StrictlyExecs

By Patrick J. Swanick

Reprinted from Directors Monthly with permission of the publisher

©2008 National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)

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 “The last few months have provided many lessons for good governance. The author, Patrick Swanick, a CEO and director, shares practical guidance for directors to earn and maintain the trust of their shareholders, participate in active oversight, and sustain and grow their companies in the marketplace.”

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Patrick Swanick is currently CEO, Investor and Board Member at Gila Corporation. His 26 year career in the financial industry includes past CEO, executive and director positions with companies of all sizes. I recently met Patrick and found him to be a thoughtful Executive steeped in a deep understanding of the financial services industry who exuded the aura of integrity and ethics.

As executives we face a tough 2009 market. Yes, the economics appear to be unique but the reason we are here is based on a lack of ethics and integrity, we are here because of broken morals. Face it, Madoff to Wall Street to K Street – our moral foundation has a crack and as business leaders we have to fix it. By the way, this has been going on for 20 years…read “Liar’s Poker” by Michael Lewis. It is time to pay attention to history and stop repeating mistakes.

Patrick shared an article he wrote recently for ‘Directors Monthly’. I have received permission to share with you and have attached as a PDF for your review. I strongly recommend you download and take the time to read. Patrick has written for directors, but as executives and investors it is imperative we understand what our directors expect. I know that I expect more searches in 09 for directors with strong financial ability, proven corporate leadership skills and above all proven ethics.

Thanks Patrick.     

Read the full article…

As I write this morning the US stock market is up over 5%. After suffering through the past two weeks there is hope the trend holds. But we are looking forward at a new financial landscape of decreased savings, increased US government financial regulation, tighter international monetary controls and uncertainty the changes and intervention will return our economy to what we have known and expected for so many decades.

Our country has experienced uncertainty before. Our forefathers must have taken a deep breath when they signed our Constitution flaming the ire of England. Lincoln spent many sleepless nights as he saw countless numbers of our men shed blood for the rights and equality of all men. The men and women of our country shuddered with fear as they learned of the devastation of Pearl Harbor and the list goes on. We have faced trial before and we will face trial again. It is life.

As leaders we should remember what kept our country moving forward in the face of uncertainty. It was the certainty of self and faith. In the face of change we must look in the mirror, smile and understand that it is up to ourselves to make our world work. Our culture has come to depend on government to solve all problems and frankly they can’t and as we have learned we can’t always trust the motives of our politicians. Luckily our forefathers understood this and established checks and balances so we could ensure self rule and self worth. We must rely on self and not forget our constitutional framework or the responsibility we all hold for making our systems work.

All those mentioned who have led or participated in meeting uncertainty head on had faith. Most carried a deep faith in God and all had a deep faith in the outcome of right. All people…liberty for all…equality…fairness…and that the power of our people must be certain.

When life is uncertain, be certain in your self and your faith in right. Our country has been built on this foundation. It feels that we have lost this understanding some in the recent past but the majority understands and holds it well.

I’m certain.