Ford Evening Book Talk: Harry Kraemer

About the Book

Harry Kraemer reveals how, in practical terms, anyone can apply principles of self-reflection, balance, true self confidence, and humility to become a values-based leader and to help create values-based organizations. Drawing on his own experiences as the former CEO and chairman of Baxter International, as well as those of other notable leaders and organizations, Harry lays out a pathway for understanding the principles and putting them into practice, by striving for the five bests:

• Use self-reflection to become your best self as you lead yourself and others more effectively
• Create a best team that understands and appreciates what they’re doing, and why
• Forge best partnerships through win/win collaboration with vendors and customers
• Support the mission, vision, and values of the organization to generate best investment returns
• Make a difference in the world beyond the organization by becoming a best citizen

About the Author

Harry Kraemer, Jr. is professor of management and strategy at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he teaches in the MBA and the Executive MBA programs. Additionally, he is an executive partner with Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), one of the largest private equity firms in the United States where he consults with CEOs and other senior executives of companies in MDP’s extensive portfolio. Harry is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter International Inc., a multi-billion-dollar global healthcare company. He was voted by the students at Kellogg as the Professor of the Year in 2008 and was a finalist for the award in 2014.