MAX MORANT

Looking back, what is one experience, relationship or lesson from the program that continues to influence your life or career today?

MAX MORANT: One lesson that I’ve carried with me from my time as a Kenan scholar is the idea of intersectionality of disciplines, of industries, cross-sector analysis, information across seemingly disparate sources and bringing them together to ideally garner interesting, productive insights to improve business outcomes for corporations but also communities.

How has your understanding of leadership evolved since graduating from the program?

MAX MORANT: Since graduating from the program, I’ve had the benefit of meeting leaders across different industries, various investment areas of emphasis. And so my understanding of leadership has evolved because of those experiences. And I think I’ve come to appreciate the importance of accountability and taking an ownership of outcomes as a leader. In the investment business, your track record is apparent for everybody to see. And that comes with a certain level of vulnerability or exposure. The leaders in the industry I’ve respected the most are the ones that own the good outcomes but especially the bad outcomes, and are the first to reflect on where things went wrong and trying to apply those lessons going forward to improve outcomes for both themselves and their analyst teams.

In what ways has the program shaped how you approach challenges, opportunities or decision-making in your professional life?

MAX MORANT: By emphasizing the importance of leveraging your network. One of the biggest benefits from my time in the program was getting to know my peers in the cohort. I truly believe they’ll be business leaders, nonprofit leaders, community leaders in whatever area they decide to go into. And so I think having those connections with them is essential. And I’ve carried that understanding with me in the early years of my career. Networking, maintaining relationships and following up with people has helped me because they have perspectives and insights that could be essential as I consider all the data points in making decisions.

If you could share one message with current and future scholars, what would it be?

MAX MORANT: Stay present and live in the moment. College is not forever. The years fly by, and the program and Carolina are a unique space to be. And so I encourage you all to lean into the experiences, lean into the opportunities and milk them for everything they’re worth.

In one sentence, complete this statement: “Because of this program, I …”

MAX MORANT: Because of this program, I am equipped to maximize my potential and impact on the community and the world.

Interviewed by Phil Hardy. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.