Lance Secretan, author of The Spark, the Flame, and the Torch, will give the 2014 Gifford Lecture on Business Leadership and Ethics, entitled “Inspiration: What Sets Great Leaders and Organizations Apart,” on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center. A book signing will follow the lecture.
Following an illustrious acting career, Secretan worked on the floor of the Toronto Stock Exchange, served as CEO of Manpower Limited, and taught strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership at McMaster University and at York University. A prolific writer, he is an award-winning columnist and author of 15 books on leadership. He founded The Secretan Center, ranked the #1 Leadership Consulting firm in the world by Leadership Excellence. Secretan himself is ranked 17th by Leadership Gurus and ranked one of the Top Five Leadership Speakers by Speakers in America.
“Lance Secretan is the best speaker I’ve ever heard. His message is compelling, his presentation is powerful, and his impact is profound. You won’t want to miss Thursday evening’s lecture. I personally guarantee that you’ll be transformed by the experience!” —Dean Joe Turek, School of Business and Economics
Secretan is widely acknowledged as one of the most insightful and provocative leadership teachers of our time. His clients include 30 of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies and 15 of Fortune’s Best Companies to Work for in America.
Secretan was chairman of the Advisory Board of the 1997 Special Olympics World Winter Games and former ambassador to the United Nations Environment Program. His work has been recognized by many institutions, including the prestigious International Caring Award, also received by Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Jane Goodall.
A dynamic, thought-provoking and much sought-after keynote speaker, Secretan uses technology with enormous flair and ignites audiences with his passion. His work results in reinvigorated work environments all over the world and his presentations result in standing ovations.
The Gifford Lecture Series brings nationally recognized business leaders and scholars to the School of Business and Economics. The late Richard P. Gifford was a vice president for General Electric and a leader in the business, civic, educational, and religious life of the Lynchburg community. After his death, friends and business colleagues established the Richard P. Gifford Endowment in his honor and memory.
