Jerry Porras
Jerry Porras is a renowned author, educator and consultant who has written extensively on leadership and strategy. He is best known for his seminal work, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, which he co-authored with James C. Collins. A former professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Porras has authored several books on topics of business and innovation.
Born in New York, Porras grew up amidst intellectuals, following the footsteps of his father, who was a Spanish language professor. His grandfather, a Spanish minister of foreign affairs, had an immense impact on his life. Porras attributes his passion for life and knowledge to his grandfather’s influence. His education took him to Cornell University and then to Stanford Graduate school of Business, where he earned a Master and then a Ph.D in Organization Studies and Behavioral Science.
Throughout his academic career, Porras has been esteemed for his “depth of insight, clarity of thought, and reality-based analysis.” His book, ‘Built to Last’, which he co-authored with James Collins, has become an international bestseller and an indispensable reference for business leaders and journalists. Apart from ‘Built to Last’, Porras has written numerous books and articles, focusing on issues of corporate vision, strategy and performance. Among his important works are La Misión Perfecta (The Perfect Mission) and Leadership for the Twenty-First Century.
Porras has inspired business leaders through his teaching, writing, and lecturing. He taught for 20 years at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, a journey that gave him a fresh perspective on leading companies. Through collaborative research and teaching, Porras discovered the secret to corporate success. He found that the visionary companies maintained their uniqueness with a “BHAG” (big, hairy, audacious goal). These companies set ambitious, long term objectives that evoked passion and commitment in their employees.
Throughout his almost 50-year career, Porras has conducted workshops and consulted globally for corporations and companies of various sizes. He has also collaborated with international organizations working on social responsibility. In addition to consulting and teaching, Porras has served as an advisor to senior management in different business contexts.
Porras’ ideas on corporate success and advancement are recognized and celebrated. He founded and chairs Porras Institute, a consultancy firm which provides solutions to corporations aspiring excellence. His work continues to make a mark in the business and academic world. As a leader in the field, he has been the recipient of several awards and honors, including the Distinguished Faculty Award at Stanford Business School and the Academy of Management’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ultimately, Jerry Porras’ career is a display of passion and perseverance. Through his books, articles and lectures, Porras has been able to establish new ways of looking at corporate success. His insights have served as a beacon of hope for many companies in today’s business world. He continues to inspire business leaders of today, offering solutions that help companies reach their targets, and pursue their goals.
