Dr. Paul Polman’s Address to Graduates June 13, 2009 University of Cincinnati Commencement Speech Thank you Interim President Monica Rimai. Class of 2009, families and friends, members of the board and distinguished guests: I am honoured and humbled to share this day with you. Thirty years ago I was sitting in your seats for my own commencement ceremony, probably less nervous and more relieved than I am now. The honourable Jessie Jackson was the commencement speaker. A man who has dedicated his whole life to the fight for equal rights and opportunity for us all. There is no better recognition for his unselfish struggle than the election of your new president Barack Obama. The world has welcomed him with open arms and is excited and hopeful about the changes he will bring. Before I start, it is important to recognize that none of you graduates made it to this day alone. Others believed in you and provided the emotional, intellectual and financial support to make the education possible. So let us take a moment to recognize those who are not wearing caps and gowns - the parents, grandparents, spouses, partners, friends, all of whom have supported and contributed to your success. I also want to congratulate the faculty and staff of UC - those of you who have given your lives to teaching young people at the University of Cincinnati. The greatest gift is the gift of knowledge.
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And I want to congratulate the graduates. You are closing an important chapter in your lives and are well prepared to start an exciting new one, full of further opportunities for growth and development. As life progresses, I‟m sure you will dip into the book of knowledge and wisdom that UC has prepared you with. For my part, I am grateful for having had the chance to attend UC and for what it has given me over the years – something we don‟t always realise at the time. First, I‟m grateful for the great memories of the many Bearcats or UC basketball games; and I am glad to see that they are still going strong. The concerts at the College Conservatory of Music or simply relaxing with the sailing club at Lake Cowan or drinking at Arnold‟s bar. I am glad to see that it has only gotten better: special congratulations to the dance team for their world championship this year. Truly remarkable. Second, I‟m grateful for the incredible opportunity that I was offered to study here. I did not have the financial means, but fortunately others believed in me and made a scholarship possible. I might not be where I am today without their support. Third, grateful for the knowledge passed on by great professors such as Dr Craycroft, Melnyck, Barncroft, Gallo, Lee and many others. According to the most ancient Indian scriptures called the Vedas or book of knowledge: Blessed are the people who impart knowledge. Even more blessed are those who receive knowledge. But what I am most grateful for is that I met my wife Kim here 30 years ago. She is with me today. We met in a class called Collective Bargaining, perhaps one of the most useful courses I ever took, as we are still applying the lessons we learned – although she claims I always win! There is no doubt, however, that I am greatly indebted to Kim for her support over all these years. Good memories, but this is not the day for looking back... As you look to the future, you could be forgiven for reflecting on the words of Charles Dickens who, had he been around during the first decade of the 21st century, might have observed:
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It was the best times, it was the worst of times. On the one hand, the opportunities for young people have never been greater. Freedoms are far more secure, choice is more plentiful, health care more advanced. The process of globalization has brought better living standards to many, and opened up opportunities for travel, work and study in many corners of the globe. But in parts of the world, including in the US, people‟s sense of well-being and contentment is being obscured by an undercurrent of anxiety. For many, the world today seems a hostile and uncertain place. The challenges are well captured in the themes of a speech I remember clearly from the President if the United States… A deepening, international recession….a crisis of confidence at home and a lack of respect abroad…an impending energy crisis and the need to reduce dependence on foreign oil… ending conflict and restoring peace in the Middle East…. However, these words were not only resounded by President Obama in 2009 but by President Carter in 1979, the year when I sat where you are today. The challenges today may seem intractable but they are not new. No question that recent events in the world economy have caused many to question the very role of modern capitalism. From the reckless pursuit of high risk returns to the collapse of Ponzi schemes, people‟s confidence has been shaken and undermined, and rightfully so. Trust in business is at an all time low, especially in the US. The only people to score lower are politicians in some countries.
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At no other time in history has the need for leadership driven by a strong foundation of ethics been greater. At the same time, never before has the opportunity to develop a better world been greater. A favourite of mine is the Chinese word for "crisis", which can be interpreted as “opportunity”. There are important decisions required to balance short term issues - such as the economic crisis - with longer term challenges: climate change, poverty alleviation, sustainable growth. Not easy, but I am an optimist. It will take leadership and courage to solve the problems you are inheriting; you will all have to take an active role in shaping the solution. But I am encouraged by what I see among young people… the fresh thinking, the ideas, the ability to move boundaries, the comfort with technology – all are qualities needed to find solutions. Today, more than ever, there needs to be a focus on shared values, and not just shareholder value. Besides, it should be no surprise that the reward for pursuing shared values will ultimately result in share value. Some business gurus argue that there are 3 Ps of Prosperity: Productivity. Performance. Profit. And in a cold, analytical sense, it is hard to argue. But I want to leave you with thoughts on 3 other Ps, ones that have guided me and which I think you will find are better companions to your journey. First, purpose. Be purpose driven and values-led. Don‟t measure success by status or money, but by a deeper sense of commitment and purpose. The Dali Lama put it perfectly: "If you seek enlightenment for yourself simply to enhance yourself and your position, you miss the purpose. If you seek enlightenment for yourself to enable you to serve others, you are with purpose."
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More than ever, we need a new kind of ethical leadership driven by a deeper sense of purpose and belonging, and a higher sense of ethics and responsibility. Clearly events of the last few months have shown the liberty alone is not enough. As Victor Frankle, a survivor of Nazi Camps in Germany wrote in his book, "In search of meaning", in addition to erecting the Statue of Liberty on the East coast, we should have erected a Statue of Responsibility on the West coast. This applies just as much to the corporate being as it does to the human being. At Unilever, a company with $60 billion turnover and with products reaching over 2 billion consumers a day around the world, we take our responsibilities seriously and want communities to prosper as much from our activities as we do from our business. We call this “doing well by doing good.” My second message is to pursue your passion. Some will say: find a purpose and your passion will follow. Most of you will spend more than 50 hours a week working. That‟s about 40% of your waking hours. If you choose to follow money rather than a fulfilling career, I guarantee you will be earning it the hard way instead of enjoying what you do. Not to mention that it‟s very difficult to give 100% - let alone 110% - if you do not enjoy what you do. Unlike billions of people living in poverty, we are among the fortunate few: well educated, well off and with the opportunity to make a difference. We owe it to ourselves – and others – not to squander the opportunity. You can choose the work that you love to do and love what you do. Do it with passion. And try to be all you can be. My third message is simply to be positive. Maintain a positive attitude in all you do. Look for opportunities rather than problems or obstacles. I‟m often asked if I am „a glass half empty‟ or „glass half full‟ type of person. My answer usually depends on whether I‟m drinking or pouring. But seriously, even in difficult times, be a real optimist. Be a „glass half full‟ person. And if the glass appears half empty – redesign the glass.
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In other words, be aware of the problems but recognize solutions, know about difficulties but believe they can be overcome, see the negatives but accentuate the positives. When exposed to the worst, expect the best and when you have reasons to complain, choose to smile. My father often told me a story about the carrot, the egg, and the coffee beans. Each was dropped into boiling water. The carrot went in strong and solid, but the boiling water made it soft, mushy, and weak. The egg was fragile to start, but quickly hardened and changed colours. The coffee beans, however, were unique. Instead of hardening or softening, they changed the flavour of the water around them. If you are like coffee beans, when the heat of life or work becomes unbearable and things are at their worst, change the water around you and look for opportunities to have an impact. And always remember, there are others for whom staying positive is a daily necessity and not a matter of choice. I‟m always humbled by the people I work with at the Boston-based Perkins School, the world‟s leading institute for the education of blind and deaf blind children, where I have the honour to be chairman of the international advisory board. Despite the many challenges they and their students face, they have a simple, powerful, and inspiring slogan, one that encapsulates their positive spirit: "All we see is possibility." So, if I can leave you with three messages: look for a deeper sense of purpose; pursue what you do with passion, and maintain a positive attitude. These are well-established ingredients to success. But don't forget one important component that will help bring meaning to it all: Simply count your blessings from time to time. Enjoy each moment. Be grateful and thankful for what you have. Think occasionally of the less fortunatey young people at the Perkins School for the Blind, and the 2 billion people living below the poverty line, and count your blessings. You are fortunate, you are blessed. Use it wisely. Go out and let your actions speak. Be leaders in all you do. I wish you well on your journey.
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Thank you again for letting me be a part of this joyous occasion. It was my privilege to be with you today. Congratulations once more to the class of 2009.
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