12: Embracing Life As A CEO -- Passion and Impact

12: Embracing Life As A CEO -- Passion and Impact

Gilles Galliou is not your typical CEO. Growing up around farms in his home country of France, Gilles developed a passion for agronomy early on and eventually became a tropical agronomist. After living and working in far-flung places such as Pakistan, Morocco, Germany, and France, he eventually found himself in the U.S. in 2010 as a Vice President with Bayer Environmental Science. Now, as the CEO of Envu, an international leader in environmental science, Gilles leverages the power of culture and teams to bring about innovation while maintaining healthy, safe environments across the globe. In this episode of Course Corrections, Gilles talks about his journey from scientist to CEO and points along the way. He explains that embracing life as a CEO is about maintaining your passion for the business and understanding that the role of a CEO is about having a deliberate impact -- on people and the business -- in the most positive way you can. As he puts it, "one team -- one dream" is what equals success for your team, partners, and customers.

11: Lessons From The Cockpit: Becoming A Leader Of Purpose

For as long as he can remember, Derek Oaks wanted to fly fighters in the Air Force. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, he realized that dream...and then some. He wound up flying the fearsome A-10 "Warthog" close air support fighter -- a friend to "ground pounders" and a nightmare to any enemy tanks foolish enough to challenge it. During his 25 year career in the Air Force, Derek learned a thing or two about leadership and how to be successful in business. In this episode, Neal and Derek unpack these leadership lessons and how to become a leader of purpose. Hint: it starts with having a vision and being able to effectively communicate your vision to your team and stakeholders across the enterprise.

10: The 40 Year Leadership Lesson

Little did Max Stitzer know what the future would have in store for him when he joined the Air Force at 18 as a young one-stripe Airman. His "course correction" came when a mentor urged him to think about finishing college and getting his officer's commission. Now, some 40 years later, recently retired Brigadier General Stitzer talks about his 40 year journey in the Air Force and the lessons he learned along the way. From the flight line and aircraft hangars, to the halls of the Pentagon, Max shares his incredible story of perseverance, family, faith, and service. Many thanks!

9: We're Saving Babies

When Stacy Bell graduated from the University of Virginia with an accounting degree, she never dreamed she'd end up in healthcare. As a seasoned accountant and financial analyst, she used to joke with her family that although the work she was doing was important, they weren't saving babies. Now, it's no longer a joke: she is helping to save babies by way of her work supporting and managing vital real property for one of the largest healthcare systems in the Washington DC metro area. Listen in as Stacy talks about her leadership journey as an auditor, financial analyst, business developer...and now real estate professional in healthcare.

8: The Tireless Business Builder

From his early days fresh out of college, Jim Hundley discovered a passion for building successful businesses. From marine construction, medical devices, and then on to commercial construction, Jim has continually exhibited the drive and entrepreneurial spirit needed to both survive--and thrive--in the business world. In this episode, Jim talks about his journey in construction, being an entrepreneur, and what it takes to be a senior leader in a growing construction enterprise (Thomas Construction). One key to success: focusing on your talent and investing in their growth!