Alumnus Encourages Executive MBA Candidates to Develop Confidence and Humility

It wasn’t quite the same as being on campus, but Armand Lauzon ’90 EMBA returned to the University recently via Zoom to share his advice and experience with current Executive MBA candidates. His goal was to inspire them and to help them grow as leaders.

Lauzon previously served as CEO and president of C&D Technologies, Inc., a technology company that produces and markets systems for power conversion and storage of electrical power, including industrial batteries and electronics.

“Celebrate your mistakes – you’re human,” he told them as part of the University’s Executive MBA Speaker Series. “Be confident, but don’t lose your composure. Get your ego out of the way.”

An accomplished CEO, board member, and business leader, Lauzon is a member of the Board of Directors of GCP Applied Technologies, a leading global provider of construction products technologies, and a board member of Zekelman Industries, the largest independent metal tube and pipe manufacturer in North America.

Maurice Cayer, Ph.D., a distinguished lecturer at the University and coordinator of the graduate program in human resources, moderated the virtual discussion, and he says it was an important opportunity for students to learn from an industry leader.

“Armand’s talk was a real tour de force of what it is to be a turnaround specialist,” he said. “He has a real strategic mindset that has helped him to be very successful. We teach a variety of topics within the EMBA program, and he touched on all of them.”

Created in 2016 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the University’s Executive MBA program, the speaker series brings graduates of the program back to the University to share their expertise and insight. Lauzon was the ninth alum to speak as part of the series, sharing his story and answering questions from students, including Amanda Meier ’21 EMBA.

“I was interested in learning about what 'tools' a change agent like Armand Lauzon uses to be able to read and size up organizations,” said Meier, vice president of client services at Reality Interactive, a full-service digital merchandising agency based in Middletown, Conn. “He gave us some great insights, as well as advice for handing mergers and acquisitions.”

Meier was one of dozens of students who listened to Lauzon share his story. He discussed the importance of treating others with respect, and of being a good listener. He also made himself available to students after the lecture, encouraging them to network and connect with him.

“I believe people want to be heard, listened to, and understood,” he said. “When I go into a group setting, I want to relax my audience. Go in, build relationships, and build rapport as quickly as you can.”