Marriage is complex!
- Most importantly, we need to develop our character to be larger than life while remaining authentic.
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