Daniel Vasella's speech
Amazing speech delivered by Daniel Vasella - MD, Chairman and CEO of Novartis AG, on the graduation day of ISB's '05 batch:You are entering a wonderful land full of pastures, creeks, fields of crops and fruit trees, and in some places one may – with some luck - even find some minerals and gold. What you discover and learn and how you master the terrain will depend on you. It is a hilly region and the horizon often limits the view, so when you cross the bridge today, you will not be able to see it all, and the best may be neither visible nor close. Some of you may find your personal field close by and you will spend a life time on it. Others among you may have to walk and search for a long time, working on the way, improving your skills and gaining experience.
As you continue on your path, start to work and you will discover and learn how to best cut the grain, your arms will become stronger and your movements more agile and faster.
When you chose a place look to the sky and check the elements, as this will influence your performance. Work will be easier when the conditions are right – more productive during mild days, more limited when it is hot and humid. There are days and weeks with glaring sun at which time vulgar stones may shine like diamonds. Hours and money may be spent to get a claim -- just to find out in the evening, after a hectic day that you have filled your pockets with gravel.
As Nehru said, “Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism, the way you play it is free will…There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
But what are your views on ethics and values? With all the corporate scandals ranging from Enron to Worldcom, Tyco and so many others, every business school today must also talk about laws, regulations, ethics and integrity, personal values, right and wrong. I am sure that you have developed a perspective of your own about these matters.
As you know there is often a lack of clarity in life, and a tension which pulls into opposing directions. Ambiguity is something we have to learn to live with, without its creating discomfort for us. Be comfortable with seemingly contradictory situations, feelings and actions. You will of course encounter many people who can not deal with ambiguity, people who always want simplicity and clarity. So, you as leaders will have to create the clear direction for them. This is an act of will and part of leadership. Your instinct and judgment will indicate the right actions and timing for you, as Alexander the Great knew when he cut the Gordon Knot, finding a stunningly simple solution for a complex problem.
Finally, I’d like to share with you some thoughts that are very important, but which you probably won’t hear a lot about in your career. There will be days when you feel the pleasure of accomplishment. But the truth is, there will be times when you are disappointed, angry or sad. This is normal. Have the confidence to accept these feelings, trust your self, be genuine, and also transparent with others. Be yourself and don’t try to play a role. Tough days never last forever and after follow the good days. Your family and friends will support you in difficult times, therefore understand and respect also their needs and strike the right balance for yourself and for them.
The new land is yours – at least for some time – make the best out of it, it’s up to you. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world. Infinite striving to be the best is man’s duty, it is its own reward. Everything else is in God’s hands.
posted by AK-84 @ 5:02 AM
1 Comments:
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