Be Kind, Empathetic and Ethical: 20 Questions With Gordy Crawford (MBA ’71)

Gordon “Gordy” Crawford (MBA ’71) retired in 2012 after 41 years at the Capital Group, a global investment management company with $2.6 trillion in assets under management. During his career, he lived in Los Angeles, California, where he rose to be a top expert in media and entertainment, serving as chair of Southern California Public Radio and vice chair of the Nature Conservancy. For years, the Darden Principal Donor has been a loyal member of the Hickory Club and Darden Society and has supported initiatives at Darden, including the redevelopment of C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall.

In this edition of 20 Questions, he looks back on lessons learned, looks to the future of investment management and dispenses a little advice on enjoying retirement.

1. What was your first job?

Upon graduation, I went to work for Capital Research and Management. I stayed there for 41 years.

2. What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Professor C. Ray Smith told me to skip my bartender job, go home, put on a suit and interview with Capital. I wasn’t signed up.

3. Whom do you most admire?

Successful people who are also kind and ethical

4. When and where do you do your best thinking?

My home offices

5. What’s been on your mind lately?

Feckless politicians, a 50-year explosion in global debt and massive government deficits that no one cares about.

6. What are you reading these days?

Business news, military history, biographies of Barry Diller and John Malone

7. How do you recharge?

At my second and third homes with golf and fly fishing

8. What’s your motto?

Be effective. Be kind. Give back.

9. How do you deal with conflict?

I am conflict averse.

10. What characteristics do you look for in people?

Effectiveness, kindness, empathy

11. What makes you feel hopeful?

Not much!

12. What is your favorite cause?

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Southern California Public Radio

13. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Where I am.

14. What do you lose sleep over?

See my answer to question No. 5.

15. Which class at Darden impacted you the most?

Finance with Professor Bob Sihler

16. What’s your favorite Darden memory?

In the Darden portfolio, shorting two stocks on a Friday. It was the first time the fund had ever shorted. The stocks opened down on Monday.

17. What was the most important lesson you learned during your career in investment management?

Work hard, stay humble, see the big picture, invest long term.

18. What about the investment management field’s future intrigues you most?

There will always be a role for great investors, AI notwithstanding.

19. What are your tips for leading a fulfilling and purpose-driven life after retiring from your primary career?

Spend quality time with your family. Be kind, empathetic and ethical. Focus on your health and give back. I’ve been super lucky and blessed.

20. As Darden enters a new chapter following completion of the Powered by Purpose campaign, what do you think is most important for the School to focus on moving forward?

Graduate effective, ethical people.