“Get over it. Get used to it. Get on with it”.
Those were the words heard in classroom 50 on February 10th. Simple, yet profound, this statement left most students reflecting on their outlook during these difficult economic times.
The speaker was Allen Thomas from Deloitte, LLP. Mr. Thomas is the National Managing Partner for Partner Services and the Chief Diversity Officer for Deloitte. Mr. Thomas addressed the Darden community as part of the Black Business Student Forum‘s Lessons in Leadership speaker series. The event was hosted in partnership with the Darden Leadership Speaker Series along with several other affinity clubs at Darden.
His mantra—”Get over it. Get used to it. Get on with it”—was an admonition for us to proactively manage the economic crisis and the potential impacts on our careers. One of the statements he made that resonated with me the most was “you didn’t come to school to work in Finance; you came to learn how to help the world solve business issues.” He challenged us to expand our concept of “what’s possible” and to embrace the opportunities in the unknown.
His message was part inspirational, part tough love, and 100% passionate and genuine. He shared with the audience his background, his career trajectory, and his thoughts on the future of diversity as a business resource. He spoke at length about the current economic crisis and, particularly, how current students should adapt to the circumstances. He offered up three words of wisdom for students as they progress in their careers:
- “If you’re from this country, get the heck out of this country.”
- Business is global. Take international assignments and work abroad if you have the opportunity.
- Information is the only true asset in the world; from information grows everything else.
- Learn from others and bring it back home.
- “Do not wear the clothes that other people give you.”
- Your degree is just a tool. Use it to your advantage.
- Be willing to change. Be flexible.
- “We don’t grow, learn, and prosper from our experiences in good times. We grow, learn, and prosper when the going gets rough.”
Lastly, he challenged us with a parting question: “how can you change who you are to add to the collective knowledge of the world?”
As a senior African-American executive at Deloitte, Mr. Thomas’ speech was motivating and an excellent way to kick off Black History Month.
Next up, BBSF “World of Opportunities”. Stay tuned!
Great words of encouragement.
Just showing love.
http://popwife.blogspot.com/
“Do not wear the clothes that other people give you” is a great lesson.
fantastic post, thanks Jackie, you are the best!