An insightful exchange with Atlanta leaders about industry, innovation and lessons on achieving success.
Doug Hooker decided decades ago to make “Atlanta his career.” He describes how that has played out since he graduated from Georgia Tech with an engineering degree to eventually become the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission—a planning nonprofit which affects millions of residents across the 11-county metro Atlanta area. Hooker is also an accomplished musician and describes his leadership style as harmonious.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dick Sullivan is president and CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore, one of the nation’s largest golf retailers. The industry grew 60% during the pandemic as consumers sought outdoor recreation. Hear how the company managed to score despite Covid-19, and how a nearly 30-year relationship with The Home Depot co-founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank have affected Sullivan's leadership philosophy and his company’s performance.
Judy Monroe is president and CEO of the CDC Foundation—an organization that connects the public health agency with corporate and non-profit support. She says during the pandemic, she leaned on lessons learned from her early career as a practicing physician in Appalachia, where she saw how “magical” caring for others can be. She also discusses how Covid-19 caused her to rediscover the importance of self-care as a leadership tool.
Aisha “Pinky” Cole is the founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan ATL, a restaurant concept that regularly draws crowds (vegan and meat-eaters alike) that wrap around the block. Cole’s entrepreneurial roots run deep. And her background in television and food service also proves to be key ingredients to her company’s success. Since launching in 2018, Slutty Vegan has opened two locations and has plans for three more in the not too distant future.
Jeff Pollock is managing principal at Pollock Commercial. He started his commercial real estate firm in 2009 during the Great Recession. But during another crisis period, Covid-19, he says he’s learned lessons about leading with a positive mindset and the importance of being supportive of clients and employees. He also shares how Atlanta is well-positioned to continue to attract businesses to the region."
Josh Clark is head of school at the Schenck School which focuses on educating students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Although an educator by trade, Clark says he learned a tremendous amount about leadership during Covid-19. One of his strategies for success was focusing on the school’s mission, those things that “can never change” regardless of the pandemic or any other outside challenges.
Shan Cooper’s leadership style is deeply rooted in her upbringing. The long-time Atlanta business leader and executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress says she learned from her parents—local church leaders— how to serve, listen, reach out and face challenges head on. One of her secrets for success--getting up every day “choosing” to be happy and content.
For Stewart “Stew” Chisam, CEO of Hi-Rez Studios, video gaming is about achieving “Victory Together.” That’s not just the company’s new brand identity, it’s a reminder of its mission. Chisam says Hi-Rez, the publisher of video game hits including SMITE and Paladins, aims to unite competitors to form a strong gaming community.
At Gas South, everybody may not know your name, but you can bet the CEO does. Kevin Greiner leads nearly 400 people as the president and CEO of Gas South. He says knowing his employees is an important part of the business. Gas South has grown in recent years. In 2020, it purchased Infinite Energy, expanding its service area to six states with more than 425,000 natural gas customers.