Dear Henry, At your christening the other day, I told a story that I asked your godparents to repeat to you at the right time. A Miss Gresham of Richmond Virginia, who was a friend of the family, once described for me the christening of her father, in about 1870. During the ceremony, General Robert […]

Russell Reynolds, probably the world’s best-known recruiter of directors of large corporations, looks for basic intelligence, common sense, good character, and collegiality. The director you want is enthusiastic, thoughtful and pleasant to have around.

In school the subjects you learn are less important than developing character and learning how to think. Working your way through classical texts forces you to be accurate in a way not required in any other study except math.

I am frequently asked about the best background for the investment business. To start with, I am quite sure what isn’t: majoring in economics, and then entering Wall Street.