CEO Stedman Graham speaks to students on innovation and success
Pictured is CEO Stedman Graham in Cotrell Hall’s Institute for Executive Education. Photo by highpoint.edu
By Liz Reichart, A&E Editor//
In this academic school year more than ever, High Point University has made a concerted effort to gives students access to world-renowned visionaries. This past year, we’ve seen the co-founders of Netflix, Apple, and Twitter on our campus. On April 21, Stedman Graham joined the very impressive HPU innovator family. The best-selling author and CEO addressed students in Cottrell Hall on the formation of identity and how this translates into success.
Although perhaps best known as media mogul Oprah Winfrey’s partner, Graham has achieved great success in his own right. Graham received his bachelor’s degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University in 1974 and then went on to complete a master’s degree in education at Ball State University in 1979. He served in the U.S. Army and played basketball professionally in the European League. Graham is now chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, a management and marketing consulting firm that specializes in corporate and educational markets.
Additionally, the entrepreneur has authored 11 books, including two New York Times Best Sellers, “You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success” and “Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps to Success.” His latest release entitled “Identity: Your Passport to Success” was on the Wall Street Journal Best Seller list. He is also founder of AAD (formerly Athletes Against Drugs), a non-profit organization that provides services to youth and has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships since its founding in 1985.
Identity and self-awareness are consistently the focus of Graham’s seminars. His mission is to help people strengthen who they are based on their passions and natural talents.
“Part of what makes us human is our ability to be aware of our own existence, to both live and to reflect on our own lives,” said Graham. “It is this capacity for self-awareness that allows us to see our authentic selves and build our own identity, rather than letting others dictate who we are and what we do with our lives.”
His message is a formative one, so it’s no surprise that Graham has spoken with a wide range of audiences from world leaders to small business owners.
Sophomore Joshua Caudle had the opportunity to meet Graham after his address to HPU students. “Meeting Stedman was such an honor because he has done what I would love to do,” said Caudle. “Stedman is the CEO of his own public relations firm, but most of all, he was able to achieve a sense of self-identity, and that is something most people spend their lives doing.”
Graham was impressed with HPU president Nido Qubein and had words of praise for him during his conversation with students.
“This is a real leader,” Graham said, motioning to Dr. Qubein. “Your president is truly a leader. There’s a reason why he’s a powerful leader: He knows who he is.”