I’m a Business Professor: Here Are 8 Lessons From Commencement Speeches I Will Never Forget

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I’m a Business Professor: Here Are 8 Lessons From Commencement Speeches I Will Never Forget

By Robin Landa | Inc Magazine | May 23, 2024

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The author has attended 30 graduation ceremonies and commencement speeches as a professor, granting her the opportunity to absorb wisdom from eminent individuals every spring. According to her, she has heard her fair share of commencement speeches at her university, and make a point to listen to those from other institutions as well. Here are eight valuable lessons she has gleaned for business owners and leaders. 

1. Uphold integrity in every aspect of business and life.  According to Michael Dell, founder, chairman, and CEO of Dell Technologies, “Act with integrity in all dimensions of your life. There’s integrity in human interactions where we’re respectful and kind to each other. Integrity in science where we’re rigorous, evidence-based and unflinching. Integrity in our values when we uphold ethical and moral standards.  Integrity in our shared purpose of creating a healthier world and advancing human progress. Reputation is your most valuable asset. Integrity is how you keep it safe.”
2. Think critically.  Award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend claimed, “Your job is to think critically; to challenge assumptions; to question the status quo; to interrogate conventional wisdom…” 
3. Harness technology as a force for good.  Patrick Gelsinger, CEO of Intel, reflected on the pervasive impact of technology in our daily lives, highlighting the profound influence of artificial intelligence on our experiences. He encouraged graduates to harness technology for the betterment of humanity, envisioning them as superheroes poised to shape innovative solutions yet to be conceived.
4. Facilitate opportunities.  “We all have the responsibility to liberate others so they can become their best selves in human rights, business, the arts, and in life,” Founder, Chairman and CEO Vista Equity Partners Robert F. Smith said.
5. Claim credit and own accountability.  Apple CEO Tim Cook advised, “If you want to take credit, first learn to take responsibility.” When you consistently take responsibility for your actions, you are more likely to earn genuine recognition and respect from your peers and workforce.
6. Participate in your team.  Actor and designer Holly Taylor’s poignant advice during the 2023 Kean University commencement remains unforgettable. Taylor said, “We are all figuring this life thing out together.”
7. Ensure every decision matters.  Astrophysicist, science communicator, author, and head of the Hayden Planetarium, Neil deGrasse Tyson offered a cosmic perspective on civilization, referencing his latest book, Starry Messenger. He said, “I want to create a world where, if aliens came to visit, they wouldn’t look around and run back home and say, ‘There’s no sign of intelligent life on Earth.’ “
8. Take a hint–I mean a mint.  Finally, one of the most practical pieces of advice comes from bestselling author Brad Meltzer, “If someone offers you a breath mint, take it.”

2 key takeaways from the article

1. The author has attended 30 graduation ceremonies and commencement speeches as a professor, granting her the opportunity to absorb wisdom from eminent individuals every spring. According to her, she has heard her fair share of commencement speeches at her university, and make a point to listen to those from other institutions as well. 
2. Here are eight valuable lessons she has gleaned for business owners and leaders.  Uphold integrity in every aspect of business and life, think critically, Harness technology as a force for good, facilitate opportunities by liberating others so they can become their best selves, If you want to take credit, first learn to take responsibility; We are all figuring this life thing out together; create a world where, if aliens came to visit, they wouldn’t look around and run back home and say, ‘There’s no sign of intelligent life on Earth; If someone offers you a breath mint, take it.

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Topics: Entrepreneurship, Mentorship, Decision-making, Leadership, Integrity