Ross Iverson and Dr. Joshua Nunziato each spoke to separate groups of 400 sophomore business students at the Leeds Professionalism Summit (LPS) on 4/7/23. Both shared the importance of 'professionalizing your ethics.'
Ross Iverson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Manna Tree, an investment firm focused on improving human health through nutrition. Ross leads the firm's strategy and culture, sits on the investment committee, and works on unlocking value in their portfolio. Ross was featured on the Worthy 100 list in 2021 as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country building firms that are making a difference.
Since Ross earned his undergrad degree in finance here at Leeds, he resonated with the students as a Leeds alum who has gone on to have a very successful career. He shared two stories about the value of a culture of integrity and trust, along with the importance of doing things the right way, not the easy way.
Joshua Nunziato is the Campus Leader of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at Leeds. Drawing on the story of the collapse of FTX and the indictment of Sam Bankman-Fried, Joshua discussed why an ethical compass matters for business. He outlined the difference between principles-based and values-based ethics, including a discussion of the Daniels Fund principles and the Leeds values. Finally, Joshua shared about opportunities provided by the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at Leeds to learn principles-based ethics through experiential, innovative programming in '23-'24.