In this episode I am joined by Steve Brown, an authoritative figure in the insurance and investment world. Steve Brown’s remarkable 43-year journey at John Hancock, from a summer intern to the CEO and chairman of the board, showcases his unparalleled expertise and leadership skills. As the first Jewish president of John Hancock in 1987, Steve’s influential role in both the insurance and investment divisions shaped the company's trajectory and broke significant barriers.
Topics Covered:
Navigating Leadership Challenges
Ethics and Risk-Taking in Business
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Strategic Business Decisions
Time Stamps:
00:00 Grateful for opportunity, found passion in math.
04:22 Promoted through various positions to company president.
10:57 Overcame prejudice, led company to success.
13:21 Mutual company became like a stock company.
16:36 Improving opportunities for women at John Hancock.
19:52 Improving diversity in company, focusing on women.
26:12 Running a major corporation involves strategic decisions.
27:07 Opposition to change, pressure from Wall Street.
30:44 Successes and failures in taking business risks.
37:11 Honesty built trust, avoided unethical business practices.
41:30 CEO surprised by questions about women executives.
45:03 Work hard, follow your own moral compass.
48:49 Consultant reviewed compensation decisions, improved women's representation.
51:23 Discrimination is bad for business, doesn't pay.
You will gain valuable insights into the complexities of corporate leadership, ethical decision-making, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering a successful business environment. Steve Brown's experiences and lessons offer a masterclass in navigating corporate challenges, making this episode a must-listen for anyone aiming for career growth and business leadership.
Economic Matters - The podcast is hosted by Laurence Kotlikoff, a Boston University Economist, a NY Times Best Selling Author, President of maxifi.com, and Author of Money Magic.
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