Our MBA Speaker Series, part of MBA 621: Leadership and Ethics, is one of the highlights of the program. As a student, you get to hear from some of Asheville’s key leaders as they talk about what has helped them to succeed in business in our region. Whether it is hearing Jack Cecil, CEO of Biltmore Farms, articulate his vision for the future of his beloved home city or hearing Bill Murdock, CEO of Eblen Foundation, convey his deep sense of motivation to help the less fortunate, it is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss. The networking opportunities are invaluable, such as meeting Ron Paulus, CEO of the area’s largest employers, Mission Hospitals.
In addition to four outstanding returning speakers, new leadership speakers this fall include Suzanne DeFerie, CEO of Asheville Savings Bank, David Belcher, Chancellor of Western Carolina University, and Barbara Brill, CEO of Leadership Asheville. A complete schedule is included below.
This great networking opportunity is open to all WCU students and prospective graduate students. If you plan to attend a speaker, please RSVP one week before the event by emailing Kelly McIntyre, MBA Program Coordinator, at kumcintyre@wcu.edu. You won’t want to miss out on this important Asheville leadership experience this fall at Western Carolina University programs at Biltmore Park.
Date |
Subject |
Speaker’s Topic |
| Aug. 29 | Part 1 – Leadership Variables Ron Paulus – CEO, Mission Health |
Leadership style: Does style depend upon the situation or is consistency more effective? |
| Sep. 5 | Part 2 – Visionary Leaders Jack Cecil – CEO, Biltmore Farms |
The Importance of Vision |
| Sep. 12 | Part 3 – Ethics and Values Team case study- Full swing values Tim Gwennap – Plant Manager (retired), Wilsonart |
The Importance of Ethics and Values: Is the leader’s obligation to the shareholders (Friedman) or to society? |
| Sep. 19 | Part 4 – The Empowerment of People Neal Hanks – What Makes a Leader Effective? |
Empowering people – how much, how far & what about management controls? |
| Oct. 3 | Part 6 – Understanding People Bill Murdock – CEO, Eblen Charities |
How do leaders motivate people? |
| Oct. 10 | Part 7 – Multiplying Effectiveness Suzanne DeFerie – CEO, Asheville Savings Bank |
How do leaders build effective teams? |
| Oct. 24 | Part 8 – Developing Others Jennifer Mayer – CEO, Charlotte Street Computers |
How do leaders mentor and coach? |
| Nov. 7 | The Road Ahead Challenge and Change David Belcher – Chancellor, WCU |
What does the future hold for leaders? |
| Nov. 14 | Leadership in Practice Transition to Leadership Brooks Robinson – CEO, Harrah’s Resorts |
Moving from being an individual performer to becoming a leader: Lessons Learned |
| Nov. 28 | Multi-national / global leadership Barbara Brill – CEO, Leadership Asheville |
Globalization: Is it good for America? Is it good for young MBAs? What does it mean to Leaders? |