Lee Iacocca, best known for resuscitating Chrysler in the 1980s, has shied away from the spotlight in recent years. But the Bel Air resident’s act has become a classic DVD.
How did that happen? It started when Iacocca’s book “Where Have All the Leaders Gone?” was published in 2007, and the businessman was inundated with speaking requests. But Iacocca, 85, wanted to focus his energy elsewhere, mostly on his family foundation and eight grandchildren. So he recorded a speech he gave while on his book tour and turned it into a DVD.
The DVD focuses on the core message of his book: the nine C’s of leadership (common sense, communication, creativity, conviction, competence, courage, character, charisma and curiosity). Iacocca said those traits are essential for choosing a leader.
Iacocca told the Business Journal via e-mail that he’s encouraged by the enduring interest in his nine C’s.
“Choosing the best leaders is the responsibility of every citizen, whether it’s in the classroom, board room or government,” Iacocca said. “I am humbled my 9C’s of leadership may contribute when making these very important decisions.”
Iacocca’s executive assistant, who sends out the DVDs for free, has shipped about 300 copies.
Bank Statement
As director of marketing for East West Bank, Emily Wang is used to commenting on the news. But for once, she actually is the news.
Last week, the Anti-Defamation League presented Wang and three other women with the Deborah Awards, the civil rights organization’s annual honors for women dedicated to philanthropic causes.
“My first reaction was, ‘Are you sure?’” she said. “That’s what I asked them.”
Wang received the award in part for pushing initiatives at the Pasadena bank that promote diversity and encourage employees to participate in community events. But the 48-year-old, who received the award along with cosmetics executive Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, and L.A. Sparks co-owners Carla Christofferson and Kathy Goodman, said it is encouraging that a midsize regional bank could have a significant impact on the community.
“We’re not as big as Wells or Bank of America, but we can still make a difference,” she said.
Staff reporters Alexa Hyland and Richard Clough contributed to this column. Page 3 is compiled by Editor Charles Crumpley. He can be reached at [email protected].
