According to Autry, it is no longer necessary to sacrifice integrity and peace of mind in favor of profits. A successful Fortune 500 executive, the author effectively explores the myth that “nice guys finish last” in what has been called by critics one of the most practical, honest and humane management book ever written, delving into the fine art of creative and caring leadership.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Autry grew up in Mississippi, the son and grandson of Baptist ministers and a painter. As a young man, he worked as a reporter, photographer, musician, student tutor, copy boy, farm hand, and teletype operator, among other occupations. After graduating from the state university in Oxford, he was a jet fighter pilot in France for four years. Following his military service, Autry joined the magazine group for Meredith Corporation, responsible for such publications as Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies Home Journal. He worked his way up the ranks to become the president of the corporation.

Autry has received many awards and distinctions, among them the distinguished alumnus award for the University of Mississippi, being inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1981, the Headliner Award from Women in Communication in 1990, a doctorate in Literature from William Jewel College in 1991, and the Missouri State Medal of Honor in 1991. He has also received considerable national attention as one of the poets featured on Bill Moyers’ special series, “The Power of the Word,” on PBS. He was featured, too, in two videos, “Love and Profit”—the winner of a Telly Award—and “Life and Works.”

James Autry lives in Des Moines with his wife Sally Perderson who is lieutenant governor of Iowa and his son. Currently he is a business consultant with top corporations and has an active speaking schedule.

The Christos and Mary Papoutsy Endowed Chair in Business Ethics was established several years ago at Southern New Hampshire University by noted businessman and philanthropist Christos Papoutsy and his wife. It was designed to promote awareness of ethics in personal and professional settings for students and members of the greater community. Through teaching, public lectures, and conferences, all audiences will be assisted in understanding and applying lessons taught by current and Classical ethicists to twenty-first-century settings. Special emphasis will be placed upon the works of ancient Greek writers and intellectuals whose teachings have shaped the history of Western civilization from antiquity to the present. The first holder of the chair is Professor Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger of SNHU. For more information about the chair or its activities, visit the website of Southern New Hampshire University at http://www.snhu.com, or the Business Arena section of the Hellenic Communication Service website at http://www.HellenicComServe.com.