Dr. John Maxwell Inspires Tulsa Leaders at ORU's PECE Luncheon

"How to Receive a Return on Failure"

Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 4th, 2025-The Partners in Economics, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship (PECE) forum, a bi-annual business event from Oral Roberts University (ORU), recently welcomed leadership expert and best-selling author Dr. John C. Maxwell. Hosted by ORU's Fenimore & Fisher College of Business (F&FCOB), PECE is a speaker series that was launched to connect business leaders and corporations in the Tulsa community. This event continues to bring several industry leaders to the stage, including Hans Helmerich, Chairman of the Board of Helmerich & Payne, former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma's Lt. Governor.

"It was an honor to welcome Dr. John Maxwell back to ORU," said Dr. William M. Wilson, ORU President. "His impact is a powerful reminder of the kind of leaders ORU is called to raise up-leaders of integrity, influence, and impact. The PECE event exemplifies our commitment to equipping our students not only with knowledge but with wisdom to impact every sphere of society. Creating spaces like this connects our students to global voices and local opportunity, preparing them to lead with wisdom, purpose, and the power of the Holy Spirit."

Dr. Wilson and Dr. Maxwell speaking to NewsChannel 8 KTUL after the PECE forum

Rick Fenimore, co-founder of Trinity Chemical Industries / TCIX Rail and namesake of the Fenimore & Fisher College of Business, shared remarks about his first encounter with Maxwell. "John's message of intentional generosity was life-changing. The idea of living day-to-day with intentional generosity left an indelible mark on my life. It was so impactful that it is largely responsible for my commitment to ORU, and more specifically, ORU's College of Business."

Maxwell, a renowned speaker and author of more than 90 books with over 38 million copies sold, shared a message on the topic of "How to Receive a Return on Failure." Maxwell challenged guests to rethink success by embracing mistakes as essential to growth.

"In life, failure and success must be kept close together," said Maxwell. "Failure gives you humility; success gives you resilience. When you separate them, you lose the value of both."

Maxwell also shared five foundational principles-the "core competencies," as he described them-that he's focused on throughout his life to help people grow and become more successful. These five areas-communication, leadership, equipping others, attitude, and relationships-form what Maxwell referred to as the "DNA" of a successful and impactful leader. These principles are:

1. Communication -
   Maxwell emphasized that communication is the most important skill a person can have, noting it's essential for casting vision, connecting with others, and leading effectively. He referenced Warren Buffett's belief that mastering communication increases your value by 50%.
2. Leadership -
   A central theme of Maxwell's entire career, he reaffirmed that "everything rises and falls on leadership." It's Maxwell's belief that as a leader, your ability to influence others is the greatest determinant of your success.
3. Equipping and Developing People -
   Maxwell explained that to multiply your impact, you must train others to do what you do. This shift from addition to multiplication happens when you intentionally equip others to lead and grow.
4. Attitude -
   Maxwell called attitude the "difference maker," noting that a strong, positive attitude gives emotional stamina and helps people persevere through adversity. Maxwell emphasized that employers always choose character and attitude over credentials alone.
5. Relationships -
   "People won't go along with you if they can't get along with you," Maxwell said. During the PECE discussion, he highlighted that effective leadership is impossible without valuing people and building strong, healthy relationships.

In closing his PECE message, Maxwell encouraged attendees to pursue not just success, but significance. "Success is about what I've done for myself," he said. "Significance is about what I've done for others. I've never met a person living a life of significance who was unhappy."

"It was a dream to have John Maxwell at the PECE event," said Dr. Julie Huntley, Dean of the F&FCOB. "PECE is an ongoing series that's intended to benefit the Tulsa business community and ORU students. Our business majors are distinguishing themselves nationally, including our analytics majors, who recently outperformed 99% of their peers. From our virtual campus to expanding degree offerings, we are committed to preparing whole leaders for the whole world-wherever they are."

The PECE forum concluded with closing remarks by Johnnie Hampton, a member of the F&FCOB Advisory Board.

"This event reflects what ORU is doing for its students," said Hampton. "ORU is producing whole leaders for the whole world-students who are work-ready, lead well, and have incredible ethics. I've hired them in my company, I am one of them, and I'm raising them in my home. It's a big deal for me. So, thank you for that, ORU."

The PECE initiative aims to:
• INSPIRE: By engaging innovative leaders from across the nation and local community.
• INNOVATE: By empowering creative responses to economic and societal challenges.
• IGNITE: By stimulating growth and expansion in the business sector.

Attendees at the PECE event

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.