The new online course from Ave Maria University’s Pursuit of Wisdom series, “The Virtues and Leadership in Business,” examines the heart of transformational leadership and its grounding in virtue, guided by Dave Durand, a successful entrepreneur, acclaimed author, and trustee of Ave Maria University. This initiative is sponsored in part by the generosity of Annunciation Circle members.

In an age when Internet influencers garner millions of views and millions of dollars, Durand asks the question, “What is the difference between today’s influencers and somebody that actually leads?”

Durand explores the answer to this question and to the qualities of an effective leader, and his conclusions might be surprising. He discusses powerful motivators like love, self-justification, and fear, the correlation between influence and empathy, the bedrock virtues of leadership, and the importance of expertise, emotions, and culture.

“I’d like viewers to gain insights into how virtue drives performance,” Durand said. “Trying to solve organizational challenges without virtue is like exercising and eating healthy while simultaneously consuming poison. Virtues, which can be learned, create the shortest distance to the biggest outcomes.”

Durand continued, “Many people rely on technology to solve problems that can only be addressed by strong leadership. This, combined with a diminished sense of moral clarity in modern culture, has created a paradox: leaders who are both overconfident and ineffective.”

In “The Virtues and Leadership in Business” Durand presents a clear and engaging look at business leadership that can deeply enrich and inspire each viewer, across professions and vocations.

A trustee of Ave Maria University, Dave Durand is a seasoned entrepreneur, acclaimed author of six books, and host of a popular radio/YouTube show. As co-founder and former CEO of Best Version Media, he now serves as Executive Chairman, having built and sold businesses with over a billion dollars in combined sales. He is also the CEO of Leading Giants, coaching leaders to enhance their influence and grow their businesses. A father of nine, Dave has been named Glassdoor’s most admired CEO three times and was honored as Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year. 

“The Virtues and Leadership in Business,” as well as all Pursuit of Wisdom courses, can be accessed via https://thepursuitofwisdom.org and the free Pursuit of Wisdom app, available to download on major app store platforms.

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