In Search of the 'Win- Win-Win Result'

Audio Interview

New board Chair A.G. Lafley recently took time out to speak from his Cincinnati office with Mike Debraggio, Hamilton's executive director of communications. Lafley's responses are below each of the questions.

Mike Debraggio

I thought we'd start by placing your appointment in perspective with Hamilton's current position in the higher education community. As President Stewart pointed out in presenting you and Jeff Little '71 as the new chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Board of Trustees, your predecessors, Stuart Scott '61 and Chet Siuda '70, have overseen some remarkable gains for the College. Hamilton is drawing record numbers of strong applicants; students and faculty are winning national recognition; the College is on firm financial footing; and the physical plant is in a remarkable period of expansion and investment. What do you see as Hamilton's greatest successes and greatest challenges, and what will your own priorities be for the College in the future?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 11 seconds

Mike Debraggio

Let's also focus on the broader perspective. You have served on the
boards of some of the country's largest global corporations, including General Electric, Dell and General Motors. How do those experiences shape your thinking about Hamilton and this new role you're assuming?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 11 seconds

Mike Debraggio

You're known in the corporate world as a consensus builder. How will that serve you as chairman of Hamilton's board?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 10 seconds

Mike Debraggio

I've also been struck by the attention that you and Procter &
Gamble have received in the media. For example, in naming you to its Power 25 list, Fortune magazine noted recently that you "refocused on consumers and rejuvenated core businesses." Does that philosophy translate well to an academic institution?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 20 seconds

Mike Debraggio

What do you see as the role of alumni in the life and mission of the College?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 9 seconds

Mike Debraggio

You're a CEO who is known for focusing a lot of attention on
personnel.What is the value of a liberal arts approach in an era when the trend is toward specialization and professional training?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 11 seconds

Mike Debraggio

The type of education you've just described can be expensive,
certainly. About a year ago you established a scholarship focused on globalization and geared toward students who study abroad and participate in one of Hamilton's domestic programs in New York or
Washington.Why did you establish that scholarship, and what does
it say about you?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute

Mike Debraggio

As a former history student, take the long view for a moment.
How has Hamilton changed since 1969, and how has it remained the same?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 34 seconds

Mike Debraggio

Let's stay with that theme. Several years ago you were quoted in
the Alumni Review as saying, "Change is the only constant in life. Those who embrace change will win decisively and disproportionately." What changes do you see for higher education in the coming decade, and how well do you think Hamilton is positioned to address those changes?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 29 seconds

Mike Debraggio

I assume you're invited to join many boards.Why did you say
"yes" to this opportunity?

A.G. Lafley's response
1 minute, 27 seconds

Mike Debraggio

One last question. Do you have a good Hamilton story that you
can tell? Perhaps a memory of a class or a professor, a long-lasting
friendship, or even a horror story about sleeping through an exam — that you can share with us?

A.G. Lafley's response
2 minutes, 14 seconds