The following interview with Dan Hesse appeared in LEADERS Magazine online in March 2015.
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How do you define the role of a CEO today?
One of the reasons one takes on the role of running a big public company is that it provides the opportunity to have a positive impact on so many different stakeholders. It’s not only about doing things right but, more importantly, doing the right things.
You have an opportunity to positively impact your employees, customers, shareholders, and suppliers – the companies that serve you – which is quite important. In addition, you can do much to affect the community.
Will you discuss the interactions between your many constituencies?
If you focus on customers and do a good job at that, it makes employees happier as well and prouder to be part of your firm. As the business does better, you then provide more business for your suppliers. If your company is doing well, it helps the communities you serve as well as your shareholders.
If you do the right things, all of these constituencies will benefit.