BB&T Corp. CEO Kelly King spoke before a packed Farthing Auditorium Monday as the featured speaker during the Fall 2009 Harlan Boyles CEO Lecture Series. During his 20-minute speech he spoke of the importance of leadership skills, learning from mistakes and building high self-esteem. It was followed by a 20-minute question and answer session.

His speech was entitled “Leadership in Turbulent Times” and, according to NC Magazine, it “included a discussion of the management attributes that govern BB&T, and the bank top’s executive made them relevant to any business sector.”

King explained that at BB&T, there is no room for dishonesty. When mistakes are made, he expects every one of the bank’s employees to own up to the situation and learn from it.

He went on urge the Appalachian State students and visitors in attendance to look in the mirror and become the CEOs of their own lives.

“You own that company,” King said. “The willingness to learn from your mistakes is the best way to help you grow. Don’t get down and dwell on it. Move on.”

King’s comments are now available online as mp3s. To download, right-click link and select “save as”.

KING SPEECH (22:33; 20.6MB)

KING Q&A SESSION (18:33; 16.9MB)