Ethics, Enron, and the Work Environment: A Conversation with Kelly Boots

“Whatever your career path is you will run into situations, it’s guaranteed, that will make you uncomfortable” explains former Enron executive, Kelly Boots, who met the Ethics and Servant Leadership (EASL) Summer Interns during their weekly group meeting last Friday. Boots, a Vice President of Marketing and Finance of the Enron Corporation from 1997-2003, joined the EASL interns in hopes of enlightening this group on ethical approaches to responding to sordid situations in the work environment.

As someone who faced the consequences of a scandal as an innocent bystander, Boots has learned the importance of taking action against wrongful acts that may cause harm to others. She adds, “If there is something you feel uncomfortable with, it probably isn’t right. What do you do with that? You figure out the best way to move forward and deal with it.”

Boots’ experience with Enron has had more of an impact on her life than anything as a result of the tremendous amount of time and resources exhausted. Although she was very proud to be involved with the company and of their involvement with the community, Boots found that what makes or breaks the work experience is the people that she works with. She emphasized the importance of maintaining an inner group and surrounding oneself with people that can be trusted.

Photo by Business Insider

Working closely together throughout the duration of the summer, EASL interns were reminded by Boots not to “underestimate the value of a small group and sharing [with each other].” With the alliance of an inner group, one can go forth with their job in an honest and ethical way, holding each other accountable.

Boots finished up her discussion with the interns by advising that as they move forward with their lives to always strive to do their best in an honest and ethical way. She provided students with a "Top Ten" list, which presents ethical principles individuals should try to abide by in a work environment. As grave consequences can result from bad decisions made by those in leadership positions, one should always consider all of the possible consequences and be open to criticism that might challenge their choices. "Think about the impact you can have on others with your decisions," Boots adds. "You are going to be in positions to influence people in your life." 

EASL students discussing at a weekly meeting
Photo by Mariangela Jordan

Joseph Shea, one of the EASL interns that attended Boots’ guest lecture, found this lesson in consequences of immoral actions to be eye opening. “I felt like the presentation showed me that my own code of ethics and integrity can be compromised by the actions of others with whom I'm involved even if I never compromise them myself,” Shea explained. “This, though, drove home the point that I think was at the core of Ms. Boots' talk--be as careful, transparent, and honest as possible while constantly questioning the processes around you and holding them to high moral and ethical standards."

As a society, Boots believes it is inevitable that ethical dilemmas will continue to arise in all realms of the working environment. However, she considers everyone to be inherently good and, given the right situation, people will do the right thing. “I am still optimistic especially when I get to participate in a group like this.”

Boots is currently working in Atlanta, GA at Firstline Media and Public Relations as the Public Relations Production Manager.