Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fully embraced what it means to lead authentically, and with the utmost integrity.  His passion, self-evident in the indelible I have a dream speech, moves me each time I witness it.   This is because it strikes a chord that captures the essence of what it is to be a person of principle, and doing ‘what’s right’, in the face of insurmountable odds.  Dr. King’s brand of leadership is timeless, and one that we must continue to honor not only by an annual day of observance, but more importantly by our actions in this world. 

Nancy Dunnells
Senior Director, Darden Executive Education
DunnellsN@darden.virginia.edu

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Observation of life’s diversity is a celebration of both humanity’s individuality and its interconnectedness. First, it is an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of the human mind, spirit, and body that makes us all unique. Second, it gives us a chance to appreciate how, despite such incredible individualism, humankind benefits most strikingly when such differences are weaved together. Finally, as the tragedy in Haiti makes all too clear, such a time of observation humbles us with the realities of human inequities and personal tragedy—calling on each of us to reflect on how we may contribute to the betterment of humanity and society.

Andrew G. Beasley
MBA Class of 2010
BeasleyA10@darden.virginia.edu

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For myself, the man Martin Luther King represents a very simple idea – character matters more than circumstance. We may be born with, or inherit, differences. We may have differences thrust upon us (thank you Shakespeare). We may strive to be different. But at any point what matters most is your character.

This idea is especially important in the context of professional development and education. We often confuse technical expertise or experience with those things that matter most to an organization – enthusiasm, dedication, honesty, congeniality, respect and inquisitiveness to name a few. In the end, the trajectory of our career is more likely to be driven by character than circumstance. We should therefore be equally concerned with those activities that might help develop desirable character traits as those that enhance our circumstances (the acquisition of technical knowledge, for example).

Marc L. Lipson
Associate Professor of Finance
mlipson@virginia.edu