Bergman shares life lessons with Meharry graduating class

Dental Tribune USA

Mon. 10 June 2019

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MELVILLE, N.Y., USA: Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO of Henry Schein Inc., shared lessons learned from his childhood in South Africa to his position today as a global health care industry leader with the 2019 Meharry Medical College graduating class at the college’s 144th Commencement Exercises.

Sharing stories from his life as illustrations, Bergman imparted 10 lessons with the Meharry medical and dental graduates. Thinking big, showing up, remembering that it is all about people, recognizing the importance of family and friends, and learning from failure were among Bergman’s earliest learnings from his years growing up in the South End neighborhood of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

“The process of overcoming our individual challenges is what made us what we are today,” Bergman said to the graduates. “Each of us was at one time a clay pot that has been made stronger, more useful, and more beautiful by undergoing the heat of the kiln.”

Also addressing leadership, Bergman stressed the importance of developing the skills of persuasion, engaging everyone in a shared mission, and finding caring mentors and being a mentor to others. Noting that “doing well by doing good” really works, he underscored the multi-faceted value of giving back to society and encouraged the class to focus on increasing access to health care, promoting collaborative care between all medical and dental disciplines, providing compassionate care to patients, and providing cultural competency in an increasingly diverse society.

Last but not least, Bergman encouraged the graduating class to enjoy the journey of life, make time for family and friends, and to have fun along the way.

The commencement was held May 18 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn.

(Source: Business Wire)

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