CBA Welcomed John Quinones, Longtime Host of ABC'S "What Would You Do?"

Last month, UNO’s College of Business Administration and Schumacher Ethics program had the pleasure of hosting guest speaker John Quinones from ABC’s hit show, “What Would You Do?”. The show highlights how people behave when confronted with dilemmas requiring them to decide between taking some sort of action or stepping back and minding their own business.

Quinones discussed the best ways to prepare oneself to be ready to respond and how to do so appropriately and ethically in unexpected situations. He also shared his observations about the different factors that lead people to, or not to, step up and get involved. Having come from poverty and growing from the challenges that come with it, he was able to provide a unique perspective and example of what anyone can become, regardless of status. Quinones shared the best ways to approach the question of what to do in these situations, coming up with a plan of action and how to follow through on your decision through the lens of his own experiences and through that of the show.

“I am so grateful to James R. Schumacher and his family for providing the funds that make an event like this possible,” said Amy Rodie, holder of UNO’s Schumacher Ethics Chair. “We are so fortunate that John Quinones could be here to give such an inspiring presentation. I’ve received lots of comments from students, faculty, UNO staff and business professionals who were moved by his words. His story about his determination, as a poor kid on the wrong side of the tracks in south Texas, to seize every opportunity, make his own luck, and work very hard to alter his life’s path seemed to resonate with so many in the audience. Many of my own students expressed the desire to be more aware and willing to step-up when they encounter someone facing injustice or who simply needs a hand.”