The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business recently hosted its first installment in The Power of Leadership: A Signature Speaker Series. This series focuses on bringing seasoned business leaders to Clemson to engage with business students, faculty and staff.
“This series was created to bring the opportunity to learn from exceptional business leaders to our students. One of the best ways to learn what strong leadership looks like and what characteristics embody a great leader is by listening to those who have already walked that path.”
Dean Wendy York, Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
About the speaker: Walt Bettinger II
The very first speaker in the leadership series was Walt Bettinger II, retired CEO and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for one of the biggest financial institutions in the world, Charles Schwab.
At the age of 22, Bettinger founded The Hampton Company, a provider of retirement plan services to corporations and their employees. The Charles Schwab Corporation acquired Hampton in 1995.
Under his leadership, the market capitalization of Charles Schwab has grown from approximately $19 billion at the end of 2008 to approximately $145 billion, and the value of Schwab stock has grown from approximately $15 to $80 over the same time period. Bettinger has been recognized throughout his career as a leader in financial services, including:
- In 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, he was recognized in Fortune magazine’s Businessperson of the Year listing – in 2018, he was ranked the No. 7 businessperson globally
- In 2010, he was one of the Power 30 by Smart Money magazine of the world’s most powerful and influential players.
- In 2009, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award for contributions to the retirement security of working Americans by Plan Sponsor magazine.
The Power of Leadership
The event began with remarks by Dean York, followed by a welcome by Michael Howley, Melvin and Dollie Younts trading room director. Howley also moderated the event, asking Bettinger questions about his leadership journey.
Bettinger shared lessons he learned throughout his leadership journey, including his time as a student, building his business from the ground up and his career at Charles Schwab. Some of the advice he gave included:
The value of authenticity and vulnerability
When asked by a student about the best way to connect with others, Bettinger said the most important step he has taken in connecting with the people he leads is by being authentic and vulnerable. A leader opening up about their weaknesses and shortcomings shows others that it’s safe to do the same. Bettinger explained that this kind of openness builds trust, stronger relationships and a work culture where people feel seen, heard and valued.
Every person is important
Bettinger shared a story that he said was a pivotal moment for him. When he was a student in college, for a final exam, his professor gave them a blank piece of white paper with one task: Tell him the name of the woman who cleaned their building. Bettinger explained to students that this moment showed him the importance of seeing and valuing every person, and this lesson has stayed with him throughout his entire career.
Priorities are essential
Climbing the corporate ladder requires hard work. Bettinger said that for him, work-life balance wasn’t realistic. Instead, he made the intentional decision to prioritize things important to him that he wouldn’t let work affect. For him, that was family. Even as CEO of Charles Schwab, he never missed a track meet or basketball game. Bettinger encouraged students to determine what their priorities are and to make decisions that reflect them.
Student impact
Students in attendance were then able to ask several of their own questions, including how Bettinger defines success and connects with people.
Ryan Wolf, junior financial management and accounting major, says that the event was a great experience for him. “While the majority of speakers often touch on various types of career advice, Mr. Bettinger had a unique ability to provide insights based on his candid experiences. His discussion about determining priorities and sticking with them was a unique view amid a business world that is ever-shifting and changing. I found these ideas to be incredibly insightful, especially for young professionals who are preparing to enter the workforce but may not have yet determined their priorities.”
Dean York explains that having speakers like Bettinger come to campus is important in developing future business leaders. “It was an honor to have Mr. Bettinger, speak with our students. I’ve always said that leadership is a choice, not a title, and connecting our students with people who embody exceptional leadership is just one way we are preparing them to be leaders themselves. We are so grateful that he was able to join us for this important event.”
About Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business empowers students to evolve into innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders thriving in the dynamic global marketplace of ideas. Through immersive learning inside and outside the classroom, students graduate as adept, market-ready leaders ready to influence the future of business.
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