The keynote speaker for The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business luncheon will be Benjamin Akande, dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology at Webster University. The American spoke with Akande about minority inclusion and philanthropy in the St. Louis business community and his own corporate board service. The Business Salute will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, with a networking event from at 11 a.m. to noon.
The American: So, tell us what you’ll tell the people at the Business Salute when you give your keynote.
Benjamin Akande: I can assure you that it will be a short speech. My goal is to share some stories about leadership and rising above the challenges that businesses face in their quest to remain relevant. In the midst of this great recession, I want to remind the audience about the importance of storytelling as an effective leadership tool and that there are still so many things that are good about America.
The American: You have a recent new corporate board appointment. Talk about corporate board service.
Benjamin Akande: I’m looking forward to serving as a director of Ralcorp corporation. The company consists of five major business units: Post Food (the nation’s 3rd largest ready-to-eat branded cereal manufacturer), Ralston Foods (the nation’s largest store brand ready-to-eat and hot cereal manufacturer), Frozen Bakery Products (leading store brand manufactures of frozen breakfast bread products), Snacks, Sauces and Spreads (leading store brand manufacturer of miscellaneous food products), and American Italian Pasta Company, a recent acquisition.
This is my first directorship in a publicly traded company, and I am humbled and honored by the opportunity.
The American: How does one position oneself for such an opportunity?
Benjamin Akande: I was approached by Ralcorp. I did not apply for the position. I considered it an extension of my service to non-profit organizations and private for profit organizations on whose boards I have served over the past 10 years. I am an economist and have extensive experience working with Fortune 500 companies as a consultant in the areas of strategy, market positioning, and mergers and acquisitions, just to name a few. As such, I bring to this opportunity an understanding of the corporate landscape.
The American: As you know, two main points of focus for our business coverage is minority inclusion and philanthropy, or giving back to the community. St. Louis is often reported to be a leading city in philanthropy. As a widely experienced business person, do you think that is accurate?
Benjamin Akande: Yes, this is an accurate characterization. There is a high degree of consciousness of giving back in the St. Louis community that is uncommon and impressive. If you are looking for evidence of this sense of charity, you will find it every day in private and publicly traded companies who support our community without seeking public recognition. There is a real sense of ownership in St. Louis that lends itself to supporting worthwhile causes from social sectors to education. Giving back is in the DNA of the people of St. Louis.
The American: And how does St Louis as a region rate on minority inclusion? Consider contracting, staffing, promotions, leadership, structural processes for keeping inclusion a priority.
Benjamin Akande: In the 10 years I have lived in St. Louis, I have seen a steady growth of minority and generational diversity participation in the areas of contracting, staffing, promotion and leadership. Participation of people of color is not a destination strategy, but a journey with measurable goals and accomplishments. There is a concerted effort in this community to bring people together and find common goals by cultivating a culture of accessibility and openness that is inclusive and approachable. Progress is being made and, in many places, without issuing press releases. St. Louis is a place which continually demonstrates that there is meaning and power in compassion.
The American: What have you learned from the locals here?
Benjamin Akande: I have learned the importance of relationships. I have come to appreciate even more so the value of diversity of thought. I am a better person because I came to St. Louis 10 years ago, and in turn will continue to do my best in giving back. I am proud of my affiliation with Beyond Housing and my work at Webster University in partnership with President Stroble.
I continue to be energetic, resourceful, with a strong service orientation and a sense of constructive impatience.
The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business luncheon will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, with a networking event from at 11 a.m. to noon. General seating is $75, tables of 10 are $750. Preferred seating is $100/$1,000. Call 314-533-8000 ext. 305.
