Rowe: Lead Somewhere Worth Going

John Rowe, Chairman and CEO of Exelon and a member of BPC’s Board of Directors, kicked off a new BPC speaker series ”On Leadership” yesterday. His remarks, characteristically humorous and peppered with references to history and literature, reflected on his 28-year career in the electric power sector. Rowe outlined several leadership characteristics that benefit leadership in Washington as well as the corporate sector.

• Learn all you can about your company, something which can only be accomplished over time.
• Maintain a passionate commitment to action even when you feel you do not have the necessary information to act.
• When implementing a change in corporate culture, be aware that individuals are distinct from the culture you seek to change.
• Demonstrate a visible commitment to what you are doing.
• Balance a brutal appreciation of facts and reality with faith that you can surmount them.
• Lead somewhere worth going.

Rowe commented on a few of the directions that he believes are “worth going.” He articulated Exelon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly within the richly diverse communities that Exelon serves. Rowe, a key voice on energy and environmental policy, also discussed Exelon 2020, the company’s strategic plan to dramatically lower carbon and other emissions by the year 2020.

As Rowe looks ahead to his planned retirement in early 2012, BPC was honored to host his insightful reflections on the electric power sector and broader leadership challenges. The “On Leadership” series will continue in January 2012 with former Senate Majority Leaders Tom Daschle and Trent Lott.