Spring Break
Xerox president stresses importance of great leadership
Burns had a hand in turning an almost bankrupt company around - restoring its global status
Katy Weaver
Issue date: 1/11/08 Section: Diversions
After discussing these key things she had learned at Xerox, Burns was adamant about having the audience ask questions.
One of the first questions Burns answered was about the three most significant challenges she expected Xerox and other companies to face in the future.
"The first challenge will be how we are going to get the talent we need in the future to keep companies going - you'd be surprised how difficult it is to recruit engineers," Burns said.
"The second challenge is in the ability to operate companies globally when the world keeps moving faster and faster, and the third challenge lies in the problem of the world limiting success for people. We have to be able to distribute wealth better than we do today, and keep a balance so we have a better world."
"Ursula came across as very real, someone who had worked through seven years of effort," said Madeline Romero, an instructor in the College of Business.
"It was a company in the doldrums, and they made an amazing turnaround considering they went from high leverage to no debt."
Students who attended the event agreed.
"I was strongly encouraged to attend by two of my business teachers," said Brad Phillips, a freshman in business. "But it was pretty impressive to see the power of leadership and how a company could rise from the depths. I was glad I came."
Katy Weaver, news writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
One of the first questions Burns answered was about the three most significant challenges she expected Xerox and other companies to face in the future.
"The first challenge will be how we are going to get the talent we need in the future to keep companies going - you'd be surprised how difficult it is to recruit engineers," Burns said.
"The second challenge is in the ability to operate companies globally when the world keeps moving faster and faster, and the third challenge lies in the problem of the world limiting success for people. We have to be able to distribute wealth better than we do today, and keep a balance so we have a better world."
"Ursula came across as very real, someone who had worked through seven years of effort," said Madeline Romero, an instructor in the College of Business.
"It was a company in the doldrums, and they made an amazing turnaround considering they went from high leverage to no debt."
Students who attended the event agreed.
"I was strongly encouraged to attend by two of my business teachers," said Brad Phillips, a freshman in business. "But it was pretty impressive to see the power of leadership and how a company could rise from the depths. I was glad I came."
Katy Weaver, news writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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