30 March 2024

In Memory of C. Ray Smith

(C. Ray Smith passed away November 3, 2023.  Here are some reflections on his work that I shared with the Darden Community.) Ray Smith was a faculty colleague, a leader…

24 November 2023

The Importance of Reading…and My Recommended Books for 2023

“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate – you can’t coach and you can’t lead.  …History lights the often…

21 May 2023

On Retirement

Today University of Virginia confers degrees.  Traditionally called “commencement,” it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the student’s life.  This commencement also marks a new chapter in mine:…

17 May 2023

The “So What?” in a Case Writer’s Work

In a collection of my case studies that was published by Darden Business Publishing (DBP), my former student, Byrne Murphy (MBA 1986) wrote that “each case’s key lessons involved asking…

13 April 2023

Financial Crises and Prudence

  “prudence L. prudentia, foresight, sagacity skill, prudence…The quality of being prudent.  1.  Ability to discern the most suitable, politic, or profitable course of action, esp. as regards conduct; practical…