Experiential / Reality-based Learning / October 9, 2014

D2C Event Brings Students and Top Business Leaders Together

“Entrepreneurs can’t hide behind labels,” advised Ed Fantegrossi, CEO of Geographic Network Affiliates-Int’l and one of the four business executives who participated in Wednesday night’s Dedication to Community Tour (D2C) at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. “You have to be you, and don’t worry about what others think. Be better the next day than you were before.”

More than 100 college and high school students filled Frank Auditorium on Oct. 8, 2014, for a chance to hear this important advice and to engage in conversations with top business executives. Panelists included:

  • Ed Fantegrossi, CEO of Geographic Network Affiliates-Int’l
  • Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation
  • Octavius “Ted” Reid III, Senior VP & Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley
  • Dr. Yolanda Brooks, Founder and Principal of the Sports Life Transitions Institute

Students had an opportunity to learn about the skills and characteristics necessary to be successful in business. Panelists shared stories of big failures and turbulent journeys to reach the top of their respective professions.  Common themes included the importance of diversity, relationships and giving back to the community.

“When you think about being a change agent, you need passion, persistence and a belief in what you’re doing,” stated Yolanda Brooks. “I wanted to be the difference that makes the difference.”

The importance of networking was revisited time and again as each panelist recognized the people who helped them reach their goals.

“There isn’t a CEO anywhere who isn’t using relationships,” said Ed Fantegrossi. “Are you capable of honoring your word? If you leave here and you’ve learned a bunch of data and managed to get a job, you’ll be in the ocean where the only thing that matters is what’s between your ears and in your heart. It’s really all about relationships, relationships, relationships.”

Many students took this advice to heart.  After the event, Erin Demas, a junior studying marketing and management, shared that she was inspired by the event.

“I know as a business major they always talk about networking and how important it is to build those relationships,” said Demas. “In my classes this semester, they talk about being a relationship-oriented manager. I think it is really important and I am so glad that they talked about it tonight.”

The panelists closed with reminding students that learning is an ongoing process and that fear and risk is part of achieving success.

“Fear is a shyness,” said Octavius “Ted” Reid III. “It’s respecting what you don’t understand. Be smart enough to know you’re never smart enough.”

D2C is an international forum for the exchange of ideas in business and society. The purpose of the tour is to empower all generations in business, bringing them out from behind traditional means of learning by encouraging them to interact with successful executives in a real-time, exciting, and in-person dialogue. The D2C tour was created by Quentin Williams, a well-respected attorney, business advisor and crisis management consultant with more than 25 years of established legal and business expertise in the sports, entertainment, media, technology and law enforcement industries.

A special thanks to the Smith Undergraduate Program and the Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) for planning this inaugural event.

- Allison Davern, MBA Candidate 2016, Office of Marketing Communications

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
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gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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