Selected by faculty and fellow classmates for the honor, Full-time MBA student Thomas “Tommy” L. Mitchell III delivered a masterful and elevating message in his graduation speech at the April 2013 commencement ceremony for the Graziadio School of Business and Management. “The bonds we have formed here during our time at Graziadio are those without bounds,” he said. “These bonds can only be maintained through focus and commitment. I ask all of you here to make a promise to yourselves and fellow graduates to always do your best.”
Mitchell went on to say, “Don’t lose the opportunities today has given you, because tomorrow cannot be taken for granted.” Watch his speech.
Make decisions based on who you are and not what you think you are or think you should be, urged April 2013 graduation speaker and Distinguished Alumni Award recipientBlake Irving (MBA ’88), CEO of Go Daddy, the world’s largest provider of Web hosting.
Addressing new graduates at the Graziadio School, he said, “Answering the who-based question actually drove my what…There are moments in life when you have a moment to pause and take an introspective look at who you are and the path you might take because of it.” Watch his speech.
It takes more than a title to be a leader, Al Plamann, Chief Executive Officer, Unified Grocers, told new graduates at the April 2013 commencement ceremony for the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Plamann was awarded an honorary doctorate of law degree at the event.
Plamann said, “Don’t be afraid to try, but learn from your mistakes. Failure is actually a critical component of success.” Watch his speech.
Professor Warren “Joe” Hahn, an assistant professor of Decision Sciences, focuses on operational decision-making and its effect on real options. In our continuing video series, Dr. Hahn discusses tactics for overcoming business challenges and fundamental principles as a business owner for finding solutions to problems and remaining competitive.
Professor Hahn identifies three distinct elements of problem solving. Before becoming an effective problem solver, you must first understand what problem solving isn’t: memorization, knowing a foregone conclusion and/or following a roadmap.
Importance of Problem Solving
Why is problem solving so important? Because many of your competitors cannot and/or will not do it. A couple most likely already are!
How To Solve Problems
Professor Hahn covers four tactics to overcoming business challenges: framing the problem, obtaining relevant information, finding/applying an appropriate solution technique, and interpreting the solution.
Resources for Problem Solving
Every business faces daunting problems. Two clutch resources are explained to help confront the challenge: where to obtain relevant information and how to apply analytical techniques.
“Unsolvable” Problem?
More often than not, problems seem unsolvable. If so, maybe that means you have a problem that is very important. Four tips are offered to help you find the right solution.
Dr. Ed Rockey, a professor of applied behavioral science at Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, is no stranger to the strategic value of brainstorming. He is an expert on innovation, creative problem solving, communication, stress management, and leadership who has helped such corporations as Procter & Gamble and Prudential Insurance, as well as coached numerous executives and entrepreneurs. In the following series of short videos, Professor Rockey walks through how one conducts a brainstorming session to ensure lasting value.
