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A reception and tours of the Frank and Marisa Martire Business and Communications Center preceded a public conversation between SHU President John J. Petillo, former General Electric CEO & Chairman Jack Welch Jr., and Suzy Welch, former editor-in-chief of Harvard Business Review, in the building’s two-story atrium.
John Chalykoff, dean of WCOB, introduced the trio. The talk was followed by a signing session for the couple’s new book, "The Real-Life MBA." Hundreds of people, including former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine, who is SHU’s executive director of athletics, attended. Leading off, Chalykoff extended thanks to the Martires for helping fund the new site, the Petillos for naming a suite and the Welches for “their long-time and continued support” of WCOB.
Petillo initiated a question-and-answer session, asking about the inspiration for the book.
“We traveled around the world for a year or so talking to people in all industries, and we noticed work had become a grind. We got a sense that people are not moving in the same direction. Alignment is important —it’s the grease that makes companies go,” Suzy said.
“As a manager, you want to be fast, hire great people, share ideas, promote from within, get fresh eyes from outside. Start with a mission, and your behavior is how you get there. Numbers are the results, the achievements,” said Jack.
“When you go to a meeting, you want the truth, not spin. Truth gives you speed, but you’ll never get truth if you don’t have trust. Be candid, be straight, speak the truth and give people a reason to trust you,” Jack said.
To students in the room, Jack offered some final tidbits of advice. “Decide what you’re really good at and what makes you happy, and build your career at that intersection. Make your boss smarter and look good, and you’ll never have problems. Keep tech smart and keep learning. If you stand still, everyone will run right past you.”
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