The IronDog Chronicles

People who know me should know that I respect ‘beasts ‘ in life…

Here’s one of them…Ted Turner, the ex-media mogul of Turner Networks, visited Memorial Hall on Wednesday afternoon, and after watching him speak, I have to say that I still stand by my thoughts of why he’s been so successful…He’s handles himself like a beast. The guy oozes leadership presence.

Despite the fun time of watching how the guy handles himself and how he answers questions, I have to say that I would have like to have learned more about how he evaluates risk-taking situations, how he stimulates innovative thought, and what directions does he see in the future with media.

The speech was conducted in an interview format by former PBS CEO, Pat Mitchell. Unfortunately, the interview let the air out of the tires. I would have liked to have seen her probe deeper when Turner replied with one-worded “Yes” answers to her direct questions, and I certainly wanted to learn more about Turner other than “What did you do today?” I also have to add that yesterday was Turner’s birthday, and I’m assuming that she was leading off with that ‘Q’ to lighten up the air.

Unfortunately, the questions didn’t dig deep within his thought process. Yet, great takeaway comments from his lecture were:

“Finish the job that you started…” - He used this quote to emphasize the simplicity of building upon a successful idea. If you have a great idea, implement the idea and finish…Simple and solid insight.

“Investment in the future of humanity.” - Turner didn’t view his $1 Billion United Nations donation as a gift. Turner viewed the donation as an “investment.” Class act.

“The Goodwill Games furthered the pace of ending the Cold War.” - 100% Agreed. If there was a great athletic event of the ’80s, the Goodwill Games was the event. After the ridiculous Olympic boycotts by both the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., Turner devised the Goodwill Games, and through the negotiating and mediating processes, many government officials and management teams worked together to utilize sport as a means to bring people together.

The Goodwill Games are a great example what is good when the powers of sport are used efficiently and correctly. I still believe that the event is one of the more underrated events that we have seen in the past fifty years because of how many great athletes participated from once blocked countries.

“They Profit Who Serve Best” - Turner used this one to downplay the adulation that many would like to bestow upon him and his donations. The cool thing is that Ted Turner is strong Rotary Club supporter! Wow! Great call! And what a better way to end a interview session within a public university environment with the Rotarian motto.

Now, how would you like to go back in time and attend a few Rotary club meetings with Ted Turner?…Damn.

Other great takeaways were his thoughts on the trivial state of media…He’s not a fan of modern day news. Alongwith his media thoughts were his admittance that he made a mistake when he over-evaluated his strength on the Time Warner board when he sold CNN to Time Warner and when AOL sucked him dry after their takeover. He also touched upon the importance of the environment and the process of building his bison ranches for his Ted’s Montana Grill.

Talk about a life-builder. The guy started with 3 buffaloes and now he’s at 45,000. Not bad when you consider that when he started with the 3 bison, the world’s bison population was at 70,000 and is now at 500,000.

Another cool tidbit…Following his devotion to being on the front lines with the businesses that he owns, Turner visited the Southpoint location of his emerging restaurant chain, Ted’s Montana Grill. Very cool.

As a side note, try that Buffalo Burger, you’ll enjoy. I’m a huge fan of that Soutpoint location. Solid wood interior, great screen, great food, and wi-fi…Classy spot.

Great visit. this blogga hopes to see Ted Turner again on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. North Carolina and public universities need his entrepreneurial insights.

“They Profit Who Serve Best”,

BD