Merrill Lynch executive urges students to connect with God

While many business people are stereotyped as being solely interested in material wealth, Merrill Lynch executive Curtis McWilliams emphasized last night the necessity of balancing his life between God, his family and his career. At a lecture sponsored by the Wharton Christian Fellowship, McWilliams spoke to Wharton graduate students on the decisions he has made in prioritizing his life. The lecture -- entitled "From Success to Significance" -- drew a crowd of more than 30 students. "Success by itself can be empty -- what we want is significance," said Howe Whitman, Wharton Christian Fellowship president. "There is a difference between success and significance, and there's a real interest to hear someone who has addressed that question in his life." As he introduced McWilliams, Whitman said he knows many students who are more concerned with making a positive difference than with earning money or becoming a partner in a firm. "The fact is that the business does make more than its share of dysfunctional lives," McWilliams said. "Why do we have to pursue success and significance sequentially? Why can't we have significant success?" Pursuing a career in finance, "you make more money that you ever dream was possible," McWilliams said. But he added that there is more to life than material comforts. McWilliams said before becoming chairperson of Merrill Lynch's private advisory services, he sat down and prioritized his life -- placing the highest importance on God, followed next by his family and finally his career. "I have other priorities -- but these are the most important," the University of Chicago School of Business graduate said. McWilliams explained that six months ago he opted for the position with Merrill Lynch -- a less time-consuming job which allows him ample time to concentrate on his other priorities. "At some time in the day you need to get reconnected with who your ultimate priority is and get reconnected with him," McWilliams said of God. He advised Wharton graduates to join a church, give money to charitable causes and "get involved in some other service project besides your job." And he added that "Your family is the primary mission field you have been given." McWilliams suggested that graduates use their upcoming vacation time to establish special family hours and get involved in their children's lives. "It is very important to me that I have a successful career," McWilliams said. "You have to work hard to pursue excellence, but I think I work smart." And to remind himself of his ultimate priority, the executive keeps an open Bible propped upon his desk. Many of the students in attendance said they were impressed by McWilliams' lecture. "I thought it was fantastic," Wharton graduate student Orman Anderson said. "He really hit on priorities and concerns that many students have."