Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) invited Brian McMurray, President of GM Technical Center Korea (GMTCK), who has worked as an engineer and executive in seven countries around the world, to speak at the 665th Thursday Special Lecture held on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7, in the Academic Conference Hall. On this day, President Brian McMurray spoke on the topic of “How to Grow Your Career and Make a Difference,” discussing how to design a career based on one’s passion and values amid a rapidly changing industrial environment, as well as the true meaning of leadership.

Drawing on his own experiences, President McMurray described the process of leaving a stable job to pursue new challenges driven by his passion, emphasizing that “when you do what you love, you gain the strength to endure difficulties.” He also explained that amid the spread of AI and intensifying job competition, it is more important to be someone who positively impacts others than to simply achieve success, and urged students to reflect on their own values and direction. In particular, he stated, “Companies are increasingly investing in AI, which can be both a new crisis and an opportunity for young people,” emphasizing the importance of a mindset of continuous learning and questioning.

He then discussed the importance of an organizational culture that does not fear failure and the importance of communication. Referring to South Korea’s fast-paced culture and results-oriented atmosphere, he stated, “Organizations that do not acknowledge failure cannot ultimately innovate.” Citing the ‘No Watermelons’ campaign currently underway at GMTCK as an example, he conveyed the need to create an environment where members can freely share problems without hiding them. He also explained that communication methods centered on text messages and instant messaging can lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of an attitude of trying to understand others and engaging in direct conversation.

Toward the end of the lecture, he shared a message on the essence of “good leadership.” President Brian McMurray stated, “Leadership is about inspiring and earning the trust of people, not about titles or backgrounds,” explaining that an attitude of respecting and fostering people’s growth is just as important as technical competence. During the Q&A session with students, he engaged with them by candidly answering a variety of questions regarding career concerns, experiences with failure, and the global industrial environment. In closing, he said, “I hope you will follow your passion, take on challenges, not be afraid of making mistakes, and become people who leave a positive mark on the world.”

Kookmin University’s Thursday Special Lecture Series—the first and longest-running regular course at a Korean university to feature weekly lectures by external speakers—has hosted approximately 670 speakers from various fields, including politics, society, science, and culture and the arts, over the past 30 years. Notable figures who have taken the podium include former President Roh Moo-hyun, Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan, author Ryu Si-min, film director Park Chan-wook, National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, and U.S. Ambassador to Korea Mark William Lippertt.