Authentic Leadership: Former CEO Bill George Interview on Building Management Skills
Episode Description
KNOWLEDGE AT WHARTON ARCHIVES: Business leader-turned-academic Bill George has often told aspiring executives that leadership is more about discovering and building on your true strengths than about becoming a different person. Author of best-selling books including Authentic Leadership and True North, he was chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of medical device maker Medtronic during a decade of high growth. In an interview with Wharton management professor Michael Useem, George, who is now a professor of management practice at Harvard Business School, shares insights about his own path to leadership and offers some advice for aspiring leaders.
More on this interview: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/authentic-leadership/
#authenticleadership #management #leadershipdevelopment 📂 Leadership
Brief Summary
Bill George shares leadership lessons from Medtronic and emphasizes authenticity and mentorship in developing future leaders.
Key points
- Transforming Lives with Technology. Bill George discusses how Medtronic's innovations have changed lives, especially for patients with Parkinson's disease.
- The Toughest Decision. Bill reflects on a pivotal moment in 1998 when he had to choose between risk and stability for Medtronic.
- The Importance of Authenticity. Bill emphasizes the need for leaders to be true to themselves and their values.
- Advice for Future Leaders. Reflecting on legacy and impact, the speaker urges young people to consider their passions.
- The Importance of Passion. Emphasizing the significance of following one's passions to make a difference in the world.
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Episode highlights
- Transforming Lives with TechnologyBill George discusses how Medtronic's innovations have changed lives, especially for patients with Parkinson's disease.“They had their lives transformed by these treatments.”1:27Jul 16, 2014
- The Toughest DecisionBill reflects on a pivotal moment in 1998 when he had to choose between risk and stability for Medtronic.“We could pull back or go for it and take some risk.”6:05Jul 16, 2014
- The Importance of AuthenticityBill emphasizes the need for leaders to be true to themselves and their values.“Leadership has to come from who you are.”13:22Jul 16, 2014
- Advice for Future LeadersReflecting on legacy and impact, the speaker urges young people to consider their passions.“What did you do to make a difference?”20:18Jul 16, 2014
- The Importance of PassionEmphasizing the significance of following one's passions to make a difference in the world.“Follow your own passions.”20:51Jul 16, 2014





