Dan Henkle is a smart, successful industry leader who is one of the most humble and accessible people I have ever met. He started his career directly out of college, working for Oracle, and moved to Gap Inc., where he has worked for over 25 years. As soon as he started working for Gap Inc., Dan says he felt an immediate values connection with the management team. Employees were encouraged to share their input, wisdom, and expertise directly with the organization’s leaders.

Dan is currently the President of the Gap Foundation, an organization that leads initiatives in the developing world, as well as hiring programs for low-income youth in the communities where Gap Inc. does business. He also serves as the Senior Vice President of Gap Inc.’s Global Sustainability division. Dan blends cross-cultural awareness with humanness, to improve working conditions for employees in the U.S. and abroad.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:46] What does ‘Bring Your Whole Self to Work’ mean to Dan?

[7:35] Dan lives in the protected bubble of the San Francisco Bay area.

[8:58] Oracle was only 900 people at the time, and Dan was able to work directly with Larry Ellison.

[13:26] Dan felt an instant values connection when he started working for Gap.

[18:23] In the early 90’s Dan initiated an education program for young employees, to inform them about HIV.

[22:52] Dan believes there is greatness in all of us.

[25:58] After 9 years in HR at the Gap, Dan shifted his career to the world of Global Responsibility.

[30:36] Dan worked within many different cultures, but the individuals were driven by the same mission.

[32:52] What did Dan uncover about himself while working cross-culturally?

[35:58] It’s necessary to stay calm and objective when dealing with complex issues.

[37:45] Dan integrated Gap’s global practices into his HR work to drive human-based leadership.

[40:01] The Gap Foundation has two comprehensive signature programs designed to improve the quality of life of women and low-income youth.

[45:48] Dan is grateful for his husband and kids.

 

Resources:

Dan Henkle on Linkedin

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins on Twitter