You Are Prepared

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Commencement Ceremony
Jim Mogg
President, Chairman and CEO
Duke Energy Field Services

It is always a pleasure visiting Southwestern. There have been several changes, however, the campus is much the same. But the change that struck me most was in the student union: There are a lot fewer pool tables than when I was a student. This must be a sign that students nowadays are spending a lot more time over at Harris Library.

Reviving a tradition:

To be perfectly honest, I feel a bit on the spot. I am the first Southwestern commencement speaker in some time. Several years ago, the university stopped inviting outside speakers to address the graduates. I’m told it’s because the talks were somewhat lengthy, and of only modest interest.

So my job is cut out for me... keep it brief and make it relevant. I want to share with you just a few thoughts that I’ve picked up along the way in the 31 years since I sat here in Milam Stadium with the other 1971 graduates. Maybe some of what I’ll say will give you a little head start as you move into your career.

I am not an expert on how to succeed in the world. You know the definition of an outside expert—it’s anyone who comes from more than 50 miles carrying a briefcase. Hydro, my hometown, is only eight miles east of here. So I don’t qualify.

But I do have some experience built on the foundation of knowledge I received here at Southwestern. And at Hydro.

Affirming Southwestern:

Frankly, I came to Southwestern for practical reasons. The school had some great teachers in my major—mathematics—and I could live at home to keep the costs down. I was a product of a small town and hadn’t seen too much of the world.

But Southwestern gave me everything I needed both from an educational and focus standpoint. And what Southwestern did for me, it will do for you as well.

If you remember just one thing from what I say today, I hope it is this—You are absolutely ready to compete with the best of them.

Regardless of your field of study. If you’ve taken advantage of what Southwestern has offered you, you’re ready to meet the world head-on. In my work experience—in Kansas City, Houston and Denver—I’ve had the opportunity to meet with, work with, and negotiate against people holding degrees from many of the private and public universities in the country. Yes, they’re all smart people and the competition is excellent, however, I can tell you from years of personal experience that you are prepared, and your success truly is in your hands.

Be proud of your Southwestern education... it can take you far, assuming you are committed. And I know you know about commitment as your commitment has resulted in you being here today.

Learning Self-Confidence:

When I graduated, I knew I had a lot to learn... I didn’t know all the answers. But I had been taught a lot about commitment, passion, focus and accountability.

Gut to Take Risks:

The confidence you take with you from Southwestern will prepare you well for what comes next. You’ll be faced with a lot of decisions, a lot of choices. Many of them will involve taking some risks. Don’t run from those risks. You’ve got the confidence, down deep in your gut, to confront them.

What Makes Great Athletes:

When it’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, you are up by one run and the bases are loaded, great players are not thinking: I hope they hit the ball to someone else. They are thinking: Please hit that ball to me. They welcome the challenge and accountability. The rewards won’t come, unless you’re willing to be held accountable. It’s that simple.

Secure/Insecure:

That doesn’t mean that by accepting a challenge, the reward will fall in your lap. I call it the secure-insecure dichotomy. You have to be secure enough to make decisions, take educated risks and assume accountability, but you have to be insecure enough to work like crazy for the expected outcome. In my career experience, I’ve seen folks who were willing to make an important decision, but were unwilling to make the commitment to follow through... to work their tails off to turn that decision into positive results. They were too willing to accept mediocre performance, too ready to give up on their goal, or let someone else bail them out. Security, tempered with a realistic amount of insecurity, is a healthy balance. Successful people deal with this balance every day.

I Wish Syndrome:

We’ve all heard people say, I wish I had a better job, or a better car, or a better house. Or I wish I could play tennis better, or hit a golf ball farther. That has been referred to as the I wish syndrome. Motivation is not going to strike you like lightning. And motivation is not something that someone else—a doctor, a nurse or a family member—can bestow on you. Don’t just wish for something, go make it happen. It is up to you and only you. Isn’t it great that you don’t have to count on somebody else.

Confronting Failure:

But let’s face it, even with the best of motivation, sometimes you’re going to fail. Failure isn’t a real popular topic at commencement speeches. The focus is usually on success... going out and setting the world on fire. But I’m sure at least one or two of you have had some experience with failure, maybe right here at Southwestern. This may be far-fetched, but perhaps at some time, you failed on a test.

There will be setbacks. In 1997, Duke Energy Field Services was not in the Top 10 in our industry sector based on size. We were working on a merger that we felt was essential for us to become a major player in the industry. We did not get the deal. We were very disappointed. However, since that date, we stayed committed, maintained our focus and did not give up. We have now grown the company to the Number 1 position in the industry.

To be successful you must constantly be surging ahead and then when there is a setback, learn from it, be better because of it, but don’t dwell on it, don’t rationalize it away and don’t give up. Recover quickly and start surging again.

Brain, Heart and Gut:

Every successful person has three essential components. The brain, the gut and the heart. Knowledge is essential for success and that is the brain. Your gut has to have the fortitude to keep pushing and to provide gut instincts. However, as I see it, the heart is the most critical. There are two aspects to heart. The first aspect of heart is passion—your deep-down dedication to your area of endeavor. I have heard people say that no one cares how well this is done (whatever it might be). Well I will tell you that at least one person should always care and that is you.

The second aspect of heart involves your personal ethics... your sense of what’s right, what’s honest, what’s fair. On a practical basis, it means treating people as you want them to treat you. Do what is right. I would urge you to listen to your heart as you weigh all the decisions you will make in the months and years ahead. Your personal integrity is priceless. It is your reputation that is at stake. Protect it, and put it to good use... for yourself, your family, your employer and your community.

When I was growing up in Hydro, an awful lot of people worked very hard on strengthening my heart. I think of my parents, other family members, the school teachers and of all our neighbors and friends who encouraged me along the way, who grounded me with sound values. When I came to Southwestern, my professors continued to strengthen my heart. They continued by example to instill integrity and dedication.

Close:

Looking out on this audience today, I sense a huge amount of heart-support. I sense tremendous gratitude from the graduates for the sacrifice, the moral and financial help, and the prayers that have brought them this far. I see tremendous pride in the smiles of mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers, and other family members and friends. And I see great satisfaction in the eyes of the university staff and faculty.

My last piece of advice is be sure to take some time to be happy. Don’t forget about your families and friends. Be proud of what you accomplish but there is no place for ego and arrogance.

Graduates, congratulations. We are all extremely proud of you. Remember, you are prepared. Stay committed, don’t lose your passion to excel, and be willing to accept accountability. Good luck Bulldogs. Go get ‘em.