Business on Purpose: My Unforgettable Experience with Larry Gies
As a high school senior, one of the most challenging decisions I faced was choosing my major. The weight of this choice came from the expectation to select something both fulfilling and financially stable. How can you decide what you’ll love doing forever when you haven’t even tried it? This is where my thinking was wrong.
We, as humans, are constantly evolving, and so are our interests and aspirations. I realized that each person’s journey is unique, and far from a linear path. To truly understand ourselves and our potential, we need to remain open-minded, willing to explore diverse fields and accumulate various experiences. Eventually, I found my true calling in business, specifically marketing and management. My initial business courses at the Gies College of Business introduced me to experiential learning, a method that significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills.
The Gies College of Business is well-known for its commitment to “Business on Purpose,” creating an environment where students can make meaningful decisions and lead with a strong sense of purpose to make the world better. This commitment is closely tied to Larry Gies, the college’s namesake. Mr. Gies graduated in accounting in 1988. Larry & Beth Gies generously donated $150 million to support future leaders. You can see the impact of this investment in the college’s resources and impressive statistics, such as a 98 percent job placement rate for undergraduates and 100 percent participation in experiential learning.
During my first business class, BUS 101, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a virtual meeting with Larry Gies as our guest speaker. Mr. Gies’s friendly and motivational personality left a lasting impression on me and inspired a deeper sense of purpose within our college community. Learning about his life journey and seeing his genuine dedication to giving back to the community was truly inspiring. I remember thinking, ‘I hope I can work for someone like him one day.’
The chance to intern for Larry Gies was a turning point in my college journey. In my third year, I began an internship at Madison Industries, a highly successful privately-held company known to be entrepreneurial-driven with innovations that make the world safer, healthier, and more productive. During my time there, I had the privilege of working with the Talent Acquisition team. This experience opened my eyes to Mr. Gies’s inspirational leadership style. Unlike some CEOs who stay in their offices, Mr. Gies actively engages with employees visits different company branches frequently, and recognizes his employees for what they do.
Mr. Gies is, without a doubt, one of my favorite speakers. Whether I’m sitting in on company events, his fireside chats at the college, or listening to The Gies Download: Larry Gies, every time he speaks, I learn something new. His wisdom and insights are truly valuable. Moreover, Mr. Gies’s commitment to the Gies College of Business is evident in his actions. He has begun teaching Entrepreneurial Finance at the college, a clear demonstration of his dedication to both the college and its students. He regularly visits and engages with faculty and students, fostering a close-knit and supportive community. Many students, including myself, look up to him as an ideal leader because of his genuine care and his willingness to extend a helping hand
Larry Gies is not just a name on a building; he is a source of inspiration and guidance for everyone fortunate enough to interact with him. His commitment to the college and his ability to connect with people on a personal level make him a true role model for aspiring leaders.
One memorable event I helped organize was the Intern Social for Madison Industries in 2022, where interns from various companies gathered in Chicago to meet Larry Gies and connect with the Madison family. During this event, Mr. Gies asked us a thought-provoking question: ‘What is your purpose?’ This question led to deep reflection on our personal motivations and how each of us wanted to make a meaningful impact. It’s a question that continues to evolve, without a fixed answer.
In conclusion, my personal journey through college and my experiences with Larry Gies have taught me the importance of staying adaptable and open-minded throughout my professional development. While choosing a path that aligns with one’s interests is vital, embracing change and new opportunities is equally essential. The Gies College of Business and Larry Gies himself exemplify the value of a purpose-driven approach to education and leadership, inspiring us to continually evaluate our purpose and strive to make the world a better place through our actions.
