I agree with you in that it is difficult for me to separate academics from integrity.  I don't think being smart should shield you from the consequences of questionable ethics, but I am also very aware of my responsibility to educate students in math as well as ethics.  We have CEOs that can have questionable ethics but a strong bottom line, politicians with questionable ethics but bring in money for their state...  in fact money seems to trump a host of ethical lapses.  If we want to do something about this, to create ethical leaders rather than simply rich ones, I think we need to do more in the educational process to ensure that students understand that their ethics are more important than other factors.  I am not sure our society is ready for this lesson, but it is part of the purpose behind LeadChange.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights!