Home: Plano, TX. Age: Mid-fifties. Birthplace: Kansas. Profession: Retired software CEO, currently chairing a Vistage CEO peer group. Significant other: My wife. Alma mater: University of Kansas.
Current project: Building better leaders. Recent professional development: Becoming a certified executive coach. Latest accomplishment: Helping several CEOs expand their employee engagement programs. Latest contribution to others: Working with members to help them reach their goals. Last book read: The Road Less Stupid, by Keith Cunningham. Recently viewed and recommended: My own YouTube video about founding the Vistage group in DFW.
Personality profile: Innovative, disciplined, caring, results driven. What one word or phrase would your closest friend use to describe you? Intellectually curious. Moral compass: Treating others as you would want to be treated; helping to make the world a better place. How do you define a perfect friendship? Humor, activities and supportiveness. What is your greatest joy? Coaching executives to become better leaders. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Process check. What’s essential to success in your profession? Say less, ask open ended questions, give space for clients to solve the problems themselves. How do you relieve stress? Walking, physical activities and sports; a cold beer. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Family, friends and activities.
What was your favorite college course? Physics and Economics. What book have you repeatedly read? 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; Good to Great; The Advantage. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Prepare. You make your own luck by being educated and prepared. What company or organization do you most admire? Berkshire Hathaway. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Founding my software company and later selling it to a private equity firm.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Listening more and asking impactful questions.
What change would you like to see in the world? More compassion and teamwork. What message do you want to send out into the world? We’re only here for a short time, so work to make the world a better place. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media that thrives on hate.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Building and Growing. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jason Bateman. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Outside, with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Be more patient.
Personal mission: To make the world a little better by enriching the lives of others. Personal motto: Listen well, work hard and enjoy each day. Favorite quote: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” (Michael Jordan).
