A Journey of Insights

A Journey of Insights draws upon the lessons James G. Ellis learned while a teacher and dean of USC’s Marshall School of Business as well as those he absorbed during his preceding years at Harvard Business School and in business. In trying to plot the roadmap for a successful business life, his stories show illustratively the secrets or ingredients of how business schools and their students can prosper. At the core of his message is the central theme that listening to voices around you throughout life is the key to success. In essence, ears can speak louder than voices.

James G. Ellis was dean of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California from April 2007 until June 2019, where he was responsible for the education and well-being of some 5,700 students, both graduate and undergraduate. In addition, he had a full-time tenured appointment as professor of Marketing, where he was since 1997, retiring in July 2021. Prior to being appointed dean, he was vice provost, Globalization, for the university, responsible for building the USC name worldwide. At USC, he was awarded both the Teaching Has No Boundaries award, given by the faculty, and the Golden Apple Award, given by the students. He also was given the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award from the USC Parents’ Association and was named one of the top five professors at USC by the students. Holding an MBA degree from the Harvard Business School and a BBA degree from the University of New Mexico, Ellis worked in the business world as president/CEO of Porsche Design, a high-end accessories company owned by Europe’s Porsche family. Additionally, he was CEO of Port O’Call Pasadena, a high-end home accessory chain, and owner/partner in six other companies. He started his career with Broadway Department Stores in Los Angeles. Ellis sits in a directorship or advisory capacity with a number of companies, continuing direct involvement in the business arena. He has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization since 1987. He has addressed many organizations around the world on various business topics and continues to consult with numerous businesses and other organizations. He and his wife, Dr. Gail Ellis, have five children, twelve grandchildren, and reside in San Marino, California. In 2000, he won an award for which he is most proud—named by a local charity as Father of the Year!

Introduction Chapter One: A Dean’s Story: The Cold Car Hood Chapter Two: Finding Your Wave Chapter Three: The Bill Gates Conundrum: Is Business Education Worth It? Chapter Four: Relationships and Mentors: The Power of Connection Chapter Five: Plotting Your Own Map—Know Thyself Chapter Six: Preparation and Perseverance Chapter Seven: Don’t Sell Sales Short Chapter Eight: Risk Management and Disappointment Chapter Nine: The Fifth Decade—Giving Back Acknowledgments Index