AT&T's Cindy Brinkley: 2010 'Woman of Influence'

Each year The School of Business & Technology honors an outstanding individual who is leading from where they are, a woman who in business or public service is impacting not only the lives of those around them but also our society. Cindy Brinkley, the Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T is just such an individual.

"Cindy is a leader who makes leading look so easy," said Dean Akande. "She has dedicated her professional life toward helping others become better through the development of future leaders."

Webster President Dr. Beth Stroble presented the award following Ms. Brinkley's keynote address "Innovation and Opportunity in a Mobile, Connected World," at a luncheon in her honor. Ms. Brinkley joined AT&T in 1986 and has held several positions throughout her 24 years including President, SBC-Arkansas and President - AT&T Missouri. Her honor also reflected her philanthropic work, which includes service as chairman of the board of the St. Louis Symphony, deputy chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and as a member of the executive committee of the United Way.

See pictures from the event. Read more from The St. Louis Business Journal here. Click here to read Dr. Stroble's presentation remarks.

How Deviant Are You?

What's your definition of deviant? Is it the latest contestant on American Idol or the newest listing on America's Most Wanted? What if I told you Wal-Mart pioneer Sam Walton, the Krispy Kreme doughnut you're eating and Reebok should be on your list? They are just a few of the deviants making millions by taking their "left of center" ideas from fringe to the forefront of their industry.

Marching to the beat of a different drummer (or at least allowing that rhythm in your company) is what it takes these days to make your mark in a congested market.

Click here to read Dean Akande's review of The Deviant's Advantage.

Making His Mark

Being named Webster's 2010 Outstanding Undergraduate Marketing Student doesn't end with getting your name engraved on a plaque. In fact, that's just the beginning for students like this year's recipient Nick Baker who is already well on his way toward a remarkable career after graduation.

"After taking my first marketing class at Webster, I was hooked," said Baker after receiving the award. "The concept of creating value and long-term relationships with customers to generate sales was what I thought all companies should be doing."

"Nick is an exceptional student who successfully combines his academic excellence and practical work experience in the marketing field," said Webster marketing professor Dr. Dave Brennan. Brennan says Baker also stood out as an outstanding student because of the active role he took during his course work at Webster.

Baker, who graduates next month, received his award at the 49th Annual AMA Student Marketing Conference.

"My degree has changed who I am and how I think," says Baker. "I am in a much different place now that I have the tools to take on an array of business problems."