As the global economy becomes even more competitive, organizations will turn to "values-based leaders" — men and women who understand that delivering outstanding and lasting results starts with doing the right thing. Join us on Thursday, February 9, 2012, to hear former Baxter International CEO Harry Kraemer share how you and your organizations can turn your values into actions that generate powerful business results.

Under Harry Kraemer's leadership, Fortune 500 company Baxter International experienced consistently strong growth. Kraemer also knows about doing the right thing — about stepping up not just when things are going well, but also when faced with change, controversy, and crisis. During this Lake Forest Graduate School of Management Business Education Forum, you'll learn the four principles that guide leaders to make choices that are aligned with their values:

  • Self-Reflection: The ability to reflect and identify what you stand for, what your values are, and what matters most.
  • Balance: The ability to see situations from multiple perspectives, including differing viewpoints, to gain a holistic understanding.
  • True Self-Confidence: More than mastery of certain skills, true self-confidence enables you to accept yourself as you are, recognizing your strengths and your weaknesses, and focusing on continuous improvement.
  • Genuine Humility: The ability never to forget who you are, to appreciate the value of each person in the organization, and to treat everyone respectfully.

In demonstration of the value of "paying it forward," proceeds from the sale of From Values to Action (available for purchase during the event) will be donated to the One Acre Fund, an organization that is changing lives in some of the poorest regions of East Africa.

Having given more than 70 presentations on the topic of values-based leadership and drawing from first-hand experience, Kraemer offers current and aspiring leaders a framework to make their organizations beacons of enduring value in the world. Insightful and inspiring, From Values to Action comes at a critical time when true leadership in every facet of society is greatly needed.

About Harry Kraemer

Harry Kraemer is the author of From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership, and is a renowned leader and business educator. Kraemer is currently an executive partner with Madison Dearborn, a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois, and a Clinical Professor of Management and Strategy at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Kraemer is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter International, a $10 billion global healthcare company.

Kraemer joined Baxter in 1982 as director of corporate development. His 23-year career at Baxter included senior positions in both domestic and international operations. In 1993, he was named senior vice president and chief financial officer, responsible for financial operations, business development, global communications, and European operations. Over the next several years, he assumed additional responsibility for Baxter's Renal and Medication Delivery businesses. He was elected to Baxter's board of directors in 1995, and was named president of Baxter International Inc. in 1997 and served until 2005.

Before joining Baxter, Kraemer worked for Bank of America in corporate banking and for Northwest Industries in planning and business development. Kraemer is active in business, education, and civic affairs, and serves on the boards of several healthcare, business and educational institutions. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from Lawrence University of Wisconsin, and an MBA in finance and accounting from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.