Dean Blount's Blog

The Wormhole to the New Millennium

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 7 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Since the start of the new millennium, the world order has undergone a powerful transformation process. Rarely in human history has such a major chronological marker coincided with a decade of such deep social, economic, geographic and political upheaval. In fact, I’d argue that humankind has been through a virtual socio-economic wormhole since 2000.

The Kellogg Mosaic

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 13 April 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Key to building Kellogg's global architecture is cultivating interconnections that span both within and across our many cultures, campuses, programs, global origins and intellectual perspectives. At Kellogg, we take pride in the rich mosaic that makes up our vibrant, multi-faceted community.

A KIEI to our Future

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 06 April 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Since announcing Linda Darragh’s appointment as Executive Director of the Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice and the Heizer Center for Private Equity and Venture Capital last week, Kellogg has been abuzz with energy. In the wake of this news, I’ve received many questions about Kellogg’s renewed focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, what our goals are and why this matters.

Driving Envision Kellogg Forward

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thurs, 29 March 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Since announcing our strategic plan – Envision Kellogg – last month, we have been focused on moving from concept to action. Key to our success over the next five years is the leadership team we’re putting in place for this journey.

Collaborative Introverts and Reflective Extroverts

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 02 March 2012 09:00:00 GMT

As many people know, I often spend a few days in February at a retreat center at the edge of the Arizona desert. It is a simple place, a bit rustic, designed for people seeking solitude, reflection, wonderful desert views and good hiking. I had a great visit last week - it offered me an opportunity to step back after a busy and productive month.

A New Day for Kellogg in the 21st Century Collaboration Economy

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Since the beginning of this century just over 10 years ago, the world has seen startling transformations - economically, politically, socially, physically, technologically and culturally. The geopolitical power balance has shifted toward the southern and eastern hemispheres. Old ways of wealth creation have fallen away.

Passion, Conviction and Self-reflection

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

In my last blog post, I wrote about the high standards that my father pushed me to adopt as a child. As those who live and work with me know, his lessons took. Many would say that I am relentless in how I push myself and those around me. People often ask me why I take on certain issues.

Courage and Conviction

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 16 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

I recently had the privilege of being featured in a new book with my sister, Susan Blount, senior vice president and general counsel of Prudential Financial.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Life

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Today we honor a brave man who broke boundaries and challenged convention with grace in order to make the world a better place.

2011 A Year of Conversations

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

What a year 2011 has been for our world and what a year for Kellogg. Like many of you, I find myself reading year-end lists, synopses and commentaries. As I reflect, I am inspired and humbled by stories of triumph even among the tragedies and losses that our world has seen this year.

Kellogg Newsmakers

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

In several recent posts, I've written about the dynamism of the Kellogg culture something that is not only evident within our walls but radiates outward, making a positive impact on business and society at large. Consider just the last two weeks as members of our community have been honored and acknowledged for their contributions as they've moved markets, organizations and communities.

Building for our Future

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Now that Kellogg has selected Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB) to design our new building, we've moved into high gear. We're busy fostering detailed discussions among the Kellogg community about what the design needs to accomplish practically, while at the same time looking at the "built" world for ideas and inspiration for what we can accomplish aesthetically.

Thanksgiving Dinner for 630

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Among the greatest traditions at Kellogg is our annual Thanksgiving dinner, which is open to anyone in our community who spends the holiday in Evanston.

A Week in the Life

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

People often ask me, "What does a week in the life of Kellogg's dean look like?" Truthfully, the weeks are all different, but what ties them together is that each one is always full of rich conversation, both within and outside Kellogg.

7 Billion Plus One

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The world population hit 7 billion last week. There are ever more people, many of whom are living longer lives. Yet, ironically, it often feels like we have less and less time.

Making Peace and Motivating Action

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The Norwegian Nobel Committee recently sent a powerful message to the world when it awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to three women.

Honoring Steve Jobs

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 06 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Today, I join the world in honoring a man who inspired me and so many others to think bravely.

Let It Be

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 12 Sept 2011 09:00:00 GMT

As this week starts, I find myself feeling immense relief and gratitude. First, I am grateful that our country got through our 9-11-11 anniversary safely. In August 2001, I had moved back east to join NYU.

The Blame Game

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 02 Sept 2011 09:00:00 GMT

As my friends and family clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and I read about the discussions that recently took place at the central bankers conference in Jackson Hole, Wyo., I cannot help but reflect on how we, as humans, prepare for and deal with threats and disasters.

BRIC and Beyond

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

I was in Sao Paulo, Brazil this past week. While there, I had the chance to meet with 80-plus Kellogg alumni based in the region. I also participated in a meeting of the International Advisory Board for Fundacao Dom Cabral, a long-time Kellogg partner in Executive Education.

Volatility and Psychology

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The one thing that all of the economists I know agree upon is that we are in an era of increased market volatility. The errant notion of the "great moderation" has long passed. We all have deeper respect for the interconnectedness and uncertainty that comes from the markets, currencies, political turmoil and daily lives of the nearly 7 billion sentient beings who now occupy our world. On a simple numbers level, humanity confronts more complexity and uncertainty every day with each uptick in the world population.

Remembering Harry Truman: The Importance of Service

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

When I recently traveled to Independence, Missouri, I was fortunate to visit the Truman Library and meet a group of young adults who had been elected as Truman Scholars. The Truman Scholars program was created by the U.S. government in 1975 as a federal memorial to President Truman's legacy. Each year, 60 college students are chosen from across the country in recognition of their passion for public service and potential to make a difference.

Whither Washington?

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Let's be honest - the Aug. 2 deadline to raise the debt ceiling is not really a deadline. It's hard to imagine that anyone in Washington is going to allow the U.S. government to shut down. This is about both sides using this moment, this punctuation point in time, to gain legislative advantage.

Kellogg as Preface and Coda

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

My 50th year has been a big one - not only symbolically, but materially. During this period, I not only returned to Kellogg to serve as dean, but also sent the last of my three children to college, moved away from the home in which I raised them, as well as from my sister and her family, and experienced the passing of two friends unexpectedly.

One Year Later: Reflecting Back, Looking Forward

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

I'm sitting on a rocky ledge on a small island a few miles off the coast of northern New England. Coming to the island has been a time for regrouping. I have caught up on sleep, spent time with old friends, enjoyed homemade bread, good wine and great views, and taken many walks.

Reflections on Life, Learning and Lunch

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT

I'll be stepping away from blogging for the next few weeks as it's an extra-busy time. Reunions, graduations, trips to San Francisco, Kansas City, Houston, New York, and Asia, and I've agreed to host an academic conference here on campus on the study of groups and teams.

An Emerging Vision for Building our Global Hub

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Progress on the new Kellogg building project continues. Our new building will be located adjacent to our Allen Center, right on the Evanston lakefront. In linking these two facilities on one site, our goal is to create a premier, 530,000-square-foot business campus that will represent Kellogg for the 21st century and anchor our broader global footprint.

Anything is Possible at Kellogg

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Today I celebrate a year since being announced as the dean of Kellogg. It's been a transforming, invigorating and hectic year. I have met so many incredible people connected with Kellogg who energize me every day, as we work to set our trajectory for 2030.

The Market and Mother Nature

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

In Sunday's New York Times, Thomas Friedman wrote that "the market and Mother Nature" are "the two most merciless forces on earth." That's an unusual and very powerful analogy, one that made me stop and reflect. Both create enormous abundance and wreak ruthless havoc on humankind.

Cultivating Courage

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

I was in New York City last week, where I met with many Kellogg alumni and friends. We hosted our annual Kellogg IMPACT event that featured alumnus Pete Peterson '47, former Secretary of Commerce, co-founder of the Blackstone Group and chairman of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

On a Culture Note

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

At Kellogg's Private Equity and Venture Capital Conference last month, I learned that building a strong venture capital firm and a strong business school have far more in common than I ever realized. The conference had a terrific line-up of speakers. Kevin Efrusy was one of them.

Reflections on Watson the Computer

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The gap between human and artificial intelligence seems to be getting smaller. . .on Feb. 16, IBMs Watson computer outsmarted two Jeopardy champions. A recent edition of TIME magazine explored our quest for human perfection and the rapidly emerging human-technology interface.

Everybody's Talking: The Kellogg Community Convening Important Conversations

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

My most recent blog centered on conversations and key changes being implemented here at Kellogg. Now I want to focus on a different dimension of having "important conversations" to showcase how Kellogg community members add their voices into public dialogue. Here are three snapshots from the last couple of weeks on campus.

Convening Conversations that Matter

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

I've hit the six month mark into my job and there's much to share on our progress and what I've learned over the last several months. So I've made a commitment to blog about this milestone; what's led up to it and what's ahead. I'll discuss the conversations that we're convening here on campus and key changes that we're beginning to implement. I'll also talk a little bit about my personal experience of being in this job and set the stage for the strategic planning process that we'll be launching later this spring. Both personally and professionally, it continues to be an intriguing journey.

Touchdown: Kellogg School Super Bowl Advertising Review

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Sun, 6 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Its been an action packed Sunday a day of contrasts. I started out the day giving a morning lecture on the business model for sustainability at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. Tonight Ive just come from the nerve center of the Kellogg School Super Bowl Advertising Review.

Thoughts after Davos

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

2011 has been an amazing year so far from ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange with a group of our alumni from the financial sector, meeting one on one with former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson who was on campus to give a talk to our students, and attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Blogging from Davos

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

I am writing from Davos, where I am attending the World Economic Forum. It is humbling and such an honor to represent Kellogg and Northwestern - to be in the company of the world's thought leaders from the public and private sectors as well as fellow academics.

The First 100 Days What I Have Learned

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMT

These 100 days have flown by, and I have to be honest I am still not fully settled in. The last of my boxes and furniture only arrived in Evanston last week, and my suitcase has been packed and on planes with me every week. But despite the frequent travel and hectic pace of the transition, I find myself deeply energized and excited by the challenges and victories that lay ahead.

Temple of Dendur

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Well - the first 100 days are over. We marked the milestone with an incredible celebration on Thursday night in New York City. More than 500 Kellogg alumni gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the room housing the Temple of Dendur.

Deepening Purple Ties

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Last week ended with a whirlwind of activity - the Chicago alumni hosted a terrific welcome event for me at the Lyric Opera house on Thursday. More than 500 alumni attended with standing room only.

Rebooting the American Economy

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMT

I appeared on NPR's On Point show today and had a wonderfully engaging conversation with Nitin Nohria, dean of Harvard Business School, and Rich Lyons, dean of the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:30:00 GMT

I had the privilege of attending the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C. this week, where I caught up with two Kellogg CEO alumni Ellen Kullman '83 at DuPont and Barb Hulit '91 at Fluke, a division of Danaher.

Exploring Global Plays for the 21st Century

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:30:00 GMT

The bustle continues another week full of travel and meetings in Chicago, Evanston and other key U.S. cities. I met some terrific alumni at a dinner in Minneapolis on Monday night and held my first faculty meeting yesterday at the Allen Center. One of the questions that keeps coming up in all of my discussions, both on and off campus, is that of Kellogg's global strategy what will it be?.

Alive and Well

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:30:00 GMT

It's been two busy weeks of meetings and community building with students and alumni since I last wrote. The energy and curiosity that is shared by these groups around our next chapter is palpable triggering countless interesting discussions.

Reconciling Sustainability and Economic Growth

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 9 Sep 2010 08:30:00 GMT

We drove my youngest child, Cameron, to college for the start of his freshman year on Saturday; then I spent the rest of the long weekend on final preparations for my big house move from New Jersey to Evanston on Tuesday.

Meaning Making

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:30:00 GMT

The school year is upon us! On Monday, we welcomed 598 new fulltime MBA students to Kellogg and 66 new executive MBA students. Last Saturday, 97 new part-time students began. The Evanston and Chicago campuses are abuzz the energy is palpable and pervasive.

Building Wider Bridges

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:30:00 GMT

In recent decades, many of the best professional schools have had a tradition of holding themselves somewhat separate from the university within which they were founded. In some cases, these schools bear donor names, like Kellogg and Wharton, that have allowed them to build strong brand identities that are quite distinct from those of their universities.

The Power Retreat

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:30:00 GMT

This week, I'm staying in a room on the ocean overlooking the rocky northern New England shore. Apart from the beautiful view, the room is a austere only about 100 square feet with plain white walls. I'm at a Jesuit retreat center on a seven day silent retreat (note that you're allowed to write as much as you want; it's just talking that is discouraged

It Takes a Village to Make a Dean

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:30:00 GMT

One of Kellogg's less recognized, but clear, strengths is in its doctoral education and post-doctoral training. Consider my home department, Management and Organizations, which educates the faculty who teach management and strategy courses at some of the world's best business schools.

Do More, Be More (continued)

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:30:00 GMT

After last week's blog post, a friend forwarded me an article from Friday's New York Times. It talked about the increasing popularity of Middle Eastern sites for student study abroad programs. She'd highlighted a great quote: "these are not the same kids who go bike touring in France." In her note, she wrote, "That sounds like Haley."

Do More, Be More

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:30:00 GMT

I just got off the phone with Haley, my college-age daughter, who's spending the summer traveling in Central America on a research grant from her college. She?s studying rural poverty in the region and the revolutionary movements it has inspired. In the process, she is visiting different types of farms, including some undertaking sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism projects.

Kellogg, Chicago and the World Stage

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:19:00 GMT

The best business schools typically benefit from proximity to a dynamic urban center. While I loved working in New York City for the last nine years, it is great to be back in Chicago, where I lived and worked for nearly two decades during the first part of my career. The lakefront, the Museum Campus and Millennium Park--it's all so vibrant and lively.

A New Generation in Management Education

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMT

What a whirlwind this first week has been! Last Thursday, my first official day, began with a reception that was attended by literally hundreds of faculty and administrators who were there to greet me. It was exciting, and I felt so warmly welcomed. Then it was on to many meetings and time spent "walking the halls" on our Evanston campus, connecting with both familiar and new faces. Through all of my interactions, I have been constantly reminded of the unique culture and strong people and relationships that make Kellogg so special.

And So the Journey Begins

sallyblount@kellogg.northwestern.edu (Sally Blount) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMT

Twice in my life now, I've had the pleasure of saying "yes" to the Kellogg School at Northwestern-- first as a graduate student and now as its dean. The first time was life-changing. I have no doubt that the second time will be as well. Both decisions were motivated by the same reason: Kellogg is a business school like no other. As a graduate student, I saw in Kellogg a school that was on the move, crackling with energy and dynamism. Intellectually, it was a place where I could combine doctoral study in psychology and economics and explore those topics with some of the best minds in the country. Kellogg's unique approach helped me to find my intellectual voice. Personally, I also benefitted tremendously from its distinctly collaborative and progressive faculty culture.