U. Trustee Fox expounds on leadership

As part of the Fox Leadership Series, Robert Fox talked about life on the gridiron and in the boardroom. As part of the Fox Leadership Series, Robert Fox talked about life on the gridiron and in the boardroom.by Vanessa TempleAs part of the Fox Leadership Series, Robert Fox talked about life on the gridiron and in the boardroom.by Vanessa TempleThe Daily Pennsylvanian One of those greats from the Quakers' pre-Ivy League glory days is Robert Fox, a 1952 College graduate and now the head of a large private investment firm. Fox spoke yesterday in Logan Hall as part of the Fox Leadership Series, a new program he helped to fund with a $10 million gift in April. Following a brief introduction by College of Arts and Sciences Dean Richard Beeman, Fox, the chairperson of RAF Industries, delivered an informal speech explaining both his business endeavors and his ideas on leadership. Fox traced his leadership style to his days playing with Munger on the gridiron of Franklin Field. After detailing his personal business experiences, he explained what he believes to be the fundamentals of true leadership. While he emphasized the need to be optimistic, self-introspective and willful, Fox also stressed that seemingly negative things like adversity, challenge and failure can lead to opportunity. "Dream big [and] aim high," Fox said with quiet enthusiam, reminding his listeners that anyone who makes decisions makes mistakes. With a subtle reference to President Clinton, Fox stressed that reputations are built by actions and that people must lead by example. Celebrating Winston Churchill's bold initiative and Ronald Reagan's nonconfrontational manner, Fox used great historical leaders to reinforce his personal beliefs. In concluding the speech, Fox connected with the audience on a personal level. He spoke proudly about his children and specifically of the recent success of his youngest son, a budding leader in the business world. After ending his speech, Fox gave his audience a chance for questions. Spectators asked Fox about topics such as his role models, personal flaws and economic opinions. Students were pleased with Fox, who followed NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell -- who spoke last week -- as the second speaker in the series. "He was a tremendous speaker," College senior Matan Ben-Aviv said. "He was able to demonstrate his leadership ideas through his personal experiences." And Political Science Professor John DiIulio, who played an instrumental role in creating the College's new leadership program, said he is confident that Penn will soon be host to a "world-class School of Arts and Sciences." He added that in addition to the Leadership Series, the College hopes to develop programs that emphasize skills such as oral communication.