98. Frank Blake – You Get What You Recognize and Celebrate

“I worked at GE for Jack Welch…I asked him what is the single most important characteristic of a leader. … His answer was: Generosity…He said leaders need to be fueled by the success of the people who work for them.” — Frank Blake

Guest Bio:

Frank Blake served as Chairman and CEO of The Home Depot from January 2007 through November 2014, and then as chairman through January 2015. Frank joined The Home Depot in 2002 as executive vice president, business development and corporate operations.

Frank previously served as deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy. Prior to that, he served in a variety of executive roles at General Electric, including senior vice president, Corporate Business Development.

Frank’s public sector experience also includes having served as general counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, deputy counsel to Vice President George Bush and law clerk to Justice Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Frank serves on the board of directors for the Georgia Aquarium, Macy’s and is currently serving as Chairman of the Delta Air Lines board. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Trustees at Agnes Scott College and recently completed tenure on the Proctor & Gamble and Grady Hospital Boards. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a jurisprudence degree from Columbia University School of Law.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

1. Get outside of yourself and take action
2. Nominate someone for a Thank You Award

Resources:

• Frank Blake – Wikipedia
• CrazyGoodTurns.org
• Thank You Award ($50 to anyone you thank)
• David Novak – Yum Brands episode from Crazy Goods Turns
  
• Network Diversity Index Quiz
  

Coming Next:

Episode 99 Building Bridges episode with Shannon Cassidy will focus on Emotional Intelligence

Credits:

Frank Blake, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.