May 24, 2016
Alltech Ideas Conference in Kentucky draws over 3,000
Alan Mulally, former president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, and John Calipari, head coach of the University of Kentucky men's basketball team, addressed a packed audience in Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, at the opening session of "ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference" on Monday, May 23. The 32nd annual three-day conference has attracted more than 3,000 people from 71 countries.
ONE explores world-changing ideas and challenges attendees to seek out that one-in-a-million idea that will change the future through innovation in science, agriculture, entrepreneurship and business. During the opening session, Mulally, Calipari and Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech, spoke about the importance of one idea, one choice and one team.
Mulally, who was awarded the 2016 Alltech Medal of Excellence for his ability to create a strong team, joined Ford during a time of crisis.
"Most people believe that if GM and Chrysler had gone into freefall, it would have taken the US into depression worse than 1929," said Mulally. "Clearly, we needed to develop a better plan for Ford. We came together around Henry Ford's original vision to open the highways to all mankind."
Through redirecting energies and focusing on one single goal, Mulally and his team at Ford brought this iconic brand back from the brink.
Calipari addressed attendees on the importance of teaching skills that last a lifetime. The coach stressed that should we "fail and fail fast, don't be afraid of the next step, we must keep trying." He explained that it's important that we "keep things in perspective," as it's easy to become overwhelmed with the pressures of today's world. He urged people to build strong relationships that are based on trust and honesty.
"When we recruit players to the campus, we have to undersell and over-deliver," said Calipari.
He also stressed that social media is vital, but that it should not take the place of face-to-face interactions.
Dr. Lyons shared his perspective from more than 35 years in business.
"One idea and one choice can simply change the world," said Lyons. "If you share your idea with people, they will conspire to make your idea come true. Take those necessary steps-it's not a destination, but a choice. It's the beginning of something new."
The three-day conference, which ends Wednesday, May 25, will also hear from Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer Inc.; Jim Stengel, chief scientist of Primary Data and former global marketing officer of Procter & Gamble (2001-2008); David Hunt, co-founder of Cainthus (formerly known as Agrilarity); and Ramez Naam, co-chair of Energy and Environment and a member of the exponential advisory board at Singularity University.
