March 2, 2006

Deputy Commerce Secretary and ACU alumnus David A. Sampson along with Carlos Sepulveda, president and CEO of Interstate Batteries shared their approach to effective leadership at ACU's College of Business Administration Emerging Leaders Conference in Dallas Feb. 24. 

"Today our nation probably enjoys the highest standard of living in the world," Sampson said in his opening remarks. "Nurturing great leaders is a large part of that success." Sampson discussed some of the leaders he’s worked with and the traits all good leaders must possess.

Leaders must have a will to lead and make tough decisions and a belief in something bigger than themselves, a "transcendent purpose and cause," Sampson said.

The secretary's speech focused on politics as well, mentioning his relationship with two secretaries of commerce and his experiences working for them. He also referenced the president and how he is "confronting the problems that face our nation and threaten our security and continued prosperity," and that he’s not backing down because "it's not in his DNA."

Sampson emphasized the need to know who you are and to be who you are. He advised surrounding yourself with people who complement and balance your style.

Sepulveda suggested there is no such thing as business ethics, "rather there is only ethics - you have them or you don't.  Successful people make important decisions early in their lives and spend the rest of their lives managing those decisions", Sepulveda said.  The College of Business was blessed to have several breakout session speakers including Billy Busch, Steve Green, Tamara Heim, Diane Paddison and Kenny Wilson.  Leading the worship portion of the day was Hallal Worship Team.