When Larry graduated from college, he taught middle school for two years. This experience influenced his career path as he quickly concluded, “I needed to work with adults!” He finds motivation in teaching others and seeing them put what they’ve learned into action. “I’m motivated when leaders point to something they have learned or an insight they have gained that helps them in their day-to-day world. When this happens, I feel that I’ve made a contribution.”

Larry coordinates an annual leadership program for selected senior leaders from across the organization. The participants are all accomplished leaders, many with significant leadership experience. They are enthusiastic and appreciative. The focus is on topics relevant to St. Jude Medical. Included as faculty are internal leaders. By the end of the program, a bond is built based on a common understanding of the business and a desire to make St. Jude Medical successful.

According to Larry, “results, ethics and teamwork” best describe the culture. “Employees get the job done, no matter what it takes, but getting the job done in an honest and ethical manner is just as important.” He also sees that teamwork and internal partnerships are more important than ever.

Larry believes the challenge in leadership development is less about discovering something totally new (most of the concepts have been around a long time); rather, the challenge is helping leaders see something in a new way. Larry does expect to see changes in his field over the next 10 years. “I think leadership development will become more evidence based. Over my career, there have been a lot of fads that have come and gone. Some have been helpful; others ridiculous. Organizations will become more disciplined about the practice of leadership development and more insistent about the payoff.”