CXO of the Year.

• Author: Bicknell, Lindsay

The C-Suite does more than just manage a company, they lead through times of uncertainty and make the hard decisions that impact the company's future. Now more than ever we need strong leaders to guide our businesses forward and these are the leaders doing just that. Meet our 2020 CXO of the Year honorees.

Brent Lowell Neidig, CHIEF OFFICER & MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHINA, USANA HEALTH SCIENCES

in www.linkedin.com/in/brentneidig

What app most changed your life? Podcasts and Audible.

Who inspires you? Elon Musk. It's inspiring to see someone so passionate and committed to his/her goals. His enormous will was, at times, the only thing that kept his companies afloat. If more people pursued big audacious goals like Elon, this world would be a very different place.

What book made the biggest impact on you? Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Keams Goodwin. There are too many leadership lessons to count within this book, and it gave me an immense appreciation for the sacrifices of so many who have come before us.

Brian Pugh, SVP OF ENGINEERING, LUCID

in www.linkedin.com/in/briancpugh/

What app most changed your life? My podcast streaming app. Fifteen or so years ago, I began listening to podcasts and have been showing what could be described as addictive behavior ever since.

What book made the biggest impact on you? Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. An insight from that book has stuck with me for decades: No matter what someone does to me, what the world inflicts upon me, or what circumstance I find myself in, there is one freedom that I always have and cannot be taken from me.

Who inspires you? Bill Gates. He made the choices he did because he cares about being effective, not simply appearing virtuous to others. He didn't do philanthropic work until he could dedicate the time and focus to do it right.

Brittany Pennington, COO, MED USA

in https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanypennington/

What app most changed your life? Blinkist! This app consolidates non-fiction into 15-minute "Blinks" that you can read or listen to.

What motivates you? Passion. I have to be passionate about everything I have and do in life. I am the most passionate and find the most purpose in making a difference in someone else's life or having a positive impact on others, even if it is only in a very small way.

Who inspires you? Sheryl Sandberg. I began to follow her career after seeing her Ted Talk, "Why we have too few women leaders." She has been a huge inspiration to me through my own career path.

Cory Gardiner, RETAIL BRANCH BANKING DIRECTOR, EVP, ZIONS BANK

cory_ac

in www.linkedin.com/in/cory-gardiner-4232382/

What book made the biggest impact on you? The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes/Posner. It is a compelling read for any leader new to the role or experience gives great advice/tips on developing/enhancing leadership skills to the next level of extraordinary outcomes.

What app most changed your life? Facebook. I have family and friends around the world and this app has allowed me to stay connected regardless of where we are. But it doesn't replace a phone call!

What motivates you? I am motivated by authentically showing up, being the best version of myself everyday, and contributing with all that I bring to the table. I am also motivated to learn new things--as uncomfortable as that is--it allows me to be open to new opportunities and...