Unite Week 2011, the orientation for first-year master’s students in Purdue’s Krannert School of Management, was capped by the Distinguished Executive Lecture. Delivering the keynote was Howard Lance, chairman, president and CEO of Harris Corporation, a global communications and information technology company.
Harris provides “assured communications” for military, air travel, first responder and weather applications, among others. The company provides voice, data and video capabilities for nearly 50,000 Federal Aviation Administration employees who safeguard 2 million fliers on a daily basis.
Mr. Lance, a master’s alum of the Krannert School, shared his personal background and gave a company overview. He told students what makes companies and leaders successful, and stressed the need for leaders to hone their skills in management, strategy and leadership, saying “all are essential to reach your potential.”
He also talked about personal accountability and the need to be ethical. “At the end of the day,” he said, “the only thing you have is your integrity.”
In this video, Mr. Lance talks about why he chose the Krannert School, how Krannert’s teaching style fit his personality, his responsibilities as a CEO and what qualities tomorrow’s business leaders should possess.