Nobody’s perfect. What quality or ability do you wish you had?
More patience. I don't wait well. Sometimes I take it out on others who don't deserve it and then I have to apologize.
What is the best business book you have ever read, and why?
Stumbling on Happiness, by Daniel Gilbert. The sun can't shine every day. Bad days are occasionally part of the program. Build an infrastructure in your life and in your business to help you through those unavoidable tough days.
Someone you would most like to have met, living or dead, and why?
Whoever initiated and planned the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It's a fascinating 50 year old plot that continues to have a political and socio-economic impact.
What do you consider to be your major achievement (in life or business)?
Being able to adapt throughout my career in meeting changing business conditions. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Who or what do you think is overrated?
Professional athletes get paid far too much money for their actual contribution to society. Ultimately, the fans bear the burden.
What mistakes have you made (professional or otherwise), and what did you learn from them?
Too many mistakes to count. A recurring one is impatience, with myself and others. I have learned not to be quite so hard on myself and to accept less-than-perfect as an occasional part of the program. I also can get quite aggressively defensive in protecting team members from outside criticism.
Which one piece of wisdom would you pass on to your successor?
Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
Who has been your inspiration professionally?
Not sure that I have one. I work to take care of myself and my family, I really enjoy the people I work with, and I can't see myself on any other career path.
How would you like to be remembered after your retirement?
He did more than he promised, under budget and ahead of schedule.
Do you have a quote or motto you live (or work) by?
Do better tomorrow.
