Words of Wisdom from Conference Panelists

Here is a sampling of some advice and observations heard during breakout sessions on the first full day of the 2013 International Corporate Citizenship Conference.

In the session, Value of Reporting:
“You will be assigned your truth if you don’t tell it.”
Brendan LeBlanc, Executive Director, Climate Change & Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young

In the workshop session, Leverage the Art of Influence to Advance Corporate Citizenship:
“Use your expertise about corporate citizenship to gain power and spread your ideas, charisma, and expand your network within the firm.” Michael G. Pratt, O’Connor Family Professor, Carroll School of Management, Boston College

In the session, Consumer Engagement:
“No matter what your title, if you are about reputation, you are a brand manager.”
Kevin Martinez, Vice President, Corporate Outreach, ESPN

In the session, Designing Opportunity:
“We are seeing capitalism 2.0, where it’s not all about shareholder priorities. If we don’t address stakeholder issues in a principled way, they will come knocking at your door.”
Chris Lloyd, Executive Director Public Policy & Corporate Responsibility, Verizon Communications Inc.

In the session, Trends and Best Practices in Corporate Volunteering:
“There is no greater asset to companies than the people who choose to work there.”
Ron Brown, Educator, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship

In the session, Co-opetition: Innovation through partnerships:
“Radical transparency is key for collaboration.”
Kirsty Stevenson, Social/Labor Manager, Sustainable Apparel Coalition

In the session, Addressing an Education Issue that Benefits and Builds Company Talent, Ernst & Young LLP Case Study:
“When you can engage with and facilitate a meeting of 16-year-olds you can facilitate a meeting for anyone!”
Jessica Stokes, Director of Operations for Business Tax Services, Ernst & Young LLP and College MAP program director for offices across the Northeast