Black MBA - Summer 2008 - (Page 16)

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Barbara L. Thomas Catalyst for Change f 1967 was the Summer of Love, then 2008 is certainly the Summer of Change. I have to share that we decided on our theme for this year, “Catalyst for Change,” well before Sen. Obama publicly put forth the slogan for his historic candidacy. The coincidence says to me that you can argue whether or not we’re on the wrong course, but it’s By becoming time for us as a community and catalysts for nation to chart a new course. In this issue, we are showcasing change and a lot of what’s new and exciting acting with within our Association, includpurpose, we ing the launch of the NBMBAA will guarantee Entrepreneurial Institute; The ourselves a Wells Fargo Entrepreneur of the better life, Year Award; and our revamped Conference format, including career and our new Industry Theatre that outlook. looks closer at the new growth industries and some of the best untapped sectors for African Americans. I’m happy we’re sharing my one-on-one conversation with Don Thompson, president of McDonald’s USA. The conversation is full of advice and insights from a leader who is truly living it and “luvin’ it.” No doubt, the times in which we live are turbulent and changes are happening around the clock. From the uncertainties in Washington, D.C., to the unknown outcomes in the upcoming elections, to skyrocketing gasoline prices and an uncertain economy, we are all in this together when it comes to not knowing what is in store for us. We do have the abilities, though, to turn challenges in our favor by planning wisely, planning ahead, working hard, working smart and embracing the change that we know is imminent. We need to abandon the timid mindset of a “wait-andsee” attitude and march forth with a commitment to do our best no matter what the circumstances. By becoming catalysts for change and acting with purpose, we will guarantee ourselves a better life, career and outlook. Two quotes pertaining to change neatly encapsulate the 16 BlackMBA • Summer 2008 • www.nbmbaa.org I importance of it and how we should embrace it. The first is a quote by Gandhi who is synonymous with bringing about change. And while it’s highly doubtful that we will have to tackle changes on a national – or even international scale – as Gandhi did, the spirit behind his quote can be implemented in our everyday lives: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” How true this is. We are the ones who must bring about the changes we wish to see occur. To control your own destiny, you must take your life in your hands and steer it however you wish. We all have the power to chart the roadmaps of our lives, and it is up to us to stay focused traveling down this path. The other quote is an old adage that rings true from ancient times and even today: “The only thing constant is change.” Again, this is completely accurate. Without question – 100 percent guaranteed – changes are going to happen. That said, it falls upon us to harness these changes and be the ones to make them happen in our favor. At the NBMBAA, we point to what we call the five channels to help assist us along our way. These five – education, career, leadership, entrepreneurship and lifestyle – are the building blocks with which we can bring about meaningful changes to our lives. By focusing on these aspects, we will be far more able to accept changes and deal with them as they come up. Everybody knows that changes can oftentimes be challenging. In fact, they can certainly be problems. But if we are in control of the five channels listed above, we can use these problems as a way to show our problem-solving skills. By offering solutions, changes can be transformed from things to be feared or dreaded into improvements for us and those around us. I know that the membership of the NBMBAA is made up of some of the best society has to offer – compassionate individuals, accomplished business professionals, scholars and educators who impact young people’s lives for the better and community members involved in philanthropy to improve people’s lives. These are the people who can facilitate positive change for fellow community members. They lead by example and show how change can be used to bring about good things. These are the people with whom we should associate. And these are the traits we should strive to attain as we continue on our quest to become catalysts for change. mba http://www.nbmbaa.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Black MBA - Summer 2008

Black MBA- Summer 2008 Contents Mailbag Up Front From the President & CEO Politics of Change Catalyst for Change: Results of our 2008 Political Poll Know Whose Shoulders You Stand On: The Legacy of H. Naylor Fitzhugh Howard University: Changing With the Times Straight Talk: CEO to CEO Creating Your Own Sandbox Dual Threats Avoiding the Faux Pa Invest in Your MBA Everything You Need to Know About...Estate Planning On Campus Plan Ahead The Big Show What's in a Name? On the Move Market Forecast Jeff Friday Keith Wyche Life Lessons On the Ground Real Biz A Golden Opportunity Entrepreneurial Institute Tech Tools Read for Success Stacey Tisdale Advertiser Index

Black MBA - Summer 2008

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