MBA Distinguished Speaker Series
The School of Business offers the MBA Distinguished Speaker Series for our MBA students each fall and spring semester. The event gives students the opportunity to meet outstanding business leaders and explore issues affecting business today.
Jenn Mann, Vice President of Human Resources
SAS
Jenn Mann, Vice President of Human Resources at SAS, shared her perspectives on how human resources plays a key role in creating a culture of trust that makes SAS one of the best places to work in the world. This culture, which empowers employees and keeps them in contact with SAS consumers, plus a business model that satisfies and retains the customer base, has helped to fuel continued success and revenue growth for the company.
Mann leads a global HR organization that not only acts as stewards of the SAS culture, but also engages a global workforce of over 12,000 employees who work in over 400 offices in 65 countries across the globe. SAS has been ranked on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list since the list's inception and has been ranked number one for the last two years garnering accolades across the globe for its workplace culture and commitment to innovation. Mann’s workplace culture insights have been shared in The Wall Street Journal, US World News and Report, CBS MoneyWatch.com, CBS Sunday Morning, and The GREAT Workplace by Michael Burchell and Jennifer Robin.
Jason Smith, Chef and Owner
18 Seaboard
Local entrepreneur Jason Smith, chef and owner of 18 Seaboard and Cantina 18, discussed his experiences of opening and running two restaurants, sourcing local NC foods (especially seafood), and developing an exciting new line of sangrias. Smith’s frank discussion of challenges such as employee management and pricing really brought these business topics to life. Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious appetizers prepared by the chefs of 18 Seaboard.
Kenichi Kawashima, Executive Director
Lenovo
Kenichi Kawashima, Executive Director, Server Business Unit, Lenovo, gave an interesting perspective on leading global multi-cultural business environments in Raleigh and Beijing. Kawashima spoke from his extensive work history in engineering, project management, operations, and department management.
Temple Sloan, Jr., Chairman and CEO
General Parts & Carquest
Temple Sloan, Jr., Founder, Chairman and CEO of General Parts International, Inc., was a recent Distinguished Speaker. General Parts distributes automotive parts and supplies under the Carquest name, which is headquartered in Raleigh. Temple Sloan’s story of success depicts a strong-willed entrepreneur who, at the age of 21, started what has become a multi-million dollar company that boasts over 3400 locations and 17,000 employees -“teammates”- in the US, Canada, and Mexico. His son, Temple Sloan, III, now President/CEO of Carquest, joined him for the event.
Suzanne Sutter, President and CEO
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Suzanne Sutter, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, spoke to MBA students and faculty on the topic, "Leadership: You Can Make a Difference." Prior to her role at Make-A-Wish, Sutter was President of Things Remembered, Inc. During her 10-year reign as President, she more than doubled earnings through merchandise and marketing innovation, as well as expanding channels of distribution beyond the 650+ store chain. Under her leadership, the company developed an outstanding reputation for compassion, giving, and commitment to charities.
Recent speakers include:
Fran O'Sullivan
General Manager, Integrated Supply Chain, IBM
Charlie Fisher
Senior Vice President of Human Resources, FedEx Kinko's
Shelia B. Ahler
Partner, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland
Gayle Lanier
Vice President, Nortel Global Corporate Operations
David Strong
CEO, Rex Healthcare
Scott Custer
CEO, RBC Centura Banks Inc.
H. Kel Landis
Senior Advisor for Business and Economic Affairs, State of North Carolina