Kenneth Chenault
Kenneth Chenault
Kenneth Irvine Chenaultis an American business executive. He has been the CEO and Chairman of American Express since 2001. He is the third black CEO of a Fortune 500 company...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBusinessman
Date of Birth2 June 1951
CountryUnited States of America
common gone incredible states united washington
My message to Washington is the United States has gone through incredible crises, and our leaders have been able to find common ground. And that's what our leaders have to do.
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I think what's important to understand is if the United States hits the debt ceiling and is unable to pay its debts, the consequences will be immediate and dramatic.
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I had very little exposure to business growing up. I also was very focused on the Civil Rights Movement. And I saw law as a vehicle to really bring about substantial change.
access business commercial fund major number pay
For a number of major companies, if you can't access the commercial markets, you can't fund your business. That's a big problem. You can't pay your bills.
clear discussion easier leadership people relating
What's increasingly clear is that when you are open to a discussion of leadership, and you're relating it to your company, it is much easier to get people to become open.
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There was a strong focus on performance and respect for people. And one of the points that my father always made was that with all the challenges and obstacles and barriers, the one thing you can control is your performance. And that is one thing I have tried to adhere to throughout my career.
card change clearly credit industry policies reforms reputation
There are clearly some policies that need to change, and the reputation of the credit card industry is not high. Reforms need to take place.
plans possibly public
My plans were to practice law and then possibly go into public service.
conscious time
I say this all the time: Everyone can make a conscious choice to be a leader.
attracted believed prepare school
I was attracted to law school because I believed it would help me prepare for a career in the real world.
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If people support independently owned small businesses in their community, they can make a difference.
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Companies will need to pursue a more diversified business model, but I think those companies that have what I call a focused diversified business model will be more successful.
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My message to Washington is very simple. Face reality. Be leaders. Demonstrate accountability. Engage in principle compromise. And understand your job is to find solutions.
ask compromise consistency difficult felt issues people
For me, integrity is the consistency of words and actions. Part of the way that you do that is to ask people questions on some of the most difficult issues that you confront. 'Take me through where you felt you had to compromise your values.'