Conversations in Leadership

In September, the Colin Powell School launched a new national speakers’ initiative, the Rick and Susan Goings Conversations in Leadership Series. The program features discussions with marquee names from every sector who have taken unconventional paths to success at the highest levels of their professions.

The inaugural event featured Gayle King, host of CBS Mornings and editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine.

Ms. King reflected on her personal journey to success, the challenges she faced as a woman of color, and the many rejections she had to overcome early in her career in order to succeed. “Look at failure as an opportunity. You can learn a lot from failure, but don’t let it deter you,” Ms. King advised students. She highlighted the importance of counting on the support of mentors and loyal friends throughout her professional career, sharing some of the advice she herself received from Maya Angelou: “What you need to do right now is say thank you. Whining is so unbecoming; it lets them know there is a victim in the neighborhood.” The event was moderated by Susan Porcaro Goings, an award-winning journalist, former TV anchor, and close friend of General Powell. She and Ms. King shared stories of their time with General Powell and reflected on the impact of his leadership and legacy. Watch the full conversation here.

For the second Rick and Susan Goings Conversations in Leadership, on November

16th, we welcomed the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. In conversation with Susan Porcaro Goings. Secretary Rice spoke of her childhood in segregated Alabama and the resiliency of her community. “I’m glad I grew up in segregated Birmingham,” said Secretary Rice. “They [my parents] could have limited horizons for what was possible for us…but they had high expectations for us, and they never let us make excuses for our circumstances.” Much of Secretary Rice’s career has been defined by her skills at leading in difficult times. She became Stanford’s youngest provost during a budget crisis. She was also the youngest person to ever hold the position of National Security Advisor, a position she held when the September 11th attacks occurred. Rice then became Secretary of State following Colin Powell’s retirement. Susan Goings led Secretary Rice through a reflection on lessons learned, the meaning of mentorship, and her connection with General Powell, as well as current geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine.

Rick Goings, Chairman Emeritus of Tupperware Brands, and Susan Porcaro Goings are supporting this series to honor General Powell, their longtime friend and colleague. The Rick and Susan Goings Conversations in Leadership Series probes deeply into the careers of those whose leadership has made a difference and who have persevered despite the odds. Through this series, we will develop an understanding of the styles and critical elements of leadership.