General Colin Powell delivered an inspiring speech at the USGBC's Green Build Conference and Expo in Chicago yesterday. Powell, a former Secretary of State and Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of staff addressed an audience of over 10,000 people at the annual green building event.
“Leadership has to be passionate. Each person involved must believe they have a purpose,” said Powell.
Powell, a former four star general, was greeted with a standing ovation. Despite being a career military man, Gen. Powell is quite familiar with green building. "All of you should be saying to yourself, 'Excuse me, he was secretary of state --- but what does he know about green stuff, what does he know about green building?' " Powell said. "Actually, I know more about it than you think."
While serving as secretary of state, Powell oversaw over nearly $1 billion used for construction and operations for U.S. embassies around the world. Powell focused on making these structures more secure and sustainable.
His name prominently appears on several buildings around the country, but Powell said he is particularly proud of the Habitat for Humanity's General Colin Powell Apartments in South Bronx neighborhood. The apartment building provides affordable housing to over 50 families and is LEED-Platinum building.
According to Powell, the building is "three blocks away from the house I was raised in." He continued, "we called it a tenement, but in later years they called it a slum, and I watched as the neighborhood I was raised in was ruined by drugs."
"I believe that leadership is universal and (its principles) apply to any organization," said Powell. More and more, he added, people are looking for "leaders with the highest ethical standards ... leaders who are selfless, not selfish ... leaders who understand the needs of the organization are important, not the needs of the leader."
According to Powell, the building is "three blocks away from the house I was raised in." He continued, "we called it a tenement, but in later years they called it a slum, and I watched as the neighborhood I was raised in was ruined by drugs."
"I believe that leadership is universal and (its principles) apply to any organization," said Powell. More and more, he added, people are looking for "leaders with the highest ethical standards ... leaders who are selfless, not selfish ... leaders who understand the needs of the organization are important, not the needs of the leader."
In addition to Powell's keynote, the morning session included a discussion between political pundits and husband and wife Mary Matalin and James Carville. USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi also addressed the group.
According to Fedrizzi, “The leadership of the green building community is at the heart of Greenbuild,” said Fedrizzi. “This year us all about Generation Green: Redefining Our Future – and today, I see that we are collectively the most important catalysts for the change that will result in the greatest consumer, cultural and market revolution in America."
If you were not at Green Build, you can watch the speech from the USGBC site. To view Powell's speech, click here.
