In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, welcomes Bill George, Legendary Business leader and former CEO of Medtronic, Harvard Business School professor, and board member at Goldman Sachs, for a candid conversation on authentic leadership in finance. Drawing on decades of executive and boardroom experience, Bill highlights why integrity, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven decision-making are vital in today’s financial landscape. 

Together, they discuss strategies for combating greed, building sustainable long-term value, and staying true to one’s moral compass even in high-stakes environments. The discussion also explores navigating ethical challenges in the age of AI and ensuring finance remains a force for good. Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional or a seasoned investor, this episode offers valuable insights on leading with character and transforming business through values-based leadership.

Meet Bill George:

Bill George is an Executive Education Fellow at Harvard Business School and former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, where he led from 1991 to 2001. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Honeywell, Litton Industries, and the U.S. Department of Defense. A prolific author, Bill has written several influential books on authentic leadership, including True North. He has served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, Novartis, Target, and the Mayo Clinic. Recognised with honors such as the Bower Award for Business Leadership, Bill is widely respected for advancing values-driven leadership in business and society.