Insight_3rd Edition_2

Mr. Farr served for 12 years as a trustee for Hendrix College, from which he was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986. Among his other awards and honors, he is a Fulbright Scholar, received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, and was named by J. Edgar Hoover as a Special Agent for the FBI. Mr. Farr has also made significant contributions to a variety of charitable and religious organizations, and has held numerous directorships, trusteeships, and officer roles for many civic, cultural, religious, and educational organizations. How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? In a word: thoughtfully. I listen to all opinions on a matter and try to understand different points of view. What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? I am appreciative of what people do. I appreciate what people have done for me, I appreciate the fact that I live in the wonderful country of America, and I appreciate that I had a wonderful upbringing by family and friends. I do not take things for granted. That is by far my most outstanding characteristic. Also, I am a product of an upbringing in a rural setting in Arkansas from a family with very little means. We did not have running water or electricity, but we had understanding and a lot of love. My life was enhanced significantly by this rural beginning — it molded who I am today. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry right now? The world has continued to shrink; we are not as isolated as we were a generation or two generations ago. The advent of digital technology and the internet puts us just as close with people in Germany, Iraq or Japan as we were to our next-door neighbors. Things are radically different than they were just a generation or two ago — it’s a much smaller world and our challenge is to understand that we are not such an isolated community as we used to be. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved over time? Once again, the use of technology has changed so dramatically in the industry. Information is at our fingertips now at the push of a button, whereas before, we had to go to libraries and conduct research using books and other materials. What new innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? I truly believe that the revival of care for one another as individuals has to shape the industry moving forward. I think we have reached a stage in our society where we simply do not express or show care about one another. We have very narrow points of view, and I believe it is vital for us to find ways to care for one another as we move into the future. What excites you the most about your industry? Seeing the joy that others have in themselves when they know they have done a good job. It is such a pleasure to look at the face of someone and see a sense of satisfaction. I wish that more people would take pride in what they do. That will always continue to excite me. Third Edition | Marquis Who ’ s Who Insight 9 Things are radically different than they were just a generation or two ago — it’s a much smaller world and the challenge is to understand that we are not such an isolated community as we used to be.