Business Speaker Series

Insights From Industry Experts

Twice a year, Robert Morris University presents its Speaking of Business Luncheon and Program for faculty, staff, students and alumni. Held at the Duquesne Club in downtown Pittsburgh, this event gives people the opportunity to network while learning from prominent business leaders, many of whom are RMU alumni.

Recent Speakers

Wieslaw Maria Grudzewski, D. Econ. and Irena Hejduk, D. Econ.Sc.

Faculty, Warsaw School of Economics

Grudzewski is a professor of economics at the Institute of Organization and Management in Industry. Hejduk is a professor of economics and head of the Management Systems Department at the Warsaw School of Economics. Together, they have authored 37 books and more than 400 papers.

Their presentation, The Rise and Decline of Solidarity, discussed what caused the decline of solidarity in Poland to its current role of a small trade union and what it means for Poland, economically and politically.

Bruce A. Nordstrom

Retired Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nordstrom

Nordstrom, retired Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nordstrom, Inc. has been an integral part of Nordstrom for more than 45 years. The grandson of company founder John W. Nordstrom, he began his career in the stockroom and on the sales floor of the downtown Seattle store, serving customers in various positions until he was named president in 1963.

His presentation, Leave it Better Than You Found It: Enhancing Organizational Culture, discusses the importance of organizational culture and the need to define, refine and enhance it. He shared his personal experiences and efforts to enhance, revive and build upon the foundation already in place when he took over the helm of Nordstrom.

Rande Somma

CEO, Rande Somma and Associates

Somma is president and CEO of Rande Somma and Associates, a leadership and development company. Prior to starting his own firm, Somma spent 12 years at Rockwell International in a variety of positions and spent 15 years at Johnson Controls Inc. He retired from his position as president of the automotive group at JCI in 2003 and turned his efforts to educating others to ‘lead from the soul.’ He received his B. S. in Business Administration from RMU.

His presentation, Leadership or Receivership... Creating a Sustainable Enterprise by Leading with Soul explains a unique leadership style that places a high value on personal character while creating an environment of mutual respect and high morale with employees at all levels.