Just finished a Council on Foreign Relations conference call with Walmart CEO Michael Duke. His remarks and answers to questions were hideous examples of vapid, CEO-speak. He's doing himself and his company a disservice with such rhetorical empty calories.
When asked about protestors outside his appearance in NYC's Pratt House right now, he said something about people not accepting the scale and success of others. His comments on sustaining values and corporate culture included talk of a "recognition banquet" featuring a rendition of the company's pep-rally song. He just happened not to mention the toll on the Walmart culture and professed values exacted by Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations in Brazil, China and India let alone serious bribery charges in Mexico, until he was asked about them.
He spoke with what had to be false pride about "women's economic empowerment," "healthy eating," "consumer transparency" and other issues in which Walmart has such a pitiful track record.
So for leaders out there and those who support them with strategy, training and speechwriting, let's move well beyond such utter BS. Please!