Second Sinai Forum Hosts Famous Speaker David Marquet

Second Sinai Forum Hosts Famous Speaker David Marquet

Speaking to a sold-out room, David Marquet was the second speaker for the Purdue North Central Sinai Forum for 2015. He is the author of "Turn The Ship Around", a top graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and now a leadership consultant.. David spoke about leadership and how he learned to lead through his career in the US navy, specifically his time as captain on the USS Santa Fe .( a nuclear powered submarine)

Judy Jacobi , Purdue North Central Assistant Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Campus Relations said “David Marquet was strongly suggested by one of our sponsors, there are three seasoned sponsors, IU La Porte Health, NWI Times, and Blue Chip Casino. “ Jacobi said. “Marquette was named by IU La Porte Health as a very fascinating speaker because he is considered one of the best authorities on leadership.”

Excitement to hear Marquette speak was very apparent in the room as the seats began to fill up quickly. They were anticipating a great presentation on leadership, including Chancellor James Dworkin who was one of those in attendance.

Dworkin who has been in a leadership role at PNC for 16 years stated “This is a book that is very influential and it is about leadership. So, I am looking forward to learning something new about leadership.“ Dworkin stated that “Marquette is a very impressive speaker and he has a great story to tell.”

He wasn’t the only one who felt this way judging by the atmosphere in the room.

Marquet was introduced by La Porte Mayor Blair Milo. Milo herself was a former a member of the US Navy. Marquet kept the audience engaged during his talk by making it an interactive speech. Those in attendance with cell phones were able to answer questions and see the poll results in real time. Marquet kept the audience’s attention with not only the use of the cell phones but with his wit and knowledge of leadership.

Quite often there was laughter heard throughout the audience. According to Marquet, leaders say "I don’t know”, leaders get people to think, not do, and leaders help people feel safe, not stress.

Marquet was an engaging speaker who made you want to purchase his book to find out more about his leadership knowledge. At the end of his talk, he answered questions from the audience and then did a book signing. Judging by the line of people waiting to speak with him and have their book signed, his talk was very successful. He lived up to his reputation of being a fascinating speaker.

Attendee Pat Hoodwin, who has been coming to these Forums since 1955 had some great advice, “There’s nothing much around here, so when something is offered I think you really have to partake.”

Next in line after Marquet at Blue Chip Casino for the PNC Sinai Forum is William B. Taylor, former U.S. ambassador and current executive vice president at the United States Institute of Peace; Nomi Prins, accomplished financial analyst, journalist, and author, and Ernie Pyle, a one hour play written by Professor Jerry Holt, chair of the department of English and Modern Languages at PNC.

 Photos by Anna Hanson