Amidst another cycle of corporate ethics scandals in the early 90's, Integrity Associates was founded by Ron Ausmus, a consultant with a passion for applied ethics in business and commerce. He credits that influence to his father, a conscientious small businessman who imparted a durable ethics foundation for business and life. Years before it became part of the current credo for excellence, Ron saw his dad consistently deliver more than promised, and go to great lengths to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
Ron is no dry theorist. His speaking and consulting draws on cycles of rich hands-on business experience that include success as a business owner, general manager, international project manager, salesman and sales manager. Amidst fierce competition in the telecom industry, he consistently exceeded sales goals and quotas by demonstrating that ethics and service are the prime sources of long-term trust and positive word-of-mouth.
A career milestone was being chosen to present instruction in ethics-based free-market economics and global marketing to top telecom leaders from former Soviet bloc countries. These programs were offered through AT&T and sponsored by the US State Department as a gift from the American people.
His core leadership principles are integrity, accountability and trust as the prime generators of employee engagement and customer loyalty. Those principles have been put to the test in turn-around initiatives with struggling enterprises. Ron's mantra is, "by being honest and authentic, a leader can go into a troubled situation without big-dollar-clout, and attract the best people, ideas and energy to get the bus back up on it's wheels and headed in the right direction!"
To reverse the growing cynicism among employees in the workplace, leaders must talk their principles and values, as well as model them. Ron helps leaders find their voice and craft the right messages that convey a balance of inspiration when needed, as well as tough resolve where it counts. This leadership combination--not fear, or the latest flavor-of-the-month formula--is the most faithful generator of employee trust and team performance.
Educational achievements include post-graduate studies in ethics and moral development at Stanford University, following a Masters in Curriculum Design & Educational Administration, and BA in Communication from the University of Arizona.
Currently Ron is researching the early character-modeling influences and mentors of individuals recognized for their exemplary professionalism, business ethics and community service. A book with that theme is underway for publication in 2011.
