GE CEO Dobbs to host leadership forum at WNEC

Date: 2/7/2011

SPRINGFIELD — Hosted by the Western New England College (WNEC) Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship and Springfield-based diversity news leader UnityFirst.com, this forum and workshop titled "Transformational Leadership: A Blueprint for Organizational and Individual Success" will take place on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m at the WNEC Law and Business Center.

Keynote speaker Randy Dobbs, author and prot g of General Electric's (GE) legendary CEO Jack Welch, will offer insights on how individuals, organizations and businesses can drive significant business improvement by adapting to change. Dobbs will share many tested concepts from his book on "Transformational Leadership." Also, a panel of thought leaders will offer perspectives on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Registration is required to attend the forum, which includes a copy of Dobbs' book and lunch. To register, call 221-7931 or send e-mail to: info @unityfirst.com.

"No one is immune to these rocky economic times," said Dobbs. "Innovative professionals and executives all over the country are adapting their organizational structures to survive, profit, and compete in today's more challenging and an often unreliable market. Remember, your leadership today will define your success tomorrow. The reason for underperformance in most cases is that people and organizations are stuck in the past. You have to move your thinking to new, but proven concepts, if you want to get to the next level."

During this March 4 forum and workshop on "Transformational Leadership," attendees of all backgrounds and levels will learn top "turnaround strategies" and the proven but often unwritten rules needed to transform workplace, marketplace or C-suite scenarios into tangible success. Executives and professionals working in established businesses, new business start-ups, non-profits, civic groups and other organizations will find Dobbs' blueprint to be clear, open thoughts on transformative results and simple to apply to most leadership situations.

Dobbs spent more than 25 years with GE where he served in a variety of roles. He rose from an hourly worker on a summer job to become a corporate officer and CEO of GE Capital IT Solutions — where he won the Turnaround Business of the Year Award in 2002. Dobbs is currently a senior operating executive at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, one of the oldest, largest, and most successful private equity firms in the U.S,, where he also served as a president and CEO of one of their largest business services portfolio companies. Also, Dobbs leads his own executive consulting practice focusing on leadership and mentoring.

Janine Fondon, president and CEO of UnityFirst.com, who is proud to offer this forum with WNEC's Law and Business Center said. "Every step we take to become more effective and inclusive leaders will help inspire others across the U.S. to unlock their potential — and represent the next generation of leadership and skilled talent here in our communities and industries. Leadership is critical given the changing dynamics of boomers, competitive environments, levels of innovation, global considerations and generational factors. Looking to the future, we must be better prepared to lead with innovation."

According to research by Factor in Talent, "fewer than 60 percent and at times, fewer than 50 percent of respondents, view the C-Suite and executive leadership as effective in four of the five most important capabilities, including foreseeing future trends, developing a compelling strategy, managing talent, and driving performance and accountability." Another survey notes that: "Leaders are not adequately prepared for the future. Today's leadership capacity is insufficient to meet future leadership requirements. The four most important future skills — leading people, strategic planning, inspiring commitment, and managing change — are among the weakest competencies for today's leaders."