THE SIXTH ABDELLA CENTER FOR ETHICS LECTURE · 2009
Economics Expert Gives 'Lessons' in Abdella Lecture
Robert C. Pozen, chairman of Boston-based MFS Investment Management, delivered the Abdella Center for Ethics lecture March 23, 2009.
Pozen reflected on the causes of the late 2000s economic recession, and offered 12 "lessons to be learned" to an audience of more than 400 students, parents and staff, and business leaders from throughout Central Massachusetts. Following his remarks, Pozen entertained questions from students regarding financial statements, job prospects for college graduates, small business loans and big company bailouts.
In closing, Pozen offered this advice: "People ask, 'What should I do if I want to make a lot of money?' My answer is always the same. Most people I know who have made a lot of money never tried to make a lot of money. They found a real interest or a challenge and felt good about what they did. If you do that, the financial benefits will follow. The trick is getting someone to pay you for doing it."
Pozen's distinguished career ha sincluded law partner, government advisor, professor, director and author. In 2009, he was a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School. In 2007, he was chairman of the SEC Advisory Committee on Improving Financial Reporting, and at the time of his lecture he was considered a front-runner to be named head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees Wall Street. He also served in the administrations of President George W. Bush and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
"We are both honored and humbled to have someone of Bob Pozen's stature and reputation in the world of finance speak at Saint John's High School," commented Headmaster Michael Welch '78.
Adapted from "Robert Pozen Delivers Abdella Center Lecture" in the Spring 2009 edition of Saint John's Quarterly.