Month: August 2018

Tom Murphy, Former Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.

Post author By David Novak
Post date 08/30/2018

Thomas S. Murphy is an American broadcast executive, and is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus of Capital Cities / ABC, Inc. Murphy helped engineer the 1986 acquisition of the American Broadcasting Company in 1986 for $3.5 billion. Murphy, who served as President and Chief Executive of ABC until 1994, are credited with increasing the profitability and efficiency of ABC. Tom Murphy is a member of board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway, General Housewares Corp., Texaco, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and IBM Corporation and a Life Trustee and Honorary Vice Chair of New York University.
[bctt tweet=”“Most of all, it’s important to love what you’re doing.””]

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This great resource will help you along the way, during or after you listen to the podcast. Not only will you get to know our guest, you will be asked tough questions to really spearhead your journey to becoming a better leader! And look below for more insights and clips!!

Shareable Insights

From Podcast Action Journal

Tom took his first leadership role after graduating college. He went to work for Texaco in a salesman position. The job not only taught him about business but also how to lead well. He says you have to be fair with people; when you are fair, your team will respect you.
(5:09-6:27)

Have you ever worked with someone you didn’t respect?

He never had trouble giving up control; he knew one man couldn’t run a company. He made sure to hire smart people and he rarely had disappointments. Because of this, his workers felt they were part of a team and that they were building something.
(14:00-14:53)

Are there any aspects of your role that involve handing over authority? Is that difficult or easy for you?
What are the benefits of giving autonomy to others?

Podcast

Gary Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines

Post author By David Novak
Post date 08/16/2018

Gary Kelly serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines. Under Gary’s leadership, Southwest has grown to become the nation’s largest airline in terms of originating domestic passengers carried and is a mainstay on Fortune magazine’s list of the most admired companies in the world, ranking eighth in 2018.
[bctt tweet=”“You have to be good at what you do, in addition to really loving what you do.””]

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Shareable Insights

From Podcast Action Journal

One of the mistakes Gary made as CEO was being too aggressive in believing what could be accomplished in a short time period. Companies need adequate time and resources. Gary learned this the hard way. It doesn’t pay to overcommit to more than your company is capable of.
(11:50-14:00)

What goal or project are you currently trying to accomplish? What is an adequate time frame to complete it?

Southwest is successful because they focus on the basics. The culture Gary promotes within the company is all about knowing their people and treating them like family. They are there for each other in the good times and the tough times. The leadership makes sure to celebrate accomplishments and reward employees. Gary says recognition can’t overcome lack of a genuine relationship.
(24:56-27:33)

In your opinion, what kinds of principles make a work culture great?
What can you improve about the culture where you work?

Podcast

Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America

Post author By David Novak
Post date 08/02/2018
1 Comment on Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America

Pete Bevacqua is the CEO of PGA of America. He guides the business and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving the Association’s nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals. Under his leadership, the PGA has designed and implemented a long-term strategic plan that is focused on the Association’s mission to serve the PGA Member and grow the game. The plan outlines the PGA’s strategic vision and eight core Member-focused and business-related initiatives. It also defines the PGA’s constant pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation and collaboration, the teamwork and talent exhibited in its culture, and a devotion to diversity and inclusion throughout the Association.

NOTE: Shortly after the recording of this podcast, Pete Bevacqua assumed the position of President of NBC Sports Group. Congratulations Pete!

[bctt tweet=”“People want to be heard, they want to be acknowledged, they want to be recognized, and they want to be taken seriously.””]

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Shareable Insights

From Podcast Action Journal

Pete recalls a difficult situation when he had to terminate the President of the PGA because of his unsavory comments on social media.
Pete recognizes the responsibility involved in being a leader. When you lead an organization, you are representing a group of people. You must be careful with everything you say because your voice matters.
(32:28-34:31)

Have you ever said something and later wished you could take it back?
In what ways do you use your voice to represent those you lead?

Pete tries to create a culture of innovation and collaboration with his team. As a leader, he wants people to perceive him as approachable, which is why he has an open door policy.
He doesn’t pressure people to be perfect all the time. “If we aren’t making some mistakes, we are playing it too safe,” Pete says. That’s why he pushes the organization to the point of being almost uncomfortable.
(37:21-39:17)

How do you want your team members to perceive you?
Why should organizations avoid becoming too comfortable?