The Honorable Tom Ridge has grown from a young sergeant in the battlefields of Vietnam to one of the world's pre-eminent statesman. Experience marks a presentation that offers a perspective only this respected and trusted leader can bring from his days as soldier, congressman, governor and Cabinet secretary. As a participant on the world stage, Ridge describes the new role that all democracies bring to the international table and the increasing importance of collective leadership in the world. In Ridge's view, understanding the context of current international influences on America and its allies is critical to sustaining a vital and robust global economy and strong security. In this presentation, Ridge opens the door to a commanding discussion of current events, diplomacy, global engagement and international coalition building as the world confronts critical foreign policy issues in the 21st Century.
As the first U.S. secretary of homeland security and the world's first terrorism czar, no one knows more about the state and scope of international terrorism than Tom Ridge. An engaging and informative speaker, the former secretary and two-term governor of Pennsylvania addresses where the threat is now - and where it could come from tomorrow. In this timely and compelling presentation, Ridge outlines how countries, governments, organizations and businesses in the United States and around the world are threatened by international terrorism, and how they can best meet those threats. As well, Ridge shares what he learned about leading a merger, acquisition and start-up within a blitzing 100-day time frame. Ridge also shows how he set about integrating business practices into a government organization and "branding" the new security department so that its message became part of the culture at large. Additionally, this astute international figure discusses how leadership, communication and new advances in technology can lead to a better and safer world.
The inextricable link between security and prosperity in a progressively interdependent world has generated enormous business, political and economic benefits but also consequent challenges. As the interdependence grows, so grows the vulnerability. Terrorism, natural disasters, criminal acts, vendor issues, accidents and geopolitical influences can have debilitating effects on economies and thus have put issues such as supply chain security, cross-border collaborations and security investment at the forefront of every proactive business and government agenda. Secretary Ridge will share his views of today's risk-centric environment and how to minimize those risks in favor of greater resiliency and security across the globe.
One of the world's most visible leaders, Tom Ridge understands that leadership, both individual and collective, requires that we think differently about its meaning and methods. Leadership, he believes, occurs at all levels, and requires more than position or title to drive people and organizations closer toward their goals. Drawing from a remarkable career, Ridge pulls from his varied experiences in Vietnam, the U.S. Congress, the Pennsylvania statehouse, the U.S Cabinet and as CEO of his own consultancy, Ridge Global LLC. In a substantive, good-humored discussion, this consummate leader describes how to create teams that communicate clearly and quickly, and appropriately serve missions that will undoubtedly confront change, crisis and growth. He presents an inspiring perspective that can benefit any individual or team and propel both toward a more accomplished, strategic and focused future.
On special request, Secretary Tom Ridge is available to speak on other issues pertinent to his experience, including: intergovernmental relationships, innovation in education, the value of public service, restoring civil discourse to the political arena, and the safeguarding of civil liberties and Constitutional principles in a new security environment.
