Dr. Hartley T. Richardson with Dr. Gady Jacoby, dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business
2019 IDEA recipient gives advice to Asper students
Yesterday morning, Winnipeg business and community leader Dr. Hartley T. Richardson, recipient of the 2019 IDEA Award, met and spoke with more than 100 University of Manitoba students and faculty at the Asper School of Business. A graduate of the Asper class of 1977, and an honorary degree recipient, Dr. Richardson gave reflections and insights on his business career, with lessons for current students in the faculty and taking questions from the audience.
Dr. Richardson spoke fondly of his family, telling the story of how they built their business from a small grain company in 1857 to the world-spanning organization that exists today. His grandfather was originally a tailor who traded his services for grain and other necessities. When his grandfather passed away at a young age, it was Dr. Richardson’s grandmother who stepped up and took the reins of the business, leading through example the company’s support of both female and male entrepreneurs.
Today, James Richardson & Sons, Limited, one of Canada’s largest private, family-owned corporations and Hartley Richardson is the company’s seventh family president.
Asked about his philosophy regarding success and failure, Dr. Richardson advised students to simply try in whatever endeavours they choose.
“If you try, you don’t lose,” said Dr. Hartley T. Richardson. “Either you will win, or you will learn. Ten per cent of your life is what happens to you, but ninety per cent is how you deal with it. The difference is your attitude. You need to work towards your goals and take opportunities as they arise. ”
Dr. Richardson is the recipient of the 2019 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) of the University of Manitoba Asper School of Business, which will be presented tonight. He is the third Manitoban to receive this award, alongside Israel Asper and Albert Cohen.
In his name, friends and colleagues created the Hartley T. Richardson Student Support Fund with a goal to raise $2 million towards the creation of bursaries to increase opportunities for Asper School of Business students. The fund will enable students with limited financial means to obtain a world-class business education by providing renewable bursaries to help cover the costs of tuition, books and fees.
“I’m proud to be a Manitoban, a Winnipegger, and a graduate of the University of Manitoba.”
Dr. Richardson will be formally recognized with the 2019 IDEA Award at a dinner and reception at RBC Convention Centre on May 23, 2019, when the final tally of fundraising will be announced.