Kenneth R. Jennings, Ph.D.

Ken Jennings is a recognized expert and trusted advisor in strategy execution and leadership with purpose. As a founder of Third River, he partners with leading corporations globally to create next-generation human capital organizations and practices. He advises clients on organizational development, leadership assessment and development, human resource systems, strategy execution and the management of change. Ken provides strategic coaching and assistance in implementing critical initiatives.

Through Third River, Ken focus on the development of executives while achieving breakthroughs in critical projects. Ken is currently working with the top management of Guidant Corporation, Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Entegris and other leading global companies to implement innovative new approaches to human capital effectiveness and leadership development.

Ken is a dynamic speaker and has taught leadership, strategy and change management around the world. He is a former co-director of the Global Leadership Program at the University of Michigan Business School and draws on deep experience as a managing partner at Accenture in change management.

Ken holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development from Purdue University, M.S. in Management through the Air Force Institute of Technology, and B.S. in Behavioral Science from the Air Force Academy. He also completed the Kellogg Management Institute program at Northwestern University.

Speaking at Your Event

A respected author and lecturer, Ken’s research in leadership, organizational development and human performance has appeared in numerous publications. His best-selling book, The Serving Leader, co-authored with Dr. John Stahl-Wert, is part of the Ken Blanchard management series and published by Berrett-Koehler. This book focuses on leadership with integrity and purpose. Ken presents a dynamic keynote speech, workshop or action learning series on these principles customized to fit the needs of your organization. The event you choose will be an exciting challenging, and practical experience for individuals and teams committed to putting principles of effective leadership into action.

Ken’s objective is to create an experience in which participants will be challenged, inspired and given practical tools and to walk away able to put the principles and tools into immediate use in your organization. In his presentation you will hear the stories of the real-life leaders with whom he has engaged. You will hear their strategies, leadership development approaches, successes, challenges, and practical advice. Through reflection and group interaction you will put the principles of success to work for yourself.

Ken’s speaking topics include:

• The Serving Leader: Five Powerful Actions That Will Transform Your Team , Your Business, and Your Community
• How Leaders are REALLY Developed
• Changing Health Care: Creating Tomorrow’s Winning Health Enterprise Today
• Continuous Improvement Has No Point Without Results