If you could teach a college class, what would it be called? And what would it cover?
It would be called Common Cents and would cover the basics of financial literacy and investment in your future. Too many people have no real savings or understanding of how to plan for retirement. Capturing them when they are young is critical to creating a repeatable habit.
What can’t you live without?
I can’t live without French vanilla creamer. The coffee is just an excuse to drink the creamer.
What is the best business advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve received was “complete the transaction.” It’s a simple statement that conveys a lot. It’s a no frills, no excuses way of thinking about doing what you say you’re going to do and completing the task. It helps keep me going when I’m stuck on something.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
I ran a marathon without really training for it. I signed up because my dad said I never finished anything I started, and I wanted to prove him wrong. Well, after not training, race day came, and I had to do it. I dragged myself over the 26.2 miles and didn’t stop once because I was going to prove I could finish something. I think my joints are still messed up to this day, and I’ll never run another one. But I finished it.
What is the smartest marketing, communications or PR thing you’ve ever done?
Hiring people much smarter than I am and letting them loose. Too many leaders are afraid of hiring talented people because of some fear of looking foolish or being replaced. Smart leaders don’t worry about that pettiness.
Who is the person you most admire?
I had a neighbor growing up who was a former Army Ranger. He was married to the same woman for 45 years and was always kind and polite to us. After retiring as the CIO of a Fortune 1000 company, he volunteered his time mentoring junior high kids. He’s not famous or popular, but it’s hard not to admire the life he led.
What is your motto or favorite quote? Where is it from?
“When I see the sea once more, will the sea have seen or not seen me?” – from a poem by Pablo Neruda.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be?
I would probably be a lawyer. I debated for two years whether to pursue law or marketing in college. Probably should have picked law. :)
Eight questions with… is an occasional series where we ask marketers to share a little of their professional and personal insights. To suggest someone you’d like us to ask eight questions – or to answer them yourself! – go to https://arketi.com/8questions.
