The last six years have been a leadership masterclass of sorts, at the Bob Wetherbee Wetherbee School for Lucky Communicators. Bob was named CEO the day after my second interview, making mine an easy decision to join ATI. If you know him, you know what I mean.
I’ve learned so much from Bob, but one experience stands out. Early in my tenure, he invited me to an meeting with the executive team, about a strategic confidential topic. I listened and I wondered, but I was not prepared for what would happen at the end of the meeting. Bob went around the table and asked, “Do you have what you need to be successful?” As you can imagine, it was a rapid fire succession of yeses. As it got closer to my turn, I started to panic. Clearly, everyone else got it. But… I was lost. And I was there to develop the communications strategy to carry it forward. Did I mention I’m a terrible liar?
Bob got to me and I took a deep breath and said the understatement of the day. “Actually, I have some questions.” Bob didn’t even hesitate when he responded, “No problem. Let’s find time to go over it again.” Perhaps not coincidentally, a few who followed me around the table also needed a bit more to be successful. We all continued the conversation. I’d like to believe that our tremendous implementation was because we all took the time — and had the confidence — to put in place what we needed.
So what’s my takeaway? Find your voice. Give others a voice. Ask questions. Listen. Success doesn’t come by luck. But you can be lucky to work with the right people.
As to the future, we go forward with certainty. Our entire team has been studying at their own Bob masterclasses…. and Kimberly Fields has been a star in the Bob School for Future CEOs. As you’ll see in this video, we’re building on our strong foundation.
As CEO, Bob Wetherbee built a culture of success and long-term growth at ATI.
We thank Bob for all he has done, and look forward to building on his success for generations to come.
Wepa! Congrats!