T. Boone Pickens to speak at Clemson

T. Boone Pickens, one of America’s most successful businessmen, will share his insights on leadership in a public lecture at Clemson University at 2pm Thursday, April 18, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. His “Thoughts on Leadership” presentation will focus on his tips to become an effective leader. The Holdenville, Okla., native is visiting the area to explore his ties to Upstate South Carolina. Pickens is a descendent of Revolutionary War hero and congressman Andrew Pickens, for whom Pickens County is named. Pickens built one of the nation’s largest independent oil companies, Mesa Petroleum, and later reinvented himself in his 70s as one of the most successful investment fund operators with BP Capital. In July 2008, Boone launched the Pickens Plan, a grass-roots campaign aimed at reducing America’s dependence on OPEC oil. He is the author of the 2008 book “The First Billion is the Hardest,” which details his ideas on energy independence. Pickens lecture is free, but please register online at www.clemson.edu, if you plan to attend.