4A National President Murthy began his address by highlighting what 4A has done for its members and for AT&T. He told the audience that 4A has created programs that include leadership training, mentoring, and career advocacy designed to provide 4A members with the education and tools they need to enhance their own personal growth, so that they in turn may contribute to the success of AT&T and the community at large.

Murthy cited that AT&T has done a great job in recruiting and hiring high potential Asian/Pacific Americans, and the company has created a bridge to the Asian/Pacific communities. He referred to AT&T as "a great company to work for, a good neighbor, and a great corporate citizen." He stated that throughout campuses at AT&T 4A members are working diligently to create a climate that fosters diversity and one that brings convergence to community and culture. Murthy highlighted the fact that the telecom industry is undergoing a "metamorphosis," and AT&T is no doubt feeling the effects of the dramatic telecom changes and challenges. He noted, however, that many opportunities are evolving out of these changes, and Asian/Pacific Americans are seizing the moment to assert themselves by assuming new and active roles in and outside of AT&T. He hailed the achievements of the Asian/Pacific people in and outside of AT&T. He drew the audience's attention to the consideration of some of the great accomplishments made by Asian/Pacific Americans in the field of education, entertainment, and business. He said, Asian/Pacific Americans are leading the charge, thus, "shattering the myths that Asian/Pacific American lack the skills that make them great leaders." However, as Murthy puts it, "there is still a long way for the Asian/Pacific people to go." He pointed to the fact that today at AT&T there are few Asian/Pacific Americans at director and officer levels, hence there is still room for improvements in Asian/Pacific American leadership and visibility in AT&T's corporate boardroom.

Therefore, Murthy outlined that the challenges now for 4A members are: to seize the opportunity to take charge of their own careers, to enhance their professional and leadership skills, to network for success in the workplace and the community, and to develop strategies to contribute to the success of AT&T, and thus contributing to their own individual success. Similarly, he stated that "the challenge for the AT&T business leadership is: to seize this opportunity to make a difference, to provide mentoring to our high potential people, to take chances on individuals so that they can succeed and become role models -- so that others can emulate such partnering to create a new chapter in history. Murthy urged everyone to take into account his or her own developmental goals as well as business needs. He stressed, "partnership is key to success."