When EC-United CEO Wheeler Coleman, ’83, spoke with NIU Executive MBA students last month during his Executive in Residence seminar, he asked them to consider their own guiding ethics. “Defining our core values and relying on them when making decisions as a leader is crucial,” Coleman said as he engaged in discussions about leadership principles and the preparation needed for C-suite roles.
Coleman imparted powerful leadership lessons drawn from his life and career journeys. He began by introducing himself to the audience, sharing his family’s history and the personal trauma they endured — including kidnapping, forced labor and KKK lynching — and how they refused to let those experiences stop them from believing in a better future for their loved ones. His father and four uncles moved their families from Alabama to Chicago during the Great Migration in the late 1950s, where they became entrepreneurs and ran small businesses until their passing. Coleman credited generations of diligence and perseverance for shaping his own determination and drive.
Coleman earned his B.S. degree in computer science from NIU in 1983. After graduation, he worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield as an IT developer, eventually working his way up to chief technology officer and chief information officer.
“I learned a lot in the C-suite,” he said. “I learned I had to hold on to my core values. I walked away from a lucrative job because I wasn’t going to violate my moral compass. And you’re going to have a decision to make, too.”
Coleman noted that today’s companies need rock-solid leaders who have defined their core principles ahead of crises.
“There is one thing I want the EMBA students to remember: Don’t let the pressure of turning a profit or making money drive you away from your core values and principles,” he said. “And when you see injustice, speak up. Don’t sit on the sidelines. History offers countless examples where wrongdoing occurred, and good people stayed silent. We must stand up and speak up for what is right.”
Coleman shared his top leadership principles, including the importance of believing in and visualizing your goals being accomplished.
“If you don’t believe you’re going to make it to the C-suite, you won’t achieve it; you must believe in yourself”, he said. “Use your ‘14-40’ wisely. There are 1,440 minutes in each day, so use a portion of your 14-40 to improve your skills; learn something new every single day. Make the most of the time and opportunities you are given.”
Another important lesson? Relationships are king.
“You should value building deep relationships with people because you don’t know when you’ll need those relationships,” he said. “Surround yourself with people who believe in you and are willing to support your dreams.”
Coleman also urged students to build a robust LinkedIn account and use it often to build a network and sustain relationships.
“NIU is preparing the next generation of leaders, C-suite executives and entrepreneurs. Sharing my personal experiences provides a real-life perspective on what to expect as they step into leadership roles,” Coleman said. “When I was a student, I had strong role models who poured into me, providing knowledge and inspiration that fueled my success. My hope is that my talk provided insights that will inspire additional growth and sharpen students’ future vision. I love giving back to NIU because so many people there gave to me.”
Coleman noted that hearing guidance and encouragement from real executives bridges the gap between theory and practice.
“It brings real-world relevance to what students are learning in the classroom, exposes them to different leadership styles and allows them to learn from the successes and failures of others — all while providing inspiration and motivation,” he said.
For more information about our Executive MBA Executive in Residence program, visit go.niu.edu/EMBA.
