The Leadership Dialogues speaker series is a fireside chat-style event featuring accomplished industry, political and non-profit leaders discussing the latest ideas in organizational research and ongoing practice with U-M faculty.

What does it take for a leader in a 150-year-old company to navigate change and build community with 40,000 employees?

Kofi Bruce, MBA ‘98, chief financial officer of General Mills, joins Associate Dean and Professor Gretchen Spreitzer to discuss the importance of authentic leadership and the role leaders play in creating a sense of community in their organizations, especially during times of change. Bruce, who was named CFO in 2020, is a celebrated leader with senior management experience in a broad range of industries. In addition to his role at General Mills, he is also a board member at Lifeworks, Electronic Arts, Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship, and Partners in Food Solutions.

During his leadership tenure, Bruce has responded to societal demands for racial equity, a shifting consumer landscape, and a global health crisis in the form of COVID-19. Bruce will describe how he views his role as not only the company’s chief accountant, but a leader who has empowered employees by creating community when times were tough. Additionally, Bruce will discuss how the CFO role is increasingly responsible for engaging in environmental, social, and governance goals.

Professor Spreitzer is an award-winning researcher and the co-author of several books about positive organizational scholarship, leadership, and change management. Her research explores employee empowerment and leadership development, particularly within contexts of organizational change and decline. Professor Spreitzer will explore how scholarship relates to Bruce’s vision and practice of leadership. Join us for an engaging talk from leaders in both industry and research.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Open to all.

SCHEDULE
April 10, 4:30-5:30 PM in the Tauber Colloquium. A catered reception will follow.

RSVP required.