• by Karl Greenberg , Staff Writer, October 17, 2008

Jim Stengel, P&G's former global marketing director is the last time with us as PG leader, Lessons he's learned.  It's all about growth. "I joined in 1983 as brand assistant, we were $11 billion in sales, now are $83.5 in sales and with 24 $1 billion dollar brands. So it's steady and sustainable and remarkable growth journey."  He says it's  all about growth in terms of waht the company stands for.  "we have a tendency to overcomplicate things. the simpler the better, the simpler the more profound."

He said the last caveat: a commencement address, not valedictorian, a spring board for the future in terms of what he wants to d oin next chapert.

five lessons he's learned:  why five? "It's my favorite number.  I was born on 5/5/55."

Lesson one: put people at center of all we do.  Treat your people the way you would want your customers treated.  "We too often forget brands are people. it's the collective intent of people behind it."