“If you said…What do you think is the indispensable value of leadership? I would say it is to be selfless…to sacrifice for the good of others. To be willing to give without expecting something in return. Because the beauty is in the giving.”

Michael K. Powell is the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 and appointed Chairman by President George W. Bush in 2001, serving until 2005.

During his time as FCC chair, Chairman Powell oversaw the rapid transformation of communications markets into the Digital Age. During his tenure, the Internet came into widespread commercial use, as did smart phones, Wi-Fi networks and satellite radio. In his current role as President & CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Mr. Powell leads one of the largest trade associations in Washington, D.C., representing the communications and content industries. Prior public service includes Chief of Staff of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and service as an armored cavalry officer in U.S. Army. In the private sector he practiced law and was a senior advisor in a private equity firm. Chairman Powell also served on the public boards of Cisco and AOL.

Chairman Powell serves on several nonprofit boards. He is the Chairman of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of America’s Promise Alliance and serves on the William & Mary Foundation Board.

Powell received his bachelor’s degree in government from William & Mary and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. He holds honorary doctorate degrees from William & Mary, Pepperdine University and Mayo Clinic Alex School of Medicine and Marymount University.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Be a steward.
• Leave everything better than you found it.
• Be human centered.
• Take care of the souldiers.
• Add a layer of intimacy.
• Consider methods of caring: Hand written note, drop off a gift, send a text.
• Give without strings attached.
• Share knowledge and experience.
• Who am I? Who do I want to be? 
• What is a good life? Are you on a path to have one? – Aristotle
• Everyone you see is suffering. You can go and help – Buddha
• Perpetual Optimism – 13th Rule 

Resources:

• NCTA | https://www.ncta.com/people/michael-powell
• FCC | https://www.fcc.gov/biography-michael-k-powell
• Michael’s eulogy for his Father, Secretary Colin L. Powell 
• Colin Powell’s 13 Rules of Leadership
• The Road to Character by David Brooks

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 
N.D.I. Network Diversity Index

What is your Generosity Style? 
Generosity Quiz

Credits:

Michael Powell, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 168, with Shannon Cassidy for a Generous Leadership Coaching Tip.