Book Harry Kraemer through The Keynote Curators
Biography
Harry Kramer Jr. is an executive partner with Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois and a Clinical Professor of Management and Strategy at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He was named the 2008 Kellogg School Professor of the Year. Harry is the author of two bestselling leadership books From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership and Becoming The Best: Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership.
He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter International Inc., a $12 billion global healthcare company. He became Baxter’s chief executive officer in January 1999, and assumed the additional responsibility of chairman of Baxter’s board of directors in January 2000.
Mr. Kraemer joined Baxter in 1982 as director of corporate development. His twenty three year career at Baxter included senior positions in both domestic and international operations. In 1993, he was named senior vice president and chief financial officer, responsible for financial operations, business development, global communications, and European operations. Over the next several years, he assumed additional responsibility for Baxter’s Renal and Medication Delivery businesses. He was elected to Baxter’s board of directors in 1995, and was named president of Baxter International Inc. in 1997.
Before joining Baxter, Mr. Kraemer worked for Bank of America in corporate banking and for Northwest Industries in planning and business development.
Mr. Kraemer is active in business, education and civic affairs. He serves on the board of directors of Leidos Corporation, Dentsply Sirona ,OptionCare, Performance Health, Alcami and on the board of trustees of Northwestern University, The Conference Board, NorthShore University Healthsystem and the Archdiocese of Chicago Finance Committee and School Board.
He is a member of the Dean’s Global Advisory Board of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a life director of Northwestern University. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the Economics Club of Chicago. He is a past member of the Business Roundtable, the Business Council, and the Healthcare Leadership Council.
Mr. Kraemer graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University of Wisconsin in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics. He received an MBA degree in finance and accounting from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1979 and is a certified public accountant. For his outstanding leadership and service, he received the 1996 Schaffner Award from the Kellogg School of Management. Harry enjoys jogging, tennis, skiing and reading, especially world civilization. Harry, his wife Julie, and their five children live in Wilmette, Illinois.
Contact us for Harry Kraemer fees and availability
Videos
Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more
Sometimes "doing the right thing" while also delivering outstanding and lasting results can be difficult for leaders to achieve, but Harry Kraemer knows it can be done.
In this dynamic book for existing and aspiring leaders, From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership (Jossey-Bass, April 2010), Kraemer explains that in today’s economic and political environment values-based leaders are needed more than ever.
In From Values to Action, Kraemer argues that the journey to becoming a values-based leader starts with self-reflection, which he identifies as the first of four principles that guide leaders to make choices that are aligned with their values.
The four essential principles are
Self-Reflection: The ability to reflect and identify what you stand for, what your values are, and what matters most.
Balance: The ability to see situations from multiple perspectives, including differing viewpoints, to gain a holistic understanding.
True Self-Confidence: More than mastery of certain skills, true self-confidence enables you to accept yourself as you are, recognizing your strengths and your weaknesses, and focusing on continuous improvement.
Genuine Humility: The ability never to forget who you are, to appreciate the value of each person in the organization, and to treat everyone respectfully.
Drawing from first-hand experiences as the former chairman and CEO of Baxter International and from the popular classes he teaches at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Kraemer offers current and aspiring leaders a framework to adopt the four principles of values-based leadership to make their organizations beacons of enduring value in the world. Insightful and inspiring, From Values to Action comes at a critical time when true leadership in every facet of society is greatly needed.
Testimonials
Booksby Harry Kraemer
Your 168
Becoming the Best
From Values to Action
For Meeting Planners
Get in TouchContact US
Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.
Blog Posts
Customer Service Strategies That Actually Work in the Real World
Brad Cleveland breaks down why good customer service is hard work in disguise, and what it takes to get it right in the AI era.
Read More
Resilience Is a Cultural Contingency Plan, Not a Personal Trait
Every event planner knows the moment when resilience stops being a theory. At 7:12 a.m., the group chat lights up. The keynote’s flight is delayed. The ballroom doors open in 48 minutes. The sponsor wants...
Read More
Values in Business: Why Living Them Matters More Than Posting About Them
Are your values just posted on the wall? Keynote speaker McKain explains why living your values, not displaying them, is what keeps customers loyal.
Read More
Why Curiosity Is the Secret to Real Growth in Business and Life
Discover why curiosity, not busyness, drives real growth. Diana Kander explains how a weekly reset builds curiosity into business and life.
Read More
Your Career Could Show Up Where You Least Expect It with Melissa Proctor
Melissa Proctor's career took her from NBA ball girl to CMO. Here's what her path teaches us about growth, leadership, and career choices.
Read More
Negotiation Is the Most Analog Skill Leaders Can’t Outsource
Negotiation is still a human skill. Here's why the most analog part of work matters more as AI takes over the rest.
Read More
Why High Performers Fall Into the When-Then Trap (and How to Escape It)
High performers often delay their own well-being for "someday." Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe explains why, and what to do instead.
Read More
Business Culture Is Built in Small Moments, with Chris Dyer
Chris Dyer explains how everyday leadership moments shape business culture, trust, and whether employees choose to stay.
Read More