
Carly Fiorina
Former CEO of Hewlett Packard and Onetime Candidate for U.S. Senator from California
Carly Fiorina is a true leader and a seasoned problem-solver. She is a passionate, articulate advocate for conservative policies that advance economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and effective leadership. Through extensive experience she has learned that human potential is a limitless and uniquely powerful resource that can be unlocked, inspired and focused on worthy goals and…
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Full Bio
Carly Fiorina is a true leader and a seasoned problem-solver. She is a passionate, articulate advocate for conservative policies that advance economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and effective leadership.
Through extensive experience she has learned that human potential is a limitless and uniquely powerful resource that can be unlocked, inspired and focused on worthy goals and common purpose. She knows that conservative principles, applied in a twenty-first century context, are the most effective way to unleash this potential for positive change in communities, organizations of all kinds and our nation.
Being underestimated is nothing new to Carly. She started her career filing and answering the phones as a secretary in a 9-person real estate firm. She then joined AT&T in an entry-level sales position. Fifteen years later she led AT&T’s spin-out of Lucent Technologies and then Lucent’s North American operations. In 1999, she was recruited to Hewlett-Packard where she would become the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 business and allow HP to survive the worst technology recession in 25 years. In her six years as chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Hewlett-Packard not only survived the dot-com bust—they became the leader in every market segment and every product category. HP doubled revenue to over $80 billion, quadrupled the growth rate to 6.5 percent, and tripled innovation to 15 patents a day. While household names went out of business, Carly saved 80,000 jobs and would grow the company to 160,000 jobs. Carly transformed HP from a lurching bureaucracy into an agile, tech industry leader. As a result, HP grew from the 28th to 11th largest company in the United States during her tenure.
In 2015, Carly announced she would seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States, capturing national attention for her platform of citizen government. She was credited for changing the landscape of the Republican field, winning debates, and fighting for conservative principles that lift people up and recognize all Americans have the right to fulfill their God-given potential.
In her best-selling memoir, Tough Choices, Fiorina credits her parents with providing an unshakable foundation for her life. Her mother taught her: “What you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God.” Her father, a strict constructionist jurist who would eventually sit on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, taught her conservative philosophy and the importance of fighting with integrity and courage for one’s beliefs. Her lifetime of experience has taught Fiorina that the highest calling of leadership is to unlock the potential in others.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
What it Takes to Stay Competitive: Sparking Innovation for Business and Economic Growth
Innovation is a requirement for any company that wants to stay ahead of the competition and thrive in the global economy. Innovation is not simply a breakthrough idea, a hot new product or a lucky accident. Instead, consistent and effective innovation requires the focused introduction of new ideas and new ways of doing business. Innovation must be managed, measured and inspected. As the leader of the largest technology company in the world, no one is more qualified to speak about innovation than Carly Fiorina. As an active participant in the public policy and political process, Carly also speaks knowledgeably about the role of government and the impact of regulation and taxation on innovation.
Will America Keep its Edge? The Global Race for Smart Ideas, Market Share and Economic Power
A renowned business and technology leader, Carly Fiorina cogently illustrates the power of technology and innovation that comprises the core of American competitive advantage and economic prosperity, and explains how the U.S. must lead in the technology-based industries that will define the 21st century including social media, health- and bio-technology as well as energy and space technology. In this eye-opening, insightful and engaging presentation, Carly frames the challenges facing the U.S., addresses the underlying issues, and offers powerful, practical strategies and solutions to marshal America’s vast resources of talent and infrastructure in ways that will lead to transformative results.
Not Politics as Usual: Bold Perspectives and Astute Insight on Today’s Political and Economic Issues
As Washington throws more money, and fewer good solutions, at long standing social and economic problems, Americans are quickly losing patience, as well as their jobs and homes, with an inefficient public sector and stagnant economy. Growth of government has been energetically advocated as a solution to economic distress and capitalism has been cast as the villain of the economic downturn.
In a rousing, compelling, and enlightening discussion, former U.S. Senate candidate and McCain Republican Victory Chair, Carly Fiorina demonstrates how the government needs to address the right problems to achieve the right results for issues that are vital to America’s future. A credible voice for business and a tireless champion of the private sector, Carly speaks passionately on free enterprise, job creation and individual initiative, believing that people will make better choices for themselves and their families than others can make for them. Her authentic, adroit advocacy is indispensable in the current context of economic recession and political stalemate.
The Crossroads of Commerce: Where Business, Politics, and Public Policy Collide
In this high-stakes political year with ramifications for every business regardless of election outcome, the perspectives of a unique leader with exceptional experience in business, politics and policy is critical to future planning. Can government policies keep pace with technology and globalization? Is regulation striking the right balance to ensure economic growth?
Carly Fiorina is one of those rare individuals who has been Chairman and CEO of a Fortune 20 company, served on corporate boards, run for political office, and provided trusted policy advice to federal agencies including the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce. This career span and set of experiences bestows her with an unparalleled perspective on our nation’s most complex issues. With deep knowledge and brilliant insight, Carly discusses the role of the private sector in restoring confidence, the vital nature of small business, and how organizations can successfully capitalize on the opportunities of a dynamic global marketplace.
Capitalism in Crisis: Effectively Managing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Success
In this century of advanced technology and globalization, sustainable growth is increasingly being sacrificed for short term profits by myopic business leaders and corporate boards beholden to share price and market fluctuations. However, this strategy is placing companies – and entire economies in peril and is untenable for a secure economic future. Faced with this rapidly developing danger, what needs to happen for capitalism to survive – and thrive?
Carly Fiorina began her career as a secretary for a small business. She became the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company and was named Fortune’s Most Powerful Woman in Business for six consecutive years. She has also served on the boards of the Kellogg Company, Cisco Systems, Merck and Taiwan Semiconductor. Her hard-earned experience gives her unmatched insights on the challenges of balancing short- term profits and long-term sustainable growth. Drawing from first-hand knowledge, Carly offers a realistic, practical perspective on the smart business of good citizenship so business leaders and board members can fulfill all their responsibilities to shareholders, employees, customers and communities.
Building a High Performance Culture in Uncertain Economic Times Getting Down to Business: How Corporate America Can and Must Change Washington
As the CEO of HP, Carly Fiorina tackled issues of product focus and innovation, merger and integration, structure and process, reward and recognition all of which significantly impact an organization’s culture. Her efforts played out during the dot.com boom and bust and the worst technology recession in 25 years. Her phenomenal success of transforming the complacent culture at HP into a dynamic, innovative environment that rose to become the industry leader is a testament to the solid management philosophy and practices she instituted while there. From this experience, Carly shares her personal account of what it takes to create a high-performance culture and organization. She also openly discusses the difficult path of major acquisition and transformational change. With many organizations adjusting to the new realities of what the financial crisis has wrought, navigating uncertainty, managing change and building a high performance culture are critical to a motivated, focused and productive workforce.
From Secretary to CEO: Lessons from a Lifetime of Effective Leadership
Leading an organization, effectively empowering employees, and maintaining industry dominance simultaneously is not an easy task but is the daily challenge organizational leaders must conquer to be prosperous and profitable. As CEO of the world’s first $100 billion information technology company, Carly Fiorina is all too familiar with the complex, arduous path these individuals tread and the far-reaching strategic decisions they must make with finesse and fortitude.
A passionate business evangelist who made tough choices in the pursuit of growing her organizations, Carly delivers a powerful, pragmatic presentation on what leaders must do to achieve their desired results including the critical steps they must take to turn failing situations into successes. Carly began her business career as a secretary and achieved the pinnacle of corporate success. Drawing on this experience, she highlights the importance of unlocking potential in others. She passionately believes that leaders are made, not born, and that leadership potential exists at every level of an organization. “Anyone can lead, at any time, from anywhere. Leadership is not about title, position or wealth. It is about making a positive difference.”
Getting Down to Business: How Corporate America Can and Must Change Washington
Carly Fiorina is one of the world’s best known business leaders from her days at AT&T, Lucent, and as Chairman and CEO of HP. She chose to enter the political fray, first as Victory Chair for John McCain’s bid for the Presidency, and later, in her own campaign for the Senate challenging California four-term Senator Barbara Boxer. With no regrets and valuable lessons learned, Carly provides a business person’s view on politics and an insider’s view on political campaigns, a strikingly rare and valuable combination. She offers a peerless perspective on why business and politics must mix, why the private sector needs to take a more active role in politics, and how businesses can be more effective in engaging with Washington. As people seek solutions amid the din of partisan politics and ploys, Carly deftly demonstrates why we must return to a citizen government vs. allowing politicians to play politics as usual.
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