WASHINGTON –The Chair and Senior Partner of PwC US, Tim Ryan, joined Howard University School of Business students for a conversation about becoming successful and doing business with a mission in mind. PwC is a global network of accounting firms committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to speak at Howard University -- a historic institution that has paved the way for so much progress and has inspired innovation for generations,” said Ryan. “The students of today are the workforce of tomorrow and equipping them with the proper tools, skills and knowledge is critical to ensure they're prepared for the digital future. Regardless of where your career may take you, having an open mind and a willingness to learn is the best trait you can have -- and is what we look for and encourage in all our people."

Students filled the School of Business auditorium to hear from Ryan as part of the school’s Executive Lecture Series. The series brings corporate executives to campus to share their experiences, industry best practices, and insider’s perspective with students aspiring to take their careers in a similar direction. Ryan discussed his insights on leadership, corporate responsibility and PwC’s commitment to going a “mile deep” when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

“We remember CEO’s who made a difference… I truly believe leaders need to be willing to be unpopular,” said Ryan. “The status quo is where most people want to be. I’ve gotten comfortable being unpopular.”

Ryan has more than 25 years of diversified experience serving clients in the financial services industry in the U.S. and internationally. Before becoming the chair and senior partner, he served as the company’s vice chairman, having responsibility for the firm’s strategy function and stakeholder relationships including investor relations, regulatory affairs, public policy, corporate responsibility, marketing and sales and human capital. Prior to his current role, Ryan led PwC's Assurance practice and before that, he led PwC's U.S. Financial Services practice and PwC's Consumer Finance Group.

“It’s a great honor to have had Mr. Ryan with us for a conversation with our students,” said Barron H. Harvey, dean of the School of Business. “PwC US has already done so much to support the School of Business, so we look forward to our continued partnership with the company. I know our students will gain valuable insights that will help them have a better understanding of the industry through Mr. Ryan’s expertise and perspective.”

Ryan was presented with the School of Business Executive Lecture Series speaker award in recognition of his visit and PwC’s commitment to partnering with the School of Business. PwC has established an ongoing partnership with the School of Business and is engaged with its many departments and centers. The company sponsors the annual golf tournament, provides annual scholarship support, and maintains membership on the School of Business Board of Visitors.

For more information about the Executive Lecture Series and School of Business events, visit: https://bschool.howard.edu/.

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About Howard University School of Business

Howard University has been offering management and business education since 1870. Coveted accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International has been consistently awarded to the Howard School of Business. In fact, it became the first in Washington, D.C. to achieve that world-recognized distinction. While today’s students benefit from the tradition of excellence that has long set Howard University apart, they also profit from the Business School’s continuous efforts to update its programs to prepare students to meet the complex challenges of the global marketplace.

About PwC

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with over 276,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please seewww.pwc.com/structure for further details.