CEO OF THE YEAR.
| Author | Bicknell, Lindsay |
| Position | Cover story |
During the past 12 months, every business has felt the strain of dealing with "the new normal." But these CEOs have not only pulled their company through the hardship of a pandemic, they've dedicated themselves to overcoming the challenge and boldly going where no CEO has gone before.
BROCK BLAKE
CO-FOUNDERS CEO | LENDIO
in linkedin.com/in/brockblake/
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why? Simply put, the most rewarding part of my job is hearing the success stories of the small businesses Lendio is able to help. Being able to see Lendio's impact directly on the lives of small business owners--and their employees, families, and communities--is incredibly rewarding.
How have you adapted to the pandemic and how have you used that to stay competitive? Everything changed with the pandemic. When the federal government approved the Paycheck Protection Program, Lendio readily understood that in order to make the biggest impact, we would have to pivot quickly to help facilitate 100,000 loans for the small business owners who needed them [and] enable lenders with the technology to take PPP loan applications.
JOHNNY HANNA
COFOUNDER 8 CEO | HOMIE
in linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8F%A0johnny-hanna-90036/
If you weren't a CEO, what would you do? I would probably be doing something similar to what I'm doing now. I believe we all have a natural ability to build and create. It's in our DNA. The problem is that fear usually gets in the way. This has been my experience with my previous two businesses. I surrounded myself with others that added value with their unique talents and abilities. Eventually, something worthwhile is created.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job/industry? Why? As Homie, we work every day to make the American dream of homeownership simpler, more affordable and more accessible to everyone. So many rules and regulations have been created to keep the status quo cemented in place. Those that have joined our cause have a strong desire to disrupt and challenge existing practices. As crazy as it may sound, the challenge of overcoming the status quo is part of the reward. It's a fight worth fighting.
CHRIS BAIRD
PRESIDENT 8 CEO | OPTCONNECT
[male] @the_c.b_family
in linkedin.com/ln/chns-baird-85833232/
What is your go-to business strategy? Why? My strategy has always been about putting people first. I believe that human capital is one of the primary elements of any strategic design. Everything we've ever accomplished at OptConnect and all of the significant milestones in my personal life can all be traced back to great people who took the time to remind me that I mattered.
What does success look like to you? I'm afraid I probably have more experience with failure than I do with success but that's ok too. Anyone who knows me well also knows how much I love to celebrate the "little victories" along the way to achieving a larger goal. Success can so often be found by looking in the right places, with the right mindset, and with the correct magnification, can always be found.
CHUCK MAGGALET
CHIEF ADVENTURE GUIDE | MAVERIK--ADVENTURE'S FIRST STOP
in llnkedin.com/in/chuck-maggelet-219319110
What is your go-to business strategy? Why? I always try to ask a good question, listen intently to understand, probe thoughtfully, request a proposed solution, and collaborate on a decision. Also, a little levity and humor go a long way. It's a great way to ensure you're having fun, building the rapport, and creating the culture that everyone wants to be a part of. Life's too short to not have fun at what you do every day.
If you weren't a CEO, what would you do? Perhaps a full-time adventure pilot. I love the challenge and fun on every single flight.
EVAN WALKER
FOUNDER & CEO | ROUTE
in linkedin.com/in/evanwalker/
Who inspires...
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