Who Needs an Ivy League Degree? by Motte Brown on 09/20/2006 at 10:00 AM

To succeed in the workplace, "Any college will do." says A.G. Lafley, Proctor & Gamble's CEO.

This week in the Wall Street Journal, Carol Hymowitz writes that "the college diplomas of the nation's top executives tell an intriguing story" -- that talent and drive are more important than an Ivy League education.

Here's a snapshot of some notable CEOs and their state schools:

• Robert Iger, CEO, Walt Disney - B.A. Ithaca College
• Kenneth Lewis, CEO, Bank of America - B.A. Georgia State University
• H. Lee Scott, CEO, Wal-Mart - B.S. Pittsburg State University, Kansas

Hymowitz notes that one of the shared experiences of these executives was the strong relationships they built with their professors in college. Bill Green, CEO of Accenture recalls a particularly inspirational professor at a community college near Boston, crediting him "with teaching him to think analytically, to gain confidence in his abilities and to learn to work with people."

It appears that early on, these leaders recognized the value of surrounding themselves with influencers, people who would help them get where they were going. This is a practice that may prove wise to emulate whatever your college or career status.

Jim Collins, author of the best selling "Good to Great", shared a similar experience at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit in August. He spoke of assembling a "personal" board of directors and the impact this had on him when he needed direction in his twenties.

I understand that the roadmap for success isn't monolithic. But if you're confused about calling, or feel like you long for more from work, or you're doubting that your credentials match up, seek the wisdom of those you have come to respect.

And above all, remember Who it is that is ultimately responsible for our successes.

"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another." Psalm 75:6,7 (KJV)

Who Needs an Ivy League Degree? by Motte Brown on 09/20/2006 at 10:00 AM

To succeed in the workplace, "Any college will do." says A.G. Lafley, Proctor & Gamble's CEO.

This week in the Wall Street Journal, Carol Hymowitz writes that "the college diplomas of the nation's top executives tell an intriguing story" -- that talent and drive are more important than an Ivy League education.

Here's a snapshot of some notable CEOs and their state schools:

• Robert Iger, CEO, Walt Disney - B.A. Ithaca College
• Kenneth Lewis, CEO, Bank of America - B.A. Georgia State University
• H. Lee Scott, CEO, Wal-Mart - B.S. Pittsburg State University, Kansas

Hymowitz notes that one of the shared experiences of these executives was the strong relationships they built with their professors in college. Bill Green, CEO of Accenture recalls a particularly inspirational professor at a community college near Boston, crediting him "with teaching him to think analytically, to gain confidence in his abilities and to learn to work with people."

It appears that early on, these leaders recognized the value of surrounding themselves with influencers, people who would help them get where they were going. This is a practice that may prove wise to emulate whatever your college or career status.

Jim Collins, author of the best selling "Good to Great", shared a similar experience at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit in August. He spoke of assembling a "personal" board of directors and the impact this had on him when he needed direction in his twenties.

I understand that the roadmap for success isn't monolithic. But if you're confused about calling, or feel like you long for more from work, or you're doubting that your credentials match up, seek the wisdom of those you have come to respect.

And above all, remember Who it is that is ultimately responsible for our successes.

"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another." Psalm 75:6,7 (KJV)