Business In Focus
A closer look at companies executing leadership excellence
“The recipe for success is good work. Do good work and you will get work. There is no other way.” – William Barclay Peat
This advice, delivered by one of KPMG’s founders William Barclay Peat, remains as relevant for the firm today as it was a century ago. You might think that getting hired at an accounting giant of over 30,000 global employees requires attention to detail and a knack for numbers. At KPMG, it also requires heart.
In 2014, the company launched an initiative aimed at inspiring its workforce to reframe and elevate the meaning and purpose of their work. It started with a simple question, “What do you do at KPMG?” and a video that answered: “We Shape History!” The video was shared with employees along with an app that enabled all team members to create and share digital posters for a 10,000 Stories Challenge.
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Leadership
Great leaders are in short supply. According to a global study conducted by Harvard Business Review, only 15% of companies in North America and Asia believe that they have enough qualified successors for key positions.
If your leadership bench needs filling, a San Diego-based nonprofit called The Honor Foundation (THF) may be your answer. According to Founder Joe Musselman, THF was created in 2013 to bridge the transition for retiring Navy SEALs and other members of the Special Ops forces.
Today, nearly 350 men and women from all branches of the Special Ops community have graduated from THF campuses in San Diego, Virginia Beach and Camp Lejeune. This world-class, 120-hour MBA-style program immerses participants in a wide range of subjects including Purpose, Emotional Intelligence, Leveraging Strengths, Challenging Communications, Resume Building, and Corporate Culture.
On December 7, 2018, THF graduated its 17th class. Men and women who have served our country with honor now have the tools they need to confidently enter the workforce with pride and a sure footing. Here are eight members of the graduating class to give you a sample of this elite talent pool.
1. Justin Acerboni, Leader, Problem Solver, Relationship Builder
What he brings to the team: I have spent the last 11 years challenging myself every day to perform at the highest level possible. I developed the skill to truly lead people. I have the ability to lead cross-functional teams built on trust and developed through meaningful relationships. I am a change agent, adept at identifying problems and implementing processes to swiftly overcome any obstacle.
What he’s looking for: A company and culture that embraces the same community and values I have grown accustomed to; diverse teams that perform under pressure and always accomplishing the job.
Education: Masters of Business Administration, Finance, University of Redlands
2. Nicholas Bellenbaum, Experienced Leader, Program Manager, Training/Talent Development
What he brings to the team: I have a passion for building relationships, developing talent, inspiring and helping others. I am an effective communicator who demonstrates strength in delivering clear program and training objectives and goals to cross-functional teams. Years of experience managing multi-million dollar, complex programs in evolving fast-paced environments.
What he’s looking for: I am looking forward to utilizing my vast global experience in managing multi-cultural programs.
Education: University of Maryland University College, Bachelor of Science, Criminology
3. Tom DeJarnette, Executive Organizational Leader, Cross-Functional Integrator, Change Manager, Team Builder, Performance Optimizer
What he brings to the team: I’m a proven leader, manager, problem solver, and relationship builder with over 20 years working in high stress/no fail environments. I’ve produced superior results in building teams, establishing new programs, managing multi-stakeholder projects, and ensuring healthy and resilient working environments throughout.
What he’s looking for: My goal is to lead high-performance teams in ambiguous environments.
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Double Major, English/Economics, University of South Carolina-Columbia, UCMC Command of Staff, Masters of Military Science
4. Robert Hentzen, Senior Director, MSGL, SPHR, PgMP, PMP, ACP, Organizational & Talent Development, Risk Mitigation
What he brings to the team: Over 20 years’ experience leading and training cross-functional teams to achieve high-risk program/project objectives ranging in size from 2 to 1,300 employees and up to $150M. Active Clearance: TS/SCI Certified: SPHR, PgMP, PMP, ACP (Agile).
What he’s looking for: The ability to develop and enable selfless leaders that are driven to help others exceed their expectations.
Education: Master of Science, Business (Global Leadership), University of San Diego
5. Jerry Holmes, Executive Leadership, Team Building, Operations Management, Process Improvement
What he brings to the team: My proven global management and leadership experience will drive unsurpassed success at all levels within an organization as a result of effective team building and a focus on operational management.
What he’s looking for: My true passion is people and I am looking for a company that will challenge me as I develop future leaders, build high functioning teams, and create a culture that brings only the best to our front door.
Education: Executive Leadership Course, Senior Enlisted Academy, U.S. Naval War College
6. Steve Milgazo, Executive Experience, Strategic Thinker, Servant Leader
What he brings to the team: Driven by an intense desire to cut through inefficiencies and dysfunctional systems, I thrive in ambiguity, naturally parsing through clutter to develop vision and strategic outcomes for the development of optimal organizations.
What he’s looking for: I am mission driven, and my next mission is to help organizations build resiliency so they ride the wave of technology and not be buried under it. To do this we must optimize, strategize and adapt culture so organizations can adapt to rapid technological advancements, and create an environment for people to thrive as individuals. This is what preparing to win looks like.
Education: Master of Science, Information Systems & Operations, Naval Postgraduate School
7. Ryan Weitzel, Sr. Facilitator, Culture Driver, Organizational Developer, Team Builder, Student of Strategic and Servant Leadership
What he brings to the team: Polished leader, experienced at designing and facilitating courses for diverse, cross-functional teams in the United States and abroad.
What he’s looking for: Developing and working with high-functioning teams through servant leadership is my passion. I endeavor to utilize my leadership skills and unique experience to mentor leaders, positively impact organizational culture and deliver results by helping others thrive.
Education: Master of Science, Strategic Leadership, School of Business & Leadership, University of Charleston
8. Jason Witbeck, Team Builder, Mentor, Investor
What he brings to the team: Over ten years of leadership service with a proven track record of solving problems and building trust. Strong leader and effective communicator with demonstrated high performance in high stress environments.
What he’s looking for: Exploring a variety of fields and opportunities to contribute to a team that can take advantage of his skillset and experience. He has been interning in the fields of finance and commercial real estate, and is drawn to further explore a career in Private Equity.
Education: Masters Degree, Business Administration & Management, University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business
If your organization could benefit from purpose-driven, flexible problem solvers, there is no more elite group of talent than the graduates of The Honor Foundation. Contact The Honor Foundation here to learn more about employing, mentoring, coaching and sponsorship opportunities for this world-class program.
Question: How could your team benefit by adding a member with Special Operations experience?
Driven by the premise that excellence is the result of aligning people, purpose and performance, Center for Executive Excellence facilitates training in leading self, leading teams and leading organizations. To learn more, subscribe to receive CEE News!
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People
“Please let me know if you would have an interest in dropping into a room of Navy SEALs and coaching them.” That was the message I received on July 21, 2016, from someone named Philip Dana through a LinkedIn request to connect.
“Hi Phil,” I replied, “You certainly know how to get my attention. Let’s meet for coffee.” That was the beginning of my journey this year into the world of The Honor Foundation. THF is a non-profit organization headquartered in San Diego that helps former Navy SEALs and other elite U.S. Special Operations Forces transition out of military service and into the corporate world.
THF is a world-class, 120-hour program started by CEO Joe Musselman out of a combination of desperation and drive to serve others. In 2012, Joe was faced with the most difficult transition of his life. He had enlisted in the Navy with a dream to become a Navy SEAL. While in training one day, Joe sustained a serious injury. By nightfall, he was medically discharged. The next 12 months led Joe through rehabilitation and the discovery of dozens of other members of the SEAL community who were in serious need of help to transition out of military service and into the civilian world.
As he dug further into the issue, Joe found that just 13% of SEALs had job offers when they got out of the service. He compared this to the 98% of Wharton MBA graduates who received 2-3 job offers upon graduation. Even those SEALs who did find employment often moved from job to job in the first five years after transitioning. That was the injustice that Joe set out to correct in 2013.
Last week, THF graduated its 9th group of Special Operations Forces in a ceremony at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. 32 men and 1 woman who have served our country with honor now have the tools they need to confidently enter the workforce with pride and a sure-footing. They are prepared to take the leap of faith that the civilian world will honor their service, embrace their elite training, and place them in positions worthy of their talents.
It is my honor to introduce you to ten members of the Group 9 graduating class, and to invite you to learn more about how you can employ, mentor, coach or donate to this amazing organization.
1. Phil Gilreath, “Seeking new challenges in the San Diego area.”
Areas of Interest: Operations Management, Project Management, Leadership, Strategic Planning
Experience: From leading small units to leading an operations department and the strategic long term planning for an organization of over 750 people, I have had the opportunity to work with amazingly talented performers at multiple organizational levels.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, History
Availability: Phil transitions from the Marine Corps in December of 2016
2. Bob Howell, “I want to create a better environment for my kids through environmental overhaul.”
Areas of interest: To provide ethical leadership to organizations that have a responsibility to improve the environment.
Experience: Responsible for task management and primary assignments of a 3500-person work force with direct oversight of 8 global subordinate units. Chairman of the “Issue Resolution Board” to establish priority and tracking of operations initiatives. Negotiated or approved contracts with suppliers, distributors, federal and state agencies. Approved all out of budget and discretionary funding.
Education: The Honor Foundation
Availability: Bob transitions from the Navy in January of 2017
3. Anthony Alessi, “Thrives in competitive environments with high stakes.”
Areas of Interest: Technology as a solution to environmental change. Renewable energy, emerging technologies, automation in vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, wireless charging, and a people-centric corporate culture.
Experience: Collaborated effectively to integrate tactics within a team in order to maximize unit cohesion, standardize operating procedures and expand capabilities.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Economics
Availability: Anthony transitions from the Navy in March 2017
4. Blake Campbell, “I love to win, but love winning with my teammates even more.”
Areas of interest: A small business with good values, fun, and down to earth culture.
Experience: Unsurpassed focus and motivation. Ability to lead, mentor, and continuously learn. Proven management of million dollar + assets with zero discrepancies.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Business Strategies (2017)
Availability: Blake transitions from the Navy in March of 2017
5. Louis Godeaux, “Cross-Functional Team Leader, Senior Program Manager”
Areas of Interest: Seeking a leadership position in a visionary organization that values cutting-edge designs and solutions.
Experience: Senior technical program leader responsible for integration management across multiple cross-functional teams. Analytical activator with demonstrated ability to solve complex problems in high-stakes environments.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Information Technology-Security
Availability: Louis transitions from the Navy in March of 2017
6. Nate Lampert, “Proven operational leader, who motivates, empowers, and develops teams to achieve in difficult environments.”
Areas of Interest: To work for a dynamic company where people first, innovation, and environmental stewardship are essential ethos of the organizational culture, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.
Experience: Senior operational advisor to executive leadership in formulation of plans, personnel requirements, and procedural guidance covering a personnel network over 12 Pacific nations from Sri Lanka to Indonesia. Managed security and human resource operations for a 100-man unit; established training plans and directed the operational activities for information gathering and employment of new technologies.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Intelligence Studies
Availability: Nate transitions from the Marines in the summer of 2017
7. Kelsy Holle, “Determined to create positive changes in the educational opportunities of students with autism.”
Areas of Interest: Non-profit, education and training
Experience: As a strategist I have synthesized data to create tangible, actionable information and increase operational capabilities. As a personnel manager I identified each person’s strengths to allow each member of the team to perform at their highest level.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology
Availability: Kelsy transitions from the Navy in October of 2017
8. Floyd McClendon, Jr., “Experienced, inspirational public speaker with a purpose to positively affect peoples’ lives. Passionate about initiatives that will develop those who are struggling socially, mentally, and/or physically.”
Areas of Interest: Currently seeking a position in the public service sector with the long-term aspiration of holding a seat in the legislative and/or executive branch.
Experience: Director of Operations responsible to plan, coordinate, command, control, and conduct operations in support of operations, strategic initiatives, and contingencies.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Liberal Arts
Availability: Floyd transitions from the Navy in the fall of 2017
9. Mark Mason, “A proven leader who loves to network and inspire teams toward shared goals. Excited about the opportunity of solving enterprise-wide problems. High-performance organizational experience building a mastery of a diverse range of technical, tactical, and strategic skills, which transfer seamlessly to private sector needs.”
Areas of Interest: To pursue a career that allows him to continue to build, train, and lead high performance teams, preferably in the San Diego area.
Experience: 26 years of Team Building, Organizational Leadership, Servant Leadership, Public Speaking, Curriculum Design, Conflict Resolution, Leadership Development, Risk Management, Operational Management, and Data Analysis
Education: Master’s Degree, Organizational Leadership
Availability: Mark plans to transition from the Navy in December of 2017
10. Ray Jobi, “I am a passionate learner who adds the extra to ordinary.”
Areas of Interest: Project Management, Commercial Real Estate
Experience: Repeated success guiding sizeable, cross-functional teams in the design and development of critical projects in a dynamic environment. The ability to forge solid relationships with strategic partners and build consensus across multiple organizational levels.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Organizational Leadership (2017)
Availability: Ray transitions from the Navy in October of 2018
If you feel inspired to employ, mentor, or coach a member of this elite group, or be a THF sponsor, please fill out this online form directly on their website. Someone will be in touch with you soon. Thank you for your support!
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Leadership
Over the past 10 years, I have been honored to explore and debate the essence of power with Dr. Tony Baron. Specifically, how power impacts leadership, how leadership impacts culture, and, ultimately, how culture impacts performance.
With a double doctorate in psychology and theology and decades of executive coaching experience with Fortune 100 companies, you can imagine the depth and breadth that Tony adds to the subject. We are currently co-authoring a book that combines Tony’s scholarship and my straight talk about the challenges faced by today’s leaders. Meanwhile, I will be sharing guest posts by Tony over the next several months to give you a taste of what it’s like to have an amazing colleague and friend like Tony Baron. – Sheri Nasim
I have been fortunate to know many C-level leaders who have refused to trick, con, swindle, defraud, bamboozle, or dupe their employees and their customers. To them, a handshake meant something and their word was their bond. Aware that they have a responsibility to be a conscientious and competent steward within the company, they acknowledge their commitment to the public trust. Most of these leaders have never made the cover of Harvard Business Review, Time, or Newsweek but they have received the highest level of respect by their colleagues.
Yet, for many, their integrity came with a price. Some of these character-first leaders were fired, didn’t get promoted, harassed, smeared, or moved to another company prematurely because of their integrity.
I have also known a few executives who have cheated on their spouses, intimidated their employees, and intentionally deceived their customers for corporate profit and personal gain. Skilled in the art of positive public displays, those within the corporate inner circle knew the reality but feared for their jobs or bought into the illusion for their own gain. Some of these leaders were so good at covering their deceit that I too was fooled, sadly to say, for a while.
Yes, these leaders reach astounding heights and public admiration. But over time, their lack of integrity catches up with them. When it does, the costs are even higher. Ask Volkswagen. Last summer, Volkswagen made front page news by surpassing Toyota as the world’s largest auto maker. This June, Volkswagen agreed to pay up to $14.7 billion to settle a case of defrauding the public and the U.S. government for diesel emission tests. An additional $10 billion will be spent by the automaker to buy back or modify VW and Audi vehicles. The largest automaker settlement in United States history also added another $2.7 billion into a trust fund to assist with environmental and emission programs.
According to James Robert Liang, Volkwagen’s former Leader of Diesel Competence (yes, that was his title), they knew about the deception from the very beginning and their efforts were focused on improving the devices so the deception could continue. The lack of integrity has cost Liang his career as he pled guilty to wire fraud, violating the Clean Air Act, and defrauding the government. He will soon be sentenced for up to five years plus pay a potential fine of $250,000. In addition, Liang’s testimony could lead to indictments of a much broader swath of VW engineers and management.
The hard fact is that, if you want to be a leader with integrity, there is always a cost. Most of the corporate world is busy acquiring and protecting power and using people as instruments. When you choose not to sacrifice your integrity within that system, there will be a price to pay. But, it will never cost you guilt, shame, or remorse.
Transformative leaders know that building a high-trust organization starts by looking in the mirror. Organizations in which leaders have personal integrity are those that build trusted interpersonal relationships. Rather than personal profit and public adoration, they focus on making a sustainable and significant impact on the lives and livelihood of others.
Dr. Tony Baron is Distinguished Scholar-In-Residence at Center for Executive Excellence and an internationally recognized speaker, writer, corporate consultant, professor and the San Diego Director of Azusa Pacific University Graduate School of Theology.
Dr. Baron is the author of six books, including The Art of Servant Leadership and a workbook manual co-written with noted author and business leader Ken Blanchard. Throughout his career, he has worked with hundreds of companies including Ford Motor Company, Coca Cola Company, Warner Brothers Studios, and Boeing, among many others.
Driven by the premise that excellence is the result of aligning people, purpose and performance, Center for Executive Excellence facilitates training in leading self, leading teams and leading organizations. To learn more, visit us today at www.executiveexcellence.com or subscribe to receive CEE News!
Join us April 27, 2017 for our Annual Re:Imagine Leadership Summit! Learn how your organization can meet the demands of rapid change by creating a culture that can respond swiftly, communicate freely, encourage experimentation, and organize as a network of people motivated by a shared purpose! To be added to our registration list, please email info@executiveexcellence.com
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Purpose
We read a lot about commitments this time of year. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, just 71% of people who made resolutions 12 days ago are still keeping them. By the end of the year, only 8% typically succeed in keeping New Year’s their resolutions. If you’re among those who have trouble keeping commitments to yourself, you may be sabotaging your own success.
To learn why, ask yourself these questions from the PULSE© model used by Wellness Specialist Jenny Jacobs:
1. What is your tendency to control or be controlled? In Get Unstuck and Shift That Paradigm, Jacobs says that we all have an internal paradigm that helps us justify what we believe and how we feel. Some people believe that most things that happen in their life – both good and bad – are under their control. Others believe that they have no control and are victims of their world. According to Jacobs, “There are things in life we can control and things we cannot. It is imperative to differentiate between these circumstances to truly achieve a balanced paradigm.”
2. Do your unique strengths need excavating? In Unearth Your Unique Strengths, Jacobs states that every one of us has unique strengths that we may not be tapping into. She writes, “Your life is a series of events that leaves a context. Each layer or event has made you who you are today. The exciting thing is that the strengths and character traits you possess are still present. The precious gifts that lie within you don’t disappear. They may become squelched or hindered but they still exist.”
3. Are you focused on the present? In How To Linger in the Present, Jacobs suggests that we tend to dwell in doubt, fear, and bitterness – none of which have to do with the present moment. She says, “Living in the present is not about making plans for the future. It is making right choices in the present that lead you into the future in a more empowering way. But, it’s not an easy task. You literally have to tell your brain to STOP. Focus on the present. Focus on the sound of your breath. Focus on what is happening now and embrace it.”
4. Are you letting excuses run your life? Jacobs warns in 4 Ways to Surpass that Auto-Pilot Lifestyle not to wait for conditions to be perfect to start making changes. “Don’t wait until everything is just right. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. You won’t enjoy your life if you don’t enjoy your challenges.”
5. What is holding me back from experiencing right now? Ever driven home from work and pull into the driveway with no memory of the drive? Do you remember what you had for dinner last night? Don’t allow your life to be an endless stream of unrecorded moments. “Experience your life. Engage in your experiences. Get back in touch with the everyday-ness of your life,” Jacobs says in The Power to Act and Seize the Day.
Jacobs’ PULSE© model is an antidote to the resolution cycle. It’s a way to connect with who you are, where you are, and why you do what you do on a daily basis. When you can do that, you’ll never need to make another New Year’s resolution for the rest of your life.
Question: Do you know someone who regularly keeps their commitments? Are they more in touch with their daily behavior?
Join me and Jenny Jacobs this Thursday, April 14th in San Diego from
5:30-7:30 p.m. for RE:FRESH 2016! We will welcome 2016 in refreshing ways and rethink how we approach New Year’s resolutions. Learn more and register here: https://execexcellence.wpengine.com/refresh2016/
“The recipe for success is good work. Do good work and you will get work. There is no other way.” – William Barclay Peat
