Greg Brenneman is Home Depot’s Lead Board Director and Executive Chairman of CCMP Capital, one of the world’s leading private equity firms. His three decades of C-Suite experience include the highest-profile business turnarounds of all time.
As the CEO of Continental Airlines — a position he accepted when he was only 33 years old — Continental went from ranking last among all US airlines in key customer service metrics to 18th on Fortune’s list of “Best Companies to Work For.” He continued this trend as the CEO of Burger King, PwC Consulting, and Quiznos.
“You can’t afford to think too much during a turnaround,” Greg said, “Time is tight; money is tighter. If you sit around devising elegant and complex strategies and then try to execute them through a series of flaw-less decisions, you’re doomed.”
His acclaimed Harvard Business review article “Right Away and All At Once: How We Saved Continental” led to his book teaching his five steps to transform your business and enrich your life.
As a golfer and as a leader, Greg knows how important it is not to let one bad shot, or one bad moment, turn into two. In this episode, he teaches us how to ask better questions and get comfortable saying the three most uncommon words in the English language: “I don’t know.”
You will learn:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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