James Barksdale, former president and chief executive officer of Netscape Communications Corp., spoke to a crowd of thousands at annual Millsaps College commencement ceremonies on May 10. His address emphasized the importance of decision-making, problem-solving and prioritizing.

"There will never be another person like you in the history of the planet," Barksdale said to the 288 graduating students gathered in the Millsaps Bowl. Barksdale cited the preponderance of choices that graduates would face in their lives, noting that each choice would contribute to making every student a unique individual.

He also spoke to the graduates about problem-solving skills, using the metaphor of snakes as problems. "If you see a snake," Barksdale said, "don't send emails, don't make phone calls and don't hold meetings. Just kill the snake."

Barksdale reminded the graduates of 2003 that the world is full of problems, noting that being surrounded by problems gives tomorrow's leaders a variety of opportunities. Acknowledging that problems can be beneficial, he assured students that "the bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity."

Barksdale also advised graduates about prioritizing, noting that "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." He closed his keynote address by leading the graduates in a group cheer and encouraging them to "live, give, love and laugh."

Barksdale also received an honorary doctor of laws degree during the ceremony.

A Jackson native who began his career as a salesman at IBM, Barksdale is known for pioneering Internet technology. He is a special adviser to General Atlantic Partners and is president and CEO of Barksdale Management Corp., a philanthropic investment company. He is also a partner and co-founder of The Barksdale Group, an investment and advisory group committed to emerging Internet companies.

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