Exploring Virtues in Business Leadership: A Memorable Trip to Dallas, TX

A Morning with Influential Speakers at Rees-Jones Holding Office

The Friday morning session was a highlight of the trip, as students gathered at the Rees-Jones Holdings office to listen to three distinguished speakers.

Daniel Sepulveda: The former Pittsburgh Steelers kicker and Super Bowl XLIII Champion, now a partner at Campbell Miller Payne, PLLC, shared his journey from professional sports to the legal field. Sepulveda emphasized the importance of personal definitions of success and the readiness to embrace it. "If you aren't ready for success when it comes, you are already too late," he advised. He encouraged students to consistently redefine their success while maintaining their values and faith.

Joe Armes: The CEO/President of CSW Industrials discussed the integration of virtues into leading a publicly traded company. Armes highlighted how he incorporates principles of Catholic Social Teaching, such as solidarity and the common good, into his leadership style. By implementing benefits like profit-sharing, he fosters an employee-centered approach, motivating employees to think like owners and prioritize the company’s long-term success.

Tom Nealon: The former President of Southwest Airlines introduced his "5 C's of Leadership," inspired by the Vatican document "Vocation of the Business Leader." Nealon shared insights on hiring practices, emphasizing the importance of talent, attitude, and aptitude. He stressed the significance of cultivating a positive company culture and advised students to be patient in their career journeys, assuring them that their success will come in due time.

Engaging Discussions at the George W. Bush Institute

Following the morning sessions, the group visited the George W. Bush Institute for a roundtable discussion on global policy. They engaged with:

Chris Walsh, Director, Global Policy

Joseph Kim, Program Manager, Global Policy and Expertise-in-Residence

Albert Torres, Program Manager, Global Policy

The discussion centered on the institute’s efforts to promote freedom and democracy worldwide. The insights gained from this dialogue were profound, offering students a broader perspective on leadership and global responsibility.

Cultural Exploration and Historical Insights

The trip wasn't solely about discussions and lectures. Students also enjoyed a cultural and historical immersion. They concluded their Friday with a tour of the museum portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, gaining deeper insights into modern leadership and policy.

On Saturday morning, both groups explored the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, delving into the life, presidency, and assassination of John F. Kennedy. This visit provided a reminder of the impact of leadership and the enduring legacy of those who have shaped history.

Gratitude and Reflections

The Dallas trip was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of all the speakers, organizers, and participants. The experiences and lessons learned will undoubtedly influence the students' future careers, encouraging them to lead with virtue and integrity.

The Center for Ethics and Economic Justice Ethics Fellows and the University of Notre Dame Business Honors Students extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this enlightening journey possible. As they return to their studies and future endeavors, the lessons from Dallas will serve as a guiding light in their pursuit of ethical and effective business leadership.

If you have any questions surrounding this trip, please contact Farah Wells fmwells@loyno.edu