OutsideVoices with Mark Bidwell

002 Steve Goldstein - Managing for Culture, Snowblowers and Conversation

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Steve Goldstein was the former Chairman & CEO of American Express Bank and the President of the Credit Card Division at Sears. He is also the author of the upcoming book, Why Are There Snow Blowers in Miami? – set to be published in September 6, 2016. Steve is a masterful storyteller and shares key insights as to where companies often fail the most. He also talks on how you can create a company culture with engaged and passionate employees.

Steve Goldstein was the former Chairman & CEO of American Express Bank and the President of the Credit Card Division at Sears. He is also the author of the upcoming book, Why Are There Snow Blowers in Miami? – set to be published in September 6, 2016. Steve is a masterful storyteller and shares key insights as to where companies often fail the most. He also talks on how you can create a company culture with engaged and passionate employees.

What Was Covered
  • 02:05 - What sparked Steve’s desire to break free and write a book?
  • 04:15 - Business books tend to be a bit boring and Steve wanted to change that.
  • 04:30 - Steve interviewed around 16 CEOs in different industries for the book.
  • 06:20 - Stories help people understand concepts better.
  • 08:30 - Does Steve have a repertoire of great stories or do they usually occur at the right moment?
  • 13:10 - Everything at a company starts at the top – good and bad.
  • 13:45 - Company values might be great in theory, but they're often not practiced.
  • 16:55 - People often use lack of time as an excuse.
  • 18:15 - Meetings waste time.
  • 18:55 - There's a fine balance between leading your people vs. managing metrics and hitting targets.
  • 24:15 - What is the solution to having leaders that focus more on the numbers than on their people?
  • 27:45 - Steve shares a story on an interaction he had with a window washer in London.
  • 33:35 - Steve explains why he believes leaders don't talk to their lower-level employees.
  • 36:30 - Why on earth are there snow blowers in Florida? Steve explains.
  • 42:15 - How can you look at the world with fresh eyes?
  • 42:45 - Talk to your employees to find out what's working & what's not working!
  • 44:15 - Create freedom of expression in your work environment and remove fear.
  • 44:50 - If you don't try, you won't fail, but you also won't accomplish anything.
  • 50:50 - How can you make meetings more efficient?
  • 57:45 - What advice would Steve have for his 20-year-old self?

    • FULL SHOW NOTES: http://innovationecosystem.net/steve-goldstein

     

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    OutsideVoices with Mark BidwellBy Mark Bidwell
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