Hank and I went in search of the bunny whose tracks we saw on the patio after a recent snow storm. We descended the stairs and walked over a half a mile down the golf course. We saw many tracks but we never saw the bunny. Hank believed they may be frightened by us or they may just be too clever. Regardless it turns out that a lot of the fun and excitement is simply in the effort of pursuing the goal. On our journey we saw other signs of life, drew shapes in the snow, danced a bit, fell down, discussed snowmen, magical hats, and Rudolph’s unlikely nose color. We will be going out again in the morning in hopes of catching a glimpse of the rabbit.
I attended an NACD fireside chat last night and had the good fortune to listen to the CEO of Simplot Corporation, Bill Whitacre. I have worked with Bill in my Board roll at St Luke’s and looked forward to his thoughts on leading a major company and working collaboratively with his Board. Simplot has been one constant in the fabric of economic and community viability in Idaho and certainly in Boise and the treasure Valley. J. R. Simplot founded the company and left a legacy of innovation, diversification, and always looking to the future. The company now does business in over forty countries and continues to look to lead change and adapt as necessary. Bill was able to state the strategic directions and goals of the company in four bullet points. There was no power point, Bill lives the companies mission and culture. Three words he repeated; transparency, communication, and simplify. The more complex the problem the greater the need to simply so that the team can focus on the why. The communication and transparency follow to support alignment.
The meeting was held at JUMP! Jack’s Urban Market Place, a gift to our community from J. R. and the Simplot family. JUMP is next to the new Simplot world headquarters building that is nearing completion. We have other great companies in our Valley and we are fortunate that they are committed to giving back while remaining sustainable. I highly suggest you take a tour of JUMP; it is a museum, a meeting place, a learning place and an incubator. I did not get to ride the very tall slide that is there for the young and young at heart.
Bill is an amazing person with a passion for his company and living life to its fullest. A motorcycle journey through South America is his most recent journey. I leave you with a quote from one of his fellow travelers, “it is not an adventure, if it does not change your life.”
Keep chasing those dreams and you will experience many great adventures and people along the path.
Mike