Join CU Denver’s Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative and DU's Daniels College of Business on December 4, 2023, as Corey Ciocchetti, explores the concept of Ethical Leadership.

We must only look up to behold yet another pitch for leadership training. Yet, we rarely witness effective leaders plying their craft. Why? These trainings tend to focus on buzzwords and abstract theories but ignore the core aspect of leadership – values and character. A low character person can obtain a PhD in Management yet struggle to lead effectively. Few people want to be led by someone who talks eloquently about “strategic resource positioning” but who lacks courage, compassion, fairness, honesty, and loyalty. We need more “good” leaders!

Contrary to popular wisdom, Corey believes values and character can be taught. For instance, where did you learn to lie or cheat? On the more virtuous end, where did you learn to be kind and thoughtful? From the influential people in your life, of course.

Corey’s keynote speech on leadership begins with a critical question: Do you have the values and character to make you the type of leader that you would follow? If you would resist being led by someone like yourself, then others will surely opt out. The rest of Corey’s powerful speech is devoted to the five character traits of an effective leader.

We come to find out that no one is born a leader. This means that you and your people can learn to lead more effectively, without any buzzwords or theories! All it takes is the drive to become a more virtuous person. Ethical people become the best leaders.