Speaking in front of more than 900 Suffolk University’s Sawyer School of Business graduates, State Street Corporation Chairman, President and CEO Joseph L. “Jay” Hooley touched on the opportunities and challenges presented by the Digital Revolution.
As the commencement speaker for Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School commencement exercises on May 18 at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion on the Boston waterfront, Hooley told graduates that “managing the steady torrent of information racing at you from all directions will be essential to your success – and sanity.” Sawyer Business School graduates are ready to fill the need for “business and technology-savvy workers with strong analytical skills and real-world experience,” who can communicate effectively and present bold ideas, he said.
Employers “need people who are entrepreneurial, inquisitive, and not afraid to challenge the status quo. They need workers with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and a global perspective,” said Hooley.
The State Street leader talked about how the Digital Revolution has transformed his firm, saying: “We have evolved into a technology-enabled financial services company that focuses on serving institutional investors. In fact, today I consider us to be much closer to a technology company than a bank.”
“Don’t get so consumed by data that you lose balance or perspective,” he advised. “Information is only a commodity – it’s what you do with it that matters, so reserve time to think, and develop your ideas into insights. Put down your devices; tune out now and then. And find balance in your personal and professional lives.”
