The Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series

Building a Brand that Matters Alfred Lin COO, CFO and Chairman, Zappos.com Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 7-8:30 p.m. Milam Hall, Room 026

Alfred Lin is responsible for all financial, administrative, and warehouse operations of Zappos.com. Since 2005, he has brought focus, strategy, and financial discipline to help grow the business efficiently and profitably. In less than ten years, Zappos.com has matured from an upstart to the top Internet shoe seller that is forecasted to generate $1 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2008. The e-tailer stocks 3 million pairs of shoes, handbags, apparel, and accessories, specializing in some 1,000 brands that are difficult to find in mainstream shopping malls. Using an interactive Q&A format, Alfred will discuss the ingredients to building a brand, culture, and company that matters. He will share his top ten lessons learned while growing the business over the last decade as well as key insights on e-commerce and entrepreneurship.

Lessons of Leadership: Bold Bets and Back to Basics Ursula M. Burns President, Xerox Corporation Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 6-7:30 p.m. Austin Auditorium LaSells Stewart Center

Ursula Burns was named president of Xerox last year and is responsible for the company's global research, development, engineering, marketing and manufacturing of Xerox technology, supplies and related services. She also oversees the company's global accounts, information management, strategy, human resources and ethics, and marketing. Xerox's operations in Oregon serve as the company's primary research and engineering arm for its proprietary solid ink printing operations-a cartridge-free printing system that generates 90 percent less waste than laser printers. Ursula will discuss Xerox's path from the brink of bankruptcy to a financially-strong, global technology enterprise. She'll share the leadership lessons learned along the way and how Xerox's focus on big bets, like color and document services, and back to the basics, like cash generation and costs control, have redefined the company, making it more relevant and profitable in today's competitive marketplace.

The Future of Media Richard Parsons Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Time Warner Inc. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2006 7 - 8:30 p.m. LaSells Stewart Center, Austin Auditorium

Richard D. Parsons is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Inc., whose businesses include filmed entertainment, interactive services, television networks, cable systems and publishing. He became CEO in May 2002 and Chairman of the Board in May 2003.

Since becoming CEO, Mr. Parsons has led Time Warner's turnaround and set the company on a solid path toward achieving sustainable growth. In the process, he has put in place the industry's most experienced and successful management team, strengthened the company's balance sheet and simplified its corporate structure, and carried out a disciplined approach to realigning the company's portfolio of assets to improve returns. In its January 2005 report on America's Best CEOs, Institutional Investor magazine named Mr. Parsons the top CEO in the entertainment industry.

Sustainability and Social Innovation: Business' Role in Improving Both Organizations and Society Marc Epstein Author June 7, 2006 Noon to 1:50 p.m. Peavy 130

Marc Epstein is the author of 14 books and more than 100 professional papers on how companies are integrating social and environmental inssues into management decisions. Join Dr. Epstein as he shares his recent research and many examples of business' role in improving both organizations and society.

For streaming video of Epstein's presentation, click here.

Business Ethics: Why Smart People Can Do Such Dumb Things Patrick J. Kuhse International speaker, trianer and consultant October 21, 2005 Noon to 1:50 p.m. 224 Gilbert

Just a few short years ago people like Kenneth Lay, Martha Stewart and Dennis Kozlowski were highly respected professionals on the top of their games with flourishing careers. What happened?

Join Patrick Kuhse as he shares the critical thinking errors that he, and executives of Enron, Tyco and WorldCom, to name a few, were guilty of. From his journey as a successful stockbroker in San Diego, to his involvement in a financial fraud scheme, to the jungles of Costa Rica as an international fugitive, to incarceration in two countries and back again, Kuhse is uniquely qualified to address key warning signs and critical thinking errors that lead to all forms of unethical behavior and criminal activity.

Heard It through the Grapevine -- The Dirt on Growing the Oregon Wine Industry Jim Bernau Willamette Valley Vineyards founder and president February 4, 2005 10:30-11:50 a.m. 118 Dearborn

For streaming video of Bernau's presentation, click here.

Business Ethics: A Contract Between Corporations and Society Dians Swanson Award winning ethics educator Diane Swanson Oct. 15, 2004 Noon-1:30 p.m. 130 Peavy Hall

For streaming video of Swanson's presentation, click here.

Building Community -- Why Does Business Care? Jack McGowan Executive director of SOLV April 16, 2004 1-2:30 p.m. Dearborn 118

Named Statesman of the Year by the Oregon Business Association, Jack McGowan is committed to helping build community in Oregon. Join us as McGowan explores business ethics, business values and how healthy economics and healthy community go hand in hand. SOLV, founded in 1969 by Oregon Governor Tom McCall, has grown into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the Pacific Northwest. With a yearly volunteer participation of over 90,000, SOLV is active in over 250 Oregon communities, helping to preserve Oregon livability.

From the Firing Line: A CEO's Perspective on Leadership

Chris Marsh
CEO of Unicru, a leading provider of hiring management systems

Nov. 14, 2003
1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Covell Hall Rm. 216

Join CEO Chris Marsh as he shares his personal insights and experience in acquiring leadership skills and identifying potential leaders-and his own strategy for filling a successful management team.

The Business of Hollywood

Mike Rich
Screenplay writer for The Rookie, Finding Forrester and Radio

October 31, 2003
10 a.m.-11:30 a..m.

LaSells Stewart Center

From business school to fulfilling his passion for writing, Screenwriter Mike Rich shares with us the ins and outs of creative writing, how costs impact movie scripts and production, and how Hollywood ultimately makes its money. Join us for an inside look at "The Business of Hollywood!"

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