Brick walls are not there to keep us out. They let us show our dedication.

— Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch was an extraordinary leader. This is his “last lecture” on achieving childhood dreams. The idea for this lecture is based on a series of lectures by recognized academics where they are asked to consider personally important topics and to prepare a presentation as if it was their last public lecture. Learn more about his life and work here.

This exuberant presentation covers many important aspects of leadership. Not only does he cover the importance of leaders recognizing and acting upon their past, present and future; he walks through some of the opportunities and challenges that he faced throughout his career. From his desire to become part of Disney’s Imagineering team through his work at Carnegie-Mellon. But one of the key messages is that leaders succeed when they provide opportunities for others to succeed.

You may know, that Randy Pausch passed away on July 25, 2008.


Nina Nets It Out: “To the extent that you can live on in something, I will live on in this”. Randy Pausch created a lasting legacy not only in his achievements, but in the number of talented leaders that he inspired. Be sure to heed his advice and do all that you can to foster opportunities for those around you. This will prove to be very valuable and rewarding to both you and those around you.