People Archives

CEO Bill Stiritz: The Big Payoffs of Unconventional Tactics

Can a business get too big and lose focus? Can that negatively affect profits and share value? Bill Stiritz thought so, and moved swiftly to redefine the focus of Ralston Purina. Ralston Purina was a consumer packaged goods company producing commercial animal feed, consumer pet food, and human foods. With Bill Stiritz, Ralston Purina CEO, the company defined its focus, and worked on acquisitions that fit their profile. In 2001, Ralston merged with Nestle in a transaction worth $10.4 billion. Read on to find out how Bill Stiritz redefined the company and increased its value.

Bill Anders—The Astronaut & CEO’s Top 3 Business Strategies

Why was William Anders’ (Bill Anders) work as CEO of General Dynamics Corporation so impactful? What strategies did he employ to make growth possible? William Anders is a former fighter pilot and astronaut. Anders joined General Dynamics to offer a new perspective on the defense company’s tactics following the end of the Cold War. Anders immediately worked to scale back operations, and find ways to grow the company’s value. Learn Bill Anders’ key business strategies at General Dynamics.

Katharine Graham—How She Took the Washington Post to the Top

How did an inexperienced executive like Katharine Graham take the Washington Post from a local newspaper to a nationally-renowned publication and high-value company? Katharine Graham, Washington Post CEO from 1963-1993, took over management when her husband committed suicide. She first spent several years learning the ropes. She became a powerful CEO and smart decision-maker, and she made sure she had the best staff and advisers to make the company the powerhouse it is today.

John Malone’s TCI Strategy: Everything You Need to Know

TCI sold to AT&T for $43.5 billion in stock in 1999. So how did John Malone, TCI CEO, build such a high value, high return rate company during his time there? John Malone was the CEO of Tele-Communications Inc. from 1972-1991. During his time as CEO, Malone focused on growth, and the company. Learn about the management style and practices that made this growth possible.

Tom Murphy, Capital Cities: Simple Strategies Get Results

Who is Tom Murphy, Capital Cities CEO, who facilitated the sale of Capital Cities Broadcasting to Disney in 1996? How did Murphy create such a valuable company? Tom Murphy was the CEO of Capital Cities Broadcasting, a media company owning television stations, radio stations, and print publications, from 1966 to 1996. Murphy implemented management strategies that dramatically increased the annual return rate, making him one of the most successful CEOs of a media company during that period. Read about how Tom Murphy grew the company leading up to the famous Disney deal.

Paul Kalanithi—Lessons Shep Nuland Taught Me

What can your mentors teach you? Can those lessons apply to greater questions of life, death, and the mysteries of the universe? Paul Kalanithi believed so, and relied on educators like Shep Nuland to help him form his core values. Shep Nuland was an influential mentor for Paul Kalanithi. Shep Nuland was an American surgeon, educator, and writer who worked with Paul Kalanithi while Kalanithi studied at Yale Medical School. Shep Nuland helped guide Paul in his education and form his philosophy about treating patients and life and death.

Henry Singleton (Teledyne)—How He Built His Empire

How did Henry Singleton take Teledyne from a new company to one of the biggest conglomerates of the twentieth century? What strategies did he use? Henry Singleton was the co-founder of Teledyne. He founded the industrial conglomerate with a colleague at the age of 43, after working for other similar companies. Teledyne is currently involved in businesses ranging from aerospace electronics to digital imaging. Find out how Henry Singleton built this company using aggressive growth strategies.

Cady Kalanithi—Paul Kalanithi’s Daughter + the Joy of Living

Cady Kalanithi is Paul Kalanithi’s daughter with Lucy Kalanithi. She is featured in her father Paul’s memoir When Breath Becomes Air. Though Paul’s diagnosis was a shock to him and his family, they wanted to continue to help Paul live a full and enriching life. Paul and Lucy made the decision to have a baby. Of course, this was not an easy decision. Read more to find out how Paul and Lucy made this decision, and what Cady Kalanithi’s birth meant to Paul as he dealt with cancer.

Dr. Emma Hayward—How She Helped Paul Kalanithi Live Fully

Dr. Emma Hayward is an American oncologist. She treated the cancer of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, and she was featured in the book When Breath Becomes Air.” Paul Kalanithi was a respected doctor in neuroscience and worked with many other reputable doctors. But when Paul was diagnosed with lung cancer just as he was preparing to reach his career goals, he found himself on the other side of the doctor-patient relationship. Throughout When Breath Becomes Air, Paul discusses how his doctor, Emma Hayward, helped him frame his diagnosis differently and live a better life.

The Stages of Grief and Cancer: Paul Kalanithi’s Experience

Grief can come in many forms from many places. Experiencing the stages of grief in cancer diagnoses is common. The stages of grief are considered: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Faced with a devastating stage IV cancer diagnosis at age 35, Dr. Paul Kalanithi turned to his support systems and his writing as a way to cope. Dr. Kalanithi, a respected doctor with big plans for his future, discusses how he experienced the five stages of grief with cancer as he mourned the life he planned, and tries to envision a new one.