Leadership

How to Strengthen Your Network
A communication expert’s advice for connecting with new people in our virtual times There’s an overused phrase that it’s not…

The McCombs Legacy
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the transformational gift that inspired generations of Longhorns With their $50 million donation…

Helping Texans Thrive
CEO Scott McClelland talks about how the iconic Texas grocery chain has led the state through the pandemic (left to right)…

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, BBA ’77, on navigating the company through the pandemic
Texas McCombs and The Texas Tribune sat down for a virtual conversation with Kelly to talk about the coronavirus outbreak’s…

What Global Leadership Means
Admiral Bobby Inman, veteran of the CIA and NSA and a UT alumnus, forecasts the global challenges for business and…

Lessons from the Field
Corporate leaders talk about navigating the COVID-19 crisis and responding to rocky economic times. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis…

New Salem Center for Policy
Houston real estate investor Khaled Salem, BBA ’05, spearheaded a generous new gift to promote innovation around free enterprise Khaled…

Cheer-Ups
Tips for managers of remote workers during stressful times By Kristie J. Loescher Writing about stress in the middle of…

In a Global Crisis, Business Redundancy Can be Efficient
Building strategic redundancy into your operations can help you survive an unexpected disruption — like a pandemic The business world didn’t see…

Weathering a Partisan Storm
Despite their leaders’ efforts, federal agencies are anchored by mission and statutes — for now While the United States grows increasingly politically…

Celebrating the Life of Dean George William Gau
The ninth dean of the McCombs School of Business passed away on Dec. 23 George William Gau, the ninth dean…

Leadership Lessons
McCombs alumni share insights about how participation in athletics helped prepare them for successful business careers Whitney Allison, BBA ’10 Cycling,…

Serious Business
Sam Ehlinger, BBA ’21, UT’s star quarterback, balances the demands of football with the rigors of McCombs. By Todd Savage Making…

Hall of Famers
Distinguished alumni and supporters honored with prestigious McCombs designation Left to right: Phillip Canfield, BBA ’89, Antonio Garza, BBA ’80,…

Police Become Less Proactive with Increased Public Scrutiny
Officers aren’t as likely to go ‘above and beyond’ when they feel misunderstood, new research shows Police officers who perceive…

Three Tips for a Happier Workplace
For better results, prioritize employee well-being Workplaces filled with happy employees experience better performance. So says Raj Raghunathan, a Texas…

Diversity in Tech
Technology leaders gathered at McCombs to discuss how to make the industry more inclusive Left to right: Texas Tribune CEO…

Business Honors Background
The recently re-christened Canfield Business Honors Program took decades of development to reach where it is today By London Gibson…

Path to Philanthropy
Phil Canfield, BBA ’89, and his wife, Mary Beth, invest in the future of Business Honors with a $20 million…

Alumni Profile: Diversity Champion
James Page Jr., MBA ’07, appointed vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion at Vanderbilt University James Page, Vice Chancellor…

Alumni Profile: Leading the Charge
Tracy Norris, MBA ’15, is appointed first female Adjutant General of Texas Tracy Norris, Adjutant General of Texas After completing her…

Maximizing Purpose — Not Just Profit
Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO John Mackey discusses the role of business in bringing good By London Gibson Whole Foods…

Working Together is Easier if You Can Distinguish Perspective-Taking From Empathy
New research offers pointers on seeing a co-worker’s point of view — knowing when to read their thoughts and when to read…

Is Your LinkedIn Network Jinxing Your Job Search?
Think before you link on the popular career site. Having too many connections actually weakens your network power. Based on the…

Herb Kelleher: An Entrepreneur for all Seasons
The values and brilliance of the legendary co-founder of Southwest Airlines are so appealing that they nearly jump off the…

Southwest Airlines Co-Founder Herb Kelleher’s ‘14 Ways to Be a Leader’
In a powerful commencement address in 2004, the Southwest Airlines co-founder held forth with wit and wisdom on the disciplines…

Want to Stop a Whistleblower? Listen Carefully.
Companies that establish a culture of respect can identify and resolve problems before a whistle is blown. By Jeremy M. Simon…

How to Manage the Innovation Butterfly
All actions have unintended consequences and risks. This so-called ‘butterfly effect’ requires specific strategies for innovators. By Renee Hopkins Does…

Loyalty to a Leader Is Overrated, Even Dangerous
History is replete with tales of all-powerful leaders, but followers have an obligation to think for themselves and to speak…

Why Performance Rankings Can Backfire for Promotions
Ranking workers against one another can be good for business — except when they’re competing for a promotion. Based on the research…

Fresh Focus
Stacey Rudnick takes the helm of McCombs’ Center for Leadership and Ethics Stacey Rudnick, longtime director of McCombs MBA Career…

Serving the City
44 MBA students are volunteering their skills and insights on behalf of local Austin nonprofits By Jeremy M. Simon Angela…

Organic Ascent
Carla Vernón takes charge of General Mills’ natural foods portfolio and boosts the company’s efforts to move beyond sustainability By…

Planning for Idle Time and Interruptions
If your workday is plagued by idle time and interruptions, new research shows how to turn them to your advantage…

Houston Chief Recovery Officer Marvin Odum Faces Long Haul in Hurricane Relief Efforts
The former Shell Oil CEO discusses how a business background helped him navigate complex government systems. By London Gibson Marvin…

Political Misfits in the Workplace
Being the only conservative or liberal political voice at work can determine how long employees stick around. Based on the research…

How to Pitch An Idea Your Boss Will Like
Too often, workers get encouraged to make suggestions, only to have them fall on deaf ears Based on the research…

Tenure, Not Time, Predicts Client Loyalty
When agent Jerry Maguire learns he’s getting the boot from his sports management company, his SMI swan song is a…

Passing of Management Professor Jim Fredrickson
Dear McCombs Community, It is with great sadness that I share with you that our dear friend and respected colleague,…

Ethics Demystified
A free video-based ethics curriculum is putting a new face on an age-old problem—and helping educators light a better path…

McCombs Undergrad Named Texas Parents’ Outstanding Award Winner
Micky Wolf at the Texas Parents Ambassadors Council luncheon Micky Wolf, BBA ’18, earned an Outstanding Student Award from the Texas…

10 Tips about Winning, Losing, and Values in the Workplace
Values matter in the workplace because they determine the framework through which people make sense of their place in an…

Less is More
For consumers who aim to shop based on their values or political beliefs, deciding what products are safe to buy…

Embracing Crisis as Your Opportunity to Shine
Is your company in crisis? Lucky you. By John Daly A few years back I was chatting with a very senior…

Empowering Questions May Boost Employee Morale
Puts the focus on what works—not what’s not working. Based on the research of John Daly By Steve Brooks From classical…

Aiming High
Texas McCombs MBA Grad and Navy SEAL Launches Career Transition Program for Veterans By Samantha Harris Lt. Cmdr. Michael Sarraille spearheads…

China’s Social Media Maestro
Charles Chao, MPA ’93, talks about his persistently pursued path to the top job at one of China’s biggest online…

Navigating Work Overseas with More Confidence, Fewer Gaffes
An expert offers three strategies for succeeding in cross-cultural work projects, because making it in a foreign job assignment takes…