The business world is a tricky realm to navigate in 2018. Handling the business world with ethical integrity is even tougher in today’s culture of instant gratification.
To help educate students and connect our greater community, Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, hosted a Business Ethics Symposium featuring three accomplished CBA community members April 17 in Henderson Theater.
Joseph Azrack, Class of 19’65, Basil Iwanyk, Class of 1988 and trustee and past parent Brian O’Malley were the symposium’s panelists. Each spoke about their careers in business and how having an ethical foundation leads to success in a chosen field.
“This was an excellent opportunity for our students to hear from men who are not afraid to bring their positive values into the workplace,” Christian Brother Frank Byrne, CBA president and a member of the Class of 1975 said. “Each of these men knows how important it is to properly prepare young people to take their place in society. Their presence provided an opportunity for our students to hear that it’s not only possible to bring positive values into your profession, but it’s of the utmost importance.”
Iwanyk has been a movie and television producer for over 20 years, personally working with actors such as Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, and Keanu Reeves. As founder of Los Angeles-based Thunder Road Productions, he has had an intimate perspective of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood over the past year and the reprehensible actions that proceeded the awakening. Providing an insider’s look at Hollywood, Iwanyk shared his response to the movement and how those with strong moral integrity not only survive in today’s business world, but also thrive as prominent leaders.
Azrack touched on the how he has been successful in a real estate environment, now the principal owner of Azrack & Company, that is best described as “rough and tumble.” He cited examples from his decades-long career of situations that have called ethics into question and how having a sound ethical foundation allows individuals to succeed.
Finally, O’Malley shared his distinct vantage point as the CEO of Domino Foods for nearly 20 years.
Throughout his tenure as the chief executive of a major food company, he has been instrumental in developing Domino Foods’ corporate code of conduct, which is based on principles of good business ethics.
Each panelist echoed similar thoughts on the importance of having mentors, following a passion, and standing up for what you believe is right.
The event was moderated by business teacher Dave Santos of the Class of 1985 and was hosted by the Future Business Leaders of America club, along with Santos’ business classes. Students were given time at the end of the program to participate in a question & answer session with the panelists, demonstrating what they have learned in CBA’s business & economics courses and how it applied to the panelists’ careers.