Leading and Succeeding in an Uncertain World: Mike Ullman

Drawing upon experience he gained while conducting the largest-ever empirical study based on interviews with senior leaders, Dr. Michael Lindsay launched this new series by welcoming J. C. Penney Chairman and CEO Myron (Mike) E. Ullman III as his first guest. More than 250 attendees—including Boston business professionals, Gordon alumni and friends—joined Lindsay and Ullman on October 14 at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and conversation at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ullman, a former White House Fellow who has led five major enterprises on three continents, discussed challenges facing American business today—including unemployment, adjusting to a global economy, and executive compensation.

Ullman also discussed his role as CEO of J.C. Penney in increasing customer satisfaction and financial success. “I tried to set the direction for Penney’s by encouraging managers to develop inspiring visions for their teams and letting every store have its own personality,” he said.

President Lindsay met Ullman seven years ago while completing his book Faith in the Halls of Power. He most recently expanded that research through his PLATINUM Study, which encompasses interviews with 550 prominent American leaders in Fortune 500 corporations as well as in government, nonprofit and educational institutions.This first event in the Conversations with the President series was made possible by Presidential Sponsors Daintree Advisors LLC and The Boston Business Journal; Executive Sponsors Brad and Pam Warner; and 20 Partner Sponsors. (See list below for complete details.)